accord
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
- 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
Tu es d'accord ?
Do you agree?
Uses the phrase 'être d'accord'.
D'accord, on y va.
OK, let's go.
'D'accord' used as a standalone interjection.
Je suis d'accord avec toi.
I agree with you.
Subject + être + d'accord + avec + person.
Elle n'est pas d'accord.
She does not agree.
Negation 'ne...pas' around the verb 'être'.
Nous sommes d'accord.
We agree.
Plural subject with 'être'.
C'est d'accord pour demain.
It's okay for tomorrow.
'C'est d'accord' is a common way to confirm a plan.
D'accord, je comprends.
OK, I understand.
Used to acknowledge information.
Papa est d'accord.
Dad agrees.
Simple subject-verb-complement structure.
Nous avons un accord.
We have an agreement.
Uses 'accord' as a noun with the verb 'avoir'.
Il a donné son accord pour le projet.
He gave his agreement/approval for the project.
'Donner son accord' is a common collocation.
L'accord de l'adjectif est important.
Adjective agreement is important.
Refers to grammatical agreement.
Ils cherchent un accord amiable.
They are looking for an amicable agreement.
'Accord amiable' is a specific legal/social term.
Je ne trouve pas d'accord sur ce point.
I don't find agreement on this point.
Noun 'accord' used in a negative sentence.
C'est un accord entre amis.
It's an agreement between friends.
Masculine noun 'un accord'.
Voulez-vous signer cet accord ?
Do you want to sign this agreement?
Verb 'signer' + noun 'accord'.
Il faut l'accord des parents.
Parental consent is needed.
Definite article 'l'' before a vowel.
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.
L'accord de Paris sur le climat est historique.
The Paris Agreement on climate is historic.
Proper noun usage for international treaties.
Il joue un accord de guitare très simple.
He is playing a very simple guitar chord.
Musical usage of 'accord'.
Nous agissons en accord avec la loi.
We are acting in accordance with the law.
Prepositional phrase 'en accord avec'.
L'accord du participe passé est parfois difficile.
Past participle agreement is sometimes difficult.
Grammatical terminology.
Ils se sont séparés d'un commun accord.
They separated by mutual agreement.
Fixed phrase 'd'un commun accord'.
Le syndicat a signé un accord salarial.
The union signed a wage agreement.
Business/labor context.
Elle a obtenu l'accord de sa banque.
She obtained her bank's approval.
Verb 'obtenir' + 'accord'.
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.
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'.
Le piano nécessite un accordage précis.
The piano requires precise tuning.
Related word 'accordage' (tuning).
Elle vit en parfait accord avec ses convictions.
She lives in perfect harmony with her convictions.
Metaphorical/philosophical usage.
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.
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.
Nous avons conclu un accord de libre-échange.
We concluded a free-trade agreement.
Economic terminology.
Cet accord de septième est très utilisé en jazz.
This seventh chord is very much used in jazz.
Specific musical terminology.
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.
Il existe un accord tacite entre les deux rivaux.
There is a tacit agreement between the two rivals.
'Accord tacite' (unspoken agreement).
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).
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.
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.
L'accordéoniste enchaîne les accords avec une dextérité impressionnante.
The accordionist chains chords together with impressive dexterity.
Musical usage in a complex sentence.
Il a agi sans l'accord préalable de son supérieur.
He acted without the prior consent of his superior.
'Accord préalable' (prior consent).
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.
L'herméneutique de cet accord soulève des questions juridiques complexes.
The hermeneutics of this agreement raise complex legal questions.
Extremely formal/academic usage.
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.
Le protocole d'accord a été paraphé par les plénipotentiaires.
The memorandum of understanding was initialed by the plenipotentiaries.
Highly specialized diplomatic language.
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).
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.
La dissonance volontaire vient rompre l'accord parfait de la composition.
The intentional dissonance breaks the perfect chord of the composition.
Advanced music theory.
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.
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
Häufige Phrasen
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— To act according to one's values; to have integrity.
Il est important d'être en accord avec soi-même.
neutral— To get everyone on the same page; to coordinate.
Il est temps de mettre les violons d'accord avant la réunion.
informal— Used impatiently to say 'Fine, I get it' or 'Alright already'.
D'accord, d'accord, j'arrête de parler !
informal— Specifically refers to applying grammatical rules.
Faites attention à l'accord du participe passé.
academic— A general agreement without having finalized the details.
Nous avons un accord de principe, le contrat suivra.
formal— To get along well (archaic but sometimes seen in literature).
Ils faisaient bon accord ensemble.
literary— By unanimous decision, often used in legal separations.
Le divorce a été prononcé d'un commun accord.
formal— Similar to 'mettre les violons d'accord' - to coordinate versions of a story.
Ils feraient mieux d'accorder leurs flûtes avant de mentir.
informal— To not agree at all (ironic usage).
Ces deux-là sont d'accord comme chien et chat.
informal— Without the permission of...
Il est parti sans l'accord de ses parents.
neutralWortfamilie
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 > FrenchSummary
The word 'accord' is essential for expressing agreement and harmony. Remember to always use 'être d'accord' instead of translating 'to agree' literally as a verb. Example: 'Je suis d'accord avec toi' (I agree with you).
- 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).
Beispiel
Nous sommes parvenus à un accord.
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À bientôt
A1Bis bald.
accepter
A2Etwas Angebotenes annehmen oder zustimmen. Eine Situation oder Bedingung tolerieren.
accueillir
A2Jemanden bei seiner Ankunft empfangen oder willkommen heißen. Auch: Platz für eine bestimmte Anzahl von Personen bieten.
actualité
A2Das aktuelle Geschehen oder die Nachrichten.
adresser
A2To address, to speak or write to someone.
affabulation
B2A fabricated story or statement, often fanciful or exaggerated.
affirmation
B2Eine Bestätigung ist eine Aussage, die besagt, dass etwas wahr ist oder existiert. Es ist eine starke Erklärung oder Bekräftigung.
affirmer
B1Etwas mit Bestimmtheit behaupten oder feststellen. Sich als Person oder in einer Rolle behaupten und durchsetzen.
allô
A1Hallo (am Telefon); wird verwendet, um einen Anruf entgegenzunehmen.
annonce
A2Eine öffentliche Bekanntmachung oder Anzeige.