PrepMyFrench
PrepMyFrench
Conjugation directory
Demander is a crucial verb for asking questions or making requests in French, frequently used in TEF/TCF Canada exam scenarios like interviews or dialogues. Its regular -er conjugation is simple, but its construction with prepositions can be confusing.
Use demander in the speaking section to ask for information politely, e.g., 'Je demande le chemin' (I ask for directions).
Elle demande à son professeur une explication.
She asks her teacher for an explanation.
Don't confuse demander (to ask) with questionner (to question); also, remember the preposition à before a person: 'demander à quelqu'un' (to ask someone), not 'demander quelqu'un'.
Use the table above and the related links below to pin the pattern down before you move on to other verbs.
Start with the present tense, then the passé composé. Those two forms carry most everyday conversation and make the rest of the table easier to recognise.
Demander typically uses avoir in compound tenses. Check the table above and keep the past participle in view when you move into compound forms.
Use the related links below and then open the interactive conjugator to compare this verb with others you use often.