sur les décret
sur the décret
Literally: on the decrees
Use this phrase when discussing official government rules or legal implementation in professional or civic settings.
In 15 Seconds
- Refers to official government orders or administrative rules.
- Common in legal, professional, and civic discussions.
- Highlights the specific implementation of a general law.
Meaning
This phrase refers to actions or rules based on an official government decree. It is used when discussing legal requirements or administrative decisions that have been formally signed into law.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing new labor laws at work
Nous attendons des précisions sur les décrets de la réforme.
We are waiting for clarifications on the reform decrees.
A news anchor reporting on environmental policy
Le ministre s'est exprimé sur les décrets environnementaux ce matin.
The minister spoke about the environmental decrees this morning.
Texting a colleague about a project deadline
Tu as des infos sur les décrets pour le projet ?
Do you have any info on the decrees for the project?
Cultural Background
In France, the 'décret' is a powerful tool of the executive branch, often associated with Article 49.3 of the Constitution. It represents the 'top-down' nature of French governance that dates back to Napoleonic times. Understanding this term is key to following French news and political protests.
The 'Application' Secret
If you want to sound like a native pro, always add 'd'application' after 'décrets'. It shows you understand that laws need a second document to actually start working.
Don't confuse with 'Arrêtés'
A 'décret' is national. An 'arrêté' is usually local (from a Mayor). Don't say 'décret' for a parking rule in a small village!
In 15 Seconds
- Refers to official government orders or administrative rules.
- Common in legal, professional, and civic discussions.
- Highlights the specific implementation of a general law.
What It Means
Think of sur les décrets as the legal backbone of French life. It refers to specific administrative acts signed by the President or Prime Minister. When you hear this, someone is talking about the 'how-to' of a law. Laws set the big goals, but the décrets handle the gritty details. It is like the fine print that actually makes things happen.
How To Use It
You will mostly use this when discussing rules or bureaucracy. You use the preposition sur to indicate that a discussion or a decision is based on these documents. It often appears in professional or civic conversations. You might say you are working sur les décrets d'application (on the implementation decrees). It sounds very official and knowledgeable.
When To Use It
Use this when you are at the prefecture or a bank. It is perfect for professional meetings about compliance. If you are debating politics with friends, it adds a layer of authority. Use it when you want to show you know exactly which rule is being cited. It is the language of the 'Paperwork Kingdom' that is France.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for casual house rules or personal plans. You wouldn't say there is a décret for who does the dishes. Avoid it in very relaxed settings like a loud bar. It can make you sound like a stiff bureaucrat if used incorrectly. If the rule isn't from the government, don't use it. Stick to les règles for general rules.
Cultural Background
France loves its administration and its paperwork. The décret is a symbol of the centralized power in Paris. Since the French Revolution, the written word of the state has been sacred. Following the décrets is a national pastime and a source of endless frustration. It represents the complex dance between the citizens and the state.
Common Variations
You will often hear décret d'application which means the 'starting' decree. Another common one is décret-loi, though that is more historical. People might also say selon le décret (according to the decree). Sometimes you will hear passer par décret, meaning to bypass parliament. This last one usually triggers a lot of heated debate in French cafes!
Usage Notes
This is a high-level collocation. It belongs to the 'langage administratif'. While not 'stuffy', it implies a certain level of education or professional interest in the topic being discussed.
The 'Application' Secret
If you want to sound like a native pro, always add 'd'application' after 'décrets'. It shows you understand that laws need a second document to actually start working.
Don't confuse with 'Arrêtés'
A 'décret' is national. An 'arrêté' is usually local (from a Mayor). Don't say 'décret' for a parking rule in a small village!
The Power of the Pen
In France, the President can sign a 'décret' without a vote in Parliament in certain cases. This is a huge part of French political identity and often leads to strikes!
Examples
6Nous attendons des précisions sur les décrets de la réforme.
We are waiting for clarifications on the reform decrees.
Used to discuss the specific details of a new policy.
Le ministre s'est exprimé sur les décrets environnementaux ce matin.
The minister spoke about the environmental decrees this morning.
Standard journalistic usage for government actions.
Tu as des infos sur les décrets pour le projet ?
Do you have any info on the decrees for the project?
Slightly more relaxed but still focused on official rules.
Ils changent encore tout sur les décrets d'immigration !
They are changing everything again in the immigration decrees!
Expressing frustration with shifting government rules.
Ma défense repose sur les décrets publiés en 2022.
My defense is based on the decrees published in 2022.
Highly technical and precise legal usage.
Où puis-je trouver des informations sur les décrets locaux ?
Where can I find information on the local decrees?
A polite inquiry about municipal regulations.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct preposition to complete the phrase regarding official rules.
L'avocat travaille ___ les décrets récents.
In French, you work 'sur' (on) a document or a set of rules like 'les décrets'.
Complete the sentence to sound like a professional discussing a law's details.
Il faut vérifier ce qui est écrit sur les ___ d'application.
'Décrets d'application' is the standard term for the rules that put a law into practice.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Sur les décrets'
Talking about chores or house rules.
Not used here.
Discussing the news with friends.
J'ai lu un truc sur les décrets.
Professional or legal meetings.
Basé sur les décrets en vigueur.
Official government correspondence.
Conformément aux décrets susmentionnés.
Where you'll encounter 'Sur les décrets'
The Prefecture
Applying for a visa or permit.
TV News
Reporting on new climate laws.
Law Office
Reviewing a client's case.
HR Meeting
Discussing new remote work rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is an official rule or order issued by the executive branch of the French government, like the President or Prime Minister. It's more specific than a general law passed by Parliament.
Yes, but only if you are actually talking about government rules. If you use it for personal rules, like sur les décrets de la maison, it sounds like a joke about being bossy.
They are close! Sur les décrets means you are working on or discussing them, while selon les décrets means 'according to' them.
In French, when you focus on the topic of a document, you use sur. For example, un livre sur l'histoire or un débat sur les décrets.
Extremely common. You will see it in 'Le Monde' or 'Le Figaro' almost every day when they analyze government policy.
It is the specific decree that explains how a law will be enforced in real life. Without it, many laws are just 'empty' promises.
Yes, you can say sur le décret if you are talking about one specific rule, like le décret sur le télétravail.
No, it is never slang. It is always part of standard or formal French.
Using it for private company rules. For a company, use le règlement intérieur instead of les décrets.
You use the verb signer or prendre. For example: Le Premier ministre a pris un décret.
Related Phrases
Décret d'application
Implementation decree
Conformément à la loi
In accordance with the law
Le règlement intérieur
Internal regulations/house rules
Passer en force
To push through (often via decree)
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free