penser at B2 — the subjunctive
On this page
Doubt it, and the following verb changes mood.
Je ne pense pas que + subjunctive
Je pense que takes the indicative because you are asserting something. Je ne pense pas que takes the subjunctive because you are withdrawing the assertion: « je ne pense pas que ce soit possible ».
The same flip applies in questions: « penses-tu qu’il ait raison ? ». This is the identical rule you met with trouver and croire — three high-frequency verbs, one mechanism.
💡 Focus at this level: Negation + subjunctive
👨🏫 How to use « penser » at this level
1. Assertion = indicative. Positive je pense que never triggers it.
2. Denial or doubt = subjunctive. Negative and interrogative both flip.
3. Master « ce soit ». It covers most real cases you will produce.
Je ne pense pas que ce soit possible.I don’t think that’s possible.
Penses-tu qu’il ait raison ?Do you think he’s right?
Je pense qu’il a raison.I think he’s right.
Elle ne pense pas que nous venions.She doesn’t think we’re coming.
🎮 Practise « penser »
Play the free French games → · Back to the full « penser » chart →
Learn faster with a native teacherYour first 20-minute lesson is free — no card, no commitment.
Book a free lesson