French is not only a beautiful language but also one that is rich in vocabulary related to education. Whether you’re discussing your academic experiences or planning to study in a French-speaking country, knowing these terms can be incredibly useful. Let’s explore some essential French words and phrases that pertain to the realm of education.
École translates to “school” in English. It is a place where students receive education.
Mon fils va à l’école à huit heures tous les matins.
Université means “university.” This is an institution of higher education and research which awards academic degrees in various academic disciplines.
Elle étudie la biologie à l’université.
Collège in French refers to a lower secondary school for pupils aged about 11 to 15.
Ma fille est en troisième année de collège.
Lycée is a term for a secondary school that typically includes grades 10 through 12. It prepares students for university.
Il est professeur de mathématiques au lycée local.
Étudiant or Étudiante means “student.” It refers to a person who is studying at a university or other place of higher education.
Les étudiants préparent leurs examens finaux.
Professeur translates to “teacher” or “professor.” This is someone who teaches in a school, college, or university.
Le professeur de français va nous donner un cours demain.
Cours means “course” or “class.” It refers to a series of lessons or lectures on a particular subject.
Je dois assister à mon cours de biologie à deux heures.
Examen translates as “exam” or “test.” It is a formal test that evaluates a student’s knowledge or proficiency in a subject.
L’examen de mathématiques était difficile.
Note means “grade” in the context of education. It is a standard measure of a student’s performance.
Elle a eu de bonnes notes en histoire.
Diplôme translates to “diploma” or “degree.” It is a certificate awarded by an educational establishment to show that someone has successfully completed a course of study.
Il a reçu son diplôme de l’université le mois dernier.
Bourse means “scholarship” or “grant.” It is financial support granted to a student, based on academic achievement or other criteria, to help fund education.
Elle a obtenu une bourse pour ses études en médecine.
Maternelle refers to “kindergarten” or “preschool.” It is an educational institution for children too young for elementary school.
Mon petit frère va à la maternelle près de notre maison.
Éducation translates to “education.” It is the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university.
L’éducation est essentielle pour le développement d’un pays.
Apprendre means “to learn.” It is the act of acquiring new knowledge or skills.
J’apprends le français pour mon prochain voyage en France.
Enseigner translates to “to teach.” It is the act of giving instruction or teaching someone.
Elle enseigne l’anglais aux étudiants internationaux.
Scolarité means “schooling” or “education.” It refers to the period of time or the process involved in being educated.
La scolarité obligatoire en France dure jusqu’à l’âge de seize ans.
Curriculum in French is also “curriculum.” It refers to the subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college.
Le curriculum du cours inclut la littérature et la composition.
Understanding these terms can greatly enhance your ability to communicate about educational topics in French. Whether you’re discussing academic achievements, educational institutions, or classroom activities, these words provide a solid foundation for engaging in meaningful conversations about education in a French-speaking environment.
