Please clarify usage of emménager vs déménager

Tom G.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Please clarify usage of emménager vs déménager

In the second part of the last sentence, "je viens juste d'emménager à Berlin !" is the correct answer.

I used déménager because I thought it was the general verb to use when moving from one place or one city to another.

And, I thought emménager implied moving into a house or apartment, rather than moving from one city to another.

Please clarify the different meanings. Thanks

Asked 3 years ago
Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Hi Tom,

Looking at the synonyms usually provides a clue.

emménager  --> to move in     "installer / s'installer" physically install oneself elsewhere.

déménager  --> to move house  "déloger / partir"

so to "move in" doesn't necessarily involve actually moving house.

This is the key point as I understand it.

Hope it helps.

Jim

CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Tom, 

Just to add to Jim's answer, I have checked and both 'emménager' and 'déménager are given as possibilities for -

I just moved to Berlin = Je viens d'emménager à Berlin/ Je viens de déménager à Berlin

Strictly speaking :

emménager = to move in to a place 

déménager = to move out 

depends on the direction of play what you are emphasising.

You can say -

emménager dans une nouvelle entreprise / ville/ région etc.

Hope this helps! 

Please clarify usage of emménager vs déménager

In the second part of the last sentence, "je viens juste d'emménager à Berlin !" is the correct answer.

I used déménager because I thought it was the general verb to use when moving from one place or one city to another.

And, I thought emménager implied moving into a house or apartment, rather than moving from one city to another.

Please clarify the different meanings. Thanks

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Clever stuff happening!