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

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