donner at B2 — the subjunctive
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One preposition changes the meaning completely.
Donner sur, and the subjunctive
Donner sur has nothing to do with giving: it means to look out onto. « La chambre donne sur la mer » — the room overlooks the sea. It is standard in every hotel and property description in France, so you will meet it constantly.
The subjunctive appears after wishes: « j’aimerais qu’il me donne une réponse ». Because donner is regular, its subjunctive is identical to the present in four persons out of six.
💡 Focus at this level: Subjunctive & « donner sur »
👨🏫 How to use « donner » at this level
1. « Donner sur » = to overlook. Never translate it literally.
2. Look for it in listings. « Donne sur cour » (onto a courtyard) is a selling point in Paris — it means quiet.
3. Subjunctive after wishes. « Pour qu’il me donne… » — so that he gives me.
🎮 Practise « donner »
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