Nouvel vs nouveau

Question

Why is it "je suis nouveau ici" instead of "je suis nouvel ici"? I thought it was nouvel before a vowel.

Accepted Answer

Bonjour April,
Maarten is correct! Nouveau, beau, vieux do not change form (i.e. become nouvel / beau / vieil) if not followed by a noun. See link here: beau-nouveau-vieux-fou-mou-two-masculine-and-one-feminine-form

Je suis nouveau ici = I am new here -> adverb
C'est un nouvel élève = He/she is a new pupil -> noun

I hope this is useful.
Bonne journée !

Answer

I think (but could be wrong)  this is because the general rule that results in a ‘change’ from nouveau to nouvel only applies before a noun that starts with a vowel or h muet. In the case of adverbs following nouveau, the adverb is not being modified/qualified by ‘nouveau’ and nouveau does not change. For instance, “Je suis beau aujourd’hui“ , “J’étais nouveau hier“ etc

Answer

Hi Céline, I think your response doesn't really address the question asked. This is what it says in the lesson:

Note that the masculine form changes when it is followed by a vowel or mute h.

Following this rule, it should be "je suis nouvel ici" because ici starts with a vowel. As Maarten pointed out, the rule apparently only applies if the following word is a noun. If that's the case, the lesson needs updating.

Answer

Bonjour Chris,Thank you for your comment! The lesson content has now been updated and now includes this particular point. (Previous answer updated too) Merci et bonne journée !