We will study here all the meanings of the word "de" in French and how you can use it ^^

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1 - Possession

If NOUN 1 possesses NOUN 2, if you say "NOUN 1's NOUN 2" in English, then you have to translate it in French by "NOUN 1 de NOUN 2" in French.
Example :
"Mary's Dog."
"Le chien de Mary."

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2 - Origin

If your coming from somewhere, then in French you're coming "de" somewhere.
To come = Venir (3rd group)


Conjugation of "Venir" :
Je viens
Tu viens
Il/Elle vient
On vient (neutral form)
Nous venons
Vous venez
Ils viennent


Example :
"I'm coming from France."
"Je viens de France."


"We are coming from this school."
"Nous venons de cette école."

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3 - Compound structures

"De" can be translated by "of" in compound structures like theses :


À cause de : Because of
Hors de : Out of
Abus de pouvoir : Abuse of power
Acte de foi : Act of faith


Generally, you can always translate the english "of" by "de".


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EXERCISE :

Translate those sentences in French. You can send me your translation if you want me to correct it =)


1) "Harry's house."
2) "You are coming from Russia."
3) "The theatre of Paris."


Vocabulary for the exercise :
House = Maison
Russia = Russie
The theatre = Le théâtre

About this contribution

For learning	French
Base language	English
Tags	Beginner exercises Lesson
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