PrepMyFrench
PrepMyFrench
Conjugation directory
Exister is a regular -er verb used to state the existence of something. It is important for expressing reality, possibilities, or philosophical concepts.
Use exister in TEF/TCF writing to discuss whether something exists or to describe hypothetical situations.
Ce problème existe depuis longtemps.
This problem has existed for a long time.
Exister is often confused with vivre (to live). Exister means to exist in a general sense, while vivre implies being alive or experiencing life.
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.
Exister 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.