Which verbs take etre in the passe compose?

The vast majority of verbs will take 'avoir' when using the passe compose. This tense is used to describe something that has happened in the past. It is the equivalent of saying for example, I have jumped. In French, for some verbs you will use avoir to say this, and for others you will use etre.
To identify the etre verbs, you can use a well known acronym to help you learn. This is known as 'Dr and Mrs Vandertramp' and the verbs are as follows:
Devenir (to become)Revenir (to come back)Monter (to go up)Retourner (to return)Sortir (to go out)Venir (to come)Aller (to go)Naître (to be born)Descendre (to go down)Entrer (to enter)Rentrer (to go home/to return)Tomber (to fall)Rester (to remain)Arriver (to arrive)Mourir (to die)Partir (to leave)

ND
Answered by Nicholas D. French tutor

2867 Views

See similar French GCSE tutors

Related French GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Giving your answer in French, please tell me about your hobbies and interests.


What is the difference between the perfect and imperfect tense?


Explain the flow of blood through the human heart.


Which auxiliary verb do I use in the passé composé?


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