brevet
/bʁə.vɛ/
The French way to say GCSE is brevet.
The term refers to the set of exams taken by students to certify their level of education at the end of secondary schooling.
Which one should you use?
While GCSEs are taken at the end of secondary school in the UK, the French brevet is the specific exam taken at the end of collège (lower secondary school).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables: /bʁə.vɛ/.
Did you know?
- In French, the word brevet can also refer to a 'patent' for an invention, meaning the same word covers both an academic certificate and a legal right to an idea.
- While the brevet is a major milestone, it is not a requirement to move on to lycée (upper secondary school). Students can progress to the next level of education even if they fail the exams.
- The word brevet shares an etymological root with the English word 'brief', as both stem from the Latin 'brevis' meaning 'short'.
Examples in context
- Quand est-ce que tu passes ton Brevet ?When are you taking your GCSE equivalent exam?
- Il prépare son brevet avec beaucoup de sérieux.He is preparing for his brevet very seriously.
- Elle a réussi son brevet avec mention.She passed her brevet with honors.
- Les élèves révisent pour le brevet cet été.The students are revising for the brevet this summer.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are talking about their school exams in a cafe.
- LéaTu as fini de réviser pour le brevet ?Have you finished revising for the brevet?
- HugoPas encore, c'est vraiment difficile pour moi.Not yet, it is really difficult for me.
- LéaNe t'inquiète pas, tu vas réussir ton brevet.Don't worry, you will pass your brevet.
- HugoMerci Léa, c'est gentil de ta part.Thanks Léa, that's kind of you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry brevet, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries brevet, CC BY-SA 4.0.
