What is the subjuntive?

The subjuntive is a special form of the verb used in certain cases. It is often used as to express a mood, and serves to enhance the speaker's reaction to what is being said. The subjunctive could be used in a sentence such as 'Je suis désolé que Jean soit malade' ('I am sorry that John is ill') where the emphasis is on the reaction of the speaker rather than on the fact that John is ill.