Understanding the Passé Composé
The passé composé is one of the most commonly used past tenses in French. It is formed with a present tense auxiliary verb (either “avoir” or “être”) and the past participle of the main verb. While “avoir” is the default choice, certain verbs require “être,” and knowing which verbs these are will help you avoid common mistakes.
The List of Verbs That Take “Être”
Most verbs that take “être” in the passé composé are verbs of movement or change of state. French learners often remember these using the acronym DR & MRS VANDERTRAMP or by referring to the classic mnemonic image of “La Maison d’être” (The House of Être). Here’s a list of the most common verbs that require “être”:
- Devenir (to become) – devenu
- Revenir (to come back) – revenu
- Monter (to go up) – monté
- Rester (to stay) – resté
- Sortir (to go out) – sorti
- Venir (to come) – venu
- Aller (to go) – allé
- Naître (to be born) – né
- Descendre (to go down) – descendu
- Entrer (to enter) – entré
- Rentrer (to return home) – rentré
- Tomber (to fall) – tombé
- Retourner (to return) – retourné
- Arriver (to arrive) – arrivé
- Mourir (to die) – mort
- Partir (to leave) – parti
Reflexive Verbs Also Take “Être”
In addition to the verbs listed above, all reflexive verbs (verbs accompanied by “se,” such as “se lever,” “se laver,” “s’habiller”) use “être” as their auxiliary in the passé composé. For example:
- Je me suis levé(e) (I got up)
- Nous nous sommes rencontrés (We met each other)
Agreement with the Subject
When using “être” as the auxiliary verb, the past participle agrees in gender and number with the subject. For example:
- Elle est allée (She went)
- Ils sont partis (They left)
- Nous sommes arrivées (We arrived, all women)
Common Exceptions and Important Notes
Some verbs, such as “sortir,” “monter,” “descendre,” “rentrer,” “retourner,” and “passer,” can take either “être” or “avoir” depending on whether they are used transitively (with a direct object) or intransitively (without a direct object). For example:
- Il est sorti (He went out) – intransitive, uses “être”
- Il a sorti la poubelle (He took out the trash) – transitive, uses “avoir”
Tips for Remembering “Être” Verbs
- Use the DR & MRS VANDERTRAMP acronym to memorize the verbs.
- Visualize “La Maison d’être” where each verb represents entering, leaving, or moving around a house.
- Remember that all reflexive verbs take “être.”
Practice Makes Perfect
Mastering which French verbs take “être” in the passé composé is essential for fluency and accuracy. Regular practice and exposure will help solidify your understanding. At Talkpal, our AI-powered tools and engaging exercises can help you practice and confidently use these verbs in conversation and writing. Check out our language learning resources for more tips and interactive activities!
Conclusion
Knowing which French verbs require “être” in the passé composé is a key step in speaking and writing correctly. Focus on the movement and reflexive verbs, memorize the common list, and pay attention to agreement rules. With consistent practice, you’ll soon master this essential French grammar point. For more language tips and interactive learning, visit the Talkpal blog and boost your French skills today!
