Meaning
To request assistance from someone.
Cultural Background
In France, it is common to apologize briefly before asking for help from a stranger (e.g., 'Excusez-moi de vous déranger...'). Quebecers might use 'un coup de main' more frequently in casual settings than Europeans, reflecting a very helpful community spirit. In many West African French-speaking countries, asking for help is deeply tied to the concept of 'solidarity' and is very common in social circles.
The 'À' Rule
Always use 'à' before the person. 'Demander à Marie'.
No 'Pour'
Never say 'demander pour'. It's the most common English-speaker mistake.
Meaning
To request assistance from someone.
The 'À' Rule
Always use 'à' before the person. 'Demander à Marie'.
No 'Pour'
Never say 'demander pour'. It's the most common English-speaker mistake.
Politeness First
Always start with 'S'il vous plaît' to make the request sound softer.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing part of the phrase.
Je vais ________ de l'aide à mon professeur.
'Demander' is the verb used for requesting help.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the right one:
French uses the partitive 'de l'' and no 'pour'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ce sac est trop lourd ! B: Tu veux ________ ?
The context implies needing assistance with a heavy object.
Match the phrase to the formality.
Match 'Solliciter votre assistance' with its level.
'Solliciter' is a high-register synonym for 'demander'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJe vais ________ de l'aide à mon professeur.
'Demander' is the verb used for requesting help.
Choose the right one:
French uses the partitive 'de l'' and no 'pour'.
A: Ce sac est trop lourd ! B: Tu veux ________ ?
The context implies needing assistance with a heavy object.
Match 'Solliciter votre assistance' with its level.
'Solliciter' is a high-register synonym for 'demander'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
No, you must use the partitive article 'de l''.
'Aider' is the verb 'to help'. 'Demander de l'aide' is the action of requesting it.
Use the passé composé: 'J'ai demandé de l'aide'.
Related Phrases
Donner un coup de main
similarTo give a helping hand
Venir en aide
builds onTo come to someone's aid
Appeler au secours
specialized formTo cry for help (emergency)
