Bedeutung
Expresses regret or disappointment.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The 'French Shrug' often accompanies this phrase. It signals a mix of regret and acceptance of the inevitable. In Quebec, 'C'est de valeur' is a very common regional equivalent to 'C'est dommage'. The phrase is often used with 'vraiment' to show deep social solidarity in times of minor trouble. Usage is identical to France, but often paired with 'une fois' in stereotypical (though less common in reality) speech.
The Subjunctive Trigger
Always remember: 'C'est dommage que' + Subjunctive. It's one of the most common ways to practice this mood in real life.
Don't over-dramatize
If you use it for something truly terrible, you'll sound like you don't care. Keep it for the small stuff.
Bedeutung
Expresses regret or disappointment.
The Subjunctive Trigger
Always remember: 'C'est dommage que' + Subjunctive. It's one of the most common ways to practice this mood in real life.
Don't over-dramatize
If you use it for something truly terrible, you'll sound like you don't care. Keep it for the small stuff.
The 'Bof' Factor
Pair it with a 'Bof' and a shrug for maximum French authenticity.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'être'.
C'est dommage que tu ___ malade aujourd'hui.
'C'est dommage que' requires the subjunctive mood.
Which phrase is most appropriate when a friend tells you they lost their umbrella?
Mon ami : 'J'ai perdu mon parapluie.'
It's a minor disappointment, so 'C'est dommage' is perfect.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Le concert est complet. B: ______ ! J'avais vraiment envie d'y aller.
The speaker is expressing disappointment about the sold-out concert.
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
You missed the last bus home.
Missing a bus is a classic 'dommage' situation.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
C'est dommage vs Tant pis
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenC'est dommage que tu ___ malade aujourd'hui.
'C'est dommage que' requires the subjunctive mood.
Mon ami : 'J'ai perdu mon parapluie.'
It's a minor disappointment, so 'C'est dommage' is perfect.
A: Le concert est complet. B: ______ ! J'avais vraiment envie d'y aller.
The speaker is expressing disappointment about the sold-out concert.
You missed the last bus home.
Missing a bus is a classic 'dommage' situation.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes! In casual conversation, dropping the 'C'est' is very common and sounds very natural.
Yes, it's very polite. It's a standard way to show empathy without being overly emotional.
'Quel dommage' is like 'What a shame!'—it's slightly more emphatic and exclamation-heavy.
No, as a noun 'le dommage' means 'the damage' (physical or legal).
Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to express regret to a client or colleague.
Because the phrase expresses a subjective feeling or judgment about a fact, which is a primary function of the subjunctive in French.
Yes, though 'C'est de valeur' is a popular local alternative.
No, that sounds like you're talking about a specific piece of physical damage. Stick to 'C'est dommage'.
You could say 'C'est tant mieux' (all the better) or 'C'est génial' (that's great).
Yes, but be careful with your tone so people know you're joking!
Verwandte Redewendungen
Quel dommage
similarWhat a shame
Tant pis
contrastToo bad / Never mind
C'est bête
synonymThat's silly/a shame
C'est regrettable
formalIt is regrettable
C'est moche
slangThat's ugly/bad
