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A2 verb #1,500 am häufigsten 6 Min. Lesezeit

réussir

At the A1 level, you learn 'réussir' as a simple way to say you did something well or passed a basic test. You focus on the present tense 'je réussis' and the basic meaning of passing an exam. It's one of the first -ir verbs you encounter. You might use it to talk about school or simple daily tasks like 'réussir un gâteau'. The focus is on the direct object construction: réussir + noun. You learn that it's a positive word and often paired with 'bravo' or 'félicitations'.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'réussir à' followed by an infinitive. This allows you to say 'I managed to do something.' You also learn the passé composé 'j'ai réussi,' which is vital for telling stories about your achievements. You start to distinguish between 'passer un examen' (taking it) and 'réussir un examen' (passing it). You use it in more varied contexts, like work, hobbies, and social situations. You also learn the noun 'la réussite'.
At the B1 level, you use 'réussir' in more complex tenses like the imparfait and the futur simple. You can discuss the conditions for success using 'si' clauses (e.g., 'Si tu étudies, tu réussiras'). You start to use it in the figurative sense, such as 'réussir sa vie' (to make a success of one's life). You also become more comfortable with the plural forms 'nous réussissons' and the formal 'vous réussissez'. You understand the nuance of 'réussir dans' for career paths.
At the B2 level, you can use 'réussir' in the subjonctif ('Il faut que tu réussisses') and the conditionnel. You use it to discuss abstract concepts like 'la réussite sociale' or 'la réussite scolaire' in debates. You can compare 'réussir' with more formal synonyms like 'parvenir à' or 'aboutir'. You understand idiomatic expressions and can use the verb to describe complex outcomes in professional or academic writing. You also recognize the passive-like use in 'c'est réussi' (it's a success).
At the C1 level, you master the subtle nuances of 'réussir' in literary and formal contexts. You can use it to analyze the success of a policy, a literary work, or a philosophical argument. You are aware of the stylistic differences between 'réussir à faire' and 'réussir de faire' (the latter being very rare/archaic). You use the word to express irony or subtle praise. You can integrate it into complex rhetorical structures and understand its role in historical narratives.
At the C2 level, 'réussir' is used with total precision and stylistic flair. You can play with the word in puns, high-level literature, or academic dissertations. You understand its etymological roots and how it relates to concepts of 'exit' and 'outcome'. You can use it to describe the 'réussite' of an artistic movement or a complex scientific experiment. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the most subtle idiomatic and register-specific applications.
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réussir in 30 Sekunden

  • Réussir is a common French verb meaning to succeed or to pass an exam, essential for expressing achievements.
  • It is a regular -ir verb (2nd group) and always uses the auxiliary 'avoir' in compound tenses.
  • The construction 'réussir à + infinitive' is used to mean 'to manage to do something' after effort.
  • Beware of the false friend: 'passer un examen' means to take it, while 'réussir un examen' means to pass it.

The French verb réussir is a cornerstone of the language, primarily used to express the achievement of a goal, the successful completion of a task, or the passing of an evaluation. At its core, it signifies a positive outcome resulting from effort, skill, or sometimes luck. Unlike the English 'succeed,' which can sometimes feel abstract or purely professional, réussir is used daily in contexts ranging from the kitchen to the boardroom. It is a regular -ir verb of the second group, meaning its conjugation follows a predictable pattern (je réussis, nous réussissons). Understanding this word requires looking at its dual nature: it can function as an intransitive verb (to be successful in general) or a transitive verb (to pass something specific). When you say 'J'ai réussi,' you are announcing a victory, no matter how small. The word carries a sense of fulfillment and completion that is essential for any learner to master.

Core Meaning
To achieve a desired aim or result; to pass an examination or test successfully.
Transitive Usage
When followed directly by a noun (like 'un examen'), it means to pass or perform well on that specific thing.
Intransitive Usage
Used alone to indicate that someone is successful in life or in a specific endeavor.

Elle a enfin réussi son permis de conduire après trois tentatives.

Tout ce qu'il entreprend semble réussir magnifiquement.

Si tu travailles dur, tu vas réussir dans la vie.

Le chef a parfaitement réussi ce soufflé au fromage.

Nous espérons réussir à convaincre les investisseurs demain.

Using réussir correctly involves understanding its grammatical constructions. There are three main ways to deploy this verb in a sentence. First, réussir + noun: this is direct and common for exams, tests, or specific challenges. For example, 'réussir un examen' or 'réussir une recette.' Second, réussir à + infinitive: this is used when you manage to do something or succeed in performing an action. 'J'ai réussi à ouvrir la porte' (I managed to open the door). Third, réussir dans + noun: this usually refers to succeeding in a field, a career, or a domain. 'Il a réussi dans les affaires' (He succeeded in business). It is important to remember that as a second-group verb, it uses the '-iss' infix in the plural forms of the present tense: nous réussissons, vous réussissez, ils réussissent. In the passé composé, it always takes the auxiliary verb avoir.

With Direct Object
Used for exams, competitions, or specific tasks where the object is the goal itself.
With Preposition 'à'
Used when the success relates to an action or a verb. It implies overcoming a difficulty.
Absolute Use
Used without an object to describe a person's general success or the outcome of an event.

Est-ce que tu as réussi ton gâteau au chocolat ?

Elle réussit toujours à me faire rire, même quand je suis triste.

Ils ont réussi brillamment leur entrée sur le marché européen.

You will encounter réussir in almost every facet of French life. In the academic world, it is the word students long to hear after 'le Bac' (the baccalaureate) or any 'contrôle' (test). Teachers will use it to encourage students: 'Vous pouvez réussir !' In the professional sphere, it appears in discussions about 'la réussite sociale' (social success) or 'réussir un projet' (succeeding in a project). It is also very common in the culinary world; a 'plat réussi' is a dish that turned out perfectly. In media and literature, it is used to describe the trajectory of characters or the outcome of historical events. It carries a positive, aspirational connotation, making it a favorite in motivational speeches and self-help contexts in France.

In School
Used constantly regarding grades, exams, and academic progression.
In Business
Used for meeting targets, closing deals, and career advancement.
In Daily Life
Used for small wins, like fixing a broken appliance or cooking a meal.

Bravo ! Tu as réussi ton examen avec mention !

Pour réussir dans ce métier, il faut être très patient.

The most frequent error for English speakers is the confusion between réussir and passer. In English, 'to pass an exam' means to be successful. In French, passer un examen only means to sit for or take the exam, regardless of the result. To say you were successful, you MUST use réussir. Another common mistake is the confusion with succéder. While 'succeed' in English can mean 'to follow' (e.g., Charles succeeded Elizabeth), in French, réussir never carries this meaning; you must use succéder à. Additionally, learners often forget the preposition à when using réussir with another verb. Saying 'J'ai réussi ouvrir' is incorrect; it must be 'J'ai réussi à ouvrir.'

Réussir vs Passer
Réussir = to pass (get a good grade). Passer = to take (the act of sitting the exam).
Réussir vs Succéder
Réussir = to be successful. Succéder = to follow someone in a position.

Faux : J'ai passé mon examen (to mean you passed it). Correct : J'ai réussi mon examen.

While réussir is the most general term for success, several other verbs offer nuanced alternatives depending on the context. Parvenir à suggests reaching a goal after significant effort or overcoming obstacles. Arriver à is more informal and often means 'to manage to' or 'to get to the point of.' Accomplir focuses on the completion of a specific task or mission. Triompher is much stronger, implying a grand victory or overcoming great adversity. In a professional context, percer can mean to 'break through' or become successful suddenly. Understanding these synonyms allows for more precise expression of the nature of the success achieved.

Parvenir à
To manage to / to reach (implies more effort than réussir).
Arriver à
To manage to (common in spoken French).
Aboutir
To succeed or come to fruition (often used for projects or processes).

Il est enfin parvenu à ses fins.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

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Informell

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Umgangssprache

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Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

Je réussis mon examen de français.

I am passing my French exam.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

2

Tu réussis toujours tes crêpes.

You always succeed with your crepes.

Present tense, 2nd person singular.

3

Il réussit son dessin.

He is succeeding with his drawing.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

4

Nous réussissons ensemble.

We are succeeding together.

Present tense, 1st person plural with -iss-.

5

Vous réussissez votre test.

You (plural) are passing your test.

Present tense, 2nd person plural.

6

Elles réussissent le gâteau.

They (f) are succeeding with the cake.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

7

C'est une réussite !

It's a success!

Noun form used with 'être'.

8

Bravo, tu as réussi !

Well done, you succeeded!

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

1

J'ai réussi à finir mes devoirs.

I managed to finish my homework.

Réussir à + infinitive.

2

Elle a réussi son permis de conduire.

She passed her driving test.

Passé composé, direct object.

3

Nous avons réussi à trouver l'hôtel.

We managed to find the hotel.

Passé composé, réussir à + infinitive.

4

Est-ce que tu as réussi ton projet ?

Did you succeed in your project?

Question in passé composé.

5

Il n'a pas réussi à dormir.

He didn't manage to sleep.

Negative passé composé with 'à'.

6

Vous avez réussi à convaincre le client.

You managed to convince the client.

Passé composé, formal 'vous'.

7

Ils ont réussi leur voyage en France.

They had a successful trip to France.

Passé composé, direct object.

8

On a réussi à attraper le train.

We managed to catch the train.

Informal 'on' in passé composé.

1

Si tu travailles, tu réussiras ton année.

If you work, you will pass your year.

Futur simple.

2

Je réussissais toujours mes examens quand j'étais jeune.

I always used to pass my exams when I was young.

Imparfait.

3

Il espère réussir dans le domaine médical.

He hopes to succeed in the medical field.

Réussir dans + noun.

4

Nous réussirons à changer les choses.

We will succeed in changing things.

Futur simple with 'à'.

5

Elle a réussi sa vie professionnelle.

She made a success of her professional life.

Figurative use.

6

Vous réussiriez si vous aviez plus de temps.

You would succeed if you had more time.

Conditionnel présent.

7

Ils ont réussi à surmonter leurs peurs.

They managed to overcome their fears.

Passé composé with 'à'.

8

C'est un plat très réussi, félicitations !

It's a very successful dish, congratulations!

Adjectival use of the past participle.

1

Il est crucial que vous réussissiez cette mission.

It is crucial that you succeed in this mission.

Subjonctif présent.

2

Bien qu'il ait échoué une fois, il finira par réussir.

Although he failed once, he will eventually succeed.

Subjonctif passé and futur simple.

3

La réussite de ce projet dépend de notre collaboration.

The success of this project depends on our collaboration.

Noun 'réussite' as subject.

4

Elle a réussi brillamment son entrée à l'université.

She brilliantly succeeded in her university entrance.

Adverbial modification.

5

Nous n'aurions jamais réussi sans votre aide.

We would never have succeeded without your help.

Conditionnel passé.

6

Réussir à tout prix n'est pas toujours la solution.

Succeeding at all costs is not always the solution.

Infinitive as subject.

7

Il a réussi à se faire un nom dans le milieu de l'art.

He managed to make a name for himself in the art world.

Idiomatic expression 'se faire un nom'.

8

Le gouvernement a réussi à stabiliser l'économie.

The government managed to stabilize the economy.

Formal context.

1

Il importe que chaque élève puisse réussir son parcours.

It is important that every student can succeed in their path.

Formal subjonctif.

2

L'entreprise a réussi le pari de l'innovation durable.

The company succeeded in the challenge of sustainable innovation.

Metaphorical 'réussir le pari'.

3

Elle a réussi à concilier vie de famille et carrière.

She managed to balance family life and career.

Complex verb 'concilier'.

4

Le film a réussi à capturer l'essence de l'époque.

The film managed to capture the essence of the era.

Abstract direct object.

5

On ne saurait réussir sans une discipline de fer.

One cannot succeed without iron discipline.

Formal 'ne saurait' construction.

6

Il a réussi l'exploit de traverser l'Atlantique à la rame.

He achieved the feat of rowing across the Atlantic.

Noun 'exploit'.

7

Sa réussite éclatante a fait taire les critiques.

His brilliant success silenced the critics.

Strong adjective 'éclatante'.

8

Le plan a réussi au-delà de toutes les espérances.

The plan succeeded beyond all expectations.

Prepositional phrase 'au-delà de'.

1

La pièce a réussi à susciter une émotion indicible.

The play managed to evoke an inexpressible emotion.

High-level vocabulary 'indicible'.

2

Il a réussi l'amalgame parfait entre tradition et modernité.

He achieved the perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

Abstract noun 'amalgame'.

3

Que l'on réussisse ou non, l'important est l'effort consenti.

Whether one succeeds or not, the important thing is the effort made.

Subjunctive in a concessive clause.

4

Elle a réussi à déjouer les pronostics les plus pessimistes.

She managed to thwart the most pessimistic predictions.

Complex verb 'déjouer'.

5

Sa réussite est le fruit d'une abnégation sans faille.

His success is the result of unfailing self-denial.

Sophisticated noun 'abnégation'.

6

Le diplomate a réussi à désamorcer une crise majeure.

The diplomat managed to defuse a major crisis.

Metaphorical 'désamorcer'.

7

Réussir sa sortie est un art que peu maîtrisent.

Succeeding in one's exit is an art that few master.

Idiomatic 'réussir sa sortie'.

8

L'auteur a réussi à insuffler une vie nouvelle à ce mythe.

The author managed to breathe new life into this myth.

Literary verb 'insuffler'.

Häufige Kollokationen

réussir un examen
réussir un concours
réussir sa vie
réussir un projet
réussir brillamment
réussir à peine
réussir du premier coup
réussir un pari
réussir une recette
réussir dans les affaires

Häufige Phrasen

Tout lui réussit.

C'est réussi !

Réussir à tout prix.

Pour réussir, il faut...

Comment réussir son...

Souhaiter de réussir.

Une tentative réussie.

Rien ne lui réussit.

Réussir l'impossible.

Vouloir réussir.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

réussir vs passer

réussir vs succéder

réussir vs arriver

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

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Leicht verwechselbar

réussir vs

réussir vs

réussir vs

réussir vs

réussir vs

Satzmuster

So verwendest du es

passive voice

Rarely used in passive; usually 'C'est réussi' or 'Le projet est une réussite'.

preposition choice

Use 'à' for actions, 'dans' for fields of study/work, and nothing for specific tests.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using 'passer' to mean 'to pass an exam'.
  • Forgetting the 'à' before an infinitive.
  • Using 'être' as the auxiliary in passé composé.
  • Confusing 'réussir' with 'succéder'.
  • Forgetting the 'iss' in plural present tense conjugations.

Tipps

The 'iss' Rule

Always remember the 'iss' in the plural present tense. It's 'nous réussissons', not 'nous réussissons'. This is the hallmark of Group 2 verbs.

Passer vs Réussir

This is the #1 mistake. 'Passer' is the act of sitting in the chair. 'Réussir' is the act of getting the diploma. Don't mix them up!

The French 'U'

The 'u' in 'réussir' is tricky. Purse your lips like you're going to whistle, but say 'ee'. Practice this to sound like a native.

Managing Tasks

Use 'réussir à' + infinitive for 'I managed to'. It's very useful for daily life when you finally fix something or finish a task.

Modesty in Success

When you succeed, French people might say 'C'est pas mal'. Don't be offended; it's a common way to express that something is actually very good.

Formal Success

In professional emails, use 'la réussite' as a noun to sound more polished. For example, 'Je vous souhaite une pleine réussite'.

Context Clues

If you hear 'réussi' at the end of a sentence about a meal, it's an adjective meaning 'successful' or 'well-made'.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant green checkmark every time you say 'réussir'. This visual link helps cement the positive meaning.

Passé Composé

Since it uses 'avoir', you don't need to worry about agreement with the subject unless there's a preceding direct object.

Haut la main

Pair 'réussir' with 'haut la main' to say you passed 'with flying colors' or 'hands down'.

Einprägen

Wortherkunft

From Italian 'riuscire', which comes from 'uscire' (to go out).

Kultureller Kontext

A 'soufflé réussi' is the ultimate mark of a good home cook.

The French grading system is out of 20. To 'réussir', you usually need at least 10/20.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"As-tu réussi ton examen hier ?"

"Qu'est-ce que tu aimerais réussir cette année ?"

"Comment fais-tu pour réussir tes gâteaux ?"

"Penses-tu qu'il soit facile de réussir dans ce pays ?"

"As-tu réussi à trouver le cadeau parfait ?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Décrivez une fois où vous avez réussi quelque chose de difficile.

Quels sont vos secrets pour réussir vos études ?

Est-il plus important de réussir sa vie ou de réussir dans la vie ?

Écrivez sur un projet que vous voulez réussir.

Comment définissez-vous la réussite ?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, it only takes 'à' when followed by an infinitive verb. If followed by a noun like 'un examen', no preposition is needed. If you are talking about a field of work, you use 'dans'.

They are very similar. 'Réussir' is the standard verb for success. 'Arriver à' is more informal and often implies simply managing to do something, sometimes by chance or with effort.

You must say 'J'ai réussi mon test'. If you say 'J'ai passé mon test', a French person will think you only took it and they will ask 'And did you pass?'

Yes, it is a regular -ir verb of the second group. This means it follows the same pattern as 'finir' or 'choisir', including the 'iss' in plural forms.

No. For that, you must use 'succéder à'. For example, 'Le fils succède au père' (The son succeeds the father).

The noun form is 'la réussite'. You can say 'C'est une grande réussite' to mean 'It is a great success'.

It always uses 'avoir'. For example: 'J'ai réussi', 'Nous avons réussi'.

Yes! It is very common to say 'réussir un plat' or 'réussir une recette' when the food turns out well.

The most common opposites are 'échouer' (to fail) or 'rater' (to miss/fail, more informal).

The stem is 'réussiss-'. So: que je réussisse, que tu réussisses, qu'il réussisse, que nous réussissions, que vous réussissiez, qu'ils réussissent.

Teste dich selbst 27 Fragen

writing

Write a sentence about passing a math test.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'I managed to find my keys.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I will succeed' in French.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the tense: 'Nous réussissions'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 27 correct

Perfect score!

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