The French Verb “Apprendre”

The verb apprendre means “to learn” or “to teach” in French. It is an irregular verb derived from prendre (“to take”), which influences its conjugation pattern.

Meanings of Apprendre

1. To learn (knowledge or a skill)
   Apprendre is most commonly used when referring to acquiring knowledge or a skill.
   • J’apprends le français. (I am learning French.)
   • Il apprend à jouer du piano. (He is learning to play the piano.)
2. To teach (similar to “enseigner”)
   In some cases, apprendre can also mean “to teach” when used with an indirect object.
   • Il m’a appris à conduire. (He taught me how to drive.)
   • J’ai appris à Marie à conduire. (I taught Marie how to drive.)
   • Nous leur apprenons les bases de la grammaire. (We are teaching them the basics of grammar.)
3. To hear or find out (news or information)
   It can also mean “to hear” or “to find out” in the context of learning news.
   • J’ai appris sa réussite hier. (I found out about his success yesterday.)
   • Tu as appris la nouvelle ? (Did you hear the news?)

Conjugation of Apprendre

Present Tense

Person	Conjugation
Je	apprends
Tu	apprends
Il/Elle/On	apprend
Nous	apprenons
Vous	apprenez
Ils/Elles	apprennent

Passé Composé

Apprendre is conjugated with avoir in the passé composé.

Person	Conjugation
J’	ai appris
Tu	as appris
Il/Elle/On	a appris
Nous	avons appris
Vous	avez appris
Ils/Elles	ont appris

Etymology

The verb apprendre comes from the Latin apprehendere, meaning “to seize, to grasp.” It is based on prendre (“to take”), reflecting the idea of “taking in” knowledge.