How Do The French Write The Date? A Complete Guide to French Date Formatting

Learning how to write the date in French is crucial for anyone interacting with French language or culture. It’s a seemingly small detail, but understanding the nuances of French date formatting can prevent misunderstandings and ensure clear communication. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the specifics, providing you with everything you need to know to confidently write the date the French way.

1. The Foundation: Day, Month, and Year Order

The most significant difference between French and English date formats lies in the order. While English-speaking countries often use Month/Day/Year (MM/DD/YYYY) or Day/Month/Year (DD/MM/YYYY), the French consistently use Day/Month/Year (DD/MM/YYYY). This is the cornerstone of understanding French date formatting.

For example, if you want to write July 4th, 2024, in French, it would be written as: 04/07/2024. Avoid the common mistake of assuming a similar format to your native language. This consistent order is vital for clarity in written communication.

2. Months of the Year: Understanding the French Names

Before you can write dates, you need to know the French names for the months. Thankfully, they are relatively straightforward:

• Janvier - January
• Février - February
• Mars - March
• Avril - April
• Mai - May
• Juin - June
• Juillet - July
• Août - August
• Septembre - September
• Octobre - October
• Novembre - November
• Décembre - December

You can use the full name, or, most commonly, the abbreviated form.

3. Abbreviating Months: The Preferred Method for Brevity

When writing the date, abbreviating the months is the most common and practical method. These abbreviations generally consist of the first three letters of the month, with no full stop at the end. Here’s how each month is abbreviated:

• Janvier - Jan
• Février - Fév
• Mars - Mar
• Avril - Avr
• Mai - Mai (no abbreviation needed!)
• Juin - Juin (no abbreviation needed!)
• Juillet - Jui
• Août - Août (no abbreviation needed!)
• Septembre - Sep
• Octobre - Oct
• Novembre - Nov
• Décembre - Déc

Therefore, instead of writing “04/07/2024”, you could write “04 Jui 2024”.

4. Ordinal Numbers: Dealing with the First of the Month

The French, like many other languages, use ordinal numbers to indicate the day of the month. However, there’s a specific rule: only the first day of the month uses an ordinal number. For all other days, you use the cardinal number.

• 1st of the month: 1er (first)
• 2nd of the month: 2
• 3rd of the month: 3
• And so on…

For example, “the 1st of July” would be written as “1er Juillet”. It’s crucial to remember that the ordinal number is only used for the first day of the month.

5. Punctuation: Separating the Elements

The most common separator between the day, month, and year is a forward slash (/). You will often see dates formatted as DD/MM/YYYY. However, there are other acceptable punctuation marks.

• Forward Slash (/): The most frequently used. (e.g., 15/08/2024)
• Dash (-): Also widely accepted. (e.g., 15-08-2024)
• Period (.): Less common, but still understood. (e.g., 15.08.2024)
• Space ( ): Less common, but sometimes used. (e.g., 15 08 2024)

The choice is often a matter of personal preference or style guidelines. However, the forward slash is the most prevalent.

6. Writing the Date in Sentences: Formatting for Clarity

When writing the date in a sentence, you have more flexibility. You can use the full month name, the abbreviated month, or even the numerical format. The key is to ensure clarity.

Example:

• “La réunion aura lieu le 15 août 2024.” (The meeting will take place on August 15th, 2024.)
• “Je suis né le 25/12/1990.” (I was born on 25/12/1990.)
• “Le concert commence le 1er janvier.” (The concert begins on the 1st of January.)

Notice how the “le” is used before the day.

7. Formal vs. Informal: Adapting to Context

The level of formality in your writing might influence your date format choice, though the core principles remain the same.

• Formal: In formal settings (e.g., official documents, business letters), it’s advisable to write the date in full, using the ordinal number for the first of the month and spelling out the month. For example, “le premier janvier deux mille vingt-quatre.”
• Informal: In informal contexts (e.g., emails to friends, casual notes), you can use the abbreviated format (DD/MM/YYYY) or the numerical format.

Consider your audience and the purpose of your writing when selecting your date format.

8. Addressing the Year: Complete or Abbreviated?

The year is typically written in its entirety (e.g., 2024). However, in very informal situations, you might see the last two digits of the year.

• Preferred: 2024
• Less Common (Informal): ‘24

Always opt for the full year in most instances, especially when writing for official purposes.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Reversing the order: The most common error is writing the date in the English format (MM/DD/YYYY). Always stick to DD/MM/YYYY.
• Incorrect abbreviation: Ensure your abbreviations for the months are accurate.
• Forgetting the ordinal number: Remember to use “1er” for the first of the month.
• Inconsistency: Be consistent with your chosen format throughout your writing.

10. Practice Makes Perfect: Exercises and Examples

The best way to master French date formatting is through practice. Try writing out the dates for various events, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and important dates. Here are a few examples to get you started:

• Your birthday: Write your birthday in French.
• The current date: Write today’s date.
• A significant historical date: Write a date of historical importance, like the French Revolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the preferred way to express “the 25th of December”?

The correct way to write “the 25th of December” in French is “25 Décembre” or “25/12/XXXX”. The ordinal indicator (25th) is not used since it is not the first of the month.

Is it acceptable to include the day of the week when writing the date?

While not strictly necessary, including the day of the week is perfectly acceptable and can add clarity. For example, “Vendredi 15 août 2024” (Friday, August 15th, 2024).

How do you handle the date in a business letter?

In a business letter, use a formal format. This means spelling out the month and using the ordinal number for the first of the month (e.g., “le 1er janvier 2024”).

Are there regional variations in French date formatting?

Generally, the format DD/MM/YYYY is universally used in France. However, regional dialects may influence the way the date is spoken.

What’s the difference between “le” and “la” when referring to the date?

“Le” is a definite article (masculine) and is used before the day of the month. “La” is a definite article (feminine) and is not directly used with the date. It is used with feminine nouns.

Conclusion

Mastering how to write the date in French is a fundamental skill for effective communication in the French language. By understanding the day/month/year order, the use of ordinal numbers, the proper abbreviations, and the nuances of formal versus informal contexts, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate French date formatting with confidence. Remember to practice regularly and pay attention to the details. This guide has provided you with the knowledge and resources to write dates accurately and clearly, ensuring your written communication is understood and respected.