des indispensable prévision

In natural French, you’ll want to make sure your grammar is on point. While the phrase might look simple, remember that des (some/plural) usually requires an s at the end of both the adjective and the noun: des prévisions indispensables. You’ll often find this phrase hanging out with verbs like faire (to make), établir (to establish), or fournir (to provide). You can use it to sound organized and professional. For example, 'Nous avons fait des prévisions indispensables pour le budget.' It sounds much more impressive than just saying you 'thought about' the money.

This is your go-to phrase for any situation that requires a bit of 'adulting.' Use it in a business meeting when discussing next year's goals. Use it when you're planning a wedding and someone asks if you've thought about the guest count. It’s also perfect for travel planning—especially if you're heading somewhere with unpredictable weather. It shows you are a person who values preparation and doesn't like nasty surprises. Your French boss or your very organized mother-in-law will be very impressed.

Don't use this for the tiny, mundane stuff. If you're deciding whether to have one or two sugar cubes in your coffee, calling that a prévision indispensable will make you sound like a bit of a drama queen. It’s also a bit too formal for a casual night out at a dive bar. If you tell your friends you’ve made 'indispensable forecasts' for which beer to order, they might think you’ve spent too much time in the office. Keep it for things that actually have stakes!

The French have a fascinating relationship with planning. On one hand, there’s the famous 'Système D' (improvising your way out of trouble). On the other hand, French culture deeply values la prévoyance—the act of being forward-thinking. Historically, the French state was known for its highly centralized 'Plans' for the economy. Being someone who makes des prévisions indispensables is seen as a sign of being a 'bon père de famille' (a responsible person). It’s about creating a safety net in a world that can be quite chaotic.

You might hear people say des prévisions nécessaires (necessary forecasts) or un plan d'action (an action plan). If you want to sound a bit more casual, you could say prévoir le coup (to plan ahead for something specific). In the news, you’ll constantly hear les prévisions météo for the weather report. If you’re feeling extra fancy in a business context, you might use les perspectives d'avenir, which means future outlooks. But for everyday importance, prévisions indispensables is your best friend.