I note that there are quests in the past to improve the content of this lesson and I am unsure whether any modifications have been made but it is still difficult to determine when devoir is an appropriate answer as well as avoid besoin de and avoir envie de. Is it that there is an infinitive following if so why only devoir and not avoir envie de as in the case of needing to buy a handbag? Surely it could be made clearer - google is not a reasonable guide and I want to understand!
avoir besoin de vs devoir
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Kay C.Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor
avoir besoin de vs devoir
This question relates to:French lesson "Devoir vs Avoir besoin de to express "to need to" in French"
Asked 3 years ago
Bonjour Kay,
Follow the link to a similar discussion: avoir-envie-avoir-besoin-de
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !
Jim J. Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
Hi Kay,
Context, context, context.
These various constructions do not carry the same meaning (I suspect that you already realise this).
So whichever is appropriate depends upon the context.
Do you not agree?
Jim
Chris W. Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
je dois -- I must
j'ai besoin de... -- I need/want
With this distinction to guide you, you'll be right most of the time.
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