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A1 verb #1,000 most common 15 min read

donner

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips donner in 30 Seconds

Explanation donner in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, the verb 'donner' is one of the very first verbs you will learn, and it is absolutely essential for basic communication. It is a regular '-er' verb, which means its conjugation follows the most common and predictable pattern in the French language. In the present tense, you drop the '-er' ending and add the standard endings: -e, -es, -e, -ons, -ez, -ent. This gives us: je donne, tu donnes, il/elle/on donne, nous donnons, vous donnez, ils/elles donnent. At this stage, your primary focus should be on using 'donner' in its most literal sense: physically handing an object to another person. You will learn the basic sentence structure 'donner quelque chose à quelqu'un' (to give something to someone). For example, 'Je donne le livre à Marie' (I give the book to Marie) or 'Il donne une pomme au professeur' (He gives an apple to the teacher). You will also learn to use basic imperative forms to make requests or give simple commands, such as 'Donne-moi le stylo, s'il te plaît' (Give me the pen, please). It is crucial at this level to remember the preposition 'à' before the person receiving the object, and to practice the contractions 'au' (à + le) and 'aux' (à + les). You do not need to worry about complex pronoun placements yet; focus on using clear nouns to build your confidence. Additionally, you might encounter very simple idiomatic uses, such as 'donner l'heure' (to tell the time). Mastering the present tense conjugation and the basic ditransitive structure of 'donner' will provide you with a solid foundation for interacting in everyday situations, such as in a classroom, at a market, or when sharing items with friends.

At the A2 elementary level, your understanding and usage of 'donner' will expand significantly as you begin to incorporate object pronouns into your sentences. While at the A1 level you used nouns (Je donne le livre à Marie), at the A2 level you will learn to replace these nouns with pronouns to make your speech more natural and less repetitive (Je le lui donne). This introduces the challenge of pronoun placement and order. You must learn that object pronouns in French are placed before the conjugated verb. You will practice using indirect object pronouns (lui, leur) to replace the recipient: 'Je lui donne le livre' (I give him/her the book). You will also start combining direct and indirect object pronouns, memorizing the strict order: me/te/nous/vous before le/la/les before lui/leur. Furthermore, you will expand your use of 'donner' into different tenses, particularly the passé composé (past tense) and the futur proche (near future). For the passé composé, 'donner' uses the auxiliary verb 'avoir': 'J'ai donné', 'tu as donné', etc. For the futur proche, you will use the conjugated form of 'aller' followed by the infinitive: 'Je vais donner'. At this level, you will also encounter more abstract uses of the verb, such as 'donner un conseil' (to give advice) or 'donner une explication' (to give an explanation). You will also learn the important distinction between 'donner' (to give generally) and 'offrir' (to give a gift), correcting a very common beginner mistake. By mastering pronoun placement and basic past/future tenses with 'donner', your ability to narrate events and interact dynamically will greatly improve.

At the B1 intermediate level, 'donner' transitions from a simple verb of transaction to a gateway into natural, idiomatic French expression. You are already comfortable with conjugations and basic pronoun placement; now, the focus shifts to the myriad of expressions and causative structures that rely on 'donner'. You will learn that 'donner' is frequently used to express physical sensations and emotional reactions caused by an external stimulus. For example, instead of translating 'This makes me hungry' literally, you will learn to say 'Cela me donne faim'. You will apply this structure to various sensations: donner soif (to make thirsty), donner envie (to make one want to), donner le vertige (to make dizzy), and donner la nausée (to make nauseous). Additionally, you will master essential everyday idioms such as 'donner un coup de main' (to lend a hand/help out) and 'donner un coup de fil' (to make a phone call). You will also learn the spatial use of 'donner sur' to describe what a window or building overlooks: 'Ma chambre donne sur la rue' (My room overlooks the street). Grammatically, you will practice using 'donner' in the imparfait (imperfect tense) for descriptions in the past, and the conditionnel (conditional mood) for polite requests: 'Pourriez-vous me donner...' (Could you give me...). You will also encounter the reflexive form 'se donner', used reciprocally ('Ils se donnent des cadeaux' - They give each other gifts) or idiomatically ('se donner rendez-vous' - to arrange to meet). By integrating these idiomatic and causative uses into your vocabulary, your French will sound significantly more authentic and less like a direct translation from English.

At the B2 upper-intermediate level, your mastery of 'donner' requires a deep understanding of its nuances, its use in complex syntactic structures, and the ability to choose appropriate synonyms based on context and register. You will no longer rely solely on 'donner' for every act of giving; instead, you will actively employ alternatives like 'fournir' (to provide), 'remettre' (to hand over formally), 'confier' (to entrust), and 'accorder' (to grant) to elevate the sophistication of your speech and writing. You will encounter and use 'donner' in more abstract and intellectual contexts, such as 'donner lieu à' (to give rise to / to result in), 'donner raison à quelqu'un' (to admit someone is right), and 'donner l'exemple' (to set an example). Grammatically, you will be expected to use 'donner' flawlessly with complex pronoun combinations, including the pronouns 'y' and 'en', and in advanced tenses like the plus-que-parfait (pluperfect) and the subjonctif (subjunctive mood). For instance, 'Il faut que tu lui donnes ton accord' (You must give him your agreement). You will also explore the construction 'donner à + infinitive', which means to provide something to be done, as in 'donner à réfléchir' (to give food for thought) or 'donner à comprendre' (to imply/suggest). Furthermore, you will delve deeper into the reflexive form 'se donner', using it to express intense effort or dedication: 'se donner du mal' (to go to a lot of trouble) or 'se donner à fond' (to give it one's all). At this level, 'donner' is a tool for expressing complex relationships, abstract outcomes, and subtle shifts in meaning, requiring precision and a strong grasp of idiomatic French.

At the C1 advanced level, your use of 'donner' should be virtually indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. This means possessing a comprehensive command of its highly idiomatic, literary, and nuanced applications. You will easily navigate complex expressions where the literal meaning of 'donner' is entirely obscured. For example, you will understand and use phrases like 'donner dans le panneau' (to fall into the trap / to be fooled), 'ne pas savoir où donner de la tête' (to not know which way to turn / to be overwhelmed), and 'donner sa langue au chat' (to give up guessing). You will also encounter 'donner' in specialized domains, such as literature, law, or science, where it might mean to attribute, to assign, or to yield a specific data point. You will effortlessly use the passive voice and impersonal constructions involving 'donner', such as 'Il est donné à tout le monde de...' (It is given to everyone to... / Everyone has the opportunity to...). Your grasp of the reflexive 'se donner' will extend to highly abstract concepts, such as 'se donner des airs' (to put on airs) or 'se donner pour' (to claim to be). Furthermore, you will demonstrate a high level of stylistic flexibility, knowing exactly when 'donner' is appropriate and when a more precise, formal verb like 'octroyer' (to grant/bestow) or 'allouer' (to allocate) is required to maintain a sophisticated academic or professional register. At the C1 level, 'donner' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a structural element that you manipulate with agility to convey irony, emphasis, subtlety, and complex emotional states, demonstrating a profound internalization of French linguistic culture.

At the C2 mastery level, your relationship with the verb 'donner' reflects a complete, intuitive, and scholarly understanding of the French language. You are capable of deconstructing its etymology, tracing its evolution from the Latin 'donare', and recognizing its archaic or highly specialized uses in classical literature and historical texts. You manipulate the verb with absolute precision, employing it in the most complex syntactic environments, including rare literary tenses like the passé simple and the imparfait du subjonctif, should the stylistic context demand it (e.g., 'Bien qu'il lui donnât...'). You are intimately familiar with the most obscure idiomatic expressions and regional variations of the verb across the Francophone world. You understand how 'donner' functions in highly specific collocations and fixed phrases that defy direct translation, such as 'donner le change' (to keep up appearances / to deceive) or 'donner de la voix' (to speak up / to make oneself heard). At this level, you can also play with the language, creating your own metaphors or stylistic effects using 'donner', fully aware of the connotations and subtle echoes your word choice creates. You can critically analyze texts, identifying why an author chose 'donner' over a synonym to achieve a specific rhythmic or semantic effect. Your usage is flawless, encompassing all pronoun combinations, prepositional nuances, and register shifts without conscious effort. 'Donner' is fully integrated into your linguistic repertoire, allowing you to express the most complex, abstract, and nuanced thoughts with the elegance, precision, and effortless fluency characteristic of a highly articulate native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

donner in 30 Seconds

To physically hand something over.
To produce or yield a result.
To cause a feeling or sensation.
To overlook or face a direction.

The French verb 'donner' is an incredibly versatile and fundamental word that translates primarily to the English verb 'to give'. However, its usage extends far beyond the simple act of handing an object to another person. In the French language, 'donner' is employed in a vast array of contexts, ranging from literal transfers of possession to abstract concepts such as producing an effect, yielding a result, or even describing the physical orientation of a building. When you first begin learning French, 'donner' is introduced as a regular '-er' verb, making its conjugation relatively straightforward and accessible for beginners. You will hear it used daily in homes, schools, workplaces, and public spaces across the Francophone world. To truly master French, understanding the multifaceted nature of 'donner' is absolutely essential. Let us explore the primary ways this word is utilized in everyday communication.

Literal Transfer of Possession: The most common and direct use of 'donner' is to describe the physical act of giving something to someone. This involves a giver, a direct object (the thing being given), and an indirect object (the recipient). For example, giving a book, a pen, or money to a friend.

Je vais te donner mon adresse pour que tu puisses m'envoyer une lettre.

Beyond physical objects, 'donner' is frequently used with abstract nouns. You can give someone an idea, give them time, give them permission, or give them an order. In these cases, the structure remains the same, but the meaning shifts to accommodate the intangible nature of the object.

Producing or Yielding: In agricultural or mathematical contexts, 'donner' means to yield, produce, or result in. A tree gives fruit, a cow gives milk, and an equation gives a specific result.

Ce vieux pommier continue de donner d'excellents fruits chaque automne.

Another fascinating use of 'donner' relates to communication and information. When you want to tell someone the time, you 'give' them the hour. When you make a phone call, you 'give a blow of the wire' (donner un coup de fil). These idiomatic expressions are the lifeblood of conversational French and demonstrate how deeply embedded this verb is in the cultural lexicon.

Pouvez-vous me donner l'heure, s'il vous plaît ?

Physical Orientation: When followed by the preposition 'sur', 'donner' describes what a window, door, or room overlooks or opens onto. This is essential vocabulary for real estate or describing your home.

La fenêtre de ma chambre à coucher a l'avantage de donner directement sur un magnifique jardin fleuri.

Furthermore, 'donner' is used to express causing a physical or emotional state. If something makes you hungry, it 'gives you hunger' (donner faim). If something makes you dizzy, it 'gives you vertigo' (donner le vertige). This causative aspect is a major difference between French and English syntax, where English typically uses 'make' instead of 'give'. Understanding these nuances transforms your French from a rigid, translated version of English into a natural, flowing expression of Francophone thought.

L'odeur du pain chaud qui s'échappe de la boulangerie commence vraiment à me donner faim.

In summary, 'donner' is a pillar of the French vocabulary. Whether you are handing over a physical object, producing a result, describing a view, or expressing a feeling caused by an external stimulus, 'donner' is the verb you will rely on. Memorizing its conjugations and its most common idiomatic expressions will significantly accelerate your journey toward French fluency.

Constructing sentences with the verb 'donner' requires a solid understanding of French syntax, particularly concerning direct and indirect objects, as well as the placement of object pronouns. Because 'donner' inherently involves transferring something to someone, it frequently appears in sentences with a ditransitive structure—meaning it takes both a direct object (the thing given) and an indirect object (the recipient). The standard formula is 'donner quelque chose à quelqu'un' (to give something to someone). Let us break down the mechanics of using this vital verb in various sentence structures.

Basic Sentence Structure: In a simple declarative sentence, you conjugate 'donner' to match the subject, follow it with the direct object, and then use the preposition 'à' before the indirect object.

Le professeur décide de donner beaucoup de devoirs difficiles aux étudiants avant le week-end.

When you want to replace the nouns with pronouns to avoid repetition, the sentence structure changes significantly. In French, object pronouns are placed before the conjugated verb. If you have both a direct object pronoun (le, la, les) and an indirect object pronoun (lui, leur), the order is strictly defined. For third-person pronouns, the direct object comes before the indirect object (e.g., 'Je le lui donne' - I give it to him/her).

Using Double Pronouns: When replacing both the item given and the recipient with pronouns, place them immediately before the verb. The order is: me/te/se/nous/vous BEFORE le/la/les BEFORE lui/leur.

Si tu as le document important, s'il te plaît, donne-le-moi immédiatement.

The imperative mood (used for giving commands) introduces another structural variation. In affirmative commands, the pronouns are attached to the end of the verb with hyphens. The order changes slightly: the direct object pronoun comes first, followed by the indirect object pronoun. Furthermore, 'me' and 'te' change to their stressed forms 'moi' and 'toi'. For example, 'Donne-le-moi' (Give it to me). However, in negative commands, the pronouns revert to their normal position before the verb: 'Ne me le donne pas' (Do not give it to me).

Ne leur donne pas les clés de la voiture, ils sont trop jeunes pour conduire.

Reflexive Usage: The pronominal form 'se donner' is used when the subject gives something to themselves, or when subjects give something to each other (reciprocal). It can also be used idiomatically.

Ils ont décidé de se donner rendez-vous devant le cinéma à vingt heures précises.

Finally, 'donner' is frequently followed by an infinitive verb, usually mediated by the preposition 'à'. For instance, 'donner à manger à quelqu'un' means to feed someone (literally, to give to eat to someone). Similarly, 'donner à réfléchir' means to give food for thought. Mastering these prepositional connections will greatly enhance the fluidity and accuracy of your French sentences.

Ce film documentaire sur le changement climatique m'a vraiment donné à réfléchir sur nos habitudes de consommation.

By practicing these structures—basic ditransitive sentences, double pronoun placements, imperative commands, reflexive forms, and infinitive constructions—you will build a robust foundation for using 'donner' confidently in any conversational or written context.

The verb 'donner' is ubiquitous in the French-speaking world, permeating almost every aspect of daily life, from casual street conversations to formal business meetings, literature, and media. Because it covers such a wide spectrum of meanings—transferring, producing, causing, and orienting—you will encounter it in highly diverse contexts. Understanding where and how native speakers actually use 'donner' will help you recognize its nuances and deploy it naturally in your own speech. Let us explore the most common environments where this indispensable verb makes an appearance.

Everyday Social Interactions: In daily life, 'donner' is constantly used for small exchanges and requests. Whether you are asking someone to pass the salt at the dinner table, requesting information, or offering a helping hand, 'donner' is the go-to verb.

Excusez-moi, pourriez-vous me donner des indications pour aller à la gare la plus proche ?

In commercial settings, such as bakeries, markets, or boutiques, 'donner' is used when handing over money or receiving change. A shopkeeper might say, 'Je vous donne votre monnaie' (I am giving you your change). Similarly, when interacting with administrative bodies, you are often asked to 'donner' your name, your address, or your identification documents.

Describing Physical Spaces: In real estate, tourism, and everyday descriptions of locations, 'donner sur' is the standard way to describe what a window, balcony, or door faces.

Nous avons loué un magnifique appartement de vacances dont le balcon a l'avantage de donner directement sur la mer Méditerranée.

You will also hear 'donner' extensively in the context of physical sensations and emotions. Instead of saying 'This makes me thirsty', a French speaker will say 'Cela me donne soif' (This gives me thirst). This structure applies to hunger (faim), cold (froid), hot (chaud), headaches (mal à la tête), and even abstract feelings like hope (espoir) or the creeps (la chair de poule).

Regarder en bas depuis le sommet de la Tour Eiffel a tendance à me donner le vertige.

Professional and Academic Contexts: In the workplace or at school, 'donner' is used to assign tasks, provide results, or grant permission. A boss gives an order, a teacher gives homework, and a presentation gives an overview.

Le directeur va nous donner les nouvelles directives lors de la réunion de demain matin.

Finally, 'donner' is prevalent in idiomatic expressions related to communication. 'Donner de ses nouvelles' means to be in touch or to give news of oneself. 'Donner sa langue au chat' (to give one's tongue to the cat) is a playful way of saying 'I give up' when trying to guess a riddle or answer a difficult question. By immersing yourself in French media—movies, podcasts, and books—you will quickly realize that 'donner' is not just a verb of transaction, but a foundational building block of French expression, essential for describing everything from the layout of a house to the depths of human emotion.

C'est trop difficile, je ne trouve pas la réponse à ta devinette, je choisis de donner ma langue au chat.

While 'donner' is introduced early in French language learning, its wide range of applications and structural requirements often lead to persistent errors among English speakers. These mistakes typically stem from direct translation from English to French, misunderstanding the nuances between similar verbs, or struggling with the complex rules of French pronoun placement. By identifying and analyzing these common pitfalls, you can refine your usage and speak with greater accuracy and natural fluency. Let us examine the most frequent errors learners make when using the verb 'donner'.

Confusing Donner and Offrir: The most prevalent mistake is using 'donner' when talking about giving a gift. In English, we say 'I gave him a watch for his birthday'. Direct translation leads learners to say 'Je lui ai donné une montre'. While grammatically correct, it sounds transactional, as if you merely handed it to him. The correct verb for gifting is 'offrir'.

Pour notre anniversaire de mariage, j'ai décidé de ne pas lui donner d'argent, mais plutôt de lui offrir un beau voyage.

Another significant area of difficulty involves the placement and order of double object pronouns. Because 'donner' frequently takes both a direct object (the thing) and an indirect object (the person), learners must navigate the strict French pronoun hierarchy. A common error is placing the pronouns in the wrong order or placing them after the verb in a non-imperative sentence.

Pronoun Placement Errors: Learners often say 'Je donne le à lui' instead of the correct 'Je le lui donne'. The pronouns must precede the conjugated verb, and the order 'le/la/les' before 'lui/leur' must be strictly respected.

Ce livre est très rare, alors je te demande de me le donner avec beaucoup de précaution.

The imperative mood also causes confusion. In affirmative commands, pronouns follow the verb and are connected by hyphens. Learners often forget the hyphens or use the wrong pronoun forms. For example, saying 'Donne me le' instead of the correct 'Donne-le-moi'. Notice that 'me' becomes the stressed pronoun 'moi' and is placed at the very end.

Si tu as fini de lire le journal, s'il te plaît, donne-le-moi pour que je puisse lire les nouvelles.

Using 'Faire' instead of 'Donner': In English, we say 'This makes me hungry' or 'This makes me dizzy'. Learners often translate this directly using the verb 'faire' (Cela me fait faim). In French, physical sensations and certain emotional reactions are caused by 'donner', not 'faire'.

Regarder des émissions de cuisine tard le soir a toujours le don de me donner une faim de loup.

Finally, a subtle but common mistake involves the preposition 'à'. When saying 'give something to someone', the 'à' is mandatory before a noun (donner le livre à Marie). Learners sometimes omit it, saying 'donner Marie le livre', mimicking English syntax ('give Marie the book'). This is grammatically incorrect in French. Furthermore, learners must remember to contract 'à + le' to 'au' and 'à + les' to 'aux'. By paying close attention to these specific areas—distinguishing 'donner' from 'offrir', mastering pronoun placement, using 'donner' for sensations, and correctly applying the preposition 'à'—you will eliminate the most common errors and significantly improve the authenticity of your French.

While 'donner' is the most general and frequently used verb for 'to give' in French, relying on it exclusively can make your vocabulary sound repetitive and somewhat basic. The French language boasts a rich array of synonyms and alternative verbs that convey the act of giving with greater precision, nuance, and stylistic flair. Choosing the right alternative depends heavily on the context, the nature of the object being transferred, the relationship between the individuals involved, and the desired level of formality. Expanding your vocabulary to include these alternatives will elevate your French from conversational to sophisticated. Let us delve into the most important similar words and when to use them instead of 'donner'.

Offrir (To offer / To give as a gift): As previously mentioned, 'offrir' is the absolute best alternative when the act of giving involves a present, a treat, or a gesture of generosity. It implies a voluntary, thoughtful transfer meant to please the recipient.

Au lieu de simplement lui donner de l'argent, j'ai préféré lui offrir un magnifique bouquet de fleurs pour la fête des mères.

Remettre (To hand over / To deliver): 'Remettre' is a more formal alternative to 'donner', specifically used when handing over official documents, awards, keys, or assignments. It carries a sense of official transfer or returning something to its proper place.

Le maire de la ville va en personne lui donner, ou plutôt lui remettre, la médaille d'honneur lors de la cérémonie officielle.

Fournir (To provide / To supply): When 'giving' means equipping someone with necessary materials, information, or resources, 'fournir' is the appropriate verb. It is commonly used in business, logistics, and academic contexts.

L'entreprise s'engage à donner, c'est-à-dire à fournir, tout le matériel informatique nécessaire aux nouveaux employés dès leur premier jour.

Other useful alternatives include 'distribuer' (to distribute or hand out), which is perfect for describing a teacher giving papers to a class or a volunteer giving food to a crowd. 'Confier' (to entrust) is used when you give something to someone for safekeeping, such as a secret, a task, or your children to a babysitter. 'Céder' (to yield or give up) is used when you give your seat to someone on the bus or give in during an argument.

Le professeur a commencé à donner, ou plus exactement à distribuer, les copies de l'examen final à tous les étudiants présents dans l'amphithéâtre.

By carefully selecting among 'offrir', 'remettre', 'fournir', 'distribuer', 'confier', and 'céder', you demonstrate a deeper mastery of French vocabulary. While 'donner' will always remain your foundational verb for the concept of giving, these alternatives allow you to express the exact nature of the transaction with clarity, elegance, and native-like precision. Make it a habit to pause and consider if a more specific verb might be a better fit before automatically defaulting to 'donner'.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Veuillez remettre ce document à la direction. (Using 'remettre' instead of 'donner' for formal transfer)"

Neutral

"Je vais te donner mon adresse email."

Informal

"File-moi tes clés, je vais conduire. (Using slang 'filer' instead of 'donner')"

Child friendly

"Donne la main à ton petit frère pour traverser la rue."

Slang

"Tu peux me filer un coup de main ? (Filer is the most common slang alternative to donner)"

Fun Fact

In informal French, if something is very cheap, you can say 'C'est donné !' (It's given!), which is the exact equivalent of the English phrase 'It's a steal!'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dɔ.ne/

US /dɔ.ne/

do-NÉ

Rhymes With

année journée monnaie tournée sonner étonner pardonner abandonner

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'r'. In regular '-er' verbs, the final 'r' is completely silent.
Pronouncing the 'o' as a diphthong like the English 'oh' (oʊ). It should be a pure, single vowel sound.
Putting the stress on the first syllable. French words generally have a slight stress on the final pronounced syllable.
Pronouncing 'donne' (the conjugated form) with an 'ay' sound. 'Donne' is pronounced /dɔn/, rhyming with 'fun' but with an 'o' sound.
Failing to distinguish between 'donne' (present tense) and 'donné' (past participle).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize and understand in basic texts.

Writing 3/5

Requires attention to pronoun placement and distinguishing from 'offrir'.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is easy, but using it correctly with double pronouns in real-time is challenging.

Listening 2/5

Easy to hear, though distinguishing 'donne' from 'donné' requires context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

avoir être aller un cadeau une main

Learn Next

offrir recevoir prendre remettre fournir

Advanced

octroyer allouer léguer prodiguer décerner

Grammar to Know

Direct and Indirect Object Pronouns

Je donne le livre à Marie -> Je le lui donne.

Imperative Mood with Pronouns

Donne-moi le livre ! Ne me le donne pas !

Passé Composé Auxiliary Verbs

J'ai donné (avoir) vs. Ils se sont donné rendez-vous (être).

Causative Constructions

Le chocolat me donne soif. (Using donner instead of faire for sensations).

Prepositions with Verbs

Donner quelque chose À quelqu'un. (The mandatory use of 'à').

Examples by Level

Je donne une pomme à mon professeur.

I give an apple to my teacher.

Basic present tense conjugation 'je donne' with direct object 'une pomme' and indirect object 'à mon professeur'.

Tu donnes le livre à Marie.

You give the book to Marie.

Second person singular present tense 'tu donnes'.

Il donne de l'argent à son fils.

He gives money to his son.

Third person singular 'il donne' with partitive article 'de l'argent'.

Nous donnons des cadeaux à Noël.

We give gifts at Christmas.

First person plural 'nous donnons'. Note: 'offrir' is better for gifts, but 'donner' is understood at A1.

Vous donnez votre adresse à l'hôtel.

You give your address at the hotel.

Second person plural/formal 'vous donnez'.

Elles donnent de la nourriture au chien.

They give food to the dog.

Third person plural feminine 'elles donnent' with contraction 'au' (à + le).

Donne-moi le stylo bleu, s'il te plaît.

Give me the blue pen, please.

Imperative form 'donne' with stressed pronoun 'moi'.

Je ne donne pas mon numéro de téléphone.

I do not give my phone number.

Negative construction 'ne donne pas'.

Je le lui donne demain matin.

I am giving it to him/her tomorrow morning.

Use of double object pronouns 'le' (direct) and 'lui' (indirect) placed before the verb.

J'ai donné les clés à mon voisin.

I gave the keys to my neighbor.

Passé composé using auxiliary 'avoir': 'ai donné'.

Nous allons donner nos vieux vêtements.

We are going to give away our old clothes.

Futur proche construction: 'aller' conjugated + infinitive 'donner'.

Est-ce que tu peux me donner un conseil ?

Can you give me some advice?

'Donner' used with an abstract noun 'un conseil' after the modal verb 'pouvoir'.

Ne leur donne pas de bonbons avant le dîner.

Do not give them candy before dinner.

Negative imperative with indirect object pronoun 'leur'.

Le soleil me donne mal à la tête.

The sun gives me a headache.

Causative use of 'donner' with a physical sensation 'mal à la tête'.

Ils se donnent rendez-vous au parc.

They are arranging to meet at the park.

Reflexive/reciprocal use 'se donner rendez-vous'.

Elle donnait des cours de piano l'année dernière.

She used to give piano lessons last year.

Imparfait tense 'donnait' for a repeated past action.

Cette longue marche m'a vraiment donné soif.

This long walk really made me thirsty.

Idiomatic causative structure 'donner soif' in the passé composé.

Peux-tu me donner un coup de main pour déménager ce canapé ?

Can you give me a hand to move this sofa?

Highly common idiomatic expression 'donner un coup de main' (to help).

La fenêtre de ma nouvelle chambre donne sur une cour intérieure très calme.

The window of my new bedroom overlooks a very quiet inner courtyard.

Spatial use of 'donner sur' to describe orientation.

Je te donnerai un coup de fil dès que j'arriverai à la gare.

I will give you a call as soon as I arrive at the station.

Idiomatic expression 'donner un coup de fil' in the futur simple 'donnerai'.

Il faut que tu lui donnes la permission de sortir ce soir.

You must give him permission to go out tonight.

Subjunctive mood 'donnes' triggered by the impersonal expression 'Il faut que'.

L'odeur de ce gâteau au chocolat me donne l'eau à la bouche.

The smell of this chocolate cake makes my mouth water.

Idiomatic expression 'donner l'eau à la bouche' (to make one's mouth water).

Si j'étais riche, je donnerais beaucoup d'argent aux associations caritatives.

If I were rich, I would give a lot of money to charities.

Conditionnel présent 'donnerais' used in a hypothetical 'si' clause.

Ils se sont donné beaucoup de mal pour organiser cette fête surprise.

They went to a lot of trouble to organize this surprise party.

Reflexive expression 'se donner du mal' in the passé composé. Note the lack of agreement on 'donné' because 'se' is an indirect object here.

Les récentes découvertes scientifiques ont donné lieu à de nouvelles théories fascinantes.

The recent scientific discoveries have given rise to fascinating new theories.

Abstract expression 'donner lieu à' meaning to cause or give rise to.

Bien que ce soit difficile à admettre, je dois lui donner raison sur ce point précis.

Although it is difficult to admit, I must admit he is right on this specific point.

Expression 'donner raison à quelqu'un' meaning to agree with someone or admit they are right.

Ce documentaire saisissant sur la pauvreté donne vraiment à réfléchir sur notre société.

This striking documentary about poverty really gives food for thought about our society.

Construction 'donner à + infinitive', specifically 'donner à réfléchir' (to give food for thought).

Il s'est donné à fond pendant l'entraînement pour être sélectionné dans l'équipe nationale.

He gave it his all during training to be selected for the national team.

Idiomatic reflexive expression 'se donner à fond' meaning to give 100% effort.

Le gouvernement a décidé de donner le feu vert au projet de construction de la nouvelle autoroute.

The government has decided to give the green light to the new highway construction project.

Idiomatic expression 'donner le feu vert' meaning to authorize or approve.

Je n'arrive pas à résoudre cette énigme complexe, je donne ma langue au chat.

I cannot manage to solve this complex riddle, I give up.

Playful idiom 'donner sa langue au chat' meaning to give up trying to guess something.

Leur attitude désinvolte lors de la réunion m'a donné une très mauvaise impression.

Their casual attitude during the meeting gave me a very bad impression.

Using 'donner' to express the creation of an impression or feeling.

Elle avait donné des instructions claires avant de partir en vacances, mais personne ne les a suivies.

She had given clear instructions before leaving on vacation, but no one followed them.

Plus-que-parfait tense 'avait donné' to indicate an action completed before another past action.

Face à l'ampleur de la tâche, il ne savait plus où donner de la tête.

Faced with the magnitude of the task, he no longer knew which way to turn.

Advanced idiom 'ne pas savoir où donner de la tête' meaning to be overwhelmed or extremely busy.

L'escroc était si convaincant que de nombreux investisseurs ont donné dans le panneau.

The scammer was so convincing that many investors fell into the trap.

Idiomatic expression 'donner dans le panneau' meaning to be fooled or fall for a trick.

Il n'est pas donné à tout le monde de comprendre les subtilités de la physique quantique.

It is not given to everyone to understand the subtleties of quantum physics.

Impersonal passive construction 'Il est donné à [quelqu'un] de...' meaning to have the ability or privilege to.

Pour faire taire les rumeurs, l'entreprise a dû donner le change en publiant des résultats rassurants.

To silence the rumors, the company had to keep up appearances by publishing reassuring results.

Idiomatic expression 'donner le change' meaning to keep up appearances or deceive.

Le critique littéraire s'en est donné à cœur joie en démolissant le dernier roman de l'auteur.

The literary critic had a field day demolishing the author's latest novel.

Idiomatic reflexive expression 's'en donner à cœur joie' meaning to do something with great enthusiasm or to have a field day.

Cette ancienne coutume a fini par donner naissance à la tradition que nous connaissons aujourd'hui.

This ancient custom eventually gave birth to the tradition we know today.

Abstract expression 'donner naissance à' used metaphorically for concepts or traditions.

Il se donne des airs de grand seigneur, mais il est en réalité criblé de dettes.

He puts on airs of a great lord, but he is actually riddled with debt.

Reflexive expression 'se donner des airs' meaning to act pretentiously or put on airs.

La manifestation a donné de la voix pour protester contre la nouvelle réforme des retraites.

The demonstration spoke up to protest against the new pension reform.

Idiomatic expression 'donner de la voix' meaning to speak loudly, shout, or make one's opinion heard.

Bien qu'il lui donnât toutes les garanties nécessaires, elle demeurait profondément sceptique.

Although he gave her all the necessary guarantees, she remained profoundly skeptical.

Use of the highly literary imparfait du subjonctif 'donnât' following 'bien que'.

L'orateur a su donner le ton dès les premières minutes de son discours inaugural.

The speaker knew how to set the tone from the very first minutes of his inaugural speech.

Expression 'donner le ton' meaning to set the mood or establish the standard.

Cette tragédie classique donne à voir les tourments insondables de l'âme humaine.

This classical tragedy reveals the unfathomable torments of the human soul.

Literary construction 'donner à voir' meaning to show, reveal, or allow to be seen.

Il a donné sa démission sur-le-champ, refusant de cautionner de telles pratiques frauduleuses.

He handed in his resignation on the spot, refusing to endorse such fraudulent practices.

Formal collocation 'donner sa démission' meaning to resign.

La forteresse, après un siège de plusieurs mois, finit par se donner à l'ennemi.

The fortress, after a siege of several months, finally surrendered to the enemy.

Historical/literary use of 'se donner' meaning to surrender or yield.

Ses explications alambiquées ne donnent pas le change ; tout le monde a perçu sa supercherie.

His convoluted explanations do not fool anyone; everyone perceived his deception.

Advanced use of 'donner le change' in a negative context, meaning to fail to deceive.

Il s'est donné pour mission de réhabiliter la mémoire de cet écrivain injustement oublié.

He made it his mission to rehabilitate the memory of this unjustly forgotten writer.

Reflexive construction 'se donner pour mission' meaning to take upon oneself a specific task.

Les vignes de cette région donnent un vin d'une complexité aromatique tout à fait exceptionnelle.

The vines of this region yield a wine of truly exceptional aromatic complexity.

Agricultural/oenological use of 'donner' meaning to yield or produce, used in a sophisticated descriptive context.

Common Collocations

donner un coup de main

donner l'heure

donner faim / soif

donner sur

donner un coup de fil

donner rendez-vous

donner raison à

donner lieu à

se donner à fond

donner naissance à

Common Phrases

Je te le donne en mille

— I give you a thousand guesses. Used when you are about to tell someone something surprising that they would never guess.

Devine qui j'ai croisé ce matin ? Je te le donne en mille : notre ancien professeur !

Donner sa langue au chat

— To give one's tongue to the cat. Used to say 'I give up' when trying to guess a riddle or answer a question.

C'est trop dur, je ne trouve pas la solution, je donne ma langue au chat.

Ne pas savoir où donner de la tête

— Not knowing which way to turn. Used when someone is overwhelmed with work or tasks.

Avec tous ces dossiers à traiter, je ne sais plus où donner de la tête.

Donner le bon Dieu sans confession

— To give the good Lord without confession. Used to describe someone who looks incredibly innocent and trustworthy, perhaps deceptively so.

Il a l'air si gentil qu'on lui donnerait le bon Dieu sans confession.

Donner de la confiture aux cochons

— To give jam to pigs. Equivalent to 'casting pearls before swine', meaning offering something valuable to someone who cannot appreciate it.

Lui offrir ce grand vin, c'est donner de la confiture aux cochons.

Donner le change

— To keep up appearances. Used when someone is hiding their true feelings or situation to deceive others.

Malgré sa tristesse, il a réussi à donner le change pendant toute la soirée.

S'en donner à cœur joie

— To do something to one's heart's content. Used when someone is thoroughly enjoying an activity, often with abandon.

Les enfants s'en sont donné à cœur joie dans le parc d'attractions.

Donner carte blanche

— To give a blank check / free rein. Used when giving someone complete authority or freedom to do as they please.

Le patron m'a donné carte blanche pour organiser cet événement.

Donner le vertige

— To make dizzy. Used literally for heights, or figuratively for something overwhelming or staggering.

Les chiffres de cette entreprise sont si énormes qu'ils donnent le vertige.

Donner suite à

— To follow up on. Used in formal or professional contexts to indicate taking action on a request or application.

Nous ne pourrons malheureusement pas donner suite à votre candidature.

Often Confused With

donner vs Offrir

Learners use 'donner' for gifts. 'Offrir' must be used when giving a present or treating someone.

donner vs Faire

Learners use 'faire' for sensations (faire faim). 'Donner' must be used for causing physical sensations like hunger, thirst, or dizziness.

donner vs Prêter

Learners sometimes confuse giving permanently (donner) with lending temporarily (prêter).

Idioms & Expressions

"Donner un coup de main"

— To lend a hand. To help someone with a physical task or a problem.

Je vais te donner un coup de main pour peindre ta chambre.

Informal

"Donner un coup de fil"

— To make a phone call. Literally 'to give a blow of the wire'.

N'oublie pas de me donner un coup de fil quand tu arrives.

Informal

"Donner sa langue au chat"

— To give up guessing. Used when you cannot find the answer to a question or riddle.

Je ne sais pas du tout, je donne ma langue au chat.

Informal

"Ne pas savoir où donner de la tête"

— To be completely overwhelmed with tasks and not know where to start.

J'ai trois examens demain, je ne sais plus où donner de la tête.

Neutral

"Donner le feu vert"

— To give the green light. To authorize or approve a project or action.

Le directeur a enfin donné le feu vert pour lancer la campagne.

Neutral

"Donner dans le panneau"

— To fall into the trap. To be fooled or deceived by a trick.

L'arnaque était évidente, mais il a quand même donné dans le panneau.

Informal

"Se donner en spectacle"

— To make a spectacle of oneself. To behave in a loud, embarrassing, or dramatic way in public.

Arrête de crier comme ça, tu es en train de te donner en spectacle !

Neutral

"Donner le bon exemple"

— To set a good example. To behave in a way that others should imitate.

En tant que grand frère, tu dois donner le bon exemple.

Neutral

"Donner le change"

— To keep up appearances. To hide one's true situation or feelings.

Il est ruiné, mais il continue de donner le change en conduisant une belle voiture.

Formal

"Donner du fil à retordre"

— To give someone a hard time. To cause difficulties or complications for someone.

Cet exercice de mathématiques m'a donné du fil à retordre.

Neutral

Easily Confused

donner vs Offrir

Both translate to 'to give' in English in certain contexts.

'Donner' is a neutral transfer of an object. 'Offrir' implies a gift, a treat, or an act of generosity. You 'donne' a pen to a coworker, but you 'offre' a necklace to your wife.

Je donne le dossier à mon patron. J'offre des fleurs à ma mère.

donner vs Faire

English uses 'make' for causation (It makes me hungry), which translates to 'faire'.

In French, certain physical and emotional states are 'given' to you, not 'made'. You use 'donner' for faim, soif, envie, le vertige, la nausée.

Ce gâteau me donne envie. (Not: Ce gâteau me fait envie).

donner vs Rendre

Both involve transferring something.

'Rendre' means to give BACK or to return something to its original owner. 'Donner' is the initial act of giving.

Je te donne ce livre aujourd'hui, mais tu dois me le rendre demain.

donner vs Passer

In English, 'pass me the salt' is similar to 'give me the salt'.

'Passer' is used for handing something briefly or moving it across a space, often at a table. It is very similar to 'donner' in this context but emphasizes the movement.

Peux-tu me passer le sel ? (Or: Peux-tu me donner le sel ?)

donner vs Fournir

Both mean to provide or supply.

'Fournir' is more formal and usually refers to supplying necessary materials, equipment, or data, often in a professional or continuous context.

L'école fournit les livres, mais les parents donnent l'argent pour les repas.

Sentence Patterns

[Sujet] donne [Objet Direct] à [Objet Indirect].

Je donne une pomme à mon ami.

[Sujet] [Pronom OD] [Pronom OI] donne.

Je le lui donne.

[Sujet] donne [Sensation] à [Quelqu'un].

Ce bruit me donne mal à la tête.

[Lieu] donne sur [Lieu].

Le balcon donne sur le jardin.

[Sujet] donne lieu à [Nom].

Cette décision donne lieu à un débat.

[Sujet] donne à [Infinitive].

Ce livre donne à réfléchir.

Il est donné à [Quelqu'un] de [Infinitive].

Il n'est pas donné à tous de réussir.

[Sujet] se donne pour [Nom/Infinitive].

Il se donne pour mission de sauver l'entreprise.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Top 50 most frequently used verbs in the French language.

Common Mistakes

Je donne un cadeau à ma mère pour son anniversaire. → J'offre un cadeau à ma mère pour son anniversaire.
While grammatically correct, 'donner' is too transactional for a gift. 'Offrir' is the culturally correct verb for giving presents.
Je donne le à lui. → Je le lui donne.
In French, object pronouns must be placed before the conjugated verb, and the direct object (le/la/les) must precede the indirect object (lui/leur) in the third person.
Donne me le s'il te plaît. → Donne-le-moi s'il te plaît.
In affirmative commands, pronouns follow the verb with hyphens. The direct object (le) comes before the indirect object, and 'me' changes to the stressed pronoun 'moi'.
Cette odeur me fait faim. → Cette odeur me donne faim.
English speakers translate 'makes me hungry' directly using 'faire'. In French, physical sensations like hunger and thirst are caused by 'donner'.
Je donne le livre à le professeur. → Je donne le livre au professeur.
The preposition 'à' must contract with the definite article 'le' to form 'au'. 'À le' is always grammatically incorrect.

Tips

The Preposition 'À'

Always remember that 'donner' requires the preposition 'à' before the recipient if you are using nouns. 'Je donne le livre à Paul'. Do not forget to contract 'à + le' to 'au' and 'à + les' to 'aux'.

Gifts = Offrir

Burn this into your memory: if it is a birthday, Christmas, or a romantic gesture, NEVER use 'donner'. Always use 'offrir' for gifts.

Pronoun Order

Memorize the double pronoun order: me/te/nous/vous comes BEFORE le/la/les, which comes BEFORE lui/leur. 'Je te le donne' but 'Je le lui donne'.

Coup de main

Use 'donner un coup de main' instead of 'aider' in casual conversation to instantly sound more fluent and natural.

Donner sur

When renting an apartment or describing a house, use 'donner sur' to explain the view. 'La chambre donne sur la rue' (The bedroom faces the street).

Imperative Hyphens

When writing commands, do not forget the hyphens! It is 'Donne-le-moi', not 'Donne le moi'.

Silent R

The 'r' at the end of 'donner' is completely silent. It sounds exactly like the past participle 'donné'.

Coup de fil

Instead of saying 'Je vais te téléphoner', say 'Je vais te donner un coup de fil'. It is much more idiomatic.

Sensations

Remember that things 'give' you hunger, thirst, and dizziness in French. Use 'donner faim', 'donner soif', 'donner le vertige'.

Donner à réfléchir

Use the phrase 'Cela donne à réfléchir' (That gives food for thought) in essays or deep conversations to show advanced proficiency.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a DONOR named DON giving you a shiny new penny. DON-nay (donner) means to give.

Visual Association

Picture a giant pair of hands handing over a brightly wrapped box. The hands have the letters D-O-N-N-E-R tattooed on the knuckles.

Word Web

donner don donneur cadeau offrir recevoir main partager

Challenge

Try to use 'donner' in three different ways today: once for a physical object (Je donne le stylo), once for a sensation (Ça me donne faim), and once in an idiom (donner un coup de main).

Word Origin

The French verb 'donner' comes directly from the Latin verb 'donare', which means 'to give as a gift' or 'to present'. 'Donare' itself is derived from the Latin noun 'donum', meaning 'gift'. It has been a core part of the French language since its earliest Old French forms. The root is shared with many English words related to giving, such as 'donate' and 'donor'.

Original meaning: To give as a gift or to present something to someone.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Gallo-Romance > French

Cultural Context

notes: There are no major cultural sensitivities associated with the word 'donner' itself, but be aware of the polite register. When asking someone to give you something, always use 's'il vous plaît' or the conditional 'pourriez-vous me donner', as a direct imperative ('donnez-moi') can sound rude or demanding.

English speakers often overuse 'donner' because 'to give' covers almost all contexts in English. Learning to split 'to give' into 'donner' (general transfer) and 'offrir' (gifting) is a major cultural and linguistic milestone.

'Donnant donnant' - A famous 2010 French comedy film directed by Isabelle Mergault. 'Donner pour donner' - A well-known song by France Gall and Elton John. 'L'art de donner' - A common phrase used in French literature to describe the elegance of generosity.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a restaurant or café

Pouvez-vous me donner l'addition ?
Cela me donne faim.
Donnez-moi une minute, s'il vous plaît.
Je vous donne votre monnaie.

Asking for directions

Pouvez-vous me donner des indications ?
La rue donne sur la place.
Donnez-moi un point de repère.
Où donne cette porte ?

In a classroom

Le professeur donne des devoirs.
Donnez-moi vos copies.
Je donne un exemple.
Qui peut me donner la réponse ?

Helping someone

Je te donne un coup de main.
Donne-moi ça, c'est lourd.
Je me donne du mal pour t'aider.
Donne-moi de tes nouvelles.

Expressing feelings

Ça me donne le vertige.
Tu me donnes mal à la tête.
Ce film donne à réfléchir.
Ça me donne envie de pleurer.

Conversation Starters

"Qu'est-ce qui te donne le plus de joie dans la vie ?"

"Est-ce que tu préfères donner ou recevoir des cadeaux ?"

"Quel est le meilleur conseil qu'on t'ait jamais donné ?"

"Y a-t-il un livre ou un film qui t'a vraiment donné à réfléchir récemment ?"

"Est-ce que tu donnes souvent de l'argent aux associations caritatives ?"

Journal Prompts

Racontez une fois où vous vous êtes donné à fond pour atteindre un objectif.

Décrivez la vue depuis la fenêtre de votre chambre. Sur quoi donne-t-elle ?

Écrivez sur la différence entre donner et offrir dans votre propre culture.

Faites une liste de choses qui vous donnent le vertige ou qui vous font peur.

Racontez une situation où vous avez dû donner un coup de main à un inconnu.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In French culture, the verb 'donner' feels too transactional and mechanical for a gift. 'Offrir' carries the connotation of generosity, thoughtfulness, and wanting to please the recipient. Using 'donner' for a birthday present sounds like you are just handing over an object without any emotional attachment.

It depends on what follows. If it is an adjective, you use 'rendre' (Cela me rend triste - This makes me sad). If it is a specific noun related to a physical sensation or desire, you use 'donner' (Cela me donne faim - This makes me hungry; Cela me donne envie - This makes me want to).

'Donner' is the standard active verb (to give something to someone). 'Se donner' is the reflexive form. It can mean to give something to oneself, to give things to each other (reciprocal), or it can be used in idioms like 'se donner à fond' (to give it your all) or 'se donner rendez-vous' (to arrange to meet).

In a standard sentence, object pronouns go before the conjugated verb. If you have two, the order is: me/te/nous/vous -> le/la/les -> lui/leur. For example: 'Je te le donne' (I give it to you). 'Je le lui donne' (I give it to him).

In an affirmative command (imperative), the pronouns go AFTER the verb, attached with hyphens, and the order changes slightly: direct object first, then indirect object. 'Me' and 'te' become 'moi' and 'toi'. Example: 'Donne-le-moi' (Give it to me). In a negative command, they go back before the verb: 'Ne me le donne pas'.

Yes, absolutely. The expression 'donner sur' is used to describe what a window, door, room, or building overlooks or faces. For example, 'La cuisine donne sur le jardin' means 'The kitchen overlooks the garden'.

Yes, 'donner' is a completely regular '-er' verb. It follows the standard conjugation pattern for the vast majority of French verbs, making it very easy to conjugate in all tenses (je donne, tu donnes, il donne, nous donnons, vous donnez, ils donnent).

It is a very common, playful idiom that literally translates to 'to give one's tongue to the cat'. It means 'I give up' and is used specifically when you cannot guess the answer to a riddle, a trivia question, or a puzzle.

The exact equivalent is 'donner un coup de main' (literally: to give a blow of the hand). It is extremely common in everyday spoken French. Example: 'Tu peux me donner un coup de main ?' (Can you give me a hand?).

The most common slang or highly informal alternative to 'donner' is 'filer'. You will hear this constantly in casual conversations or movies. For example, 'File-moi ton numéro' means 'Give me your number'.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence in the present tense saying you give an apple to the teacher.

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

Requires 'je donne', direct object 'une pomme', and contraction 'au' (à + le).