Definition: The subject is the noun or pronoun in a clause that performs the action of the verb. To find the subject, look for the verb and ask "who" or "what" is performing that action. French verbs must be conjugated according to their subjects.

Example:

David lave la voiture. / David is washing the car.
Who is washing the car? David is, so David is the subject.

Related lessons:Subject pronouns - Verb conjugations