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
Answered by Marie P. French tutor

2565 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How can I improve my oral presentations and my accent?


When should you use the imperfect and when the "passé composé" while narrating an episode in the past?


Do you think online teaching will ever replace real schools?


What's the best way to remember vocabulary?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning