Bedeutung
It is obvious or self-evident; no need to explain it.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Reflects the 'esprit cartésien' (Cartesian spirit) where logical clarity is the highest intellectual virtue. If a point is logical, it 'goes of itself'. Used frequently, but sometimes replaced by 'C'est sûr' or 'C'est clair' in informal speech. However, in Radio-Canada broadcasts, 'Cela va de soi' is standard. Used identically to France, often in administrative and legal contexts to denote self-evident rights or obligations. In formal West African French, this phrase is used to emphasize communal values and shared social expectations.
The 'Cela' Upgrade
Use 'Cela va de soi' in your DELF/DALF writing exams to instantly signal a higher register.
Don't be dismissive
Be careful using this in an argument; it can make you sound like you think the other person is stupid.
Bedeutung
It is obvious or self-evident; no need to explain it.
The 'Cela' Upgrade
Use 'Cela va de soi' in your DELF/DALF writing exams to instantly signal a higher register.
Don't be dismissive
Be careful using this in an argument; it can make you sound like you think the other person is stupid.
The Cartesian Link
Think of this as the 'I think, therefore I am' of daily idioms.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Dans une bibliothèque, le silence ___ de soi.
The subject is 'le silence' (singular), so the verb 'aller' must be conjugated as 'va'.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a formal context?
Choose the best option:
'Cela' is formal, 'soi' is spelled correctly, and the structure 'Il/Cela va de soi que' is correct.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 'Tu penses qu'il faut s'excuser après une erreur ?' B: 'Bien sûr, ___ !'
The speaker is agreeing that apologizing is the obvious/natural thing to do.
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of 'Ça va de soi'.
Situation: A company policy about data privacy.
This correctly identifies the policy as something self-evident.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenDans une bibliothèque, le silence ___ de soi.
The subject is 'le silence' (singular), so the verb 'aller' must be conjugated as 'va'.
Choose the best option:
'Cela' is formal, 'soi' is spelled correctly, and the structure 'Il/Cela va de soi que' is correct.
A: 'Tu penses qu'il faut s'excuser après une erreur ?' B: 'Bien sûr, ___ !'
The speaker is agreeing that apologizing is the obvious/natural thing to do.
Situation: A company policy about data privacy.
This correctly identifies the policy as something self-evident.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenIt is always 'soi' (the pronoun). 'Soit' is a verb form and is a common spelling mistake.
Yes, 'Cela allait de soi' (It was a matter of course).
'Bien sûr' is a simple 'yes/of course'. 'Ça va de soi' implies a logical necessity.
Yes, very frequently, especially the formal 'Cela va de soi'.
No, the phrase is a fixed idiom using 'soi' (itself).
No, 'Il va de soi que' is followed by the indicative because it expresses a fact.
It is common in both, but Quebec speakers might use 'C'est sûr' more often in casual talk.
No, it describes situations, facts, or values, not people.
Yes, it is neutral to formal. It's not rude unless used sarcastically.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but you could say 'C'est loin d'être évident'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Cela va sans dire
synonymIt goes without saying
Ça coule de source
similarIt's perfectly natural/logical
C'est l'évidence même
similarIt's blindingly obvious
Bien entendu
similarOf course
Ça va de pair
contrastIt goes hand in hand
