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

Introduction to the verb défenestrer

Get the present tense conjugation of défenestrer. Includes a FREE downloadable reference sheet (no email required). Alternatively if you have a lot of text to check then use our free French Grammar Checker – no registration required!

The English translation of the French verb “défenestrer” is “to defenestrate.” The pronunciation of the infinitive form “défenestrer” is [day-fuh-nes-tray].

Table of Contents

The word “défenestrer” originates from the Latin word “fenestra” which means “window.” It refers to the act of throwing someone or something out of a window. In everyday French, it is rarely used in a literal sense and is more commonly employed figuratively to describe the removal, dismissal, or exclusion of someone or something.

Three simple examples of its usage with their respective English translations are:

Les manifestants ont défenestré les portraits du président. (The protesters defenestrated the portraits of the president.)
Le journaliste a été défenestré de son poste après avoir publié l’article controversé. (The journalist was defenestrated from his position after publishing the controversial article.)
Suite à la réunion, ils ont défenestré l’idée de réforme proposée. (Following the meeting, they dismissed the proposed reform idea.)

Défenestrer – 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 défenestrer

Pronoun	Conjugation	Short Example	English Translation
je	défenestre	Je défenestre la bouteille par la fenêtre.	I throw the bottle out the window.
tu	défenestres	Tu défenestres les papiers rapidement.	You throw the papers out quickly.
il	défenestre	Il défenestre le ballon par la porte.	He throws the ball out the door.
elle	défenestre	Elle défenestre le jouet par la fenêtre.	She throws the toy out the window.
on	défenestre	On défenestre les vieux vêtements.	We throw out the old clothes.
nous	défenestrons	Nous défenestrons les déchets tous les jours.	We throw out the garbage every day.
vous	défenestrez	Vous défenestrez les fleurs pour les offrir.	You throw out the flowers to give them away.
ils	défenestrent	Ils défenestrent les objets inutiles.	They throw out the useless objects.
elles	défenestrent	Elles défenestrent les livres usés.	They throw out the worn-out books.