la moyenne
The English phrase 'passing grade' is translated into French as la moyenne.
la moyenne refers to the minimum score required to pass a test or a course.
Which one should you use?
While la moyenne refers specifically to the threshold required to pass, la note refers to the specific score or mark received on an assignment or exam.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say someone 'passed' or 'got the passing grade', use the verb 'avoir' (to have) with the phrase: avoir la moyenne.
Did you know?
- While la moyenne is the goal for most, a score of 20/20 is so rare in France that it is sometimes viewed as an insult or a sign that the teacher was not rigorous enough.
- In France, la moyenne is almost always 10 out of 20. This makes the 'passing grade' the exact mathematical middle of the scale.
- In French, la moyenne literally translates to 'the average', which can be confusing if you are expecting a word that means 'the minimum requirement'.
Examples in context
- J'ai obtenu la mention passable dans cette matière.I got a passing grade in this subject.
- Il faut obtenir une note suffisante pour réussir l'examen.You need to get a passing grade to pass the exam.
- J'ai eu la moyenne !I passed!
- J'ai eu la moyenne de justesse.I barely passed.
- Tu as eu la mention passable à l'examen de mathématiques ?Did you get a passing grade in the math exam?
- J'ai obtenu une note suffisante pour passer l'année.I got a passing grade to move on to the next year.
- Il a eu la moyenne à son examen.He got the passing grade on his exam.
- Quelle est la moyenne pour réussir cet examen ?What is the passing grade for this exam?
- J'ai eu juste la moyenne à mon test.I barely got the passing grade on my test.
- La moyenne est fixée à dix sur vingt.The passing grade is set at ten out of twenty.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are discussing their recent university results in a cafe.
- GabrielEst-ce que tu connais la moyenne de l'examen ?Do you know the passing grade for the exam?
- ChloéOui, c'est dix sur vingt.Yes, it is ten out of twenty.
- GabrielOuf, j'ai eu la moyenne !Phew, I got the passing grade!
- ChloéFélicitations, Gabriel !Congratulations, Gabriel!
