cours universitaire
The English phrase 'university course' is translated into French as cours universitaire.
The term refers to a program of study or a specific class taught at a university.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In French-speaking Switzerland, the expression cours à l'uni is sometimes used to mean 'university course'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is a masculine noun phrase, so it uses the masculine article un cours universitaire. To make the phrase plural, you say cours universitaires.
What mistakes should you avoid?
When using the singular form, do not remove the 's' from cours. The 's' is part of the singular spelling of the word.
Did you know?
- In French, cours can mean a 'class' or 'lesson', but it also refers to the 'exchange rate' of a currency or the 'price' of a stock on the market.
- Students often use the slang term CM (short for cours magistral) to describe a large, formal university course delivered as a lecture to a big auditorium.
- While an English speaker might say they are 'taking a course', a French speaker often says suivre un cours, which literally translates to 'following a course'.
Examples in context
- Il suit un cours universitaire de droit.He is taking a university law course.
- Ce cours universitaire est très difficile.This university course is very difficult.
- Je dois m'inscrire à un nouveau cours universitaire.I need to enroll in a new university course.
- Quel cours universitaire préférez-vous ?Which university course do you prefer?
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are discussing their class schedules.
- LéaTu suis quel cours universitaire ce semestre ?Which university course are you taking this semester?
- LucasJe suis un cours universitaire de sociologie.I am taking a university course in sociology.
- LéaC'est intéressant ! C'est un cours universitaire stimulant ?That's interesting! Is it a stimulating university course?
- LucasOui, Lucas adore ce professeur.Yes, Lucas loves this professor.
