rentrée des classes
The English phrase "back to school" is translated into French as rentrée des classes.
This phrase refers to the period when students return to school after the summer vacation. In common usage, the phrase is often shortened to la rentrée to refer to the back-to-school period or the general return to a routine after summer. la rentrée is used not only for students returning to school but also to describe the general return of the workforce and social activity after the summer holidays.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase rentrée des classes literally translates to the return of the classes.
Which one should you use?
la rentrée scolaire can be used as a more specific synonym to clarify that the return refers specifically to schools rather than the general professional season. In France, la rentrée universitaire is used to refer to the beginning of the university year.
How does it change in a sentence?
The shortened form la rentrée can be used to mean the return / the start of the new season.
Did you know?
- For the professional and artistic worlds in France, la rentrée functions as a psychological New Year's Day rather than January 1st.
- The word rentrée is derived from rentrer, which means 'to re-enter'. While 'enter' is used for entering a room, rentrer specifically implies returning to a place where one belongs, such as home or school.
- In France, the liste de fournitures is a strict set of required school supplies that parents traditionally shop for as a ritual part of la rentrée.
Examples in context
- Les enseignants préparent la rentrée des classes.Teachers are preparing for back to school.
- La rentrée universitaire se déroule début septembre.The start of the university year takes place in early September.
- La rentrée des classes préparatoires est exigeante.The start of the preparatory classes is demanding.
- Tout le monde prépare la rentrée des classes.Everyone is preparing for the return to school.
- Elle est stressée pour la rentrée des classes.She is stressed about the return to school.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are shopping for supplies.
- GabrielTu as ton sac pour la rentrée des classes ?Do you have your bag for back to school?
- ChloéOui, je l'ai acheté hier.Yes, I bought it yesterday.
- GabrielMoi aussi, je suis prêt.Me too, I am ready.
- ChloéC'est parti pour une nouvelle année !Here we go for a new year!
