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contrat à durée indéterminée

A2 noun 11 دقيقة للقراءة

contrat à durée indéterminée

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح contrat à durée indéterminée في 30 ثانية

الشرح contrat à durée indéterminée in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that a 'contrat à durée indéterminée' (CDI) is a permanent job. It is a long word, so most people just say 'CDI'. Think of it as a 'forever contract'. When you learn basic sentences about work, like 'J'ai un travail' (I have a job), you can add 'J'ai un CDI' to show it is a stable job. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the legal details, just that it is a positive thing to have in France. It means you have a salary every month and you don't have a date when the job stops. You might hear it when people talk about their family or friends getting a new job. Remember: CDI = Good, Permanent job.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the A2 level, you start to navigate daily life in France, and the 'contrat à durée indéterminée' becomes very important. You should understand that this contract is the standard way to work in France. You will see this term in simple job advertisements. You should be able to say 'Je cherche un CDI' (I am looking for a permanent contract) or 'Mon frère a signé un CDI' (My brother signed a permanent contract). You should also know the difference between 'un CDI' and 'un CDD' (a temporary job). At this level, you can use the term to talk about your professional goals. You will also notice that people mention the CDI when they talk about renting an apartment, as it is often required by landlords. It is a masculine noun phrase, so you use 'un' or 'le'.

At the B1 level, you can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different types of work. You should understand that a 'contrat à durée indéterminée' provides 'sécurité de l'emploi' (job security). You can explain why it is important for getting a 'prêt' (loan) or 'louer un appartement' (renting an apartment). You should be familiar with related terms like 'période d'essai' (probationary period) and 'préavis' (notice period). You can use the full term in formal letters or emails, but use 'CDI' in conversation. You should be able to describe a situation where someone transitions from a temporary contract to a permanent one: 'Son CDD a été transformé en CDI'. This level requires a better grasp of the prepositions, such as 'être embauché en CDI' (to be hired on a permanent contract).

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the B2 level, you should have a detailed understanding of the legal and social implications of the 'contrat à durée indéterminée'. You can participate in debates about the French labor market, discussing whether the CDI makes the economy 'rigide' (rigid) or if it protects workers from 'précarité' (precariousness). You should understand the concept of 'rupture conventionnelle' (mutual termination) and how it applies to a CDI. You can read news articles about labor law reforms and understand the terminology used. You should also be aware of the 'CDI de chantier' and other specific variations. Your use of the term should be precise, and you should be able to explain the complex relationship between the contract and the French social security system. You can use formal expressions like 'conclure un contrat à durée indéterminée'.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C1 level, you are expected to understand the nuances of labor law involving the 'contrat à durée indéterminée'. You can analyze legal documents, employment contracts, and court rulings from the 'Prud'hommes'. You should be able to discuss the historical evolution of the CDI in France and its role in the 'modèle social français'. You can use the term in professional presentations or academic essays about sociology or economics. You should be comfortable with sophisticated vocabulary related to the termination of the CDI, such as 'licenciement pour motif économique' or 'faute grave'. You understand the subtle differences in how the CDI is perceived by different generations and how it contrasts with the 'gig economy' and 'ubérisation' of work.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like understanding of the 'contrat à durée indéterminée' and its place in French culture. You can engage in high-level philosophical or political discussions about the future of work and the potential obsolescence of the permanent contract model. You can detect irony or sarcasm when someone talks about the 'Graal du CDI'. You can write complex legal or policy briefs regarding employment regulation. You understand the most obscure clauses that might be included in a CDI, such as 'clauses de non-concurrence' or 'clauses de mobilité'. You can navigate the most complex administrative and legal challenges related to employment with ease, using the term with total precision and context-appropriate register.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

contrat à durée indéterminée في 30 ثانية

A permanent employment contract in France without a fixed end date.
Commonly known as a CDI, it is the gold standard for job security.
Essential for renting apartments and getting bank loans in French society.
Provides strong legal protection for employees against arbitrary dismissal.

The term contrat à durée indéterminée, universally known by its acronym CDI, represents the cornerstone of the French labor market and the ultimate goal for the vast majority of workers in France. In a literal sense, it translates to a 'contract of indeterminate duration,' meaning an employment agreement that has no predefined end date. Unlike temporary contracts that specify a finishing point, a CDI continues indefinitely until either the employee resigns, both parties agree to a mutual termination (rupture conventionnelle), or the employer initiates a dismissal based on strict legal grounds. In the French collective consciousness, the CDI is far more than just a legal document; it is a symbol of social stability, financial security, and adulthood. It is the 'Holy Grail' of professional life because, in France, many essential life milestones—such as renting an apartment, securing a mortgage from a bank, or even obtaining certain types of credit—are often contingent upon holding a CDI. Without this specific type of contract, individuals frequently find themselves facing significant bureaucratic hurdles, as landlords and financial institutions view the absence of a CDI as a sign of precariousness. Consequently, when a French person announces they have 'signed a CDI,' it is usually met with congratulations similar to those for a wedding or a birth, reflecting its profound importance in the social hierarchy. The contract implies a long-term commitment from the employer and provides the employee with extensive protections under the French Labor Code (Code du Travail), making it one of the most protective employment frameworks in the world.

Legal Nature: A contract that establishes a permanent relationship between employer and employee without a fixed term.
Social Significance: Acts as a passport for housing and credit, signifying long-term financial reliability.
Termination: Can only be ended through specific legal procedures like resignation, retirement, or dismissal for cause.

Après trois ans de piges, j'ai enfin obtenu un contrat à durée indéterminée dans ce journal.

The phrase is used in professional contexts, job advertisements, and daily conversations about career progression. When you see a job posting in France, the first thing a candidate looks for is whether it is a CDI or a CDD (contrat à durée déterminée). The former suggests a permanent position with benefits, while the latter indicates a temporary role. Employers use the CDI to retain talent and build a stable workforce, although the strict regulations surrounding dismissal mean that the hiring process for a CDI is often rigorous and involves multiple interview stages. During the initial phase of a CDI, there is typically a 'période d'essai' (probationary period) during which the contract can be terminated more easily by either party. Once this period is successfully completed, the contract becomes fully 'indéterminée,' granting the employee the full spectrum of French labor protections. This transition from 'période d'essai' to a confirmed CDI is a major relief for workers, as it marks the beginning of true professional 'sécurité.' In recent years, while new forms of work like freelancing (auto-entrepreneur) have grown, the CDI remains the gold standard for the majority of the French population.

Le contrat à durée indéterminée est la forme normale et générale de la relation de travail.

Using the term contrat à durée indéterminée correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical function and the common verbs that accompany it. As a masculine noun phrase, it is usually preceded by the articles 'un' or 'le.' In spoken French, the acronym 'CDI' is almost exclusively used, but in formal writing, legal documents, or official HR communications, the full term is preferred. The most common verb used with this term is 'signer' (to sign). For example, 'J'ai signé un contrat à durée indéterminée' (I signed a permanent contract). Other frequent verbs include 'proposer' (to offer), 'obtenir' (to obtain), and 'transformer' (to convert, often referring to turning a temporary contract into a permanent one). When discussing the status of a worker, you might say someone is 'en CDI,' which functions as an adverbial phrase describing their employment state.

Signer un CDI: To formally accept and sign the permanent employment agreement.
Être en CDI: To be currently employed under a permanent contract.
Passer en CDI: To transition from a temporary status to a permanent one.

L'entreprise m'a promis un contrat à durée indéterminée après mon stage.

It is also important to note how the term interacts with adjectives. Since 'contrat' is masculine, any modifying adjectives must agree in gender. For instance, 'un nouveau contrat à durée indéterminée' (a new permanent contract). In technical or HR contexts, you might hear about 'un CDI à temps plein' (a full-time permanent contract) or 'un CDI à temps partiel' (a part-time permanent contract). The phrase is often the subject of a sentence when discussing labor laws, such as 'Le contrat à durée indéterminée offre une grande protection aux salariés' (The permanent contract offers great protection to employees). In more complex sentences, it can be the object of prepositions: 'Grâce à mon contrat à durée indéterminée, j'ai pu obtenir un prêt immobilier' (Thanks to my permanent contract, I was able to get a mortgage). When teaching this to students, emphasize the pronunciation of 'indéterminée,' ensuring the final 'e' (which is silent but marks the feminine agreement with 'durée') is understood as part of the fixed legal phrase.

Voulez-vous un contrat à durée indéterminée ou préférez-vous rester indépendant ?

You will encounter the term contrat à durée indéterminée in a variety of settings, ranging from formal administrative offices to casual dinner table conversations. In the professional world, it is the standard term used by Human Resources departments during recruitment. If you are applying for jobs on French websites like Pôle Emploi (now France Travail), Indeed.fr, or LinkedIn, the job description will explicitly state the 'Type de contrat.' Seeing 'CDI' is the most common and sought-after designation. In a bank, when applying for a loan, the advisor will inevitably ask, 'Avez-vous un contrat à durée indéterminée ?' because their risk assessment models are heavily biased towards this contract type. In the news, economists and politicians frequently debate the CDI, discussing whether it makes the French labor market too rigid or if it is necessary to protect workers' rights in an increasingly precarious global economy.

In the Media: Debates about labor law reforms (Loi Travail) often center on the flexibility of the CDI.
In Real Estate: Rental agencies often list a CDI as a mandatory requirement for applicants.
In Social Circles: Friends will ask each other, 'Alors, tu as eu ton CDI ?' (So, did you get your permanent contract?).

Le journal télévisé a annoncé une augmentation du nombre de contrats à durée indéterminée ce trimestre.

Interestingly, the acronym CDI also stands for 'Centre de Documentation et d'Information' in French middle and high schools (the school library). While context usually makes the meaning clear, a student might say they are going to the CDI to study, whereas an adult says they are looking for a CDI to secure their future. In legal settings, such as a 'Conseil de prud'hommes' (labor court), the specific terms of a CDI are scrutinized if a dismissal is contested. You will also hear it in the context of 'rupture conventionnelle,' which is a popular way to end a CDI by mutual agreement, allowing the employee to receive unemployment benefits. This cultural obsession with the CDI reflects the French value of 'sécurité' and the historical struggle for workers' rights. Even in the modern 'gig economy,' the CDI remains the benchmark against which all other forms of employment are measured.

Il est difficile de louer un appartement à Paris sans un contrat à durée indéterminée.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when discussing a contrat à durée indéterminée is using the English literal translation 'permanent contract' in a French sentence, or vice versa, without understanding the legal weight behind the French term. While 'permanent contract' is the correct translation, the social implications in France are much stronger. Another common error is grammatical: forgetting that 'durée' is feminine. Even though the contract itself is masculine ('un contrat'), the duration is feminine, leading to 'indéterminée' with an 'e'. Students often write 'contrat à durée indéterminé' (missing the 'e'), which is a spelling mistake that reveals a lack of attention to the internal agreement of the phrase. Furthermore, learners often confuse CDI with CDD (contrat à durée déterminée). The difference is just one letter, but the legal reality is opposite: one has no end date, the other has a very specific end date.

Gender Mismatch: Saying 'le contrat indéterminé' instead of 'le contrat à durée indéterminée'. The 'à durée' part is essential.
Acronym Confusion: Mixing up CDI (Permanent) and CDD (Fixed-term) in conversation.
Preposition Errors: Using 'avec un CDI' instead of the more natural 'en CDI' when describing one's status.

Incorrect: J'ai un contrat indéterminé.
Correct: J'ai un contrat à durée indéterminée.

A more subtle mistake involves the trial period. Some learners assume that once you sign a CDI, you cannot be fired. While it is much harder to be dismissed from a CDI than a CDD, it is not impossible. There is a 'période d'essai' which can last several months, during which the employer can end the contract without a specific reason. Misunderstanding this can lead to false confidence. Additionally, in the context of the European Union, different countries have different names for this. For example, in Belgium or Switzerland, the terminology might vary slightly in colloquial use, but 'CDI' remains the standard legal term across Francophone Europe. Finally, avoid using 'permanent' as an adjective directly with 'contrat' (un contrat permanent) in a formal context; while understandable, it is not the official legal terminology used in France.

Attention à ne pas confondre le CDI avec le CDD lors de votre entretien d'embauche !

To fully master the vocabulary of French employment, it is helpful to compare contrat à durée indéterminée with its counterparts. The most direct alternative is the CDD (contrat à durée déterminée), which is a fixed-term contract used for temporary increases in activity or replacing an absent employee. Another common term is l'intérim (temporary work through an agency), where the worker is employed by the agency but works for a client company. In the modern economy, we also see the contrat de prestation de service, used by freelancers and independent contractors (auto-entrepreneurs), which is a commercial agreement rather than an employment contract. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for navigating the professional landscape in France.

CDD vs CDI: CDD has a set end date (e.g., 6 months); CDI has no end date. CDD often includes a 'prime de précarité' (precariousness bonus) at the end.
Freelance / Auto-entrepreneur: No employment contract; the individual is their own boss and bills the company for services. Less security but more freedom.
Stage (Internship): An educational placement, not a full employment contract, usually for students.

Il a refusé le contrat à durée indéterminée pour devenir auto-entrepreneur.

Another related term is the CDI de chantier (project-based permanent contract), which is a specific type of CDI used mainly in the construction or research sectors. It is permanent in the sense that it doesn't have a fixed date, but it ends automatically when the specific project is completed. There is also the CDI intérimaire, a hybrid where a temporary worker has a permanent contract with the temp agency itself. When discussing the end of a contract, you might use 'licenciement' (dismissal), 'démission' (resignation), or 'retraite' (retirement). Each of these terms interacts with the CDI in specific legal ways. For example, a CDI provides the right to 'indemnités de licenciement' (severance pay) that are generally higher and more regulated than those for other contract types. Learning these alternatives allows you to describe the nuances of the French job market with precision.

Le passage d'un CDD à un contrat à durée indéterminée est une étape clé de la carrière.

How Formal Is It?

رسمي

"Nous avons le plaisir de vous proposer un contrat à durée indéterminée au sein de notre structure."

محايد

"Il a enfin trouvé un contrat à durée indéterminée."

غير رسمي

"J'ai enfin mon CDI, on fête ça ?"

Child friendly

"C'est un travail qui dure très, très longtemps."

عامية

"J'ai pécho un CDI !"

حقيقة ممتعة

The CDI was officially codified in French law in 1973 as the 'normal' form of employment to protect workers during the post-WWII economic boom.

دليل النطق

UK /kɔ̃.tʁa a dy.ʁe ɛ̃.de.tɛʁ.mi.ne/

US /kɔ̃.tʁa a dy.ʁe ɛ̃.de.tɛʁ.mi.ne/

Stress falls slightly on the final syllable of each major word: con-TRAT, du-RÉE, in-dé-ter-mi-NÉE.

يتقافى مع

terminée déterminée imaginée dessinée illuminée obstinée raffinée soulignée

أخطاء شائعة

Pronouncing 'indéterminée' like the English 'indeterminate'.
Forgetting the nasal sounds in 'con-' and 'in-'.
Merging 'durée' and 'indéterminée' into one word.
Mispronouncing the 'u' in 'durée' as an 'oo' sound.
Ignoring the final 'e' sound (which is silent but affects the 'n' in 'indéterminée').

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 2/5

The words are long but the concept is clear once the acronym is known.

الكتابة 4/5

Spelling 'indéterminée' with the correct feminine agreement can be tricky.

التحدث 3/5

The full phrase is a mouthful, but the acronym CDI is easy.

الاستماع 2/5

Clearly distinguished in professional contexts.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

travail contrat durée signer entreprise

تعلّم لاحقاً

CDD période d'essai licenciement démission bulletin de paie

متقدم

Prud'hommes convention collective rupture conventionnelle cotisations sociales

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Adjective agreement with 'durée' (feminine).

Une durée indéterminée.

Use of 'en' for professional status.

Je suis en CDI.

Noun phrases with 'à'.

Un contrat à durée déterminée.

Passive voice in formal contracts.

Le présent contrat est conclu pour une durée indéterminée.

Subjunctive after expressions of necessity.

Il faut que vous signiez votre contrat à durée indéterminée.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

أمثلة حسب المستوى

J'ai un CDI.

I have a permanent contract.

Simple subject + verb + object structure.

C'est un bon travail.

It is a good job.

Using 'c'est' to describe the job.

Il cherche un CDI.

He is looking for a permanent contract.

Verb 'chercher' (to look for).

Elle signe le contrat.

She signs the contract.

Present tense of 'signer'.

Le CDI est permanent.

The CDI is permanent.

Adjective agreement.

Mon père a un CDI.

My father has a permanent contract.

Possessive adjective 'mon'.

Je veux un CDI.

I want a permanent contract.

Verb 'vouloir' (to want).

Le contrat est fini ? Non, c'est un CDI.

Is the contract finished? No, it's a CDI.

Negation 'ne...pas' implied.

Elle a enfin obtenu son contrat à durée indéterminée.

She finally obtained her permanent contract.

Passé composé with 'obtenir'.

Pour louer cet appartement, il faut un CDI.

To rent this apartment, a CDI is necessary.

Impersonal 'il faut'.

Le CDI offre plus de sécurité que le CDD.

The CDI offers more security than the CDD.

Comparison 'plus... que'.

Est-ce que vous proposez des contrats à durée indéterminée ?

Do you offer permanent contracts?

Question with 'est-ce que'.

Mon premier CDI était dans une petite entreprise.

My first CDI was in a small company.

Ordinal adjective 'premier'.

Il est très content car il est en CDI.

He is very happy because he is on a permanent contract.

Preposition 'en' for status.

On m'a proposé un CDI après mon stage.

I was offered a CDI after my internship.

Passive sense with 'on'.

Le contrat à durée indéterminée est le but de beaucoup de jeunes.

The permanent contract is the goal of many young people.

Noun phrase as subject.

La signature d'un contrat à durée indéterminée facilite l'accès au crédit.

Signing a permanent contract facilitates access to credit.

Abstract noun 'signature'.

Bien que ce soit un CDI, il y a une période d'essai de quatre mois.

Even though it's a CDI, there is a four-month trial period.

Subjunctive after 'bien que'.

Si j'avais un CDI, je pourrais acheter une maison.

If I had a CDI, I could buy a house.

Conditionnel for hypothetical situations.

Le salarié en CDI bénéficie de nombreux avantages sociaux.

The employee on a CDI benefits from many social advantages.

Verb 'bénéficier de'.

Le passage du CDD au contrat à durée indéterminée est automatique dans certains cas.

The transition from CDD to permanent contract is automatic in certain cases.

Noun 'passage'.

Elle a démissionné de son CDI pour voyager autour du monde.

She resigned from her CDI to travel around the world.

Verb 'démissionner de'.

L'employeur ne peut pas rompre un CDI sans un motif réel et sérieux.

The employer cannot break a CDI without a real and serious reason.

Double negation 'ne... pas... sans'.

Beaucoup de travailleurs préfèrent la stabilité du contrat à durée indéterminée.

Many workers prefer the stability of the permanent contract.

Noun 'stabilité'.

Les réformes visent à rendre le contrat à durée indéterminée plus flexible pour les PME.

The reforms aim to make the permanent contract more flexible for SMEs.

Verb 'viser à'.

La rupture conventionnelle permet de mettre fin à un CDI d'un commun accord.

Mutual termination allows for ending a CDI by mutual agreement.

Infinitive as subject 'La rupture'.

Le contrat à durée indéterminée reste la norme de référence malgré l'ubérisation.

The permanent contract remains the reference norm despite 'uberization'.

Preposition 'malgré'.

En cas de litige, c'est le conseil de prud'hommes qui tranche sur la validité du CDI.

In case of a dispute, it is the labor court that decides on the validity of the CDI.

Cleft sentence 'c'est... qui'.

Le CDI de chantier est une dérogation au contrat à durée indéterminée classique.

The project-based CDI is a derogation from the classic permanent contract.

Noun 'dérogation'.

L'incertitude économique freine l'embauche en contrat à durée indéterminée.

Economic uncertainty slows down hiring on permanent contracts.

Subject 'L'incertitude'.

Il est primordial de bien lire toutes les clauses de son CDI avant de signer.

It is essential to read all the clauses of one's CDI carefully before signing.

Impersonal 'il est primordial de'.

Le CDI garantit une certaine pérennité des revenus pour le ménage.

The CDI guarantees a certain continuity of income for the household.

Noun 'pérennité'.

La prééminence du contrat à durée indéterminée est souvent remise en question par les économistes libéraux.

The preeminence of the permanent contract is often questioned by liberal economists.

Passive voice 'est remise en question'.

La requalification d'un CDD en CDI est une sanction fréquente pour non-respect de la législation.

The reclassification of a CDD into a CDI is a frequent sanction for non-compliance with legislation.

Noun 'requalification'.

L'attachement viscéral des Français au CDI s'explique par la structure du marché du logement.

The visceral attachment of the French to the CDI is explained by the structure of the housing market.

Pronominal verb 's'expliquer'.

Le contrat à durée indéterminée à temps partagé permet de travailler pour plusieurs employeurs.

The shared-time permanent contract allows working for several employers.

Compound noun 'temps partagé'.

Nonobstant les critiques, le CDI demeure le socle de la protection sociale en France.

Notwithstanding the criticisms, the CDI remains the foundation of social protection in France.

Formal preposition 'nonobstant'.

La complexité des procédures de licenciement liées au CDI peut dissuader certaines entreprises d'embaucher.

The complexity of dismissal procedures linked to the CDI can deter some companies from hiring.

Verb 'dissuader de'.

Le CDI intérimaire tente de concilier flexibilité pour l'entreprise et sécurité pour le salarié.

The interim CDI attempts to reconcile flexibility for the company and security for the employee.

Verb 'concilier'.

L'évolution jurisprudentielle tend à renforcer les droits des salariés titulaires d'un CDI.

Case law evolution tends to strengthen the rights of employees holding a CDI.

Adjective 'jurisprudentielle'.

L'hégémonie du contrat à durée indéterminée au sein de l'imaginaire collectif français semble inébranlable.

The hegemony of the permanent contract within the French collective imagination seems unshakable.

Noun 'hégémonie'.

On assiste à une érosion lente mais réelle de la part des CDI dans les nouvelles embauches.

We are witnessing a slow but real erosion of the share of CDIs in new hires.

Noun 'érosion'.

Le contrat à durée indéterminée est-il encore adapté aux mutations profondes du travail contemporain ?

Is the permanent contract still adapted to the profound changes in contemporary work?

Inversion in a complex question.

La sacralisation du CDI occulte parfois les réalités de la précarité au sein même du salariat permanent.

The sacralization of the CDI sometimes hides the realities of precariousness even within permanent employment.

Verb 'occulter'.

L'analyse systémique du droit du travail révèle que le CDI est le pivot de la redistribution des richesses.

Systemic analysis of labor law reveals that the CDI is the pivot of wealth redistribution.

Scientific/Academic register.

La dualité du marché du travail oppose les 'insiders' en CDI aux 'outsiders' en contrats précaires.

The duality of the labor market pits 'insiders' on CDI against 'outsiders' on precarious contracts.

Specific sociological terminology 'insiders/outsiders'.

L'introduction de la rupture conventionnelle a profondément modifié la dynamique de fin de contrat du CDI.

The introduction of mutual termination has profoundly modified the dynamics of ending a CDI contract.

Complex past tense 'a modifié'.

Le CDI constitue un rempart contre l'aléa économique pour le travailleur individuel.

The CDI constitutes a bulwark against economic hazard for the individual worker.

Metaphorical use of 'rempart'.

تلازمات شائعة

signer un contrat à durée indéterminée

proposer un contrat à durée indéterminée

être en contrat à durée indéterminée

transformer en contrat à durée indéterminée

rupture d'un contrat à durée indéterminée

embauche en contrat à durée indéterminée

titulaire d'un contrat à durée indéterminée

contrat à durée indéterminée à temps plein

contrat à durée indéterminée à temps partiel

fin d'un contrat à durée indéterminée

العبارات الشائعة

Décrocher un CDI

— To finally get a permanent contract after effort.

Après des mois de recherche, il a décroché un CDI.

Passer en CDI

— To transition from a temporary role to a permanent one.

J'espère passer en CDI à la fin de mon CDD.

Un CDI de chantier

— A specific permanent contract that ends when a project is over.

Les ingénieurs sont souvent sous CDI de chantier.

Le Graal du CDI

— The metaphor comparing the CDI to the Holy Grail due to its difficulty to obtain.

Pour beaucoup de jeunes, le CDI est devenu le Graal.

Être confirmé en CDI

— To successfully complete the trial period and stay permanently.

Elle a été confirmée en CDI après trois mois.

Un CDI à temps partagé

— A contract where an employee works for several companies.

Le CDI à temps partagé se développe dans les zones rurales.

La fin du CDI

— A topic discussing the potential disappearance of permanent jobs.

Certains experts prédisent la fin du CDI.

Signer son CDI

— The act of officially accepting a permanent job.

Il va signer son CDI lundi matin.

Un modèle de CDI

— A template for a permanent contract.

L'avocat a préparé un modèle de CDI.

Le CDI intérimaire

— A permanent contract with a temporary work agency.

Le CDI intérimaire offre plus de droits aux intérimaires.

يُخلط عادةً مع

contrat à durée indéterminée vs CDD

Contrat à durée déterminée (fixed-term). The opposite of CDI.

contrat à durée indéterminée vs CDI (School)

Centre de Documentation et d'Information (school library). Same acronym, different world.

contrat à durée indéterminée vs Contrat de travail

General term for any work contract; CDI is a specific type.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"Avoir le CDI dans la poche"

— To be certain of getting the permanent contract.

Après cet entretien, il a le CDI dans la poche.

informal

"Courir après le CDI"

— To struggle and work hard to find a permanent position.

Il court après le CDI depuis deux ans sans succès.

neutral

"Le CDI, c'est la vie"

— A humorous way to say that having a CDI solves all life's problems.

Maintenant que j'ai mon contrat, le CDI c'est la vie !

slang

"Vendre son âme pour un CDI"

— To accept poor conditions or a boring job just for the security of a CDI.

Il a vendu son âme pour un CDI dans cette banque.

informal

"Être marié à son CDI"

— To be overly committed to a job because of the security it provides.

Elle est mariée à son CDI, elle n'osera jamais démissionner.

informal

"Le CDI, sésame pour le logement"

— The CDI is the key that opens doors to renting or buying homes.

Sans CDI, pas d'appartement ; c'est le sésame.

neutral

"Bétonner son CDI"

— To make one's position in a permanent job very secure and indisputable.

Il a bien bétonné son CDI en devenant indispensable.

informal

"Le CDI à tout prix"

— The obsession with getting a permanent contract regardless of the job content.

Sa stratégie, c'est le CDI à tout prix.

neutral

"Enterrer sa vie de pigiste avec un CDI"

— To stop being a freelancer by signing a permanent contract.

Il a enterré sa vie de pigiste en signant un CDI au Monde.

informal

"Le CDI, bouclier anti-crise"

— The idea that a CDI protects you during economic downturns.

En période de récession, le CDI est un bouclier anti-crise.

neutral

سهل الخلط

contrat à durée indéterminée vs Indéterminé

Learners might use it alone.

'Indéterminé' is an adjective; 'contrat à durée indéterminée' is the full legal term.

Le résultat est indéterminé, mais mon contrat est un CDI.

contrat à durée indéterminée vs Permanent

Direct translation from English.

In French, 'permanent' is an adjective, but the legal term is 'à durée indéterminée'.

C'est un emploi permanent, donc c'est un CDI.

contrat à durée indéterminée vs Fixe

Used in 'salaire fixe'.

'Fixe' refers to the amount of money, while 'indéterminée' refers to the time.

J'ai un CDI avec un salaire fixe.

contrat à durée indéterminée vs Définitif

Sounds like 'permanent'.

'Définitif' means final, but doesn't describe an employment contract type.

C'est ma décision définitive de signer ce CDI.

contrat à durée indéterminée vs Indéfini

Synonym of indeterminate.

'Indéfini' is used for grammar (articles) or time, but not for contracts.

Un article indéfini vs un contrat à durée indéterminée.

أنماط الجُمل

J'ai un [Type de contrat].

J'ai un contrat à durée indéterminée.

Il est difficile de [Action] sans un CDI.

Il est difficile de louer un appartement sans un CDI.

Après mon [Stage/CDD], j'ai eu un CDI.

Après mon stage, j'ai eu un CDI.

L'entreprise propose un CDI avec une période d'essai de [Temps].

L'entreprise propose un CDI avec une période d'essai de trois mois.

Le passage en CDI permet de [Avantage].

Le passage en CDI permet d'obtenir un crédit immobilier.

La pérennité offerte par le CDI est [Adjectif].

La pérennité offerte par le CDI est indispensable au modèle social.

Bien que le CDI soit [Adjectif], il présente des [Nom].

Bien que le CDI soit protecteur, il présente des rigidités.

La remise en cause du CDI s'inscrit dans [Contexte].

La remise en cause du CDI s'inscrit dans une logique de flexibilisation.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

الأفعال

الصفات

مرتبط

سجّل مجاناً لرؤية جميع الأمثلة

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Extremely frequent in professional and social contexts.

أخطاء شائعة

J'ai un contrat indéterminé. → J'ai un contrat à durée indéterminée.
You cannot skip 'à durée'. The adjective modifies the duration, not the contract directly in standard legal phrasing.
Je cherche un CDI permanent. → Je cherche un CDI.
'Permanent' is redundant because the 'I' in CDI already means it is permanent.
Ma contrat à durée indéterminée. → Mon contrat à durée indéterminée.
'Contrat' is masculine, so it takes 'mon', even though 'durée' is feminine.
Elle a signé une CDI. → Elle a signé un CDI.
CDI is masculine because 'contrat' is masculine.
Le contrat à durée indéterminé. → Le contrat à durée indéterminée.
Missing the feminine 'e' on 'indéterminée' to agree with 'durée'.

نصائح

The Mortgage Key

If you plan to live in France long-term, getting a CDI is the most important step for your financial life. Banks will rarely talk to you about a mortgage without one.

Watch the 'e'

Remember that 'durée' is feminine, so 'indéterminée' must have the extra 'e'. It's a common mistake in writing exams.

Use the acronym

Don't be afraid to use 'CDI' in almost all spoken situations. It sounds more natural than the long version.

Trial Period Rights

Even in a CDI, you are not 'safe' until the trial period (période d'essai) is over. Be on your best behavior during those first few months!

CDD vs CDI

Associate 'D' (Déterminée) with 'Date' (it has an end date) and 'I' (Indéterminée) with 'Infinite' (no end date).

Negotiation

If a company offers you a CDD, you can often negotiate for a CDI if they really want you, especially in sectors with talent shortages.

Rupture Conventionnelle

If you want to leave your CDI, always try to ask for a 'rupture conventionnelle' instead of just resigning. It's better for your finances.

Context Clues

If you hear someone talking about 'le CDI' in a school, they mean the library. If they are in an office, they mean the contract.

Formal Agreement

In legal writing, the phrase is 'contrat de travail à durée indéterminée'. Adding 'de travail' makes it even more formal.

Seniority

Your 'ancienneté' (seniority) in a CDI gives you more rights over time, such as longer notice periods and higher severance pay.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

CDI = 'C'est Définitivement Incroyable' (It's definitely incredible) to remember it's the permanent, good one.

ربط بصري

Imagine a golden key (the CDI) opening the door to a house (security/housing).

Word Web

Travail Banque Appartement Sécurité Signature Employeur Salarié Code du Travail

تحدٍّ

Try to explain to a friend why a CDI is better than a CDD using at least three reasons (renting, loans, stability).

أصل الكلمة

The phrase is composed of 'contrat' (from Latin 'contractus'), 'durée' (from Latin 'durare'), and 'indéterminée' (from Latin 'indeterminatus').

المعنى الأصلي: A binding agreement with a length of time that is not specified.

Romance (Latin-based).

السياق الثقافي

Be aware that many people in France struggle to get a CDI, so bragging about one can be seen as insensitive in some contexts.

In the US or UK, 'at-will employment' or 'permanent contracts' exist, but they don't carry the same bureaucratic weight for renting or loans as the CDI does in France.

'Le CDI' is a common theme in French social cinema (e.g., films by Ken Loach or the Dardenne brothers, though they are not French, their themes resonate). Many French stand-up comedians have bits about the struggle to get a CDI.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Job Interview

Est-ce un poste en CDI ?
Quelles sont les conditions du contrat ?
Y a-t-il une période d'essai ?
Le poste est à pourvoir en CDI.

Banking

Je suis en CDI depuis trois ans.
Voici mon contrat de travail.
Ma période d'essai est terminée.
Le CDI est requis pour le prêt.

Real Estate

Je cherche à louer avec un CDI.
Mon garant a un contrat à durée indéterminée.
Il faut gagner trois fois le loyer en CDI.
Le dossier nécessite un CDI.

Family Talk

Il a enfin signé son CDI.
C'est une super nouvelle pour son CDI !
Tu es toujours en CDD ou tu as eu ton CDI ?
Le CDI, c'est la sécurité.

Legal/News

La réforme du contrat à durée indéterminée.
La fin du CDI est-elle proche ?
Les droits liés au CDI.
Le CDI reste la norme.

بدايات محادثة

"Est-ce que tu penses que le contrat à durée indéterminée est encore important aujourd'hui ?"

"Est-il difficile d'obtenir un CDI dans ton secteur d'activité ?"

"Préférerais-tu être en CDI ou travailler en tant que freelance ?"

"Quels sont les avantages d'un contrat à durée indéterminée selon toi ?"

"As-tu déjà signé un contrat à durée indéterminée en France ?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Décrivez l'importance du contrat à durée indéterminée dans votre pays par rapport à la France.

Imaginez que vous venez de signer votre CDI de rêve. Racontez votre première journée.

Pensez-vous que la sécurité d'un CDI aide ou freine la créativité au travail ?

Expliquez pourquoi le CDI est souvent appelé le 'Graal' par les jeunes travailleurs français.

Si vous étiez chef d'entreprise, préféreriez-vous embaucher en CDI ou en CDD ? Pourquoi ?

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

A CDI has no end date, while a CDD has a specific end date (e.g., 6 months). A CDI is permanent, whereas a CDD is temporary. In France, the CDI provides much more job security and is the standard for long-term employment.

Yes, but it is strictly regulated. An employer must have a 'motif réel et sérieux' (real and serious reason) to fire someone on a CDI, such as economic difficulties or serious misconduct. There is also a notice period and usually severance pay.

Landlords and rental agencies in France are very risk-averse. A CDI proves that you have a stable income that won't suddenly stop because a contract ended. Many landlords require tenants to earn 3 times the rent and have a CDI.

Yes, almost always. For employees, it's usually 2 months; for technicians, 3 months; and for managers (cadres), 4 months. It can often be renewed once. During this time, the contract can be ended easily by either side.

It is a way to end a CDI by mutual agreement between the employer and the employee. It allows the employee to leave with a payment and, crucially, the right to collect unemployment benefits, which resignation does not usually allow.

In speech and casual emails, 'CDI' is perfect. In a formal cover letter or a legal document, you should write 'contrat à durée indéterminée' to show you know the formal terminology.

No. You can have a 'CDI à temps partiel' (part-time permanent contract). The 'indéterminée' part only refers to the duration of the employment relationship, not the number of hours worked per week.

Generally, under French law, the CDI is automatically transferred to the new owner of the company. The employee keeps their seniority and the terms of their contract.

Yes, this is very common. It's called 'transformation d'un CDD en CDI'. If a worker continues to work after their CDD ends without signing a new one, it legally becomes a CDI automatically.

It literally means 'of indeterminate duration.' It signifies that the end of the contract is not known or set at the moment it begins.

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