Dr Mrs Vandertramp is the classic memory trick French learners rely on to remember the specific verbs that use être in the passé composé. Each letter stands for a verb linked to movement or a change of state: Descendre, Rentrer, Monter, Retourner, Sortir, Venir, Arriver, Naître, Devenir, Entrer, Revenir, Tomber, Rester, Aller, Mourir, and Par