Bedeutung
To become accustomed to a new environment, situation, or role; to settle in.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In French corporate culture, the 'période d'essai' (probation period) is the official time to 'prendre ses marques'. It's expected that you observe before suggesting big changes. Quebecers use this phrase frequently, but you might also hear 'se retrouver' or 's'adapter'. The sporting metaphor remains very strong due to the popularity of hockey and athletics. Similar usage to France. In Brussels, with many expats, this phrase is a staple of the 'Euro-bubble' professional language. In Francophone West Africa, the phrase is used in formal education and administration to describe students or officials starting in new regions.
Use it in Interviews
When asked how you handle new challenges, say: 'J'ai une grande capacité à prendre mes marques rapidement.' It sounds professional and proactive.
Watch the Possessive
Never say 'prendre les marques'. It's always 'mes', 'tes', 'ses', etc.
Bedeutung
To become accustomed to a new environment, situation, or role; to settle in.
Use it in Interviews
When asked how you handle new challenges, say: 'J'ai une grande capacité à prendre mes marques rapidement.' It sounds professional and proactive.
Watch the Possessive
Never say 'prendre les marques'. It's always 'mes', 'tes', 'ses', etc.
The 'Observation' Phase
In France, taking 2-4 weeks to 'prendre ses marques' is considered normal and respectful.
Synonym Swap
If you've already used 's'adapter' in a paragraph, switch to 'prendre ses marques' to sound more native.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence with the correct possessive adjective.
Nous venons d'arriver à Lyon, nous prenons encore ___ marques.
The subject is 'nous', so the possessive must be 'nos'.
Which situation best fits the expression 'prendre ses marques'?
Dans quelle situation utilise-t-on cette expression ?
The expression is about settling into a new environment.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: Comment se passe ton nouveau stage ? B: C'est un peu stressant, mais ___.
The standard idiom is 'prendre mes marques'.
Match the person to their 'marques'.
Qui prend ses marques où ?
While others are possible, the cook in a kitchen is the most classic example of spatial adjustment.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenNous venons d'arriver à Lyon, nous prenons encore ___ marques.
The subject is 'nous', so the possessive must be 'nos'.
Dans quelle situation utilise-t-on cette expression ?
The expression is about settling into a new environment.
A: Comment se passe ton nouveau stage ? B: C'est un peu stressant, mais ___.
The standard idiom is 'prendre mes marques'.
Qui prend ses marques où ?
While others are possible, the cook in a kitchen is the most classic example of spatial adjustment.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
14 FragenIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
No, you don't 'prendre les marques' of a person. You take them *with* a person or *in* a situation.
'S'habituer' is more passive. 'Prendre ses marques' implies actively finding your place.
Only if you are literally an athlete marking one spot. Figuratively, it's always plural.
Yes, it is very common throughout the French-speaking world.
'Je suis encore en train de prendre mes marques.'
Yes, if the hobby has a specific environment or community.
No, that is 'marquer des points'.
There isn't a direct idiomatic opposite, but 'être déboussolé' (to be disoriented) describes the state before you take your marks.
Yes: 'J'ai pris mes marques'.
No, here 'marques' refers to physical marks or signs.
Yes, 'Le bébé prend ses marques dans sa nouvelle chambre'.
Yes, it often appears in DELF B2/DALF C1 listening and reading texts.
Yes, very common for cats or dogs in a new home.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Prendre ses repères
similarTo find one's bearings.
Se mettre dans le bain
similarTo get into the swing of things.
Prendre ses quartiers
specialized formTo take up residence.
Marquer son territoire
contrastTo mark one's territory.
Trouver ses marques
synonymTo find one's feet.
