Definite Articles in French

What's a Definite Article?

The definite article is used to talk about specific nouns. It comes before the noun, and is used to indicate that the noun has been defined or identified.

Examples of the French Definite Article in a Sentence

In the first example, a definite article is used because the doctor in question has been identified; we know which doctor the person is talking about: "the doctor I saw yesterday."

In the second example, a definite article is used because we are talking about a specific bus. The person is referring to one that was scheduled to arrive at a specific time, such as the 6:54 a.m. bus!

What Does the Definite Article Look Like in French?

The French definite article can take different forms. Just like adjectives, the definite article has to agree in gender and in number with the noun it goes with. Learn about the different forms of the French definite article in the table below!

The Forms of the Definite Article in French

Let's take a look at how the definite article can be used in French!

Examples of the French Definite Article

Now, let's see when we typically use the French definite article!

1. When English Uses The

The French definite article will be used almost every time English would use the.

Examples of the French Definite Article to Mean The

2. When English Uses the Possessive 's

In English, the possessive looks like this: Owner's object. French will switch the order of the owner and the object, and a definite article be used. The preposition de(of) is placed between the object and the owner: le object de owner.

Examples of the French Definite Article to Indicate the Possessive

3. When Referring to Something in General

In French, we use the definite article when talking about something in general. For example:

Examples of the French Definite Article to Refer to Something in General

The Definite Article with the Prepositions À and De

When the definite article is preceded by either the preposition à(at/to/in) or de(of/from), le and les will merge with the preposition, resulting in a contraction. The preposition and the definite article will become one word.

Prepositions and the Definite Article in French

Let's take a look at these French contractions used in a sentence!

Example Sentences Using À or De and a Definite Article in French

The Position of the Definite Article

The definite article will always come before the noun and any adjectives used to describe it (as well as adverbs used to describe the adjective). For example:

Word Order for the Definite Article in French