Le Present (Present Tense) Conjugation of the French Verb réclamer

Introduction to the verb réclamer

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The English translation of réclamer is “to claim” or “to demand.” It is pronounced “ray-clah-may.”

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The language origin of réclamer comes from the Latin verb “reclamare,” meaning “to call out” or “to protest.” In everyday French, it is most often used to express a strong request or demand for something that is rightfully owed or deserved.

Examples:

Je vais réclamer un remboursement pour ce produit défectueux. (I am going to claim a refund for this defective product.)
Les étudiants ont manifesté pour réclamer des réformes du système éducatif. (The students protested to demand reforms in the education system.)
Les travailleurs ont réclamé une augmentation de salaire. (The workers demanded a salary increase.)

Réclamer – About the French Present Tense

The French present tense, also known as “le présent,” is used to describe actions that are happening at the moment of speaking or for actions that are habitual, general truths, or that will occur in the near future. It’s the most basic and common tense in French.

To take a deep dive into all the French tenses then see our article on Mastering French Tense Conjugation.

Common Everyday Usage Patterns For Le Present

1. Describing Actions in the Present: The present tense is used to describe actions happening right now or at the moment of speaking. For example: “Je parle avec mon ami” (I am talking to my friend).

2. Expressing Habits and Routines: The present tense is used to talk about habitual actions or routines. For example: “Je travaille tous les jours” (I work every day).

3. Stating General Truths: The present tense is used to express general truths or facts. For example: “La Terre tourne autour du soleil” (The Earth orbits around the sun).

4. Talking about Near Future: The present tense can be used to express future actions that are very imminent or part of a planned schedule. For example: “Je pars demain matin” (I am leaving tomorrow morning).

Interactions with Other Tenses

– Present vs. Future Tense: In some cases, the French present tense can be used to express the future when the context makes it clear that the action is imminent. However, for actions further in the future or less certain, the future tense is typically used.

– Present vs. Past Tenses: To describe actions that occurred in the past, you would use the past tenses like the passé composé (compound past) or the imparfait (imperfect). The choice between these past tenses depends on the specific aspect and circumstances of the past action.

– Present vs. Conditional Tense: The conditional tense is used to express actions that are dependent on a condition. If a condition is met, the action may happen. The present tense is used for actions in the present, while the conditional is used for hypothetical or future actions based on conditions.

– Present vs. Imperative: The imperative mood is used to give commands or make requests. The present tense is used for general statements, and the imperative is used for direct orders or requests.

Understanding the French present tense and its interactions with other tenses is crucial for effective communication in French. Without it, you cannot become proficient!

Table of the Present Tense Conjugation of réclamer

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
Je	réclame	Je réclame un remboursement.	I am asking for a refund.
Tu	réclames	Tu réclames une réponse immédiate.	You are demanding an immediate response.
Il	réclame	Il réclame son dû.	He is claiming what is owed to him.
Elle	réclame	Elle réclame des explications.	She is demanding explanations.
On	réclame	On réclame une enquête.	We are calling for an investigation.
Nous	réclamons	Nous réclamons justice.	We demand justice.
Vous	réclamez	Vous réclamez une indemnisation.	You are asking for compensation.
Ils	réclament	Ils réclament des réformes.	They are demanding reforms.
Elles	réclament	Elles réclament des mesures concrètes.	They are calling for concrete measures.