Demander means “to ask for” or “to request” something. It is followed by a noun or a pronoun.
- Example: Je demande un café. (I ask for a coffee.)
- Example: Je demande à Marie. (I ask Marie [something]. )
Poser means “to pose” or “to put” a question. The phrase is poser une question (to ask a question).
- Example: Je pose une question. (I ask a question.)
- Example: Je pose une question à Marie. (I ask Marie a question.)
Here’s a tip: If you can replace the phrase with “ask for,” use demander. If you can replace it with “ask a question,” use poser.
Usage
- Demander + something (noun or pronoun), sometimes with à + person
- Poser + une question, sometimes with à + person
Examples
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Je demande un café. | I ask for a coffee. |
| Je demande à Paul. | I ask Paul (for something). |
| Je pose une question. | I ask a question. |
| Je pose une question à Paul. | I ask Paul a question. |
Je pose une question à Paul.
I ask Paul a question.
Poser une question à quelqu’un means to ask that person a question.
Flashcards (1 of 4)
- English: I ask for a coffee.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
