We present a theoretical analysis of the D − → π + π − ν andD 0 → π + π 0 ν decays. We construct a general angular distribution which can include arbitrary partial waves of ππ. Retaining the S-wave and P-wave contributions we study the branching ratios, forward-backward asymmetries and a few other observables. The P-wave contribution is dominated by ρ 0 resonance, and the S-wave contribution is analyzed using the unitarized chiral perturbation theory. The obtained branching fraction for D → ρ ν, at the order 10 −3 , is consistent with the available experimental data. The S-wave contribution has a branching ratio at the order of 10 −4 , and this prediction can be tested by experiments like BESIII and LHCb. Future measurements can also be used to examine the π -π scattering phase shift.