At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn about the world of technology in French. You might know words like 'ordinateur' (computer) or 'Internet'. The word digitalement might be a bit long for you, but you can understand it because it looks like 'digitally' in English. At this stage, you should know that it means doing something with a computer or a phone. For example, if you send a photo to your friend using your phone, you are sending it digitalement. You don't need to use this word often yet; simple phrases like 'sur Internet' are more common for beginners. However, seeing this word helps you recognize that many French words ending in '-ment' are like English words ending in '-ly'. It's a great way to start building your adverb vocabulary.
At the A2 level, you are starting to describe your daily habits and the things you do. You might use digitalement to talk about how you communicate or shop. For instance, you can say 'J'achète mes vêtements digitalement' (I buy my clothes digitally/online). You are beginning to see the difference between doing something 'en personne' (in person) and doing it digitalement. At this stage, you should practice placing the word after the verb. Remember, it's a long word, so take your time pronouncing it: di-gi-ta-le-ment. You might also start to notice this word on websites or in simple advertisements. It's a useful word to know when you are talking about the modern world and your use of technology.
At the B1 level, you are expected to talk about your work, your interests, and social trends. digitalement becomes very useful here. You can use it to describe the 'transformation' of your workplace or how you manage your personal life. For example, 'Mon entreprise a changé sa façon de travailler ; nous faisons tout digitalement maintenant.' You are also at the stage where you should start noticing the debate between 'digitalement' and 'numériquement'. While you can use both, knowing that digitalement is very common in business will help you sound more natural in professional settings. You should also be able to use it in the past tense, placing it after the past participle: 'Nous avons tout géré digitalement.'
At the B2 level, which is the target for this word, you should use digitalement with confidence and nuance. You understand that it carries a certain 'modern' and 'international' connotation. You can use it to discuss abstract topics like 'la fracture numérique' (the digital divide) or 'la sécurité des données'. You should be able to argue for or against the use of technology in society using this adverb. For example, 'Bien que nous soyons plus connectés digitalement, nous sommes parfois plus isolés socialement.' At B2, you should also be careful with your register; you know that in a formal academic essay, 'numériquement' might be preferred, but in a marketing presentation, digitalement is perfect. You are mastering the subtle social signals that different words send.
At the C1 level, you are exploring the deeper linguistic and cultural implications of words. You can discuss the etymology of digitalement, noting its roots in 'digitus' (finger) and how English influence has shifted its meaning in French. You can use the word to describe complex philosophical concepts, such as how our identities are constructed digitalement through social media. You should be able to navigate the 'digital vs numérique' debate with ease, perhaps even critiquing the Académie Française's resistance to the term. Your use of the word is precise, and you can pair it with sophisticated vocabulary: 'Cette œuvre d'art, bien que conçue digitalement, possède une sensibilité organique surprenante.'
At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of the word's nuances. You understand the political and economic reasons why a French startup might choose to brand itself 'digitalement' rather than 'numériquement'. You can use the word in high-level debates about 'souveraineté numérique' (digital sovereignty) or the 'dématérialisation' of the state. You might even use it ironically or to highlight the 'Franglais' tendencies of certain professional circles. Your placement of the adverb is always perfect, and you can use it in complex, multi-clause sentences without losing the flow. You are aware of the word's history in 17th-century medical texts and how that contrasts with its 21st-century tech usage. For you, digitalement is not just a translation of 'digitally', but a window into the evolution of the French language in a globalized world.

digitalement in 30 Sekunden

  • Digitalement means 'digitally' and describes actions done via computers or the internet.
  • It is widely used in business, marketing, and tech, despite being a controversial anglicism.
  • The formal alternative is 'numériquement', which is preferred in academic or government contexts.
  • Commonly used for signing documents, communicating, and transforming business processes.

The French adverb digitalement is a term that has seen a meteoric rise in usage over the last two decades, paralleling the global technological revolution. At its core, it translates to 'digitally' in English. However, its history and acceptance in the French language are more complex than a simple translation might suggest. Historically, 'digital' in French referred exclusively to the fingers (from the Latin digitus). It wasn't until the influence of the English word 'digital' (referring to binary code and computers) that the adverb digitalement began to circulate in its modern sense. Today, it describes any action performed using computer technology, electronic systems, or the internet.

Technical Context
In IT and business, it refers to the processing of information via binary digits. For example, 'stocker des données digitalement' (to store data digitally).
Lifestyle Context
It describes modern habits like 'communiquer digitalement' (communicating through apps and social media) rather than in person.

When you use this word, you are often highlighting the medium through which an action occurs. It contrasts with 'physiquement' (physically) or 'manuellement' (manually). In a professional setting, a company might announce that it is now operating digitalement to signify a move away from paper-based workflows. It is important to note that while 'numériquement' is the officially preferred term by the Académie Française, digitalement is ubiquitous in marketing, startups, and everyday conversation.

Aujourd'hui, nous gérons nos finances digitalement via une application mobile.

The word also carries a connotation of modernity and efficiency. To do something digitalement implies speed, accessibility, and the use of modern tools. It is rarely used to describe old-fashioned computing (like using a calculator) but rather the interconnected ecosystem of the 21st century. Whether you are signing a contract, attending a meeting, or dating, the adverb describes the shift of human experience into the virtual realm. It reflects a world where the 'fingers' (digital) that once physically manipulated tools are now tapping on screens to manipulate data.

Le projet a été entièrement conçu digitalement avant d'être imprimé en 3D.

Modern Usage
Commonly found in phrases like 'transformer digitalement une entreprise' (to digitally transform a company).

Furthermore, the nuances of digitalement extend to the realm of art and media. A painting created on a tablet is created digitalement. This distinguishes it from traditional media, emphasizing the lack of physical pigments and the use of software. In the world of finance, 'digitalement' is used to describe the transition to cryptocurrencies and cashless societies. It is a word that encapsulates the zeitgeist of our era—the migration of reality into the cloud.

L'artiste a retouché la photo digitalement pour améliorer les couleurs.

To summarize, when you hear digitalement, think of the screen, the internet, and the modern world. It is a bridge between the physical act of touching and the virtual act of computing. As French continues to evolve, the tension between 'digitalement' and 'numériquement' remains a hallmark of the language's struggle to balance global English influence with its own linguistic heritage.

Using digitalement correctly involves understanding its placement as an adverb and the contexts where it sounds most natural. Like most French adverbs ending in '-ment', it typically follows the verb it modifies or comes after the past participle in compound tenses. However, its usage is most effective when describing processes that have moved from a physical to an electronic format.

With Action Verbs
When modifying verbs like 'signer', 'travailler', or 'vendre', it specifies the mode of operation. Example: 'Nous signons tous nos contrats digitalement.'
In Passive Voice
It is often used to describe how something was created or handled. Example: 'Le document a été archivé digitalement.'

In the business world, digitalement is often used in the context of 'transformation' or 'transition'. You might hear managers say, 'Nous devons nous adapter digitalement pour rester compétitifs.' This implies a holistic change in how the company functions, moving away from legacy systems. It suggests a proactive approach to technology.

Les archives nationales sont désormais accessibles digitalement au public.

Another common usage is in the creative arts. A designer might say, 'Je dessine digitalement sur ma tablette graphique.' Here, the adverb provides essential information about the tools being used. Without it, the listener might assume the artist is using paper and pencil. In this way, digitalement acts as a qualifier for the medium.

Il est possible de voter digitalement dans certaines municipalités.

Comparisons
You can use it to compare eras: 'Autrefois, on écrivait à la main ; aujourd'hui, on communique digitalement.'

For students of French, it is also useful to pair digitalement with adjectives or other adverbs to add nuance. For instance, 'presque entièrement digitalement' (almost entirely digitally) or 'exclusivement digitalement' (exclusively digitally). These combinations help in expressing the extent of a technological shift.

L'entreprise a été transformée digitalement en moins de deux ans.

Finally, consider the social aspect. 'Se rencontrer digitalement' is a common way to describe meeting people through apps. It highlights the modern reality where social bonds are often forged through bits and bytes before they ever manifest in the physical world. By using this word, you are accurately describing the contemporary French experience.

If you spend time in a French-speaking professional environment, particularly in Paris or other tech hubs like Lyon or Montreal, you will hear digitalement constantly. It is the language of the 'cadre' (executive) and the 'entrepreneur'. It echoes through glass-walled meeting rooms and fills the pages of business magazines like Les Échos or Challenges. It is a buzzword that signals a company is forward-thinking.

In the Office
'Nous devons repenser notre stratégie digitalement.' (We need to rethink our strategy digitally.) This is a common refrain in corporate strategy meetings.
In Media
News reports on the 'fracture numérique' (digital divide) often discuss how citizens are or are not connected digitalement.

You will also encounter digitalement in the world of marketing and advertising. Brands often boast about being 'digitalement natif' (digitally native), meaning they started online rather than in a physical store. This usage is heavily influenced by the English-speaking startup culture of Silicon Valley. When a French brand wants to sound 'cool' or 'global', they will often opt for digitalement over the more traditional 'numériquement'.

Cette banque opère exclusivement digitalement, sans aucune agence physique.

In the public sector, the French government frequently uses this term when discussing 'dématérialisation' (paperless administration). You might see posters in a 'Mairie' (town hall) explaining that you can now complete your administrative tasks digitalement. It represents the modernization of the French state, which has historically been known for its heavy reliance on physical paperwork and 'timbres' (stamps).

Les impôts peuvent désormais être payés digitalement sur le site officiel.

Educational Context
Teachers and professors use it when referring to remote learning or 'enseignement à distance'. 'Le cours sera transmis digitalement.'

Finally, the word is common in the arts. Film festivals often have a section for movies that were shot digitalement rather than on film. In music, a track might be 'masterisé digitalement'. In all these cases, the word acts as a marker of the technology used. It is a word you will hear in the cinema, in the bank, at the university, and in the café when people discuss their latest gadgets.

Ce film a été restauré digitalement pour une qualité 4K.

In summary, digitalement is the sound of the 21st-century French economy. It is a word that bridges the gap between old traditions and new possibilities, heard everywhere from the boardroom to the classroom.

The most significant 'mistake' associated with digitalement isn't grammatical, but rather stylistic and social. In France, there is a long-standing debate about the use of 'digital' vs. 'numérique'. The Académie Française and many linguistic purists argue that 'digital' should only refer to fingers (like a digital print/empreinte digitale). Therefore, using digitalement in a formal academic essay might be flagged as an 'anglicisme' (English loanword error).

The Purist Trap
Using 'digitalement' in a high-level literature exam or a formal letter to a government official. In these cases, 'numériquement' is the safer, more 'correct' choice.
Confusion with 'Doigt'
Rarely, a learner might use 'digitalement' when they mean they did something with their hands/fingers in a non-computer way. For this, 'manuellement' is usually better.

Another common mistake is misplacing the adverb in complex sentence structures. English speakers often want to say 'Il a digitalement signé', following the English 'He digitally signed'. In French, it is almost always 'Il a signé digitalement'. Placing the adverb before the past participle is a common 'calque' (direct translation) error that sounds unnatural to native ears.

Incorrect: J'ai digitalement envoyé le fichier.
Correct: J'ai envoyé le fichier digitalement.

There is also the risk of overusing the word. In French, it is often more natural to use a prepositional phrase like 'par ordinateur' (by computer) or 'en ligne' (online) rather than the adverb digitalement. For example, 'Je l'ai fait en ligne' sounds much more common than 'Je l'ai fait digitalement' in casual conversation. Using the adverb can sometimes sound a bit too much like 'corporate-speak'.

Trop formel: Nous communiquons digitalement.
Naturel: On se parle en ligne ou par message.

False Friends
Be careful not to confuse 'digitalement' with 'virtuellement'. While they often overlap, 'virtuellement' can also mean 'virtually' in the sense of 'almost' (e.g., virtually impossible).

Finally, learners sometimes forget to agree the adjective 'digital' if they use it instead of the adverb. While digitalement is invariable, the adjective 'digital' must agree in gender and number: 'une montre digitale' vs 'des outils digitaux'. Mixing up the adverb and adjective forms is a frequent slip-up for those still mastering French suffixes.

Il travaille avec des outils digitaux (adjective) pour créer digitalement (adverb) ses œuvres.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you use digitalement with the nuance and precision of a B2-level speaker, knowing exactly when to embrace the modern term and when to stick to the traditional one.

To truly master the concept of digitalement, you should be aware of its synonyms and related terms. The most direct alternative is numériquement. This is the 'official' French word. While digitalement is often preferred by the private sector and marketing agencies for its modern, international feel, numériquement is used by the government, the education system, and in formal literature.

Numériquement
The pure French alternative. It comes from 'numéro' (number), reflecting the binary nature of computers. Use this to sound more educated or formal.
Virtuellement
Means 'virtually'. It is used when the action takes place in a simulated environment, like a VR game or a 'virtual' meeting (Zoom).

Another useful phrase is par voie électronique (by electronic means). This is very common in legal and administrative contexts. Instead of saying 'signé digitalement', a lawyer might say 'signé par voie électronique'. It sounds more precise and professional in a courtroom or a contract.

Veuillez nous transmettre le formulaire par voie électronique.

For actions involving data, you might use informatiquement. This adverb specifically refers to the use of 'informatique' (computer science). While digitalement is broader and can include smartphones and gadgets, informatiquement feels more grounded in the world of software and servers. Example: 'Le système est géré informatiquement.'

Les données sont traitées informatiquement par notre algorithme.

Cyber- (Prefix)
While not an adverb, the prefix 'cyber-' is often used in related contexts: 'cybersécurité', 'cyberespace'. It adds a sci-fi or security-focused flavor to the digital theme.

Lastly, consider the term à distance (at a distance / remotely). In the era of remote work, this is often what people mean when they say they are working digitalement. 'Je travaille à distance' implies the use of digital tools but focuses on the location rather than the technology itself. Knowing these alternatives allows you to choose the perfect word for the right situation, moving beyond a basic vocabulary to a more sophisticated command of French.

La conférence sera accessible à distance pour ceux qui ne peuvent pas voyager.

By diversifying your use of these terms, you will avoid sounding repetitive and demonstrate a deep understanding of the subtle social and technical layers of the French language.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The modern tech meaning of 'digital' comes from the fact that computers use numbers (digits) to process information. Since we originally used our fingers (digits) to count, the words for fingers and numbers are linked in many languages!

Aussprachehilfe

UK /di.ʒi.tal.mɑ̃/
US /di.ʒi.tɑl.mɑ̃/
Stress falls on the final syllable: 'ment'.
Reimt sich auf
également spécialement totalement finalement socialement normalement principalement localement
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing the 't' at the end (the 't' is silent).
  • Using a hard 'g' like in 'goat' (it should be a soft 'j' sound).
  • Not making the 'ment' nasal enough.
  • Stressing the first syllable like in English.
  • Pronouncing it as five syllables (di-gi-ta-le-ment) when in fast speech it often sounds like four (di-gi-tal-ment).

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize for English speakers due to the cognate.

Schreiben 4/5

Long word, requires correct spelling of the '-ment' suffix.

Sprechen 5/5

Nasal ending and soft 'g' can be tricky for beginners.

Hören 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but can be lost in fast speech.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

digital ordinateur Internet numérique ment

Als Nächstes lernen

dématérialisation cybersécurité algorithme virtuellement interconnecté

Fortgeschritten

ontologie ubiquité hégémonie souveraineté numérique disruption

Wichtige Grammatik

Adverb Formation from Adjectives

Digital (adj) -> Digitale (f.adj) -> Digitalement (adv)

Adverb Placement in Compound Tenses

J'ai signé (verb) digitalement (adv).

Adverbs Modifying Adjectives

C'est un service digitalement (adv) accessible (adj).

Nasal Vowels in Suffixes

The 'ment' in digitalement is a nasal /ɑ̃/.

Soft vs Hard G

The 'g' in digitalement is soft /ʒ/ because it is followed by 'i'.

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

Je parle avec ma mère digitalement.

I talk with my mother digitally.

Simple present tense. The adverb follows the verb 'parle'.

2

Il envoie des photos digitalement.

He sends photos digitally.

The adverb 'digitalement' describes how the photos are sent.

3

Nous lisons le journal digitalement.

We read the newspaper digitally.

Direct object 'le journal' comes before the adverb.

4

Tu travailles digitalement aujourd'hui ?

Are you working digitally today?

Question form. 'Digitalement' modifies 'travailles'.

5

Elle achète ses livres digitalement.

She buys her books digitally.

Adverb follows the direct object 'ses livres'.

6

Ils apprennent le français digitalement.

They learn French digitally.

The adverb describes the method of learning.

7

On peut payer digitalement ici.

One can pay digitally here.

The adverb follows the infinitive 'payer'.

8

Le document est envoyé digitalement.

The document is sent digitally.

Passive voice. The adverb follows the past participle 'envoyé'.

1

J'ai sauvegardé mes souvenirs digitalement.

I saved my memories digitally.

Passé composé. Adverb follows the past participle.

2

Voulez-vous recevoir votre facture digitalement ?

Do you want to receive your bill digitally?

Infinitive construction with 'vouloir'.

3

Elle préfère communiquer digitalement avec ses amis.

She prefers to communicate digitally with her friends.

The adverb is placed after the infinitive 'communiquer'.

4

Nous avons signé le bail digitalement hier.

We signed the lease digitally yesterday.

Passé composé. Adverb follows the past participle 'signé'.

5

Il est plus facile de voyager digitalement maintenant.

It is easier to travel digitally now (with e-tickets).

Impersonal construction 'Il est plus facile de...'.

6

Les enfants jouent souvent digitalement ensemble.

Children often play digitally together.

Adverb 'souvent' and 'digitalement' modify the verb 'jouent'.

7

Ma banque gère tout digitalement.

My bank manages everything digitally.

Adverb follows the pronoun 'tout'.

8

Vous pouvez vous inscrire digitalement à ce cours.

You can register digitally for this course.

Reflexive verb 's'inscrire' followed by the adverb.

1

L'entreprise a décidé de se transformer digitalement.

The company decided to transform itself digitally.

Reflexive infinitive 'se transformer' followed by the adverb.

2

Les données sont stockées digitalement sur un serveur sécurisé.

The data is stored digitally on a secure server.

Passive voice with the adverb modifying 'stockées'.

3

Il est important de rester connecté digitalement à son réseau.

It is important to stay digitally connected to one's network.

Adjective 'connecté' modified by the adverb 'digitalement'.

4

Nous avons archivé tous les dossiers digitalement pour gagner de l'espace.

We archived all the files digitally to save space.

Passé composé with a direct object before the adverb.

5

Le projet a été entièrement conçu digitalement.

The project was entirely designed digitally.

Passive voice with two adverbs: 'entièrement' and 'digitalement'.

6

Elle a appris à peindre digitalement sur sa tablette.

She learned to paint digitally on her tablet.

Infinitive 'peindre' followed by the adverb.

7

Les clients peuvent désormais commander digitalement.

Customers can now order digitally.

Adverb 'désormais' and 'digitalement' used together.

8

Cette application permet de gérer ses finances digitalement.

This app allows you to manage your finances digitally.

Infinitive 'gérer' followed by the object and the adverb.

1

La fracture numérique empêche certains citoyens de s'intégrer digitalement.

The digital divide prevents some citizens from integrating digitally.

Complex sentence with a reflexive infinitive.

2

Les services publics s'orientent de plus en plus vers une gestion effectuée digitalement.

Public services are moving more and more towards management carried out digitally.

Past participle 'effectuée' modified by the adverb.

3

Il est crucial de protéger ses informations personnelles quand on opère digitalement.

It is crucial to protect one's personal information when operating digitally.

Subordinate clause starting with 'quand'.

4

L'artiste explore comment l'identité humaine est représentée digitalement.

The artist explores how human identity is represented digitally.

Indirect question structure with passive voice.

5

Certaines banques n'existent que digitalement, sans aucune agence physique.

Some banks only exist digitally, without any physical branches.

Negation 'ne... que' (only) surrounding the verb and adverb.

6

Le marketing d'aujourd'hui se concentre sur la manière d'engager les clients digitalement.

Today's marketing focuses on how to engage customers digitally.

Infinitive 'engager' followed by the object and adverb.

7

Les manuscrits anciens ont été restaurés digitalement pour les générations futures.

Ancient manuscripts have been digitally restored for future generations.

Passive voice in the passé composé.

8

Le télétravail a prouvé que nous pouvions collaborer efficacement et digitalement.

Teleworking has proven that we could collaborate effectively and digitally.

Two adverbs joined by 'et'.

1

L'ontologie de l'image a été bouleversée par la capacité de la reproduire digitalement à l'infini.

The ontology of the image has been disrupted by the ability to reproduce it digitally ad infinitum.

Academic register with complex noun phrases.

2

Bien que le terme 'numériquement' soit recommandé, 'digitalement' prévaut dans le discours entrepreneurial.

Although the term 'numériquement' is recommended, 'digitalement' prevails in entrepreneurial discourse.

Concessive clause using the subjunctive 'soit'.

3

La souveraineté d'un État se mesure désormais aussi par sa capacité à exister digitalement.

A state's sovereignty is now also measured by its ability to exist digitally.

Reflexive verb 'se mesure' with multiple adverbs.

4

Les relations sociales sont médiatisées digitalement, modifiant ainsi notre perception de l'autre.

Social relationships are digitally mediated, thus altering our perception of others.

Passive construction with a present participle 'modifiant'.

5

Le passage au tout-digital oblige les entreprises à repenser digitalement leur modèle économique.

The shift to all-digital forces companies to digitally rethink their business model.

Infinitive 'repenser' modified by the adverb before its object.

6

L'archivage pérenne nécessite que les documents soient encodés digitalement selon des normes strictes.

Long-term archiving requires that documents be digitally encoded according to strict standards.

Subjunctive mood 'soient encodés' after 'nécessite que'.

7

L'ubiquité de l'information, transmise digitalement, crée une surcharge cognitive sans précédent.

The ubiquity of information, transmitted digitally, creates an unprecedented cognitive overload.

Appositive phrase containing a past participle and adverb.

8

Il est fascinant d'observer comment les langues s'adaptent digitalement aux nouvelles technologies.

It is fascinating to observe how languages adapt digitally to new technologies.

Indirect question with 'comment' and a reflexive verb.

1

L'avènement de l'intelligence artificielle soulève la question de savoir si la conscience peut être émulée digitalement.

The advent of artificial intelligence raises the question of whether consciousness can be digitally emulated.

Passive infinitive 'être émulée' in a complex philosophical inquiry.

2

L'esthétique de la glitch-art repose sur la manipulation d'erreurs générées digitalement.

The aesthetics of glitch art rely on the manipulation of digitally generated errors.

Past participle 'générées' acting as an adjective, modified by the adverb.

3

La dématérialisation des échanges, bien qu'efficace digitalement, pose des défis écologiques majeurs.

The dematerialization of exchanges, though digitally efficient, poses major ecological challenges.

Concessive phrase with 'bien que' followed by an adjective and adverb.

4

Certains théoriciens soutiennent que nous vivons déjà digitalement dans une simulation complexe.

Some theorists argue that we already live digitally within a complex simulation.

Subordinate clause with 'que' and the adverb modifying 'vivons'.

5

Le patrimoine culturel mondial est désormais préservé digitalement pour pallier l'usure du temps.

World cultural heritage is now digitally preserved to compensate for the wear of time.

Passive voice with an infinitive of purpose 'pour pallier'.

6

L'interconnexion globale, facilitée digitalement, a redéfini les notions de frontière et de nation.

Global interconnection, digitally facilitated, has redefined the notions of border and nation.

Past participle 'facilitée' used as an appositive modifier.

7

La cryptographie permet de sécuriser digitalement les transactions sans tiers de confiance.

Cryptography allows for the digital securing of transactions without a trusted third party.

Infinitive 'sécuriser' followed by the adverb and object.

8

L'évolution sémantique du mot 'digital' illustre la tension entre étymologie latine et hégémonie linguistique anglo-saxonne.

The semantic evolution of the word 'digital' illustrates the tension between Latin etymology and Anglo-Saxon linguistic hegemony.

Meta-linguistic commentary on the word itself.

Häufige Kollokationen

transformer digitalement
signer digitalement
stocker digitalement
communiquer digitalement
exister digitalement
restaurer digitalement
gérer digitalement
interconnecté digitalement
accessible digitalement
reproduire digitalement

Häufige Phrasen

Tout gérer digitalement

— To manage everything using digital tools. Often used in business.

Nous avons décidé de tout gérer digitalement cette année.

Être présent digitalement

— To have an online presence (website, social media).

Il est crucial pour une petite entreprise d'être présente digitalement.

S'adapter digitalement

— To adapt to new digital technologies and ways of working.

Les écoles doivent s'adapter digitalement aux besoins des élèves.

Archivé digitalement

— Stored in a digital format for long-term keeping.

Tous vos reçus sont archivés digitalement dans votre compte.

Natif digitalement

— Something or someone that originated in the digital world.

C'est une marque native digitalement qui n'a pas de boutiques.

Connecté digitalement

— Being linked via digital networks.

Nous restons connectés digitalement malgré la distance.

Opérer digitalement

— To function or conduct business through digital channels.

La banque opère exclusivement digitalement.

Conçu digitalement

— Created using digital software from the start.

Ce logo a été conçu digitalement par un graphiste.

Transmis digitalement

— Sent or shared through digital means.

L'information est transmise digitalement en temps réel.

Voter digitalement

— To cast a vote using an electronic system.

Certains pays permettent de voter digitalement.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

digitalement vs numériquement

The formal version. Often interchangeable, but carries a different social weight.

digitalement vs virtuellement

Means virtually. Can mean 'almost' or 'in a virtual world'. Not always about computers.

digitalement vs manuellement

The opposite. Doing things by hand.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Faire le saut digital"

— To finally commit to using digital technology. Like 'taking the plunge'.

Notre grand-père a enfin fait le saut digital et utilise une tablette.

Informal
"Vivre digitalement"

— To spend a large portion of one's life online or using gadgets.

La nouvelle génération vit digitalement.

Neutral
"Zéro papier"

— The goal of working entirely digitally. (Related concept).

Nous visons le zéro papier en travaillant digitalement.

Business
"Être déconnecté"

— The opposite of being connected digitally; also means being out of touch.

Il est totalement déconnecté de la réalité digitale.

Informal
"Tout au digital"

— Moving everything to a digital format.

La mairie passe au tout au digital pour les démarches.

Neutral
"Empreinte digitale"

— Usually 'fingerprint', but in tech, it's 'digital footprint'.

Faites attention à votre empreinte digitale sur Internet.

Neutral
"Le digital pour tous"

— A slogan for making technology accessible to everyone.

Le gouvernement promeut le digital pour tous.

Political
"Révolution digitale"

— The overall shift in society caused by technology.

La révolution digitale a changé le monde du travail.

Neutral
"Transformation digitale"

— The specific process of a business moving to digital tools.

Notre transformation digitale est en cours.

Business
"Fracture numérique"

— The digital divide (often used with digitalement).

Nous devons réduire la fracture numérique pour que tous puissent agir digitalement.

Formal

Leicht verwechselbar

digitalement vs digital

Adjective vs Adverb.

Digital is the adjective (une montre digitale); digitalement is the adverb (signer digitalement).

C'est un outil digital que l'on utilise digitalement.

digitalement vs doigt

Etymological root.

Doigt is the noun for finger; digitalement is the adverb for tech (though once related).

Je touche l'écran avec mon doigt pour agir digitalement.

digitalement vs numérique

Synonym.

Numérique is the French-standard adjective; digital is the English-influenced one.

Un livre numérique est un livre que l'on lit digitalement.

digitalement vs informatique

Related field.

Informatique refers to the science/hardware; digitalement refers to the mode of action.

Le support informatique nous permet de travailler digitalement.

digitalement vs virtuel

Semantic overlap.

Virtuel implies it's not real or is simulated; digitalement implies the use of binary data.

Une réunion virtuelle est gérée digitalement.

Satzmuster

A1

Je [verbe] digitalement.

Je travaille digitalement.

A2

J'ai [verbe-pp] digitalement.

J'ai payé digitalement.

B1

Il est possible de [verbe-inf] digitalement.

Il est possible de s'inscrire digitalement.

B2

Nous devons nous adapter [adverbe] et digitalement.

Nous devons nous adapter rapidement et digitalement.

B2

C'est un processus entièrement [verbe-pp] digitalement.

C'est un processus entièrement géré digitalement.

C1

Bien que [sujet] [verbe-subjonctif] digitalement...

Bien que nous communiquions digitalement...

C1

La question de savoir si l'on peut [verbe] digitalement...

La question de savoir si l'on peut voter digitalement...

C2

L'évolution de [nom] nous oblige à repenser digitalement notre [nom].

L'évolution du marché nous oblige à repenser digitalement notre stratégie.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

le digital (modern tech)
le doigt (finger)
la digitalisation (process)
le numérique (preferred noun)

Verben

digitaliser (to digitize)
numériser (to digitize - formal)

Adjektive

digital (m)
digitale (f)
digitaux (m.pl)
numérique (neutral)

Verwandt

informatique
virtuel
électronique
connecté
logiciel

So verwendest du es

frequency

High in urban, professional, and tech contexts. Increasing in general use.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using 'digitalement' in a formal university thesis. numériquement

    Academic standards in France strongly prefer 'numériquement' over the anglicism 'digitalement'.

  • J'ai digitalement signé le contrat. J'ai signé digitalement le contrat.

    In French, adverbs usually follow the verb or past participle, unlike in English.

  • Pronouncing the 't' at the end of 'digitalement'. Silent 't'

    The 't' in the '-ment' suffix is always silent in French.

  • Using 'digitalement' for manual labor. manuellement

    If you are doing something with your hands/fingers without a computer, use 'manuellement'.

  • Spelling it 'digitallment'. digitalement

    There is only one 'l' in 'digitalement'.

Tipps

Sound Modern

Use 'digitalement' in business meetings to sound like you are part of the modern tech-savvy workforce.

Adverb Placement

Always place 'digitalement' after the verb or the past participle. Example: 'Il a payé digitalement' is better than 'Il a digitalement payé'.

The Academic Choice

If you are taking a French exam, use 'numériquement'. It shows you know the 'pure' French term.

Master the Nasal

Practice the 'ment' ending by keeping your tongue flat and letting the air go through your nose.

Business Context

Pair 'digitalement' with 'transformation' or 'stratégie' to talk about company changes.

Digital vs. Virtual

Use 'digitalement' for the technology and 'virtuellement' for the experience of being in a simulation.

Double 'L'?

No, 'digitalement' only has one 'l'. Don't confuse it with words like 'totalement'.

Word Family

Remember 'digitaliser' (to digitize) is the verb form of this adverb.

Digital Native

Use the phrase 'digitalement natif' to describe brands or people born in the internet age.

Avoid Overuse

Don't use 'digitalement' in every sentence. Sometimes 'en ligne' or 'par mail' is more natural.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of your 'digits' (fingers) tapping on a 'digital' screen. You are doing it digitalement!

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a robot hand and a human hand touching a tablet screen simultaneously. This represents the bridge between the finger and the code.

Word Web

Internet Ordinateur Smartphone Données Écran Logiciel Tablette Réseau

Herausforderung

Try to spend one whole hour doing everything digitalement—no paper, no pens, just screens. Then, describe your experience in French!

Wortherkunft

From the French adjective 'digital', which comes from the Latin 'digitalis', from 'digitus' meaning 'finger'. The adverbial suffix '-ment' was added to the feminine form 'digitale'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Relating to the fingers (17th century). For example, 'une exploration digitale' meant an exam done with a finger.

Romance (Latin root) with modern semantic influence from English.

Kultureller Kontext

No major sensitivities, but be aware of the 'purist' vs 'modernist' debate in formal settings.

English speakers find this word easy because it's a direct cognate of 'digitally'.

The 'Plan France Très Haut Débit' - a government plan to connect everyone digitalement. The book 'La Civilisation du Poisson Rouge' discusses how we live digitalement. The 'Transformation Digitale' awards in Paris.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Professional Business

  • Signer un contrat digitalement
  • Transformation digitale de l'entreprise
  • Opérer digitalement à l'international
  • Gestion digitale des ressources

Education

  • Apprendre digitalement
  • Cours transmis digitalement
  • Ressources accessibles digitalement
  • S'inscrire digitalement

Arts and Media

  • Créer digitalement
  • Restauré digitalement
  • Diffusé digitalement
  • Peinture conçue digitalement

Personal Finance

  • Gérer ses comptes digitalement
  • Payer digitalement
  • Facture envoyée digitalement
  • Banque opérant digitalement

Social Life

  • Se rencontrer digitalement
  • Rester connecté digitalement
  • Partager des souvenirs digitalement
  • Communiquer digitalement

Gesprächseinstiege

"Penses-tu qu'il est possible de tout faire digitalement aujourd'hui ?"

"Préfères-tu lire un livre physique ou lire digitalement sur une tablette ?"

"Est-ce que ton entreprise a dû s'adapter digitalement récemment ?"

"Quels sont les dangers de vivre trop digitalement selon toi ?"

"Trouves-tu que les relations humaines sont meilleures quand on communique digitalement ?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Décrivez une journée où vous n'utilisez aucune technologie. Comment feriez-vous les choses sans agir digitalement ?

Pensez-vous que l'école devrait être entièrement gérée digitalement ? Pourquoi ou pourquoi pas ?

Quelle est la chose que vous refusez de faire digitalement (par exemple, écrire des lettres d'amour) ?

Comment la révolution digitale a-t-elle changé votre façon de voir le monde ?

Analysez la différence entre 'digitalement' et 'numériquement' dans votre propre apprentissage du français.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, it is a real word found in modern dictionaries like Le Robert and Larousse. However, it is often criticized by purists who prefer 'numériquement'. In everyday and business French, it is very common.

Use 'numériquement' in formal academic writing, government exams (like the DELF/DALF), or when writing to someone who values traditional French linguistic standards.

In a medical context, yes, it can mean using the fingers. But in 99% of modern conversations, it refers to using computer technology.

The '-ment' suffix is a nasal vowel. You should not pronounce the 'n' or the 't'. It sounds like the 'en' in 'encore'.

Yes, its modern meaning is heavily influenced by the English word 'digitally'. This is why some French speakers avoid it in favor of 'numériquement'.

It's better to say 'J'ai signé digitalement'. In French, the adverb usually follows the verb it modifies.

The most common opposites are 'physiquement' (physically) or 'manuellement' (manually).

In Quebec, there is a stronger push to use French-only terms, so 'numériquement' is much more common than 'digitalement' compared to France.

Absolutely. 'Communiquer digitalement' often refers to using social media, apps, and the internet.

Yes, because using it correctly requires understanding the social nuances and the debate between it and 'numériquement'.

Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen

writing

Translate to French: 'I signed the document digitally.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to French: 'We communicate digitally with our friends.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using 'digitalement' and 'entreprise'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The data is stored digitally on a server.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about paying digitalement.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The film was digitally restored.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use 'digitalement' in a question.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Digital transformation is important.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence comparing 'physiquement' and 'digitalement'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'I read the news digitally every morning.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe your job using 'digitalement'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Is it possible to vote digitally?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about a digital bank.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The archives are accessible digitally.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about learning French digitally.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'They are digitally connected.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use 'digitalement' with the verb 'vendre'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The project was entirely designed digitally.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about a digital artist.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Public services are moving digitally.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce: digitalement

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'I work digitally.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'We sign everything digitally.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The bank is digital.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Is it possible to pay digitally?'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Explain 'digitalement' in French (simple).

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The film was restored digitally.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Digital transformation is here.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'We stay connected digitally.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce 'numériquement' and 'digitalement'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'I read digitally every day.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Everything is archived digitally.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'I prefer to meet in person.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The world is connected digitally.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'It's an anglicism.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'She paints digitally.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Public services are digital.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'I am a digital native.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'The data is secure.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'We are evolving digitally.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Identify the word: 'Nous communiquons digitalement.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Identify the word: 'Transformation digitale.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Does the speaker say 'digitalement' or 'numériquement'?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Identify the action: 'Signer digitalement'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Identify the object: 'Archives digitales'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Is the sentence positive or negative? 'On ne peut pas tout faire digitalement.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Identify the place: 'Une banque digitale'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Identify the time: 'Désormais digitalement'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Identify the emotion: 'C'est génial de travailler digitalement.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Identify the word: 'Virtuellement'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Identify the word: 'Informatiquement'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Identify the word: 'Numériquement'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Identify the word: 'Électroniquement'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Identify the word: 'Manuellement'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Identify the word: 'Physiquement'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

War das hilfreich?
Noch keine Kommentare. Sei der Erste, der seine Gedanken teilt!