Devoir

Question

We are told that devoir can sometimes mean 'to need to [do]' yet only one example is given and no further explanation. In the example devoir is followed by a verb in the infinitive. Is that how devoir can be used?

Cécile Janty-Davies · Accepted Answer

Hi John,
This is quite subtle and it is when 'must' equals an imperative need to do something, rather than an obligation as the following examples will illustrate:
Je dois aller chez ma mère ce matin, elle ne va pas bien.
Je dois aller aux toilettes.
Je dois passer à la banque, je n'ai plus d'argent.
You would use 'devoir' rather than 'avoir besoin de' and as you have noticed it is followed by another verb in the infinitive.
Hope this helps!

John Whittaker · Answer

Merci Cécile. Maintenant je comprends.