In French, to express "when I've done...", you can use "quand/lorsque/après que/une fois que".
Learn how to use "quand/lorsque/après que/une fois que" in French
Here is a sentence in English using when to express an action that will have been completed in the future before another action:
When I have finished my work, I will watch TV.
When I finish my work, I will watch TV.
-> Note how the verb after when is in the Present Perfect or Present tense.
Now look at these sentences using quand in a similar context:
Note how in French you use Le Futur Antérieur after quand in order to show that this action will come before the other one.
Note that this rule also applies to the conjunctions lorsque (when), après que (after) and une fois que (once):
Lorsque j'aurai fini mon travail, je regarderai la télé.When I have finished my work, I'll watch TV.
See also previous lesson Quand/pendant que + future tense (Le Futur Simple) - not the present tense = When/while I do something in the future (Sequence of Tenses in French)
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 Braimap today »
Learn more about these related French grammar topics
Examples and resources
Nous irons au cinéma quand nous aurons rangé notre chambre.We'll go to the cinema when we have tidied our room.
Quand elle sera arrivée chez nous, la fête commencera.When she's arrived at our place, the party will start.
Lorsque j'aurai fini mon travail, je regarderai la télé.When I have finished my work, I'll watch TV.
Une fois qu'elle sera arrivée chez nous, la fête commencera.Once she arrives at our place, the party will start.
