classe
/klas/feminine
The French word for class is classe.
classe refers to a group, collection, category or set sharing characteristics or attributes. In an academic context, if you are referring specifically to a lecture taught by a professor in a university or higher education setting, you might use the term Le cours magistral.
Meaning: group, collection, category or set sharing characteristics or attributes (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun classe is feminine. Because of this, it is preceded by the feminine indefinite article une or the feminine definite article la. To express the idiomatic phrase 'in class' (meaning to be attending a lesson), use en classe rather than dans la classe, which would instead describe being physically inside the classroom.
How do you pronounce it?
/klas/
Did you know?
- The word classe comes from the Latin classis, which originally referred to a division of the Roman people based on their wealth and military obligations.
- To describe someone as having 'class' in terms of elegance or social standing, you can use the exact same word, avoir de la classe.
- The French word classé can mean both 'categorized' and 'ranked', such as in a sports competition or a historical monument listing.
Examples in context
- Tom est en classe.Tom is in class.This sentence shows how to use classe to say someone is in class.Tatoeba #8730426 by Julien_PDC, translation #2273217 by CK
- Ils sont en classe.They are in class.This sentence demonstrates using classe to say they are in class.Tatoeba #1119672 by Sibelius, translation #317707 by CK
- On se voit en classe.See you in class.This sentence shows how to use classe to say 'See you in class'.Tatoeba #7047061 by Aiji, translation #2648763 by CK
- J'ai besoin d'assister au cours de français.I need to attend the French class.
- Le cours de mathématiques commence à neuf heures.The math class starts at nine o'clock.
- Elle donne une leçon de biologie aux étudiants.She gives a biology lesson to the students.
- On a cours de maths ensemble cet après-midi ?Do we have math class together this afternoon?
- Nous devons assister au cours magistral de sociologie demain.We have to attend the sociology lecture tomorrow.
- Le cours magistral de physique est très intéressant.The physics lecture is very interesting.
- 352 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are discussing their school schedule.
- LucasQuelle est ta classe cette année ?Which class are you in this year?
- LéaJe suis dans la classe de terminale.I am in the senior year class.
- LucasMa classe est dans un autre bâtiment.My class is in another building.
- LéaC'est dommage, on ne sera pas ensemble.That's a shame, we won't be together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “class” translations and entries classe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries classe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
