Published March 21, 2024 • Updated October 20, 2026 — By French teacher David Issokson with native audio by Marie Assel Cambier
Demander is a French verb meaning “to ask,” “to ask for,” or “to request.” To ask someone for something, use demander + thing + à + person. To ask someone to do something, use demander à + person + de + infinitive. The reflexive form se demander means “to wonder.”
Demander example sentences
This first example sentence uses the structure: demander + thing + à + person; meaning to ask somebody for something. Unlike English, the word order is flipped. The thing you’re asking for comes first then add the person.
Je demande un livre à ma fille.
I ask my daughter for a book.
This second example sentence uses the structure: demander à + person + de + take action (verb); meaning to ask somebody to do something.
Je demande à mon mari de mettre la table.
I ask my husband to set the table.
In French, the verb demander can also be followed by a noun (or direct object). To ask for + blank. To ask for the time, for example, is demander l’heure.
Je suis perdu. Je dois demander le chemin.
I’m lost. I have to ask the way.
Se demander – to wonder
As reflexive verb, se demander means “to wonder”.
Je me demande pourquoi le français est tellement difficile.
I wonder why French is so difficult.
👉 See also: Commander (to order) »
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🔗 Related words and expressions
- se renseigner — to inquire, find out
- poser une question — to ask a question
- questionner — to question
- interroger — to question, ask
- solliciter — to request, seek
- réclamer — to demand, ask for
- prier quelqu’un de — to ask someone to
- s’interroger — to wonder, question oneself
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