In 15 Sekunden
- Means being extremely happy or thrilled.
- Equivalent to 'on cloud nine' or 'over the moon'.
- Uses the verb 'to be' plus 'at the angels'.
Bedeutung
Actually, the phrase means to be absolutely thrilled or over the moon with joy. It describes a state of pure, heavenly happiness rather than discomfort.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Reacting to a promotion
Depuis que j'ai eu ma promotion, je suis aux anges !
Since I got my promotion, I've been over the moon!
Talking about a new baby
Les nouveaux parents sont aux anges avec leur petite fille.
The new parents are thrilled with their baby girl.
Texting a friend about a concert
J'ai mes billets pour le concert, je suis aux anges ! 🎸
I got my concert tickets, I'm so happy!
Kultureller Hintergrund
En France, l'expression est souvent utilisée dans la presse people pour décrire le bonheur des célébrités (mariages, naissances). Bien que 'être aux anges' soit compris, les Québécois utilisent plus volontiers 'être aux oiseaux' pour exprimer la même idée. L'usage est identique à la France, mais on l'entend souvent dans les contextes familiaux très traditionnels. Les Suisses romands utilisent cette expression avec une nuance de discrétion ; on est aux anges, mais on ne le crie pas forcément sur les toits.
Master the Liaison
Always pronounce the 'z' sound between 'aux' and 'anges'. Saying 'oh-ahnzh' sounds like a beginner; 'oh-zahnzh' sounds like a pro.
Don't use 'dans'
English speakers often say 'dans les anges' because of 'in the clouds.' Stick to 'aux'!
In 15 Sekunden
- Means being extremely happy or thrilled.
- Equivalent to 'on cloud nine' or 'over the moon'.
- Uses the verb 'to be' plus 'at the angels'.
What It Means
Imagine you just won the lottery. Or maybe you found the perfect croissant. That feeling of pure bliss is être aux anges. It means you are incredibly happy. You feel like you are floating in heaven. It is the French version of being 'on cloud nine'. It is a very positive, lighthearted expression.
How To Use It
You use it just like the verb être. You can say je suis aux anges or elle était aux anges. It works for big life events. It also works for small, delightful surprises. It is a great way to show genuine excitement. You do not need to add extra words for emphasis. The phrase itself carries a lot of weight.
When To Use It
Use it when you get a promotion at work. Use it when your crush finally texts you back. It is perfect for sharing good news with friends. You can use it in a wedding speech. It works well in a thank-you note for a lovely gift. If you are at a restaurant and the dessert is divine, tell the chef you are aux anges.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for mild satisfaction. If you just 'okay' with something, this is too strong. Avoid it in very somber or tragic situations. It is a high-energy, joyful expression. Also, do not use it if you are actually uncomfortable. That would be a confusing mistake! For discomfort, you would use être mal à l'aise instead.
Cultural Background
This phrase dates back to the 17th century. In French culture, angels represent the peak of paradise. Being 'with' them implies you have reached the highest state of soul. It reflects the historical influence of Catholicism on the language. Even secular French people use it constantly today. It captures the French appreciation for moments of pure 'joie de vivre'.
Common Variations
You might hear ravie or comblé, but they lack the poetic flair. Some people say nager dans le bonheur (swimming in happiness). However, être aux anges remains the most classic way to describe ecstasy. It is timeless and never goes out of style. It sounds elegant yet very warm.
Nutzungshinweise
This phrase is very versatile and sits right in the middle of the formality scale. It is expressive enough for close friends but polite enough for a professional environment.
Master the Liaison
Always pronounce the 'z' sound between 'aux' and 'anges'. Saying 'oh-ahnzh' sounds like a beginner; 'oh-zahnzh' sounds like a pro.
Don't use 'dans'
English speakers often say 'dans les anges' because of 'in the clouds.' Stick to 'aux'!
Sarcasm Alert
If someone says 'Je suis aux anges' with a flat tone while doing dishes, they are definitely being sarcastic.
Use with 'être'
This idiom almost always follows the verb 'être'. Don't try to use it with 'avoir'.
Beispiele
6Depuis que j'ai eu ma promotion, je suis aux anges !
Since I got my promotion, I've been over the moon!
A classic use for professional success.
Les nouveaux parents sont aux anges avec leur petite fille.
The new parents are thrilled with their baby girl.
Used for major, emotional life milestones.
J'ai mes billets pour le concert, je suis aux anges ! 🎸
I got my concert tickets, I'm so happy!
Perfect for casual excitement in digital chats.
Après ce premier morceau de gâteau, j'étais aux anges.
After that first piece of cake, I was in heaven.
Humorous exaggeration for food lovers.
Elle était aux anges en ouvrant son cadeau.
She was delighted when she opened her gift.
Shows sincere gratitude and joy.
Nous sommes aux anges de vous compter parmi nos invités.
We are delighted to have you among our guests.
Elevates the tone of an invitation or thank-you.
Teste dich selbst
Complétez la phrase avec la forme correcte de l'idiome.
Quand elle a appris qu'elle allait être grand-mère, elle était _______.
L'expression fixe est 'aux anges' (au pluriel avec la préposition 'aux').
Quelle situation correspond le mieux à l'expression 'être aux anges' ?
Choisissez la situation appropriée :
'Être aux anges' exprime une joie immense, comme gagner à la loterie.
Choisissez la réponse la plus naturelle.
Pierre : 'J'ai enfin obtenu mon visa pour le Canada !' Marie : '_______'
On utilise cette expression pour féliciter quelqu'un d'une excellente nouvelle.
Associez l'expression à son synonyme ou sens.
Faites correspondre les éléments :
Ces expressions décrivent différents états émotionnels ou mentaux liés au ciel.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Anges vs. Nuages
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenQuand elle a appris qu'elle allait être grand-mère, elle était _______.
L'expression fixe est 'aux anges' (au pluriel avec la préposition 'aux').
Choisissez la situation appropriée :
'Être aux anges' exprime une joie immense, comme gagner à la loterie.
Pierre : 'J'ai enfin obtenu mon visa pour le Canada !' Marie : '_______'
On utilise cette expression pour féliciter quelqu'un d'une excellente nouvelle.
Ordne jedem Element links seinen Partner rechts zu:
Ces expressions décrivent différents états émotionnels ou mentaux liés au ciel.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
12 FragenIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
No, the expression is fixed as 'aux anges' (plural) regardless of how many people are happy.
They are very similar. 'Au septième ciel' can sometimes be more intense or romantic, while 'aux anges' is more general.
Yes, if you are expressing genuine delight about a success or a partnership. 'Nous sommes aux anges de collaborer avec vous.'
No. In French, this idiom is only for happiness. To say someone died, you'd say 'Il est au ciel.'
Yes, 'être refait' is a popular modern slang equivalent among young people.
Yes! If a meal is heavenly, you can say you are 'aux anges.'
No, the 's' is silent. The 'x' in 'aux' makes a 'z' sound because of the following vowel.
Yes, 'se sentir aux anges' is a perfectly valid and common variation.
Yes, but 'être aux oiseaux' is more locally authentic there.
Yes, 'Je ne suis pas vraiment aux anges' means 'I'm not exactly thrilled.'
It is typically taught at the B2 level as part of mastering idiomatic emotions.
Verwandte Redewendungen
être au septième ciel
synonymTo be in the seventh heaven
nager dans le bonheur
similarTo swim in happiness
être ravi
similarTo be delighted
un ange passe
contrastAn angel is passing
être aux oiseaux
specialized formTo be with the birds
