Enseigner ou apprendre?

Bonjour, Barrie,

This is a good question. I almost used "enseigner", too. But, decided on "apprendre" instead. 

If I am correct, my understanding is that "enseigner" is used for more formal, or structured learning situations: at school, college, or with a paid instructor, for example. That is, in a more professional capacity. Whereas, "apprendre" can be used for less formal situations as well.

Collins gives these examples:

to teach somebody something (at school, college, university): enseigner quelque chose à quelqu’un

She teaches physics. Elle enseigne la physique.

to teach somebody how to do something: apprendre à faire quelque chose à quelqu’un

My sister taught me to swim. Ma sœur m’a appris à nager.

I hope this helps, 

Bonne Journee,

Hilary

Thanks Hilary, all is now clear. I use the Word Reference on-line dictionary and this difference wasn't noted as per your Collins but, looking again at WR, I now see that the examples of usage show enseigner used in a professional context.

Happy that my explanation clarified the question for you, Barrie!

I use Collins Dictionary a lot and the LAROUSSE online dictionary is helpful, too. If you search "teach" using English-French in their Dictionnaires Bilingues, you will find excellent and detailed definitions of both "apprendre" and "enseigner".

The LAROUSSE Langue Francaise dictionary is also a great resource.

Bonne Journee !

Hilary