How do you decide if verbs use the avoir or être auxiliary verb in the perfect tense?

Most verbs use the 'avoir' form in the perfect tense. This is the form you will most commonly encounter, for example 'J'ai mangé' (I ate.) However, the list below, easy to remember by the acronym 'Dr + Mrs Vandertramp', as well as all reflexive verbs take on the être form in the perfect tense. Devenir (to become)Revenir (to come back)+Monter (to go up)Rentrer (to go back) Sortir (to go out)Venir (to come)Arriver (to arrive)Naître (to be born)Descendre (to go down)Entrer (to enter)Retourner (to return)Tomber (to fall)Rester (to stay)Aller (to go)Mourir (to die)Partir (to leave)For example, je suis allé (I went) NOTE: verbs that use the être auxiliary verb in the perfect tense require an agreement e.g. elles sont tombées.