How can we remember which verbs take Etre in the perfect tense?

An easy way to learn the verbs which take Etre when forming the perfect tense is by using Mrs Van Der Tramp. If you learn every verb on this list, you will know whenever they pop up that you must use Etre. Every other verb takes avoir, so just spending the time learning this list is useful in the long run. (If you find it boring or difficult just learning lists, it can be useful to make a story out of Mrs Van Der Tramp,or there is a song i can show you, which makes it a bit more interesting, and can be really helpful if straight repetition isnt your thing.)

Monter --> monté (went up)Retourner --> retourné (returned)Sortir --> sorti (went out)Venir --> venu (came)Arriver --> arrivé (arrived)Naître --> né (was born)Descendre --> descendu (went down)Entrer --> entré (entered)Rester --> resté (stayed)Tomber --> tombé (fell)Rentrer --> rentré (went back in)Aller --> allé (went)Mourir --> mort (died)Partir --> parti (left)

HP
Answered by Heather P. French tutor

4271 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

When should I use the perfect and imperfect tenses when talking about past actions?


How do I form a positive imperative command in French?


How do you revise for the reading/listening test?


What is the passive voice and how is it used in French?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning