réussir un examen
To pass exam in French is réussir un examen.
This phrase is used to express being successful in a test and receiving a passing grade. You can further express the level of success by using the adverb très bien (very well) to say you passed very well.
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between the act of taking a test and the result. While réussir un examen specifically means you were successful and passed it, the phrase passer un examen refers only to the act of sitting for or taking the exam, regardless of whether you passed or failed.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to a specific exam that has already been mentioned, you should replace the indefinite article 'un' with the definite article 'l'' to say réussir l'examen.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use passer un examen when they mean they succeeded. In French, passer un examen means 'to take/sit an exam' and does not indicate if you were successful or not. Use réussir un examen to indicate you passed.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Après avoir terminé mes études, j'ai obtenu mon diplôme avec mention.After completing my studies, I passed my exam with honors.
- Je suis trop content ! J'ai réussi mon examen de français.I'm so happy! I passed my French exam.
- Demain, je vais passer mon examen de conduite.Tomorrow, I'm going to take my driving test.
- Elle a réussi son examen d'histoire de l'art.She passed her art history exam.
- Il est difficile de réussir un examen de maths.It is difficult to pass a math exam.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries examen, réussir, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
