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Kieran Ball

Welcome to course 9 :-)

This course is the ninth in the 3 Minute French series, and it consists of lessons 72 to 80.

In this course, we're going back to the present perfect tense, and we're going to look at a group of verbs that don't use avoir as their auxiliary verb. These verbs are called the Verbs of Movement, and they use être as their auxiliary verb instead.

By using être as an auxiliary verb, it means there are a couple of extra things to consider when conjugating the verbs of movement into the past tense.

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Welcome to course 9 :-)

This course is the ninth in the 3 Minute French series, and it consists of lessons 72 to 80.

In this course, we're going back to the present perfect tense, and we're going to look at a group of verbs that don't use avoir as their auxiliary verb. These verbs are called the Verbs of Movement, and they use être as their auxiliary verb instead.

By using être as an auxiliary verb, it means there are a couple of extra things to consider when conjugating the verbs of movement into the past tense.

In course 9, we're going to be looking at some infintive carriers (that just means verbs that you can put other verbs after) in the past tense. You'll notice they don't use the same past tense that we've been learning, though; they have their own form. We'll also be looking at these infinitive carriers in the present tense as well. Specifically, the verb savoir, which means to know has some differences in how it's used in French to how it's used in English, so we'll be exploring that.

In this course, we're going to be exploring the world of structures even further as we look at the third and fourth structures in French.

We're going to be going back to that unusual phrase ce que that we touched upon in the last course, and we'll be comparing it to other ways of saying what in French. The words que, quel and ce que can all be translated into English as what, but what are the differences and how do we know when to use each one?

Whilst we're on the topic of quel, we'll be looking at its variants: quelle, quels and quelles. As well as this question word, we'll be looking at some other question words that have different variants depending on what comes after them.

So, let's get on and learn some more French with 3 Minute French - Course 9. I hope you enjoy.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn about the verbs of movement and how you can tackle them in the present perfect tense (aka the past tense)
  • Learn some more infinitive carriers that you can use for forming sentences quickly
  • Learn some new useful phrases for asking questions and get an insight into how question words are used differently in french
  • Get introduced to two new structures: structure 3 and structure 4
  • Have a look at the word "on" and how it's used in french, along with a few very handy "on" expressions
  • Learn about "elles" and "ils" and the difference between the two
  • Build your verb collection with some more useful "doing words"
  • Learn all about the phrase "ce que" and how it's used compared to the other ways of saying "what"
  • Get introduced to the conditional tense

Syllabus

Introduction
Lesson 72
Lesson 72a
Lesson 72b
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Continues to build upon previous courses in the series, reinforcing concepts like the present perfect tense and introducing new grammatical structures
Explores the nuances of French question words, such as 'que', 'quel', and 'ce que', which can improve conversational skills
Introduces the conditional tense, which is a key step towards more advanced and nuanced communication in French
Focuses on 'verbs of movement' and their conjugation with 'être' in the past tense, which can be tricky for new learners
Requires completion of the previous eight courses in the series, which may be a barrier for some learners
Assumes familiarity with concepts from earlier courses, so learners should ensure they have a solid foundation before starting

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Reviews summary

Bite-sized french grammar focus

According to learners, this course is a valuable continuation of the "3 Minute French" series, specifically praised for its approach to complex grammar concepts like the verbs using *être* in the past tense and differentiating uses of "what" (*que*, *quel*, *ce que*). Students find the explanations clear and easy to follow, appreciating how the bite-sized lessons break down potentially confusing topics into manageable chunks. The course is seen as particularly effective for those building on previous knowledge from the series, offering solid building blocks for early intermediate French. While the title includes "beginners," the content suggests it's best suited for those who have completed earlier courses or are advanced beginners comfortable with foundational concepts, focusing on specific grammatical structures rather than general conversation.
Targets key grammar points, not general fluency.
"This course is great for diving deep into specific grammar like être verbs and question words, but it's not a general conversational course."
"It focuses on specific structures and grammar points outlined in the syllabus, which is exactly what I needed to solidify these areas."
"If you're looking for broad vocabulary or listening practice, this course is more about understanding the mechanics of specific French phrases."
A logical and helpful next step in the series.
"This course is a fantastic follow-up to the previous courses. It feels like a natural progression."
"If you've been following the 3 Minute French series, this course seamlessly continues building your knowledge."
"It integrated well with what I learned in earlier courses and added important new concepts."
"Perfect for continuing my French journey after completing Course 8."
The 3-minute format makes learning easy.
"I love the short lesson format. It makes it easy to fit learning into my busy day and prevents me from feeling overwhelmed."
"The bite-sized lessons are perfect for reviewing specific points quickly."
"Three minutes a day feels totally achievable and the amount covered in each lesson is just right."
"This format works really well for reinforcing concepts without getting bogged down."
Breaks down challenging French grammar clearly.
"The explanation of the verbs that use être in the past tense was very clear. This is something I've struggled with before, but the way it was presented here finally clicked."
"I found the distinction between que, quel, and ce que really well explained. I always got confused, but now I feel much more confident using them."
"Complex topics like structure 3 and 4 were made simple to understand through the step-by-step lessons."
"Helped clarify those tricky être verbs for the passé composé. Excellent explanations!"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in 3 Minute French - Course 9 | Language lessons for beginners with these activities:
Review French Verb Conjugation
Strengthen your understanding of French verb conjugation, especially the present perfect tense, to prepare for the course's focus on verbs of movement and infinitive carriers.
Browse courses on Verb Conjugation
Show steps
  • Review the rules for conjugating regular and irregular verbs in the present tense.
  • Practice conjugating common verbs in the present perfect tense.
  • Focus on verbs that use 'être' as an auxiliary verb.
Read 'Easy French Step-by-Step'
Reinforce your understanding of basic French grammar and vocabulary to better grasp the concepts introduced in the course.
Show steps
  • Work through the chapters covering verb conjugations and sentence structure.
  • Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter to test your understanding.
  • Focus on the sections related to the present and past tenses.
Read 'French Grammar For Dummies'
Clarify your understanding of French grammar rules, particularly those related to question words and sentence structures.
Show steps
  • Review the chapters on verb tenses and sentence construction.
  • Complete the practice exercises to test your understanding.
  • Focus on the sections related to question words and their usage.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Conjugation Drills for Verbs of Movement
Solidify your understanding of verbs of movement by practicing conjugation drills in the present perfect tense.
Show steps
  • Create flashcards with verbs of movement and their conjugations.
  • Use online resources to generate conjugation exercises.
  • Practice conjugating verbs in different contexts and sentences.
Create a French Conversation Video
Apply your knowledge of French grammar and vocabulary by creating a short video demonstrating a conversation using the concepts learned in the course.
Show steps
  • Write a script for a short conversation in French.
  • Record a video of yourself or with a partner performing the conversation.
  • Incorporate the verbs of movement and infinitive carriers learned in the course.
  • Share the video with other learners for feedback.
Help others in online forums
Reinforce your understanding of French grammar and vocabulary by helping other learners in online forums.
Show steps
  • Find online forums or communities dedicated to French language learning.
  • Answer questions from other learners related to the topics covered in the course.
  • Explain grammar concepts and provide examples to help others understand.
French Travel Blog
Deepen your understanding of French by creating a travel blog that documents a virtual trip to a French-speaking country, using the grammar and vocabulary learned in the course.
Show steps
  • Choose a French-speaking country or region to focus on.
  • Research the culture, attractions, and local customs of the chosen destination.
  • Write blog posts in French describing your virtual travels, using the grammar and vocabulary learned in the course.
  • Include photos or videos to enhance the blog posts.

Career center

Learners who complete 3 Minute French - Course 9 | Language lessons for beginners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Diplomat
A diplomat often needs to communicate in more than one language, and this course may be useful because it is designed to build a foundation in French. The course focuses on a wide range of grammatical structures, including verb conjugations and sentence construction, and the use of the present perfect tense. The course offers the chance to learn about infinitive carriers and question words, which are both essential in professional communications. In addition, the course includes the nuances of phrases such as 'ce que', which are vital for diplomacy.
Cultural Liaison
A cultural liaison needs an understanding of different languages, and this course might be useful for developing a foundation in French. The course focuses on many aspects of the French language, including verb tenses, sentence structure, and the formation of questions. The course explores the use of the present perfect tense, and when to use 'être' as an auxiliary verb. It also goes into questions words and how they are used in French, as well as phrases like 'ce que'. By exploring these structures, the course offers a foundation in French for a cultural liaison.
Language Instructor
A language instructor needs a strong understanding of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, which this course helps to build. The course delves into the use of the present perfect tense with a focus on the verbs of movement. It also covers infinitive carriers, question words, and various sentence structures. These are all fundamental aspects of the French language which a language instructor must comprehend well. This course helps build a foundation for a language instructor who needs to translate complex ideas into easy to understand terms.
Tour Guide
A tour guide often uses their language skills to communicate with tourists, making this role a great choice for someone who is studying French. This particular course may be useful for those who wish to take their French speaking to the next level, as it focuses on verbs, tenses, and sentence structure. The course focuses on the present perfect tense, including when to use être instead of avoir as an auxiliary verb, and this can help a tour guide discuss the past with some nuances. Further, an understanding of infinitive carriers and how to ask questions in French is valuable for leading tours and engaging with the public.
Bilingual Social Worker
A social worker who speaks more than one language is able to serve a larger segment of the population, and this course may be useful for gaining a strong understanding of French. The course focuses on verb tenses and sentence structure as well as the formation of questions. In particular, it provides insights into the present perfect tense, the use of 'être' as an auxiliary verb. It also covers infinitive carriers and various uses of question words. The course helps build a foundation in French. This skill is useful for those who want to work in the social services.
Translator
Translators need a strong grasp of grammar, syntax and vocabulary in both their source and target languages; this course may be useful for building a foundation in the French language. The course emphasizes verb conjugations, particularly how to handle verbs of movement in the present perfect tense and the use of être as an auxiliary verb. Understanding the nuances of question words and sentence structures, covered in the course, is important for a translator to produce accurate written output. In addition to these skills, this course also goes into how to use certain phrases and verb tenses.
Subtitler
A subtitler works with written language and needs a strong understanding of sentence structure and grammar, this course may be useful because it focuses on French. The course has a specific focus on verb tenses, especially the present perfect tense and how it is used with the auxiliary verb 'être'. It also covers infinitive carriers and the nuances of question words. These are critical aspects of grammar that are required of a subtitler. This course might help someone understand the complexities of the French language.
Foreign Correspondent
A foreign correspondent must have strong communication skills in the local language. This specific course may be useful as it delves into the use of the present perfect tense, the use of être as an auxiliary verb, and the nuances of question words and sentence structure. These skills all help a correspondent navigate complex social situations. Learning about the word 'on' and 'ce que', and how they are used in French is helpful for a professional who needs to get to the nuances of the French language while interviewing and speaking with members of the public.
International Aid Worker
An international aid worker must be able to communicate with diverse populations. This course may be useful since it provides a foundation in French and covers many aspects of the language. The course goes into depth on the use of the present perfect tense, especially the verbs of movement and the use of 'être' as an auxiliary verb. Further, it includes the use of infinitive carriers, and different types of question words. The course may help build a foundation in the French language, including phrases and expressions, which is valuable for an international aid worker.
Linguist
A linguist studies the structure and development of language, and this course may be useful due to its focus on French grammar. The course covers various aspects of the language, such as verb conjugations, including the present perfect tense and the use of 'être' as an auxiliary verb. The course content on sentence structure, question words, and phrases like 'ce que' are also critical areas of study for a linguist. This course builds a foundation for linguistics work by exploring the complexities of the French language, including many expressions and usages.
Bilingual Secretary
A bilingual secretary needs to be able to communicate effectively in more than one language. The course's focus on French grammar, specifically how to use verbs in different tenses, will be of use to a bilingual secretary. This includes the present perfect tense and when to use 'être'. Also helpful is the course material on question words and sentence structures. This course helps someone build a foundation for clear and accurate communications, and gives valuable tools for use in a professional setting. This course might also help with understanding nuances of the French language.
Immigration Officer
An immigration officer would benefit from understanding French, given the language's international reach. This course may be useful in this endeavor. By focusing on verb conjugation, sentence structure, and question formation, the course offers a way for someone to build a foundation in French. The course provides a deep dive into the use of the present perfect tense, including when to use 'être' as an auxiliary verb, as well as how to use different question words. Given the complexities of immigration cases, an understanding of the language helps an immigration officer in their communications with the public.
Flight Attendant
A flight attendant must be able to communicate with passengers effectively, and this course might be useful if they are planning on interacting with French speakers. This specific course covers the present perfect tense, including the use of 'être' as an auxiliary verb. It also explores infinitive carriers and question word usage. This course may help a flight attendant better navigate interactions with passengers by building up a foundation of the French language, including the usage of different tenses and phrases.
Customer Service Representative
A customer service representative with French language skills can help improve customer satisfaction. This course may be useful for this type of professional as it covers many essential elements of the French language. This includes the present perfect tense, the use of the verb 'être' as an auxiliary verb, and the intricacies of question words. A customer service representative benefits from an understanding of the word 'on' in French and its many expressions, which this course includes. This course helps someone build a foundation in French, an important skill for any customer support role.
Market Research Analyst
A market research analyst focused on international markets might need to survey French speaking populations. This course may be useful for that purpose, as it introduces aspects of French grammar, including verb tenses such as the present perfect, and the use of 'être' as an auxiliary verb. The course also helps a learner understand how to ask questions in French, which would be relevant when obtaining data. This course helps build a foundation in the French language, which can be valuable for market research.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in 3 Minute French - Course 9 | Language lessons for beginners.
Provides a structured approach to learning French grammar and vocabulary. It's particularly helpful for reinforcing the basics before diving into more complex topics like verbs of movement. The step-by-step format makes it easy to follow and practice new concepts. It serves as a useful reference for grammar rules and sentence construction.
Offers a user-friendly approach to understanding French grammar rules. It's beneficial for clarifying any confusion regarding verb tenses, question words, and sentence structures. The book provides numerous examples and exercises to reinforce learning. It's a good resource for students who prefer a more accessible and less formal explanation of grammar concepts.

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