Mastering the French system for dates and times is crucial for anyone learning the language or traveling in French-speaking areas. This guide covers the basics of writing dates, telling time using the 24-hour clock, and the vocabulary for days, months, and key time expressions. It also provides practical exercises to enhance proficiency and tips to avoid common errors in date and time notation.
Show More
Dates in French are written with the day preceding the month and the year, and the names of days and months are not capitalized unless they start a sentence
Numbers and Time Terms
To tell time in French, one must be acquainted with the numbers 1-24 and the terms for half and quarter hours
Expressing Time
Time is stated by announcing the hour followed by 'heure(s)' and then the minutes, using phrases like 'et demie' for half past and 'moins le quart' for a quarter to the hour
Articulating dates in French follows a specific sequence, with the day of the week mentioned first if needed, followed by the numerical day and then the month
The 24-hour clock is commonly used in formal contexts, while the 12-hour clock is used informally, with terms like 'du matin' and 'de l'après-midi' providing clarity
To inquire about the time in French, one asks "Quelle heure est-il?" and uses phrases like 'minuit' and 'midi' for midnight and noon
Role-playing and writing tasks are effective for mastering the French date and time system, with activities like creating dialogues and maintaining diaries providing practical application of concepts
00
Capitalization of French days/months
Days and months not capitalized unless starting a sentence.
01
French 24-hour clock usage
24-hour clock avoids AM/PM, e.g., '14:30' is 2:30 PM.
02
Importance of date/time mastery
Essential for appointments, timetables, and travel in French-speaking areas.
