Le Present (Present Tense) Conjugation of the French Verb décerveler

Introduction to the verb décerveler

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The English translation of the French verb décerveler is “to brainwash”. The infinitive form is pronounced as “day-ser-vuh-lay”.

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Décerveler originates from the combination of the prefix “dé-” (meaning “to remove”) and the noun “cerveau” (meaning “brain”). In everyday French, décerveler is most often used figuratively to describe the act of manipulating or indoctrinating someone.

Examples:

Ils ont essayé de le décerveler avec leurs idées extrémistes. (They tried to brainwash him with their extremist ideas.)
Les publicités agressives cherchent à décerveler les consommateurs. (Aggressive advertisements seek to brainwash consumers.)
Cette secte utilise des techniques pour décerveler ses adeptes. (This cult uses techniques to brainwash its followers.)

Décerveler – About the French Present Tense

The French present tense, also known as “le présent,” is used to describe actions that are happening at the moment of speaking or for actions that are habitual, general truths, or that will occur in the near future. It’s the most basic and common tense in French.

To take a deep dive into all the French tenses then see our article on Mastering French Tense Conjugation.

Common Everyday Usage Patterns For Le Present

1. Describing Actions in the Present: The present tense is used to describe actions happening right now or at the moment of speaking. For example: “Je parle avec mon ami” (I am talking to my friend).

2. Expressing Habits and Routines: The present tense is used to talk about habitual actions or routines. For example: “Je travaille tous les jours” (I work every day).

3. Stating General Truths: The present tense is used to express general truths or facts. For example: “La Terre tourne autour du soleil” (The Earth orbits around the sun).

4. Talking about Near Future: The present tense can be used to express future actions that are very imminent or part of a planned schedule. For example: “Je pars demain matin” (I am leaving tomorrow morning).

Interactions with Other Tenses

– Present vs. Future Tense: In some cases, the French present tense can be used to express the future when the context makes it clear that the action is imminent. However, for actions further in the future or less certain, the future tense is typically used.

– Present vs. Past Tenses: To describe actions that occurred in the past, you would use the past tenses like the passé composé (compound past) or the imparfait (imperfect). The choice between these past tenses depends on the specific aspect and circumstances of the past action.

– Present vs. Conditional Tense: The conditional tense is used to express actions that are dependent on a condition. If a condition is met, the action may happen. The present tense is used for actions in the present, while the conditional is used for hypothetical or future actions based on conditions.

– Present vs. Imperative: The imperative mood is used to give commands or make requests. The present tense is used for general statements, and the imperative is used for direct orders or requests.

Understanding the French present tense and its interactions with other tenses is crucial for effective communication in French. Without it, you cannot become proficient!

Table of the Present Tense Conjugation of décerveler

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	décervèle	Je décervèle le poisson.	I brainwash the fish.
tu	décervèles	Tu décervèles le chien.	You brainwash the dog.
il	décervèle	Il décervèle le chat.	He brainwashes the cat.
elle	décervèle	Elle décervèle l’oiseau.	She brainwashes the bird.
on	décervèle	On décervèle les souris.	One brainwashes the mice.
nous	décervelons	Nous décervelons les lapins.	We brainwash the rabbits.
vous	décervelez	Vous décervelez les rats.	You brainwash the rats.
ils	décervèlent	Ils décervèlent les reptiles.	They brainwash the reptiles.
elles	décervèlent	Elles décervèlent les insectes.	They brainwash the insects.