baccalauréat
The leaving cert in French is baccalauréat.
The term baccalauréat is used as a functional translation for the Irish Leaving Cert to convey the concept of a final high school exit exam. The most common and widely recognized term for the Leaving Cert in French is Baccalauréat.
Which one should you use?
In spoken French, the word baccalauréat is almost always shortened to le bac.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Belgium, the Leaving Cert is referred to as CESS.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say someone has passed or obtained their leaving cert, use the verb avoir (to have) rather than passer (to take/pass). For example, use avoir son bac to mean 'to pass one's leaving cert'.
Did you know?
- The word baccalauréat is the direct ancestor of the English word 'baccalaureate' and the degree 'Bachelor', though in French it refers to a high school diploma rather than a university degree.
- The word baccalauréat traces its roots back to the 'laurel berry', a symbol of victory in antiquity. It was originally linked to a term for a 'young man aspiring to knighthood'.
- In France, passing le bac is considered a rite of passage so significant that the results are often treated as a national event, with families gathering to check lists posted publicly.
Examples in context
- Je prépare mon Baccalauréat cette année.I am preparing for my Leaving Cert this year.
- J'ai réussi mon Bac !I passed my Leaving Cert!
- Il passe son baccalauréat en Irlande cette année.He is taking his leaving cert in Ireland this year.
- Le baccalauréat irlandais est un examen très important.The Irish leaving cert is a very important exam.
- Elle travaille dur pour réussir son baccalauréat.She is working hard to pass her leaving cert.
Example conversation
Two students are talking about their upcoming exams.
- LucasTu as peur du baccalauréat, Léa ?Are you afraid of the leaving cert, Léa?
- LéaOui, je ne me sens pas prête.Yes, I don't feel ready.
- LucasOn peut réviser ensemble si tu veux.We can study together if you want.
- LéaC'est gentil, merci beaucoup Lucas !That's kind, thank you very much Lucas!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries baccalauréat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
