How do I know when to use "être" or "avoir" to conjugate in the perfect tense?

In English, the perfect tense always requires the auxiliary verb "to have", but in French, you will need to use either avoir (= "to have") or "être" (= to be). Most verbs will require "avoir". The minority of verbs requiring "être" are summed up in the mnemotechnic device "MRS. VAN DER TRAMP", which stands for:-         Monter-         Rester-         Sortir -         Venir-         Aller-         Naitre -         Descendre-         Entrer-         Rentrer -         Tomber-         Retourner-         Arriver-         Mourir-         Partir All derivatives of these verbs (e.g. revenir, devenir) will also need "être". Finally, all reflexive verbs will need "être". 

MP

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Analysez le role et l’importance de la religion dans ‘L’étranger’


Why do some verbs take 'avoir' as the auxiliary whilst others take 'être'?


What is the difference between the imperfect tense and the passé composé?


When do I have to use être and when do I have to use avoir with the perfect tense?