Learning how to write the date in French is essential for anyone studying the language. This guide will provide you with the vocabulary and structure needed to master this skill. Knowing how to express dates in French will enrich your conversations, whether you’re planning an event, writing a letter, or filling out forms.
Writing the date in French involves a unique structure that differs from English. By mastering this skill, you’ll be able to handle various everyday tasks more effectively and communicate more clearly in French-speaking environments.
Check it out!
Numbers in French
Understanding numbers is crucial as they form the backbone of any date format. Knowing how to count and use these numbers in context will make writing and speaking about dates much easier. Let’s review the numbers you’ll need to write the date in French. We will start at 11, but if you want a refresher on the numbers from 0 to 10 in French, check our episode 6.
Numbers from 11 to 31 in French
These are the numbers you’ll use most frequently when writing dates, as they cover the range from the 11th to the 31st of any month. Knowing how to write the date in French is essential.
- Onze
- Douze
- Treize
- Quatorze
- Quinze
- Seize
- Dix-sept
- Dix-huit
- Dix-neuf
- Vingt
- Vingt-et-un
- Vingt-deux
- Vingt-trois
- Trente
Multiples of ten
Learning these multiples will help you when dealing with larger numbers, such as years and centuries.
- Quarante
- Cinquante
- Soixante
- Soixante-dix
- Quatre-vingt
- Quatre-vingt-dix
- Cent
- Deux cents
- Trois cents
- Mille
Days of the Week
Knowing the days of the week is essential for accurately stating dates. Practice using these terms regularly to become more comfortable with them.
- Lundi Monday
- Mardi Tuesday
- Mercredi Wednesday
- Jeudi Thursday
- Vendredi Friday
- Samedi Saturday
- Dimanche Sunday
Months of the Year
The months in French are similar to their English counterparts, which makes them relatively easy to remember and use.
- Janvier January
- Février February
- Mars March
- Avril April
- Mai May
- Juin June
- Juillet July
- Août August
- Septembre September
- Octobre October
- Novembre November
- Décembre December
Would you like to hear these numbers, days and months pronounced? Listen to episode 12 of Season 1 of the Coffee Break French podcast for more insights and useful phrases to learn how to write the date in French.
Structuring the Date
Structuring the date correctly is vital for clear communication. This format is used in both spoken and written French, so practising it will enhance your fluency and help you know how to write the date in French.
To write the date in French, follow this structure:
- day of the week + number + month + year
Unlike in American English, in French, like in British English, the day comes before the month. For example:
- Aujourd’hui nous sommes le lundi vingt mars deux mille vingt-quatre. Today is Monday, March 20, 2024.
- Je suis né le… I was born on…
Examples:
These examples show how dates are structured in real-life contexts, helping you see how the rules are applied.
- Aujourd’hui nous sommes le vendredi douze mai deux mille vingt-trois. Today is Friday, May 12, 2023.
- Je suis né le vingt-cinq décembre mille neuf cent quatre-vingt-dix. I was born on December 25, 1990.
Practice Writing Dates
Practising with different dates will solidify your understanding and help you become more confident in writing them accurately.
- Monday March 14, 2022
- Tuesday August 1, 1995
- Tuesday October 31, 2000
- Thursday July 4, 1776
Answers:
- Le lundi quatorze mars deux mille vingt-deux.
- Le mardi premier août mille neuf cent quatre-vingt-quinze.
- Le mardi trente et un octobre deux mille.
- Le jeudi quatre juillet mille sept cent soixante-seize.
By practising how to write the date in French, you will improve your understanding of the language and feel more confident in various contexts. Whether it’s for personal use or formal writing, mastering dates in French is an important step in your language-learning journey. So, the next time you wonder how to write a date in French, remember these tips and keep practising!
Do you want to keep improving your French skills? Then check the article we prepared to help you to follow and give directions in French.
15 thoughts on “How to write the date in French? Key vocabulary and phrases”
Your lessons are great! thank you very much. I’m learning on my own and this is really helpful
No Singing?! Awww! No wonder she said it was boring.
hello
J’etude la langue francaise a l’Alliance Francaise de Bombay.
Les lecons sont tres bon.
Merci
Amey
Mark and Anne, I suspect your French lessons will gain the same cult status as ‘Countdown’
Your cheesy (and slightly nerdy) reparte with heartwarming Scottish brogue always leaves me with a smile on my face.
I have to agree with Anne that lesson number 12 was the most boring lesson. But I still love them all. By far the best language lessons I have had.
I love the program thx ive really learned alot
Je m’apple Caroline. J’aime beaucoup les lec,ons francais de Coffe Break French. J’ai oubliais mon francais. Je suis heureux apprendre maintenent et souvinier plus francis.
Merci beaucoup!
Hi to you both, love Coffee Break French, I saw season 3 and purchased it, but to advanced for me, love listening to it. Then I found this sight (thick or what?) so I am learning along with you hear and loving it! until I have saved up enough pennies for the members version. Merci beaucoup!
what Can I say about this beautifull course.. Mark and Anna you’re just the best.. don’t stooppp !
Merci beaucoup!!!!!!!!!
Mark, my birthday is the 20th of april, too!
Merci beaucoup!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Am doing and hour a day (am laid up with a broken leg) and am thoroughly enjoying the podcasts and the easy style of teaching. By the time my cast is removed I am expecting to be proficient in conversational French, merci Beaucoup Mark and Anna.
A little bit boring 😀 but still useful! Thank you!!!
This programme is quite wonderful, doing a little French refresher course before my next trip to France in April. Thank you Mark and Anna! 🙂 x
I think it’s most useful for me. Thank you very much! Both French and English aren’t my mother tongue so I can practise both at the same time. But I guess it’s better to learn some basics before listening to this podcast.