How to Write the French Date
Writing dates in French can be a bit tricky for those who are not familiar with the language or its conventions. However, with a few simple guidelines, you can easily master the art of writing dates in French. Whether you’re filling out a form, scheduling an event, or simply trying to communicate effectively, knowing how to write the French date is essential. In this article, we will explore the different formats used for writing dates in France and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to do it correctly.
Understanding the French Date Format
The French date format is quite different from the one we are accustomed to in English-speaking countries. Instead of writing the day first, followed by the month and then the year (e.g., January 1, 2023), French dates are typically written in the format of day/month/year. This format is also known as the “international” or “European” date format.
Writing the Date in French
To write a date in French, follow these steps:
1. Start with the day of the month. In French, days are written as numbers followed by the word “day” (jour). For example, “1” is written as “1er” (first) for 1st, “2” as “2e” (second), “3” as “3e” (third), and so on. The exception is the 20th, which is written as “20e,” and the 30th, which is written as “30e.”
2. Next, write the month in French. There are 12 months in a year, and they are as follows: janvier (January), février (February), mars (March), avril (April), mai (May), juin (June), juillet (July), août (August), septembre (September), octobre (October), novembre (November), and décembre (December).
3. Finally, write the year. In French, years are written just like in English, using the same digits and format.
Examples of Writing Dates in French
Here are a few examples to illustrate how to write dates in French:
– January 1, 2023: 1er janvier 2023
– February 15, 2023: 15 février 2023
– March 20, 2023: 20 mars 2023
– April 25, 2023: 25 avril 2023
– May 10, 2023: 10 mai 2023
– June 30, 2023: 30 juin 2023
– July 15, 2023: 15 juillet 2023
– August 5, 2023: 5 août 2023
– September 12, 2023: 12 septembre 2023
– October 20, 2023: 20 octobre 2023
– November 25, 2023: 25 novembre 2023
– December 31, 2023: 31 décembre 2023
Conclusion
Writing the French date may seem daunting at first, but with a bit of practice, you’ll quickly get the hang of it. By following the day/month/year format and using the appropriate French words for days and months, you’ll be able to communicate your dates effectively in French. Whether you’re living in France or simply trying to connect with French speakers, knowing how to write the French date is a valuable skill to have.
