CE2
masculine
In French, third grade is translated as CE2.
Meaning: Translations (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The acronym CE2 stands for cours élémentaire 2ème année, which literally means 'second year of elementary course'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to the grade level in a sentence, CE2 is used as a masculine noun and is often preceded by the definite article le.
When do people say it?
In the French education system, CE2 is the third year of the 'école élémentaire' (elementary school) cycle, typically for children aged 8 to 9.
Did you know?
- While CE2 is the standard term in France, a student in the same age group in Belgium or Switzerland would use entirely different terminology to describe their grade.
- While 'third grade' is the third year of school for many, CE2 is actually the second year of the 'cours élémentaire' cycle. This creates a mismatch between the number of years a child has been in school and the number in the acronym.
- The acronym CE2 is so ingrained in daily life that it is frequently used as a shorthand for the age of 8 or 9 when reminiscing about childhood memories.
Examples in context
- Tom connaît Mary depuis le CE2.Tom has known Mary since third grade.This sentence shows how to express the duration of a relationship starting from the CE2.Tatoeba #6848030 by GB3, translation #6664648 by CK
- J'enseigne en CE2.I teach third grade.This sentence demonstrates how to state that you teach the CE2 grade level.Tatoeba #10601176 by lbdx, translation #2407222 by CK
- L'enfant est actuellement en troisième année.The child is currently in the third grade.
- Mon fils est en CE2 cette année.My son is in third grade this year.
Example conversation
Two parents are talking at a school gate.
- ChloéLucas, est-ce que ton fils est toujours en CE2 ?Lucas, is your son still in third grade?
- LucasOui, il vient de commencer le CE2.Yes, he just started third grade.
- ChloéMa fille aussi est en CE2.My daughter is in third grade too.
- LucasAlors, ils sont dans la même classe !Then they are in the same class!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “third grade” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
