Understanding Verbs of Wish and Desire in Spanish Subjunctive
When learning Spanish for the DELE B1 exam, mastering the subjunctive with verbs of wish and desire is crucial. These expressions create some of the most common scenarios where the subjunctive mood is required.
Key Verbs That Trigger Subjunctive
1. Querer que (To want that)
“Querer que” always requires the subjunctive when there’s a change of subject between the person wanting and the person being asked to do something.
Examples:
- Quiero que estudies más. (I want you to study more.)
- Ella quiere que nosotros lleguemos temprano. (She wants us to arrive early.)
- ¿Quieres que yo te ayude? (Do you want me to help you?)
2. Preferir que (To prefer that)
Similar to “querer que,” this expression triggers the subjunctive when different subjects are involved.
Examples:
- Prefiero que hablemos en español. (I prefer that we speak in Spanish.)
- Prefieren que tú elijas el restaurante. (They prefer that you choose the restaurant.)
- ¿Prefieres que reserve la mesa? (Do you prefer that I reserve the table?)
When to Use Subjunctive vs Indicative
Use SUBJUNCTIVE when:
- Different subjects in main and subordinate clauses
- Expressing wishes, desires, or preferences about others’ actions
Correct: Quiero que vengas (I want you to come)
Correct: Prefiero que comamos (I prefer that we eat)
Use INDICATIVE when:
- Same subject in both clauses (use infinitive instead)
- Stating facts or certainties
Correct: Quiero venir (I want to come) – Same subject
Correct: Prefiero comer ahora (I prefer to eat now) – Same subject
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Error 1: Using Indicative After Querer que
- ❌ Incorrect: Quiero que vienes a la fiesta.
- ✅ Correct: Quiero que vengas a la fiesta.
Error 2: Forgetting Subjunctive with Preferir que
- ❌ Incorrect: Prefiero que tomas el tren.
- ✅ Correct: Prefiero que tomes el tren.
Error 3: Using Subjunctive Unnecessarily
- ❌ Incorrect: Quiero estudie medicina. (Missing “que”)
- ✅ Correct: Quiero estudiar medicina. (Same subject – use infinitive)
DELE B1 Exam Focus
The DELE B1 exam frequently tests your ability to:
- Recognize when subjunctive is required with wish/desire verbs
- Correctly conjugate verbs in subjunctive form
- Distinguish between same-subject and different-subject scenarios
- Use these expressions in written and spoken tasks
Practical Usage Patterns
Making Requests Politely
- Quisiera que + subjunctive (More formal/polite)
- Quisiera que me ayudes. (I would like you to help me.)
Expressing Strong Preferences
- Preferiría que + subjunctive (Conditional – softer)
- Preferiría que llegáramos temprano. (I would prefer that we arrive early.)
Group Decisions
- Queremos que + subjunctive (Group wishes)
- Queremos que participes en el proyecto. (We want you to participate in the project.)
Conjugation Patterns for Common Verbs
Regular -AR verbs (hablar)
- hable, hables, hable, hablemos, habléis, hablen
- Quiero que hables con el profesor. (I want you to speak with the teacher.)
Regular -ER verbs (comer)
- coma, comas, coma, comamos, comáis, coman
- Prefiero que comamos saludable. (I prefer that we eat healthy.)
Regular -IR verbs (vivir)
- viva, vivas, viva, vivamos, viváis, vivan
- Quieren que vivamos cerca. (They want us to live nearby.)
Related Expressions That Also Trigger Subjunctive
- Desear que (to wish that)
- Esperar que (to hope that)
- Necesitar que (to need that)
- Pedir que (to ask that)
- Recomendar que (to recommend that)
Practice Tips for DELE Success
- Identify the subjects – Always check if subjects are different
- Memorize triggers – Know which verbs require subjunctive
- Practice conjugation – Master irregular subjunctive forms
- Listen for patterns – Notice how native speakers use these expressions
- Write sample sentences – Create your own examples
Ready to Test Your Knowledge?
Now that you understand how to use the subjunctive with verbs of wish and desire, it’s time to practice! We’ve created a specialized quiz focusing specifically on “Querer que” and “Preferir que” expressions.
Take our DELE B1 Subjunctive Quiz to test your understanding:
DELE B1 Subjunctive Practice: Verbs of Wish and Desire
The quiz includes 15 targeted questions with immediate feedback and detailed explanations – perfect for DELE B1 exam preparation!
Final Exam Strategy
Remember these key points for your DELE B1 exam:
- Different subjects = Subjunctive required
- Same subject = Use infinitive instead
- Querer que/Preferir que = Always check subject change
- Practice regularly = Build instinct for correct usage
With consistent practice, you’ll develop the intuition needed to use these expressions correctly in your DELE B1 exam and everyday Spanish communication.
