le serment d'allégeance
The English phrase 'the pledge of allegiance' is translated into French as le serment d'allégeance.
This phrase refers to a formal promise of loyalty made to a country or to its flag.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the preposition de (which is contracted to d' before a vowel) to indicate the object of the pledge.
Did you know?
- While the US has a specific 'pledge of allegiance', France does not have a standardized national oath of loyalty recited in schools. Instead, French civic identity is tied to la devise (the motto) 'Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité'.
- The word allégeance focuses on the bond between a subordinate and a superior. This reflects the phrase's origins in feudalism, where a vassal swore loyalty to a lord.
- The word serment is a linguistic doublet of sacrement, meaning 'sacrament'. Both words evolved from the same Latin root sacramentum, but split to distinguish a legal oath from a religious rite.
Examples in context
- Il a prêté le serment d'allégeance.He took the pledge of allegiance.
- Il doit prêter le serment d'allégeance.He must take the pledge of allegiance.
- Le serment d'allégeance est très solennel.The pledge of allegiance is very solemn.
- Ils ont récité le serment d'allégeance ensemble.They recited the pledge of allegiance together.
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are discussing a school ceremony.
- NathanEst-ce qu'on doit dire le serment d'allégeance ?Do we have to say the pledge of allegiance?
- ChloéOui, Nathan, c'est obligatoire demain.Yes, Nathan, it is mandatory tomorrow.
- NathanJe ne connais pas tout le texte.I don't know the whole text.
- ChloéJe peux t'aider à le réviser, Nathan.I can help you review it, Nathan.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries le, serment, CC BY-SA 4.0.
