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A2 noun #2,000 am häufigsten 12 Min. Lesezeit

dossier

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At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the word 'dossier' primarily in the context of basic digital literacy and simple classroom or office objects. The translation is straightforward: it means 'folder'. When you learn how to use a computer in French, 'dossier' is one of the first words you encounter on the desktop. You learn simple phrases like 'Où est le dossier ?' (Where is the folder?) or 'C'est un dossier rouge' (It is a red folder). The focus is on identifying the physical object or the digital icon. Grammar at this stage involves recognizing that 'dossier' is a masculine noun, so it uses 'le' or 'un'. Learners practice basic prepositions of place with it, such as 'dans le dossier' (in the folder) or 'sur le dossier' (on the folder). Vocabulary is limited to concrete, visible items. You might learn to say 'J'ai un dossier pour le cours de français' (I have a folder for the French class). The concept of 'dossier' as a complex administrative application is generally too advanced for this level, so the focus remains strictly on its function as a container for papers or digital files. Pronunciation practice focuses on the 'o' sound and the silent 'r' at the end, sounding like 'doh-syay'.

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At the A2 level, the understanding of 'dossier' expands to include everyday administrative tasks and more detailed descriptions. Learners start to encounter the word in practical, real-life situations, such as renting an apartment or going to the doctor. The phrase 'dossier médical' (medical record) becomes relevant. Learners are taught how to express possession and necessity, such as 'J'ai besoin de mon dossier' (I need my file) or 'Voici mon dossier de location' (Here is my rental file). The verbs associated with 'dossier' become more varied. Instead of just 'avoir' (to have) or 'être' (to be), learners use 'ouvrir' (to open), 'fermer' (to close), and 'donner' (to give). They learn to describe the state of the folder using adjectives like 'complet' (complete) or 'important' (important). For example, 'Mon dossier est complet' (My file is complete). This level also introduces the distinction between 'dossier' (folder) and 'fichier' (file/document), which is a crucial step in avoiding common beginner mistakes. The cultural context of French bureaucracy begins to surface, as learners realize that providing a 'dossier' is a standard requirement for many services in France.

At the B1 level, 'dossier' takes on a more professional and abstract meaning. Learners are expected to discuss work, studies, and current events, where 'dossier' frequently translates to 'case' or 'project'. The vocabulary becomes more sophisticated. Phrases like 'travailler sur un dossier' (to work on a case) or 'monter un dossier' (to put together an application/file) are introduced and practiced. Learners can explain the contents of a dossier in detail: 'Ce dossier contient tous les documents nécessaires' (This file contains all the necessary documents). In the context of news and media, learners understand 'dossier' as a special report or an ongoing issue, such as 'un dossier sur l'environnement' (a report on the environment). The grammatical structures become more complex, incorporating relative pronouns: 'Le dossier que j'ai préparé est sur le bureau' (The file that I prepared is on the desk). Learners also discover the secondary meaning of 'dossier' as the backrest of a chair ('le dossier de la chaise'), adding depth to their vocabulary of everyday objects. At this stage, the cultural weight of the 'dossier administratif' is fully understood, and learners can narrate their experiences dealing with French administration.

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At the B2 level, fluency and nuance are key. Learners use 'dossier' effortlessly in complex professional and academic discussions. They can debate the merits of a 'dossier' (case) and use advanced collocations. Verbs like 'traiter' (to process), 'examiner' (to examine), 'clôturer' (to close), and 'archiver' (to archive) are used naturally. For instance, 'Le comité va examiner votre dossier de candidature demain' (The committee will examine your application file tomorrow). Learners can handle idiomatic and figurative uses of the word. They understand terms like 'un dossier épineux' (a thorny issue) or 'un dossier sensible' (a sensitive case) commonly used in journalism and politics. They can express opinions and hypotheses about a case: 'Si le dossier avait été complet, il aurait été accepté' (If the file had been complete, it would have been accepted). The distinction between related terms like 'chemise', 'classeur', and 'dossier' is clear and applied correctly. Furthermore, learners can write formal emails or letters referencing a dossier, using appropriate professional formulas such as 'Veuillez trouver ci-joint les pièces relatives au dossier' (Please find attached the documents relating to the file).

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At the C1 level, the use of 'dossier' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. Learners manipulate the word across all its meanings—physical, digital, administrative, professional, journalistic, and furniture—with complete ease. They can engage in high-level debates about complex political or corporate 'dossiers'. The vocabulary surrounding the word is rich and precise. They might use phrases like 'être maître de son dossier' (to be on top of one's brief/case) or 'connaître un dossier sur le bout des doigts' (to know a case inside out). In professional contexts, they can draft comprehensive reports and manage the lifecycle of a 'dossier' from 'constitution' (creation) to 'classement' (filing/closing). They understand the subtle implications when a politician says 'C'est un dossier que je suis de près' (It's a matter I am following closely). At this level, learners are also aware of the historical and etymological background of the word, understanding its connection to 'le dos' (the back). They can play with the language, perhaps using 'dossier' humorously to refer to a collection of embarrassing information about a friend, a slang usage common among young adults ('J'ai des dossiers sur toi' - I have dirt on you).

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At the C2 level, mastery of 'dossier' involves a deep appreciation of its cultural, societal, and linguistic resonance in the French-speaking world. The learner grasps the profound bureaucratic anxiety often associated with the 'dossier' in France—the Kafkaesque nightmare of the 'dossier incomplet' (incomplete file) that requires endless trips to the 'préfecture'. They can read and analyze dense legal or administrative texts where 'dossier' is used in highly technical ways (e.g., 'le dossier d'instruction' in criminal law). They can effortlessly switch registers, using formal terminology in a courtroom or corporate boardroom, and then using the slang expression 'sortir les dossiers' (to bring up old, embarrassing stories) in a casual setting with friends. The learner's vocabulary is expansive, utilizing rare or highly specific adjectives and verbs in conjunction with 'dossier', such as 'un dossier tentaculaire' (a sprawling case) or 's'emparer d'un dossier' (to take charge of a matter). They can write literary or journalistic pieces where 'dossier' serves as a central thematic element, perfectly capturing the nuances of French administrative culture and professional life.

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Physical folder for papers
Digital folder on a computer
A case, project, or application
The backrest of a chair or seat

The French word 'dossier' is a fundamental noun that primarily translates to 'file' or 'folder' in English. However, its meaning extends far beyond a simple piece of folded cardboard. In the modern context, 'dossier' is used to describe both physical folders that hold paper documents and digital directories on a computer or smartphone. The word is deeply embedded in French administrative, professional, and daily life. Understanding 'dossier' requires looking at its roots and its expansive application in contemporary society. Historically, the term originates from the word 'dos', meaning 'back'. Originally, a 'dossier' referred to the back of a chair or a bundle of papers that were endorsed or labeled on the back. Over time, it evolved to mean the collection of documents itself. Today, when a French person talks about a 'dossier', they might be referring to a physical manila folder, a comprehensive collection of documents regarding a specific case, or a digital folder on their desktop.

Physical Meaning: A physical cover or folder used to keep papers together, often seen in offices and archives.

Il a posé le dossier sur le bureau du directeur.

In a broader sense, 'dossier' signifies a 'case' or a 'project'. For instance, lawyers work on 'dossiers' (cases), architects manage 'dossiers' (projects), and journalists investigate 'dossiers' (topics or scandals). This abstract usage is incredibly common in the news and in corporate environments. When a politician is involved in a scandal, the media will often refer to it as a 'dossier'.

Digital Meaning: A directory on a computer system used to store and organize electronic files.

Veuillez enregistrer ce document dans le dossier partagé.

Furthermore, 'dossier' can refer to an application or a set of forms required for administrative purposes. In France, a country known for its extensive bureaucracy, putting together a 'dossier' is a common and sometimes dreaded task. Whether you are renting an apartment, applying for a university, or requesting social benefits, you will need to compile a 'dossier'. This usually involves gathering identification, proof of address, tax returns, and various other official documents.

Pour louer cet appartement, vous devez fournir un dossier complet.

Another fascinating aspect of the word 'dossier' is its secondary, less common meaning: the backrest of a seat. While 'le dos' is the back of a person, 'le dossier' is the part of a chair, bench, or car seat that supports the back. This connects directly to the etymological roots of the word.

Furniture Meaning: The backrest of a chair or seat.

Le dossier de cette chaise est très confortable.

In summary, 'dossier' is a versatile and ubiquitous noun in the French language. It bridges the physical and digital worlds, serves as a cornerstone of administrative vocabulary, and even describes parts of everyday furniture. Mastering the various nuances of 'dossier' is essential for anyone looking to navigate French professional environments, deal with French bureaucracy, or simply use a computer in French. The word encapsulates the organizational systems of society, from the tangible folders on a desk to the complex, abstract cases handled by professionals.

Le journaliste a publié un dossier spécial sur l'environnement.

Using the word 'dossier' correctly involves understanding the specific verbs and prepositions that commonly accompany it. Because 'dossier' can refer to a physical object, a digital entity, or an abstract concept, the verbs used with it vary depending on the context. Let us explore the most frequent collocations and grammatical structures. When dealing with physical or digital folders, the most common verbs are 'ouvrir' (to open), 'fermer' (to close), 'créer' (to create), and 'supprimer' (to delete).

Digital Actions: Verbs like créer, ouvrir, fermer, and supprimer are standard for computer folders.

J'ai créé un nouveau dossier pour les photos de vacances.

When 'dossier' refers to an administrative application or a professional case, the vocabulary becomes more specialized. You will often hear 'monter un dossier' (to put together a file/application), 'déposer un dossier' (to submit an application), 'étudier un dossier' (to study/review a case), and 'clôturer un dossier' (to close a case).

Administrative Actions: Verbs like monter, déposer, and traiter are used when dealing with bureaucracy.

Elle doit déposer son dossier de candidature avant vendredi.

It is also important to know how to describe the state or quality of a dossier. Adjectives frequently paired with 'dossier' include 'complet' (complete), 'incomplet' (incomplete), 'épineux' (thorny/difficult), 'lourd' (heavy/complex), and 'confidentiel' (confidential). For example, a 'dossier épineux' is a sensitive or highly problematic issue that requires careful handling, often used in political or corporate contexts.

Le ministre a refusé de commenter ce dossier épineux.

Prepositions also play a key role. You typically use 'sur' when talking about working on a case: 'travailler sur un dossier' (to work on a case). When indicating the subject of the file, you use 'de' or 'sur': 'un dossier de candidature' (an application file) or 'un dossier sur le réchauffement climatique' (a file/report on global warming).

Prepositional Use: Use 'sur' for the topic of the dossier, and 'de' for the type of dossier.

Nous avons passé la nuit à travailler sur ce dossier.

Finally, in the context of furniture, 'dossier' is used simply as a descriptive noun. You might say 'incliner le dossier' (to recline the backrest) or 'le dossier du siège' (the back of the seat).

Veuillez redresser le dossier de votre siège pour l'atterrissage.

By mastering these verbs, adjectives, and prepositions, learners can use 'dossier' with native-like fluency across its many different contexts, from the office to the airplane cabin.

The word 'dossier' is ubiquitous in the French-speaking world, echoing through the halls of various institutions, workplaces, and everyday environments. Its widespread use is a testament to its multifaceted nature. One of the most common places you will hear 'dossier' is in the workplace. Whether it is a corporate office, a law firm, or a creative agency, professionals constantly refer to their 'dossiers'. In this context, it means the projects, clients, or cases they are managing.

Corporate Environment: Used to refer to ongoing projects, client accounts, or specific tasks assigned to employees.

Le chef de projet a distribué les nouveaux dossiers à l'équipe.

Another major domain where 'dossier' reigns supreme is the medical field. Hospitals, clinics, and doctor's offices rely heavily on the 'dossier médical' (medical record). This file contains a patient's entire health history, test results, and treatment plans. With the digitalization of healthcare, the 'dossier médical partagé' (shared medical record) has become a standard term in France.

Healthcare: Refers to a patient's medical history and ongoing health records.

Le médecin consulte votre dossier médical avant la consultation.

The realm of public administration and bureaucracy is perhaps where 'dossier' evokes the strongest emotions. French bureaucracy is famously thorough, and citizens are frequently required to compile 'dossiers' for everything from obtaining a passport to applying for housing assistance (CAF). The phrase 'pièces du dossier' refers to the individual documents required to complete the file.

Il manque une pièce d'identité dans votre dossier de demande de visa.

You will also encounter 'dossier' frequently in the media and journalism. News programs and magazines often feature a 'dossier spécial' (special report) on a specific topic, such as climate change, elections, or economic trends. In this sense, it means an in-depth investigation or a comprehensive collection of articles on a single subject.

Media and News: An in-depth feature, special report, or comprehensive coverage of a specific topic.

Lisez notre grand dossier sur les innovations technologiques de l'année.

Finally, in everyday digital life, anyone using a computer, tablet, or smartphone set to the French language will interact with 'dossiers' constantly. Organizing files into folders is a universal digital action, making 'dossier' one of the first tech-related words a learner will encounter.

J'ai rangé toutes les factures dans un dossier sur mon bureau d'ordinateur.

While 'dossier' is a straightforward noun, English speakers and other learners of French often stumble upon a few common pitfalls when using it. These mistakes usually stem from direct translation errors, confusion with similar words, or misunderstanding the cultural weight of the term in administrative contexts. The most frequent error is confusing 'dossier' with 'fichier'. In English, the word 'file' can mean both a single document (like a PDF or Word document) and the folder that contains multiple documents. In French, these two concepts are strictly separated. A single document is a 'fichier' (or simply 'un document'), while the folder that holds multiple 'fichiers' is a 'dossier'.

Dossier vs Fichier: Dossier = Folder/Directory. Fichier = Individual File (e.g., .pdf, .docx).

Mettez ce fichier dans le dossier 'Archives'.

Another common mistake relates to gender. Because 'dossier' ends in '-ier', it is masculine. However, learners sometimes incorrectly assign it the feminine gender, perhaps confusing it with other office supplies that are feminine, like 'une chemise' (a thin folder) or 'une agrafeuse' (a stapler). It is always 'le dossier', 'un dossier', 'mon dossier'.

Gender Agreement: Dossier is strictly masculine. Adjectives must agree accordingly: un dossier complet (not complète).

Son dossier est très lourd à porter.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the verb collocations. In English, you might 'fill out an application'. If you translate this directly to French, you might be tempted to say 'remplir un dossier'. While 'remplir un dossier' is acceptable and understood (meaning to fill out the forms within the folder), the more idiomatic and professional phrase for putting together an application is 'monter un dossier' or 'constituer un dossier'.

Il m'a fallu deux semaines pour monter ce dossier de prêt immobilier.

Furthermore, English speakers might use 'dossier' in English to mean a secret or highly confidential file containing compromising information (e.g., 'a spy dossier'). While 'dossier' can mean this in French (un dossier confidentiel), its primary everyday meaning is much more mundane. Using 'dossier' in French does not automatically imply espionage or scandal; it usually just means a standard folder or application.

Semantic Nuance: In French, 'dossier' is an everyday word, not exclusively a term for secret intelligence files as it often is in English.

Voici le dossier de présentation pour la réunion de demain.

Finally, regarding furniture, learners might mistakenly use 'le dos de la chaise' instead of 'le dossier de la chaise'. While 'le dos' is the back of a person, 'le dossier' is the backrest of the chair.

Mon chat aime dormir sur le dossier du canapé.

The French language possesses a rich vocabulary for office supplies, administrative concepts, and organizational tools. Consequently, 'dossier' has several synonyms and related terms that learners should be aware of to enrich their vocabulary and avoid repetition. Understanding the subtle differences between these words is key to precise communication. The most closely related word, and the one most often confused with 'dossier', is 'fichier'. As discussed in the Common Mistakes section, a 'fichier' is an individual electronic file or a card index, whereas a 'dossier' is the folder that contains them.

Fichier: An individual digital file (like an image or text document) or a physical card index.

J'ai sauvegardé le fichier dans le dossier principal.

Another common term in the physical office environment is 'chemise'. In everyday language, 'une chemise' is a shirt. However, in an office context, 'une chemise' (or 'une chemise cartonnée') refers to a thin, flexible cardboard or plastic folder used to hold a few sheets of paper. A 'dossier' is generally thicker, more comprehensive, and might contain several 'chemises'.

Chemise: A thin, simple folder or sleeve, often placed inside a larger dossier.

Mettez ces contrats dans une chemise avant de les ajouter au dossier.

For larger collections of documents, the word 'classeur' is used. A 'classeur' is a ring binder. While a 'dossier' can be a conceptual collection of documents or a simple folder, a 'classeur' specifically refers to the physical object with metal rings used to hold punched papers.

Classeur: A physical ring binder used for heavy-duty organization.

Il a rangé tout le dossier comptable dans un grand classeur noir.

When referring to a briefcase or a portfolio used to carry documents, the term 'porte-documents' or 'serviette' is appropriate. These are the bags or cases that transport your 'dossiers' from one place to another.

Il a oublié son porte-documents contenant le dossier client dans le train.

Finally, in a more abstract or journalistic sense, a 'dossier' can be synonymous with 'une affaire' (a case or affair) or 'un rapport' (a report). If the news is covering a political scandal, they might call it 'le dossier' or 'l'affaire'. If a consultant submits their findings, it could be called 'un dossier' or 'un rapport'.

Le rapport final a été ajouté au dossier d'enquête.

How Formal Is It?

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Masculine noun agreement (le, un, mon, ce)

Prepositions of place (dans le dossier, sur le dossier)

Verbs of action (ouvrir, fermer, créer, supprimer)

Relative pronouns (le dossier que, le dossier dont)

Passive voice (le dossier a été traité)

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Beispiele nach Niveau

Le dossier est sur la table.

The folder is on the table.

Uses the definite article 'le' indicating masculine singular.

C'est un dossier rouge.

It is a red folder.

Adjective 'rouge' follows the noun.

Où est mon dossier ?

Where is my folder?

Uses possessive adjective 'mon'.

J'ai un nouveau dossier.

I have a new folder.

Adjective 'nouveau' precedes the noun.

Le dossier est grand.

The folder is big.

Basic subject-verb-adjective structure.

Il y a un dossier ici.

There is a folder here.

Uses the expression 'il y a'.

Je regarde le dossier.

I am looking at the folder.

Present tense of a regular -er verb.

Le dossier est ouvert.

The folder is open.

Past participle used as an adjective.

Je dois préparer mon dossier pour l'école.

I must prepare my file for school.

Modal verb 'devoir' + infinitive.

Le médecin lit mon dossier médical.

The doctor is reading my medical file.

Common collocation 'dossier médical'.

Ce dossier est très important.

This file is very important.

Demonstrative adjective 'ce'.

Mettez les documents dans ce dossier.

Put the documents in this folder.

Imperative mood.

J'ai créé un dossier sur mon ordinateur.

I created a folder on my computer.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

Votre dossier est incomplet, il manque une photo.

Your file is incomplete, it is missing a photo.

Adjective 'incomplet' and expression 'il manque'.

Le dossier de la chaise est cassé.

The back of the chair is broken.

Secondary meaning of 'dossier' (furniture).

Elle a oublié son dossier à la maison.

She forgot her folder at home.

Passé composé indicating a completed past action.

Nous travaillons sur ce dossier depuis trois mois.

We have been working on this case for three months.

Present tense with 'depuis' for an ongoing action.

Il faut que je dépose mon dossier de candidature demain.

I have to submit my application file tomorrow.

Subjunctive mood after 'il faut que'.

Le journaliste a publié un dossier spécial sur la pollution.

The journalist published a special report on pollution.

Meaning of 'dossier' as a journalistic report.

Si le dossier est accepté, nous commencerons le projet.

If the file is accepted, we will start the project.

First conditional (Si + present, future).

C'est le dossier dont je t'ai parlé hier.

It's the file I told you about yesterday.

Relative pronoun 'dont'.

Veuillez classer ces factures dans le bon dossier.

Please file these invoices in the right folder.

Formal imperative 'veuillez'.

Son dossier scolaire est excellent.

His academic record is excellent.

Collocation 'dossier scolaire'.

J'ai effacé le dossier par erreur.

I deleted the folder by mistake.

Digital context, verb 'effacer'.

L'avocat a plaidé avec brio, connaissant son dossier sur le bout des doigts.

The lawyer pleaded brilliantly, knowing his case inside out.

Idiomatic expression 'sur le bout des doigts'.

Bien que le dossier soit complexe, l'équipe reste optimiste.

Although the case is complex, the team remains optimistic.

Subjunctive after 'bien que'.

Le gouvernement a décidé de rouvrir ce dossier épineux.

The government has decided to reopen this thorny issue.

Figurative use 'dossier épineux'.

Il s'agit d'un dossier confidentiel auquel peu de personnes ont accès.

It is a confidential file to which few people have access.

Relative pronoun 'auquel'.

La constitution du dossier a pris beaucoup plus de temps que prévu.

Putting the file together took much more time than expected.

Noun 'constitution' derived from 'constituer'.

Le siège ergonomique possède un dossier inclinable.

The ergonomic seat has a reclining backrest.

Technical vocabulary for furniture.

Après examen de votre dossier, nous avons le regret de vous informer d'un refus.

After reviewing your file, we regret to inform you of a refusal.

Formal administrative phrasing.

Elle a été chargée de la gestion de ce lourd dossier.

She was put in charge of managing this heavy/complex case.

Passive voice.

Le ministre s'est emparé du dossier dès sa nomination.

The minister took charge of the matter as soon as he was appointed.

Pronominal verb 's'emparer de'.

C'est un dossier tentaculaire qui implique de multiples juridictions.

It is a sprawling case that involves multiple jurisdictions.

Advanced adjective 'tentaculaire'.

Il a menacé de sortir les dossiers si on l'attaquait publiquement.

He threatened to bring out the dirt if he was attacked publicly.

Slang/informal use 'sortir les dossiers'.

L'instruction du dossier a révélé des failles systémiques.

The investigation of the case revealed systemic flaws.

Legal terminology 'instruction du dossier'.

Pourriez-vous me faire une synthèse de ce dossier d'ici ce soir ?

Could you give me a summary of this file by this evening?

Conditional mood for polite request.

Le dossier a été classé sans suite faute de preuves.

The case was closed without further action due to lack of evidence.

Legal phrase 'classé sans suite'.

La lourdeur administrative fait que chaque dossier prend un temps infini.

Administrative burden means that every file takes an infinite amount of time.

Abstract noun 'lourdeur'.

Ce magazine propose un dossier exhaustif sur les enjeux géopolitiques actuels.

This magazine offers an exhaustive report on current geopolitical issues.

Advanced adjective 'exhaustif'.

L'enlisement de ce dossier au Parlement témoigne des clivages politiques profonds.

The stalling of this issue in Parliament testifies to deep political divides.

Advanced noun 'enlisement'.

Il a fallu dépoussiérer un vieux dossier pour trouver un précédent juridique.

An old case had to be dusted off to find a legal precedent.

Figurative verb 'dépoussiérer'.

Le rapporteur a rendu ses conclusions, scellant ainsi le sort du dossier.

The rapporteur delivered his conclusions, thus sealing the fate of the case.

Present participle 'scellant'.

Face à la complexité du dossier, une approche pluridisciplinaire s'imposait.

Faced with the complexity of the case, a multidisciplinary approach was essential.

Imperfect tense for a past necessity 's'imposait'.

On lui a confié ce dossier brûlant en espérant qu'il s'y casse les dents.

He was entrusted with this burning issue in the hope that he would fail.

Idiom 'se casser les dents' (to fail).

L'arborescence des dossiers sur ce serveur est d'une logique pour le moins obscure.

The folder directory tree on this server has a logic that is obscure to say the least.

Technical IT term 'arborescence'.

Le dossier à charge était accablant, ne laissant aucune chance à la défense.

The case for the prosecution was damning, leaving the defense no chance.

Legal term 'dossier à charge'.

Il a épluché le dossier ligne par ligne pour y déceler la moindre anomalie.

He combed through the file line by line to detect the slightest anomaly.

Figurative verb 'éplucher' (to peel/scrutinize).

Häufige Kollokationen

dossier médical

dossier de candidature

monter un dossier

déposer un dossier

dossier épineux

dossier confidentiel

étudier un dossier

clôturer un dossier

dossier scolaire

dossier d'inscription

Häufige Phrasen

monter un dossier

déposer un dossier

être sur un dossier

connaître ses dossiers

un dossier en cours

pièces du dossier

dossier à charge

dossier de presse

dossier de location

dossier partagé

Wird oft verwechselt mit

dossier vs fichier

dossier vs chemise

dossier vs document

dossier vs dos

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"sortir les dossiers"

"connaître un dossier sur le bout des doigts"

"un dossier brûlant"

"enterrer un dossier"

"un dossier lourd"

"avoir des dossiers sur quelqu'un"

"un dossier en béton"

"éplucher un dossier"

"un dossier vide"

"se pencher sur un dossier"

Leicht verwechselbar

dossier vs

Satzmuster

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So verwendest du es

legal

A 'dossier' in law is the entire collection of evidence and documents for a case.

digital

In IT, a directory is almost always called a 'dossier'.

furniture

Only applies to seats with backs (chairs, sofas, car seats), not stools.

Häufige Fehler

Translating 'file' (document) as 'dossier' instead of 'fichier'.
Using the feminine gender ('une dossier' instead of 'un dossier').
Pronouncing the final 'r' in 'dossier'.
Saying 'remplir un dossier' when 'monter un dossier' is more appropriate for compiling an application.
Confusing 'le dos de la chaise' (incorrect) with 'le dossier de la chaise' (correct).

Tipps

Dossier vs Fichier

Always remember the digital rule: 'dossier' is the yellow folder icon, 'fichier' is the document inside it. Never send a 'dossier PDF', send a 'fichier PDF'.

Masculine Gender

Words ending in '-ier' are almost always masculine in French. Associate 'dossier' with 'le papier' (the paper) and 'le cahier' (the notebook) to remember it is 'le dossier'.

Avoir des dossiers

If someone says 'J'ai des dossiers sur toi', they are teasing you! It means they have funny or embarrassing stories about you. It's a great slang phrase to know.

Monter un dossier

If you move to France, you will hear 'monter un dossier' constantly. It means gathering all your paperwork for an application. Be prepared to make lots of photocopies!

Le dossier du siège

Don't forget the secondary meaning. If your back hurts, you might need a chair with a better 'dossier'. It's the backrest, not the seat itself (which is 'l'assise').

Dossier Médical

This is a fixed expression. You don't say 'fichier médical' or 'document médical' for your overall health record. It is always 'le dossier médical'.

Silent R

The 'r' at the end of 'dossier' is silent. Pronounce it like 'doh-syay'. Pronouncing the 'r' is a common mistake for beginners reading the word.

Être sur un dossier

In an office, if you are busy with a project, you say 'Je suis sur un dossier'. It sounds very professional and shows you are actively working on a case.

Complet vs Incomplet

The most common adjectives used with administrative dossiers are 'complet' (complete) and 'incomplet' (incomplete). Always strive for a 'dossier complet'!

The Root 'Dos'

Connect 'dossier' to 'le dos' (the back). This helps you remember both the spelling (one 'o', two 's's) and the meaning related to the backrest of a chair.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a DOSSIER as a file you carry on your DOS (back) because it's so heavy with paperwork.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Old French 'dos' (back), from Latin 'dorsum'.

Kultureller Kontext

Young people use 'avoir des dossiers' to mean having embarrassing photos or stories about a friend.

The 'dossier administratif' is central to French life. Always make copies of your 'dossier'!

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"As-tu fini de préparer ton dossier pour l'université ?"

"Où as-tu enregistré le dossier sur l'ordinateur ?"

"Ton dossier médical est-il à jour ?"

"C'est quoi ce dossier épineux dont tout le monde parle ?"

"Peux-tu incliner le dossier de ton siège, s'il te plaît ?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Racontez la dernière fois que vous avez dû monter un dossier administratif.

Décrivez l'organisation des dossiers sur votre ordinateur.

Quel est le dossier ou le projet le plus important sur lequel vous travaillez actuellement ?

Expliquez la différence entre un dossier et un fichier à un débutant en informatique.

Avez-vous des 'dossiers' (secrets amusants) sur vos amis ?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

A 'fichier' is a single electronic file, like a Word document, a PDF, or an image. A 'dossier' is the folder or directory that contains multiple 'fichiers'. Think of 'dossier' as the container and 'fichier' as the content. Mixing them up is a very common mistake for English speakers. Always use 'dossier' for folders.

The word 'dossier' is strictly masculine. You must say 'un dossier', 'le dossier', 'mon dossier', or 'ce dossier'. Any adjectives modifying it must also be in the masculine form, such as 'un dossier complet' or 'un dossier important'. Never use 'une dossier'.

While you can say 'remplir un formulaire' (to fill out a form), when referring to a complete application with multiple documents, the best phrase is 'monter un dossier' or 'constituer un dossier'. This implies gathering all the necessary papers, photos, and forms into one complete file.

Yes, it can, but it is not its primary meaning. In English, 'dossier' often implies espionage or a collection of compromising information. In French, it is an everyday word for any folder or file. To specify a secret file, you would say 'un dossier confidentiel' or 'un dossier secret'.

This is a popular slang expression, especially among young people. 'Sortir les dossiers' literally means 'to bring out the files'. In a casual context, it means to reveal embarrassing secrets, funny old photos, or past mistakes about a friend. It is usually done jokingly.

A 'dossier médical' is a patient's medical record. It contains their health history, prescriptions, test results, and doctor's notes. In France, there is a national digital system called the 'Dossier Médical Partagé' (DMP) which allows different healthcare professionals to access a patient's file.

Yes, 'le dossier' is the word for the backrest of a chair, sofa, or car seat. This comes from the word 'dos', meaning 'back'. So, if you are on an airplane and the flight attendant asks you to put your seat upright, they will say 'redressez le dossier de votre siège'.

When using a computer, you will use verbs like 'créer' (to create), 'ouvrir' (to open), 'fermer' (to close), 'renommer' (to rename), and 'supprimer' (to delete) a dossier. You might also 'déplacer' (move) or 'copier' (copy) a dossier.

The adjective 'épineux' means thorny. A 'dossier épineux' is a figurative expression used in politics, business, or journalism to describe a highly complex, sensitive, or problematic issue that is difficult to resolve. It is a 'thorny issue' in English.

It is pronounced /dɔ.sje/. The 'o' is open, the double 's' makes a soft 's' sound, and the final 'er' sounds like 'é' (ay). The 'r' at the end is completely silent. It rhymes with words like 'cahier' or 'papier'.

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