At the A1 level, you primarily learn 'accord' through the phrase 'd'accord'. This is one of the first expressions students learn to signify agreement or to say 'OK'. You use it to respond to suggestions, like 'On va au café ?' - 'D'accord !'. It is a simple, unchangeable block at this stage. You don't need to worry about the noun's gender or complex uses; just focus on using 'être d'accord' to express your opinion. It is the most basic building block for social interaction in French, allowing you to participate in conversations even with a limited vocabulary. You will also see it in very simple grammar contexts, such as the basic agreement of adjectives like 'un petit garçon' vs 'une petite fille', though the word 'accord' itself might not be used by the teacher yet.
At the A2 level, you begin to see 'accord' as a noun. You learn that it means 'agreement' or 'consent'. You might encounter it in simple stories or dialogues involving plans or simple contracts. You will learn the structure 'être d'accord avec quelqu'un' (to agree with someone). You also start to learn about 'l'accord de l'adjectif'—the rule that adjectives must match the noun. This is where the word becomes a technical term in your studies. You'll learn that 'accord' is masculine ('un accord'). You might also learn 'donner son accord' for simple permissions, like a parent giving a child permission to go out. The focus is on moving beyond just saying 'OK' and starting to describe the act of agreeing.
At the B1 level, 'accord' appears in more professional and social contexts. You learn about 'accords' in the sense of formal arrangements or business deals. You will use phrases like 'd'un commun accord' (by mutual agreement) to describe how decisions were made in a narrative. In grammar, you tackle the more complex 'accord du participe passé' with the verb 'avoir' when the direct object comes before the verb. This is a significant step in French proficiency. You also start to hear 'accord' in musical contexts if you have interests there. You are expected to use the word with more precision, distinguishing between a verbal 'accord' and a written one. You might also learn 'en accord avec', used to describe being in compliance with rules or values.
At the B2 level, you explore the nuances of 'accord' in debate and formal writing. You learn expressions like 'accord de principe' (agreement in principle) and how to use them in negotiations. You understand that 'accord' can refer to a treaty (like 'l'accord de Paris'). You are expected to master all grammatical 'accords', including those with pronominal verbs, which are notoriously difficult. You might use 'accord' to discuss abstract concepts like 'l'accord entre la forme et le fond' (the harmony between form and content) in literature or art. The word becomes a tool for expressing complex relationships between ideas. You also learn to recognize the register of the word—using 'accord' in a formal letter versus 'd'accord' in a text message.
At the C1 level, 'accord' is used in sophisticated academic and legal discourse. You study 'les accords internationaux' and the legal ramifications of 'donner son accord' in various jurisdictions. In linguistics, you might study the history of 'l'accord' in the French language and how it has evolved from Latin. You use the word to describe subtle harmonies in philosophy or complex musical structures. You are expected to use synonyms like 'entente', 'convention', or 'traité' with perfect accuracy, knowing exactly which one fits the legal or social nuance. You can discuss the 'accord' of different political factions or the 'désaccord' (disagreement) in high-level intellectual debates. Your usage of the word is now fluid and deeply contextual.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of the word's etymology, its varied technical meanings, and its most obscure idiomatic uses. You can appreciate the word's role in classical French literature and its use in high-level diplomacy. You understand the 'accords' not just as grammatical rules, but as part of the rhythmic and phonetic 'accord' of French poetry. You might explore the word in the context of 'accords mets et vins' (food and wine pairings), a high-art form in French culture. You can navigate the most complex legal documents where 'accord' might have very specific, narrow definitions. You speak about 'accord' with an awareness of its weight in history, law, music, and social structure, using it with effortless precision.

accord in 30 Sekunden

  • Accord is a masculine noun meaning agreement, harmony, or a musical chord.
  • The phrase 'être d'accord' is the standard way to say 'to agree' in French.
  • In grammar, 'l'accord' refers to matching words in gender and number.
  • It is used formally for treaties and informally as 'd'accord' (OK).

The French word accord is a versatile noun that primarily translates to "agreement," "harmony," or "chord" depending on the context. At its core, it represents the idea of two or more things coming together in a state of unity or synchronization. Whether you are discussing a legal contract, a musical composition, or simply agreeing with a friend about where to eat dinner, accord is the foundational term you will need. In everyday conversation, you will most frequently encounter it in the adverbial phrase "d'accord", which is the standard French way to say "OK" or "I agree." However, as a noun, it carries significant weight in formal, academic, and artistic settings.

Legal and Formal Context
In a professional or legal setting, an accord refers to a formal arrangement or treaty between parties. For example, international climate agreements are often referred to as accords. It implies a binding commitment reached after negotiation.

Les deux pays ont enfin signé un accord de paix après des mois de négociations intenses.

Musical Context
In music, an accord is a chord—a group of notes played simultaneously to create harmony. This usage beautifully mirrors the concept of social or legal harmony, where different elements work together to produce a pleasing or functional whole.

Le guitariste a plaqué un accord de do majeur pour commencer la chanson.

Beyond these specific fields, accord is essential in linguistics. The "accord des participes passés" (agreement of past participles) is a cornerstone of French grammar, requiring the verb form to match the gender and number of the subject or object. This reflects the French language's inherent desire for structural symmetry and harmony. In a broader philosophical sense, being en accord avec soi-même (in harmony with oneself) is a common expression used to describe personal integrity and peace. The word is deeply embedded in the French psyche as a symbol of resolution and balance.

Common Usage in Business
When a manager gives their "accord," they are giving their approval or green light for a project. It is more formal than simply saying "yes."

Nous attendons l'accord du directeur pour lancer la campagne publicitaire.

Using accord correctly requires understanding its role as a noun and its participation in several fixed idiomatic structures. The most common pitfall for English speakers is trying to translate "to agree" directly into a single verb. While the verb accorder exists, it usually means "to grant" or "to tune." To say "I agree," French speakers almost exclusively use the phrase être d'accord.

The Phrase 'Être d'accord'
This phrase is used with the subject and the verb 'être'. To say 'I agree with you,' you say 'Je suis d'accord avec toi.' Note that the 'd'' is mandatory; 'Je suis accord' is incorrect.

Est-ce que tu es d'accord avec cette décision ?

When using accord as a standalone noun, it often follows verbs like trouver (to find), conclure (to conclude), or signer (to sign). In these cases, it functions just like the English word "agreement." You can also use it with prepositions like en to form en accord avec (in accordance with / in agreement with).

The Phrase 'D'un commun accord'
This means "by mutual agreement" or "unanimously." It is frequently used in news reports or legal documents to describe a shared decision.

Ils se sont séparés d'un commun accord.

Another important construction is donner son accord (to give one's consent/approval). This is common in bureaucratic or medical contexts. For example, a patient must donner son accord before a procedure. Conversely, mettre d'accord means to bring people to an agreement or to settle a dispute. If two people are arguing, a third person might try to les mettre d'accord.

Grammatical Agreement
In French grammar, 'accord' refers to how words change to match each other. For example, in 'les petites filles', the adjective 'petites' is in 'accord' with the feminine plural noun 'filles'.

N'oubliez pas l'accord de l'adjectif avec le nom.

In France and other French-speaking regions, accord is ubiquitous, but its frequency and tone change drastically depending on the environment. In the streets of Paris or a café in Montreal, you will hear "D'accord !" every few minutes. It is the verbal punctuation of French life, used to acknowledge a statement, confirm a plan, or simply show that you are listening. It functions much like "Got it," "Sure," or "Right" in English.

Political News and Media
Turn on France 2 or read Le Monde, and you will see 'accord' in headlines regarding international relations, labor strikes, and legislative debates. 'L'accord de Paris' (The Paris Agreement) is perhaps the most famous global example.

Le gouvernement a conclu un nouvel accord avec les syndicats.

In the workplace, accord is the language of hierarchy and cooperation. You might hear a colleague say, "J'ai eu l'accord du patron," meaning they received the boss's approval. It’s also common in the phrase "accord de principe," which refers to an agreement in principle—meaning the broad terms are settled even if the details aren't.

Artistic and Intellectual Circles
In conservatories or music schools, teachers will constantly refer to 'accords'. In philosophy, 'être en accord avec la nature' (being in harmony with nature) is a frequent topic of discussion.

Cet accord au piano est très mélancolique.

Finally, you will hear it in the context of family and social dynamics. Parents might ask their children for their accord before making a family decision, or friends might say they are "tous d'accord" (all in agreement) about which movie to see. The word bridges the gap between the extremely formal (treaties) and the extremely casual (confirming a pizza order).

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with accord is the "false friend" trap or grammatical misalignment. Because "agreement" and "accord" look similar, learners often assume they can be used interchangeably in all structures, but French has specific rules for this word.

Mistake 1: "Je suis accord"
English speakers often forget the 'd' in 'd'accord'. You must say 'Je suis d'accord'. Saying 'Je suis accord' sounds like you are saying 'I am a musical chord' or simply makes no sense to a native speaker.

Faux: Je suis accord. Vrai: Je suis d'accord.

Mistake 2: "J'accorde avec toi"
Learners often try to use the verb 'accorder' to mean 'to agree'. While 'accorder' means to grant or to tune, it does NOT mean 'to have the same opinion'. For that, you must use 'être d'accord'.

Faux: J'accorde avec ton idée. Vrai: Je suis d'accord avec ton idée.

Another mistake involves the gender of the word. Accord is masculine (un accord). Learners often mistakenly make it feminine because many French abstract nouns ending in -e are feminine, but accord follows the masculine pattern. Additionally, when using it in the context of grammatical agreement, remember that the noun is l'accord, but the action is accorder (to make agree).

Mistake 3: Confusing 'Accord' and 'Entente'
While both can mean agreement, 'entente' refers more to the quality of a relationship or a shared understanding (like 'the Entente Cordiale'), whereas 'accord' is the specific arrangement or the act of agreeing.

To truly master French, you need to know when to use accord and when a synonym might be more precise. Depending on whether you're talking about a business deal, a social vibe, or a legal contract, different words come into play.

Accord vs. Convention
An 'accord' is general, but a 'convention' is often a specific type of formal agreement, often used in labor law (convention collective) or international law (Geneva Convention).

L'accord est signé, mais nous devons respecter la convention collective.

Accord vs. Traité
A 'traité' is the most formal level of agreement, usually between nations (a treaty). An 'accord' can be the precursor to a treaty or a less formal version of one.

If you are looking for alternatives to the phrase être d'accord, you might use partager l'avis de quelqu'un (to share someone's opinion) or approuver (to approve). In more formal writing, you might see souscrire à (to subscribe/agree to an idea).

Accord vs. Harmonie
While 'accord' can mean harmony (especially in music), 'harmonie' is used for the general concept of peace and balance in relationships or aesthetics.

For informal situations, instead of saying "Je suis d'accord," you might hear "Ça marche" (That works), "C'est entendu" (It's understood/agreed), or simply "Entendu." If you are in total agreement, you can say "Tout à fait" (Exactly) or "Absolument" (Absolutely). These variations add flavor to your French and help you sound more like a native speaker.

Wusstest du?

Because 'accord' comes from 'cor' (heart), it is etymologically related to words like 'courage', 'cordial', and 'record' (which originally meant to learn by heart).

Aussprachehilfe

UK /a.kɔʁ/
US /ɑ.kɔɹ/
Stress is on the second syllable, as is typical in French.
Reimt sich auf
bord fort mort port sort tort nord cor
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing the final 'd' (the 'd' is silent).
  • Making the 'r' too soft or like an English 'r'.
  • Pronouncing 'd'accord' as two separate words with a pause; it should flow together.
  • Confusing the pronunciation with the English word 'accord'.
  • Nasalizing the 'o' (it is not a nasal vowel).

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

Tu es d'accord ?

Do you agree?

Uses the phrase 'être d'accord'.

2

D'accord, on y va.

OK, let's go.

'D'accord' used as a standalone interjection.

3

Je suis d'accord avec toi.

I agree with you.

Subject + être + d'accord + avec + person.

4

Elle n'est pas d'accord.

She does not agree.

Negation 'ne...pas' around the verb 'être'.

5

Nous sommes d'accord.

We agree.

Plural subject with 'être'.

6

C'est d'accord pour demain.

It's okay for tomorrow.

'C'est d'accord' is a common way to confirm a plan.

7

D'accord, je comprends.

OK, I understand.

Used to acknowledge information.

8

Papa est d'accord.

Dad agrees.

Simple subject-verb-complement structure.

1

Nous avons un accord.

We have an agreement.

Uses 'accord' as a noun with the verb 'avoir'.

2

Il a donné son accord pour le projet.

He gave his agreement/approval for the project.

'Donner son accord' is a common collocation.

3

L'accord de l'adjectif est important.

Adjective agreement is important.

Refers to grammatical agreement.

4

Ils cherchent un accord amiable.

They are looking for an amicable agreement.

'Accord amiable' is a specific legal/social term.

5

Je ne trouve pas d'accord sur ce point.

I don't find agreement on this point.

Noun 'accord' used in a negative sentence.

6

C'est un accord entre amis.

It's an agreement between friends.

Masculine noun 'un accord'.

7

Voulez-vous signer cet accord ?

Do you want to sign this agreement?

Verb 'signer' + noun 'accord'.

8

Il faut l'accord des parents.

Parental consent is needed.

Definite article 'l'' before a vowel.

1

Ils sont tombés d'accord après une longue discussion.

They came to an agreement after a long discussion.

'Tomber d'accord' means to reach an agreement.

2

L'accord de Paris sur le climat est historique.

The Paris Agreement on climate is historic.

Proper noun usage for international treaties.

3

Il joue un accord de guitare très simple.

He is playing a very simple guitar chord.

Musical usage of 'accord'.

4

Nous agissons en accord avec la loi.

We are acting in accordance with the law.

Prepositional phrase 'en accord avec'.

5

L'accord du participe passé est parfois difficile.

Past participle agreement is sometimes difficult.

Grammatical terminology.

6

Ils se sont séparés d'un commun accord.

They separated by mutual agreement.

Fixed phrase 'd'un commun accord'.

7

Le syndicat a signé un accord salarial.

The union signed a wage agreement.

Business/labor context.

8

Elle a obtenu l'accord de sa banque.

She obtained her bank's approval.

Verb 'obtenir' + 'accord'.

1

C'est un accord de principe, les détails viendront plus tard.

It's an agreement in principle; the details will come later.

'Accord de principe' is a common professional term.

2

Il y a un manque d'accord entre les différentes parties.

There is a lack of agreement between the different parties.

Using 'manque d'accord' for 'disagreement'.

3

Le piano nécessite un accordage précis.

The piano requires precise tuning.

Related word 'accordage' (tuning).

4

Elle vit en parfait accord avec ses convictions.

She lives in perfect harmony with her convictions.

Metaphorical/philosophical usage.

5

L'accord cadre définit les grandes lignes du projet.

The framework agreement defines the main lines of the project.

'Accord-cadre' is a compound noun.

6

Le participe passé s'accorde avec le complément d'objet direct placé avant le verbe.

The past participle agrees with the direct object placed before the verb.

Technical grammatical explanation.

7

Nous avons conclu un accord de libre-échange.

We concluded a free-trade agreement.

Economic terminology.

8

Cet accord de septième est très utilisé en jazz.

This seventh chord is very much used in jazz.

Specific musical terminology.

1

La ratification de l'accord a suscité de vifs débats au Parlement.

The ratification of the agreement sparked lively debates in Parliament.

Formal political vocabulary.

2

Il existe un accord tacite entre les deux rivaux.

There is a tacit agreement between the two rivals.

'Accord tacite' (unspoken agreement).

3

L'accord des volontés est essentiel pour la validité du contrat.

The meeting of minds is essential for the validity of the contract.

Legal concept (meeting of minds).

4

Cette mesure est en total désaccord avec nos valeurs fondamentales.

This measure is in total disagreement with our fundamental values.

Antonym 'désaccord' used in a formal context.

5

L'œuvre d'art présente un bel accord de couleurs.

The work of art presents a beautiful harmony of colors.

Aesthetic usage of 'accord' as harmony.

6

L'accordéoniste enchaîne les accords avec une dextérité impressionnante.

The accordionist chains chords together with impressive dexterity.

Musical usage in a complex sentence.

7

Il a agi sans l'accord préalable de son supérieur.

He acted without the prior consent of his superior.

'Accord préalable' (prior consent).

8

La recherche d'un accord global reste la priorité de la diplomatie.

The search for a global agreement remains the priority of diplomacy.

High-level political usage.

1

L'herméneutique de cet accord soulève des questions juridiques complexes.

The hermeneutics of this agreement raise complex legal questions.

Extremely formal/academic usage.

2

On peut noter un accord subtil entre le timbre de la voix et l'instrumentation.

One can note a subtle harmony between the timbre of the voice and the instrumentation.

Advanced artistic criticism.

3

Le protocole d'accord a été paraphé par les plénipotentiaires.

The memorandum of understanding was initialed by the plenipotentiaries.

Highly specialized diplomatic language.

4

Il s'agit d'un accord synallagmatique où chaque partie a des obligations.

It is a synallagmatic agreement where each party has obligations.

Legal terminology (bilateral contract).

5

L'accord des adjectifs de couleur reste l'un des points les plus ardus de la syntaxe française.

The agreement of color adjectives remains one of the most difficult points of French syntax.

Linguistic analysis.

6

La dissonance volontaire vient rompre l'accord parfait de la composition.

The intentional dissonance breaks the perfect chord of the composition.

Advanced music theory.

7

Ils ont agi de concert, en parfait accord avec les directives occultes.

They acted in concert, in perfect agreement with the occult directives.

Literary/narrative usage.

8

L'accord interprofessionnel a été dénoncé par les syndicats minoritaires.

The inter-professional agreement was denounced by the minority unions.

Specific labor law terminology.

Häufige Kollokationen

signer un accord
donner son accord
être d'accord
un accord de principe
un accord amiable
faire l'accord
un accord de paix
un accord cadre
plaquer un accord
d'un commun accord

Häufige Phrasen

D'accord !

— The most common way to say 'OK' or 'I agree'.

Tu viens ? - D'accord !

Je suis d'accord.

— The standard way to say 'I agree'.

Je suis d'accord avec ton analyse.

Pas d'accord.

— A short way to say 'I don't agree'.

Moi, je ne suis pas d'accord.

Donner son accord.

— To give one's permission or approval.

Elle a donné son accord pour le voyage.

D'un commun accord.

— By mutual agreement/unanimously.

Ils ont démissionné d'un commun accord.

En accord avec.

— In accordance with or in harmony with.

C'est en accord avec mes principes.

Mettre d'accord.

— To bring people to an agreement.

Il faut les mettre d'accord sur le menu.

Tomber d'accord.

— To reach an agreement after discussion.

Nous sommes enfin tombés d'accord.

S'accorder sur.

— To agree on something (verb form).

Ils s'accordent sur l'importance du projet.

Un accord tacite.

— An unspoken but understood agreement.

C'est un accord tacite entre nous.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Être en accord avec soi-même"

— To act according to one's values; to have integrity.

Il est important d'être en accord avec soi-même.

neutral
"Mettre les violons d'accord"

— To get everyone on the same page; to coordinate.

Il est temps de mettre les violons d'accord avant la réunion.

informal
"D'accord, d'accord !"

— Used impatiently to say 'Fine, I get it' or 'Alright already'.

D'accord, d'accord, j'arrête de parler !

informal
"Faire l'accord"

— Specifically refers to applying grammatical rules.

Faites attention à l'accord du participe passé.

academic
"Un accord de principe"

— A general agreement without having finalized the details.

Nous avons un accord de principe, le contrat suivra.

formal
"Faire bon accord"

— To get along well (archaic but sometimes seen in literature).

Ils faisaient bon accord ensemble.

literary
"D'un commun accord"

— By unanimous decision, often used in legal separations.

Le divorce a été prononcé d'un commun accord.

formal
"Accorder ses flûtes"

— Similar to 'mettre les violons d'accord' - to coordinate versions of a story.

Ils feraient mieux d'accorder leurs flûtes avant de mentir.

informal
"Être d'accord comme chien et chat"

— To not agree at all (ironic usage).

Ces deux-là sont d'accord comme chien et chat.

informal
"Sans l'accord de..."

— Without the permission of...

Il est parti sans l'accord de ses parents.

neutral

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verben

Adjektive

Verwandt

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Old French 'acorder', which comes from the Vulgar Latin 'accordare'. This Latin root is a combination of 'ad-' (to) and 'cor' (heart).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Literally, it means 'to bring to the heart' or 'to be of one heart'. This reflects the deep emotional and social sense of harmony the word implies.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > French

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