The subjunctive in adjective clauses????

Question

I have a test tomorrow and the subjunctive is constantly getting in my way!

I cannot understand when it is different even if the book is saying subjunctive happens when it is uncertain or indefinite.

Such as.... Ex.

Conozco a alguien que va a esa peluquería

Tengo un amigo que vive cerca de mi casa

Necesitamos un empleado que sepa usar computadoras.

Buscamos a alguien que pueda cocinar.

Cannot Find What is Different Between These Sentences!

Answer 1

These look like some of the sentences from "Panorama" the book that I teach from.

"Conozco a alguien que va a esa peluquería."

No subjunctive needed because you know the person who goes to that barbershop (the adjectivel clause) He goes there It's a fact and you know about it.

"Tengo un amigo que vive cerca de mi casa."

Ditto here. You have a friend who lives close to your house(adjectival clause) You see him every day, you say "Hi Paco, ¿Qué tal? No subjunctive needed here either.

"Necesitamos un empleado que sepa usar computadoras."

Here we need an employee who knows how to use computers. Do you know if you can find one or not? No? That's why you need the subjunctive. You may never find one.

"Buscamos a alguien que sepa cocinar."

Same reasoning applies here.You may never find anybody who knows how to cook. That's why the subjunctive is needed.

Does that help? It should help a little.

I get it now! Thank you! - wjd1119, Jan 21, 2015