Recognising regular -dre verbs in the historic past in French (Le Passé Simple)

Written by Qualified French Expert Aurélie Drouard HKH, Licence d'anglais LLCE

Last updated: 2025-04-17

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When learning French, recognising Le Passé Simple (Indicatif) is very important as it is used in literature and other French writings.

Learn to recognise -dre verbs in Le Passé Simple (Indicatif) in French

Look at these examples:

Cette nuit-là, je défendis mon seigneur de toute ma force.That night, I defended my lord with all my strength.

Soudain, tu perdis l'équilibre.Suddenly, you lost your balance.

C'est alors qu'il entendit un hurlement terrifiant.At that moment he heard a terrifying scream.

Nous prétendîmes être endormis.We pretended to be asleep.

Vous répondîtes en même temps.You answered at the same time.

Ils attendirent le Père Noël toute la nuit.They waited for Santa Claus all night long.

To conjugate -dre verbs in Le Passé Simple, here is what to do:

Stem of the verb (without -RE) + endings: -is, -is, -it, -îmes, -îtes, -irent

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