éducation civique
feminine
The English phrase "social studies" is translated into French as éducation civique. Wiktionary also lists juridique et sociale.
Meaning: study of various subjects (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| éducation civique | feminine |
| juridique et sociale | feminine |
The term refers to the study of various subjects.
Which one should you use?
Sciences sociales, Études sociales and Sciences humaines et sociales are all formal ways to express the concept of social studies in French.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both éducation civique and juridique et sociale are feminine nouns.
Did you know?
- The term éducation civique is often linked to the French concept of 'laïcité', which is the strict separation of church and state taught in the classroom.
- In some contexts, éducation civique is paired with 'morale', forming a subject called éducation morale et civique (EMC).
- The word civique comes from the Latin civicus, which refers specifically to the status of a citizen of a city-state.
Examples in context
- Les sciences sociales sont très intéressantes.Social studies are very interesting.
- Il étudie l'éducation civique à l'école.He studies social studies at school.
- Nous avons un examen d'éducation civique.We have a social studies exam.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing their school schedule in a hallway.
- LucasTu as cours d'éducation civique aujourd'hui ?Do you have social studies class today?
- ManonOui, Lucas, j'ai cours à dix heures.Yes, Lucas, I have class at ten o'clock.
- LucasC'est une matière difficile pour toi ?Is it a difficult subject for you?
- ManonNon, l'éducation civique est assez facile.No, social studies is quite easy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “social studies” translations and entries éducation civique, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries civique, et, juridique, éducation, CC BY-SA 4.0.
