Time order

pendant que

StandardB1

What follows

pendant que + a clause in the indicative

Function

Time order

Meaning

Says two actions happen AT THE SAME TIME, without contrasting them.

Position and punctuation

within the sentence · no comma

Example

Pendant que les travaux durent, l'entrée se fait par la cour.

While the works last, entry is through the courtyard.

In the DELF

the B1 letter · the B2 oral presentation

The trap

Pendant que states TIME only; alors que adds OPPOSITION. The second one carries a reproach.