In French, to express "when/while I do [something]", you use "quand/pendant que" + Le Futur Simple.
How to use "quand/pendant que" with Le Futur Simple in French
Here is a sentence in English using when, where the actions all take place in the future:
When I am old, I will have a house.
Notice how the verb after when in these sentences is in the Present tense.
Now look at these sentences using quand in a future context:
Notice how in French you use the Le Futur in both parts of the sentence, including after quand, whereas in English you use the Present tense after when.
This rule also applies to the expression pendant que (while) when used in a future context:
Tu feras tes devoirs pendant que je ferai la vaisselle.You'll do your homework while I do the dishes.
Also see advanced lesson Quand/lorsque/après que/une fois que + future perfect (Le Futur Antérieur) = When/after I've done something in the future (Sequence of Tenses in French)
Want to make sure your French sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Braimap today »
Learn more about these related French grammar topics
Examples and resources
Mathieu viendra te voir pendant que je serai chez le docteur.Mathieu will come and see you while I am at the doctor's.
Pendant que nous finirons de manger, il vous montrera ses tableaux.While we finish eating, he will show you his paintings.
Elle fera ses devoirs pendant que je ferai la vaisselle.She'll do her homework while I'm doing the dishes.
Quand vous viendrez, vous verrez les décorations d'Halloween.When you come, you'll see the Halloween decorations.
