Break the curse, speak with confidence!
31% off annual and quarterly Premium »

Avoir besoin que + the subjunctive mood (Le Subjonctif) = To need someone to do something in French

Written by Qualified French Expert Aurélie Drouard HKH, Licence d'anglais LLCE
Last updated: 2023-03-22
2 questions

You already know how to say to need [something] or to need [to do something] (See Avoir besoin de = To need (French Expressions with avoir)).

How to use "avoir besoin que" in French

Now look at these sentences:

J'ai besoin que tu viennes plus tôt demain.I need you to come earlier tomorrow.

Elle a besoin que Martin soit plus attentif.She needs Martin to be more attentive.

Nous avons besoin que tu sois à l'heure pour une fois.We need you to be on time for once.

J'ai besoin qu'ils aillent au supermarché.I need them to go to the supermarket.

Note that to express to need [someone] to [do something], you will use avoir besoin que + Le Subjonctif.

Want to make sure your French sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »

Learn more about these related French grammar topics

Examples and resources

Il a besoin que je lui fasse confiance.He needs me to trust him.
Elle a besoin que Martin soit plus attentif.She needs Martin to be more attentive.
J'ai besoin que tu viennes plus tôt demain.I need you to come earlier tomorrow.
Nous avons besoin que tu sois à l'heure pour une fois.We need you to be on time for once.
J'ai besoin qu'ils aillent au supermarché.I need them to go to the supermarket.
Clever stuff happening!