At the A1 level, think of a 'gériatre' simply as a 'docteur pour les personnes âgées' (a doctor for old people). Just like a 'pédiatre' is for children, a 'gériatre' is for grandpas and grandmas. You use this word when talking about your family. For example: 'Mon grand-père voit le gériatre.' It is a noun. It is spelled with an 'é' (accent aigu). You don't need to know the complex medical details yet, just that it is a specific type of doctor. Remember: 'un gériatre' (a man) or 'une gériatre' (a woman). The word stays the same. You might hear it in a simple story about a family visiting a hospital. It is a useful word if you are living in France and helping an older relative. Focus on the connection: Old people = Gériatre.
At the A2 level, you can describe what a 'gériatre' does using simple sentences. A gériatre is a specialist ('un spécialiste'). They work in a hospital ('un hôpital') or a retirement home ('une maison de retraite' or 'un EHPAD'). You can use verbs like 'soigner' (to treat/care for) or 'aider' (to help). For example: 'Le gériatre aide les personnes âgées à rester en bonne santé.' You should also know the preposition 'chez'. You say 'Je vais chez le gériatre.' You are learning to talk about health problems, so you might say 'Le gériatre examine ma grand-mère.' The word is important for understanding the French healthcare system on a basic level. It's a professional term, more precise than just saying 'médecin'.
At the B1 level, you understand that a 'gériatre' is essential for managing the 'vieillissement' (aging) of the population. You can discuss the 'prise en charge' (care/management) of elderly patients. A gériatre doesn't just treat one disease; they look at the 'santé globale' (overall health). You can use this word in more complex sentences involving 'parce que' or 'bien que'. For example: 'Il faut consulter un gériatre parce que les besoins des personnes âgées sont spécifiques.' You also start to differentiate between 'la gériatrie' (the department/science) and 'le gériatre' (the person). You can understand medical appointments and follow-up care instructions. This level requires knowing that 'gériatre' is a high-frequency word in the context of the 'Silver Economy' and social services in France.
At the B2 level, you can use 'gériatre' in debates about social issues. You can talk about the 'pénurie de gériatres' (shortage of geriatricians) in certain regions of France. You understand the nuances of their work, such as 'la polypathologie' (multiple illnesses) and 'l'autonomie' (independence). You can write a letter or a report about the quality of care in an EHPAD, mentioning the role of the 'médecin coordonnateur' who is often a gériatre. You are comfortable with related terms like 'gérontologie' and can explain the difference. Your vocabulary is rich enough to describe the 'bilan gériatrique' (geriatric assessment) and the 'parcours de soins' (care pathway). You understand that this profession requires not just medical skill but also 'empathie' and 'patience'.
At the C1 level, you use 'gériatre' in professional or academic contexts. You can discuss 'l'éthique' (ethics) in geriatric medicine, such as end-of-life care or 'le consentement' (consent) of patients with cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's. You understand the structural role of the gériatre in the French 'système de santé'. You can analyze complex texts about 'la iatrogénie médicamenteuse' (drug-induced illness) and how the gériatre mitigates these risks. You use the word fluently in discussions about 'le vieillissement actif' or 'la dépendance'. Your mastery includes knowing the history of the specialty in France and its evolution from a sub-discipline of internal medicine to a critical primary specialty. You can use the word in formal speeches or medical critiques.
At the C2 level, 'gériatre' is a term you use with total precision within the broader field of 'gérontologie clinique'. You can discuss the intricacies of 'l'évaluation gériatrique standardisée' (EGS) and the gériatre's role in 'les réseaux de santé'. You are capable of debating the socio-economic impact of 'la transition démographique' and the necessity of 'la formation gériatrique' for all healthcare professionals. You understand the subtle differences in how a gériatre operates in different settings: 'court séjour', 'soins de suite et de réadaptation' (SSR), or 'long séjour'. You can navigate medical journals (like 'La Revue de Gériatrie') and understand the specific jargon used by these professionals. The word is no longer just a label but a gateway to a complex medical and social reality.

gériatre in 30 Sekunden

  • A gériatre is a medical doctor specialized in the health and well-being of the elderly, focusing on complex age-related conditions.
  • The word is a common noun in French, used for both men and women, and is essential for medical and family contexts.
  • Gériatres work in hospitals, private clinics, and nursing homes (EHPAD) to coordinate comprehensive care for seniors.
  • Understanding this term helps navigate the French healthcare system, especially regarding the aging population and long-term care.

The French word gériatre refers to a medical doctor who specializes in the holistic care of elderly patients. Unlike a general practitioner who treats patients of all ages, a gériatre is specifically trained to manage the complex interplay of multiple chronic conditions, cognitive decline, and social factors that often affect those in the later stages of life. In France, the role of the gériatre has become increasingly vital due to the aging population, often referred to as the papy-boom.

Medical Scope
A gériatre focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in old age, ranging from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's to osteoporosis and cardiovascular issues peculiar to the elderly.

Le gériatre a ajusté le traitement de mon grand-père pour éviter les interactions médicamenteuses.

You will typically encounter this word in hospital settings (services de gériatrie) or in specialized care facilities known as EHPAD (Établissement d'hébergement pour personnes âgées dépendantes). The gériatre works within a multidisciplinary team, coordinating with nurses, physiotherapists, and social workers to maintain the patient's autonomy as much as possible. This approach is known as prise en charge globale (comprehensive care).

Professional Context
In professional discourse, the gériatre is seen as the architect of a 'projet de soin' (care project) that respects the patient's dignity and quality of life.

Il est conseillé de consulter un gériatre dès les premiers signes de perte d'autonomie.

The term is used both in formal medical reports and in everyday conversation when families discuss the health of their elders. Because the word ends in '-atre' (from the Greek iatros meaning physician), it carries a high level of prestige and scientific specificity. Whether in a rural clinic or a large Parisian hospital, the gériatre is the point of contact for navigating the complexities of geriatric medicine.

Social Importance
With the rise of the 'Silver Economy' in France, the gériatre plays a crucial role in public health policy and the sustainability of the healthcare system.

Ma tante est gériatre et elle travaille beaucoup sur la prévention des chutes.

In summary, a gériatre is more than just a doctor for 'old people'; they are experts in the physiology of aging, skilled in managing polypathology (multiple diseases) and polypharmacy (the use of many drugs). They provide a bridge between acute medical intervention and long-term quality of life management.

Le gériatre a recommandé une évaluation neuropsychologique complète.

Nous avons enfin trouvé un gériatre qui prend le temps d'écouter ses patients.

Using the word gériatre correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a common noun and its placement within medical and social contexts. As a noun that refers to a profession, it can be preceded by definite articles (le, la, les), indefinite articles (un, une, des), or partitive articles in specific contexts.

Subject of a Sentence
When the gériatre is the one performing the action, it acts as the subject. Example: 'Le gériatre examine le patient.'

Le gériatre coordonne l'équipe de soins à domicile.

In many cases, 'gériatre' is used as an indirect object, often following verbs of consultation or referral. Common verbs used with this noun include consulter (to consult), voir (to see), orienter vers (to refer to), and être suivi par (to be followed by). Because it is a profession, you often use the preposition 'chez' when referring to their office or place of work.

Prepositional Use
'Je vais chez le gériatre' (I am going to the geriatrician's office). Use 'chez' for people/professions and 'à' for places (à l'hôpital).

Elle a pris rendez-vous chez une gériatre réputée pour sa douceur.

When describing someone's profession, French often omits the article after the verb 'être'. For example, 'Il est gériatre' (He is a geriatrician). However, if you add an adjective, the article must return: 'C'est un gériatre compétent' (He is a competent geriatrician).

Professional Identification
Use 'être' + [profession] without an article for simple identification. 'Ma mère est gériatre.'

Depuis qu'il est gériatre, il se passionne pour la neurologie.

In plural forms, 'gériatres' follows standard French rules, adding an 's'. It is often paired with adjectives like spécialisés, hospitaliers, or libéraux (private practice). In academic or administrative writing, you might see the term used in the context of shortages or staffing: 'le manque de gériatres en zone rurale' (the lack of geriatricians in rural areas).

Les gériatres tirent la sonnette d'alarme sur le manque de moyens.

L'avis du gériatre est primordial pour décider d'un maintien à domicile.

Finally, consider the register. While 'gériatre' is a standard medical term, in very informal settings, people might just say 'le médecin des vieux', but this is reductive and can be seen as disrespectful. 'Gériatre' remains the most appropriate and professional term for all situations.

The word gériatre resonates through several specific spheres of French life, each reflecting the demographic shifts of the 21st century. Understanding where you will hear it helps in grasping its cultural weight.

In the Hospital (L'Hôpital)
This is the primary location. You will hear it during 'visites' (rounds), in the 'service de gériatrie aiguë', or when talking to the 'cadre de santé' (health manager).

Le gériatre de garde passera voir votre père demain matin.

In French media, 'gériatre' frequently appears in news reports concerning the santé publique (public health). With France's population aging, debates about the 'cinquième risque' (the fifth risk of social security, related to dependency) often feature interviews with prominent gériatres who advocate for better funding and specialized training.

Family Discussions
Among the 'aidants' (caregivers), the gériatre is a central figure. Families discuss the 'bilan gériatrique' (geriatric assessment) to make life-changing decisions about nursing homes or home care.

On a rendez-vous avec le gériatre pour discuter de l'entrée en EHPAD.

You will also hear this word in educational contexts. Medical students in France must choose a specialty after the 'internat', and 'gériatrie' is a field with growing demand but sometimes struggling to attract enough 'internes' (residents) compared to more 'glamorous' specialties like surgery.

In the EHPAD
The 'médecin coordonnateur' in a nursing home is often a gériatre. They oversee the general health policy of the institution.

La gériatre de l'établissement assure le suivi des résidents.

Finally, the word appears in literature and cinema that deals with aging (a common theme in French 'cinéma d'auteur'). Whether it's a documentary about a memory clinic or a drama about family secrets revealed in old age, the gériatre is the character who provides the clinical truth, often acting as a bridge between the patient's past and their declining present.

Dans ce film, le gériatre joue un rôle de médiateur entre les enfants et leur père.

Le rapport annuel mentionne une augmentation du nombre de gériatres libéraux.

While gériatre might seem straightforward, learners of French often stumble over its spelling, pronunciation, and conceptual boundaries. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your French sound more natural and professional.

Spelling and Accents
The most common mistake is forgetting the acute accent on the 'é' (gériatre). Without it, the pronunciation changes. Some also confuse the ending with '-itre' or '-atre' without the 'i'.

Incorrect: geriatre / Correct: gériatre.

Another frequent error is confusing 'gériatre' (the person) with 'gériatrie' (the medical field). In English, we often use the adjective 'geriatric' loosely, but in French, you must distinguish between the doctor and the science. You don't 'study gériatre'; you 'study gériatrie' to 'become a gériatre'.

Person vs. Field
Use 'gériatre' for the person. Use 'gériatrie' for the department or the science. Example: 'Il travaille en gériatrie' (He works in geriatrics).

On ne dit pas 'une consultation de gériatre', mais 'une consultation de gériatrie'.

Confusion with 'gérontologue' is also widespread. While a gériatre is always a doctor (M.D.), a gérontologue might be a sociologist, a biologist, or a psychologist. If you are talking about someone prescribing medication or diagnosing a physical illness, 'gériatre' is the only correct term.

Medical vs. General
A gériatre treats patients; a gérontologue studies aging. They are not interchangeable in a clinical context.

Ma grand-mère voit un gériatre pour son cœur, pas un gérontologue.

A stylistic mistake is over-using the word when 'médecin' would suffice, or conversely, using 'pédiatre' (pediatrician) by slip of the tongue—the two words rhyme and both represent age-specific specialties, but they are polar opposites in terms of patient age!

Attention à ne pas dire 'pédiatre' quand vous parlez de vos grands-parents !

La gériatre a été très patiente lors de l'examen.

In the ecosystem of French healthcare, several terms orbit around gériatre. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the right word for the right context, whether you're in a pharmacy, a hospital, or a family meeting.

Médecin Généraliste vs. Gériatre
The 'généraliste' (GP) is the first point of contact. The 'gériatre' is the specialist. While a GP can treat an elderly person, they refer complex cases to the gériatre.

Notre généraliste nous a conseillé de voir un gériatre spécialisé en neurologie.

Then there is the gérontologue. As mentioned before, this is a broader term. While all gériatres are gérontologues (in the sense that they study aging), not all gérontologues are gériatres. In common parlance, if you are talking about medical treatment, always prefer 'gériatre'.

Gérontologue
A professional (not necessarily a doctor) who studies the social, psychological, and biological aspects of aging.

Le gériatre traite la maladie, tandis que le gérontologue étudie le vieillissement.

For specific conditions, you might hear neurologue (for dementia/Alzheimer's) or rhumatologue (for joint pain). However, the gériatre is the 'chef d'orchestre' (conductor) who ensures that the treatments from these different specialists don't conflict with each other—a major concern in elderly care known as 'iatrogénie'.

Praticien Hospitalier
A formal title for a doctor working in a hospital. A gériatre in a public hospital is a 'praticien hospitalier en gériatrie'.

Le gériatre travaille en lien étroit avec le neurologue.

In summary, while there are many doctors, the 'gériatre' is the only one whose primary lens is the age of the patient and the specific physiological changes that come with it. When in doubt, use 'gériatre' for medical contexts and 'gérontologue' for academic or social contexts.

Il n'est pas seulement médecin, il est gériatre, ce qui change tout pour mon grand-père.

Le gériatre a une vision globale que les autres spécialistes n'ont pas toujours.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The term 'geriatrics' was actually coined in 1909 by Ignatz Leo Nascher, an American physician of Austrian descent, but the French 'gériatre' became a standardized medical title in France much later as the specialty formalized.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ʒe.ʁi.atʁ/
US /ʒe.ri.atʁ/
Stress is usually on the final syllable 'atré' (phonetically), though French stress is generally even.
Reimt sich auf
pédiatre psychiatre fiatre idolâtre opiniâtre théâtre emplâtre marâtre
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing the 'g' like 'goat' (hard G).
  • Forgetting the 'i' and saying 'gératre'.
  • Nasalizing the 'en' if they misspell it as 'gériante'.
  • Failing to pronounce the 'r' at the end.
  • Confusing it with 'pédiatre' in speech.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know English 'geriatric', but the spelling with accents is key.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires remembering the 'é' and the '-iatre' suffix.

Sprechen 4/5

The 'r' and 'i' combination can be tricky for English speakers.

Hören 3/5

Clear pronunciation usually, but can be confused with 'psychiatre' in noisy environments.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

Médecin Hôpital Vieux / Âgé Santé Maladie

Als Nächstes lernen

Gériatrie EHPAD Autonomie Sénile Démence

Fortgeschritten

Polypathologie Iatrogénie Bientraitance Soins palliatifs Cognition

Wichtige Grammatik

Nouns ending in '-iatre' are epicene.

Un gériatre / Une gériatre (the noun does not change).

Use 'chez' for professional locations named after the person.

Je vais chez le gériatre (not 'au gériatre').

Omission of article with 'être' for professions.

Il est gériatre (not 'Il est un gériatre' unless qualified).

Placement of adjectives with professions.

Un gériatre compétent (adjective after the noun).

Agreement of adjectives with epicene nouns.

La gériatre est attentive (feminine agreement on the adjective).

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

Le gériatre est un docteur.

The geriatrician is a doctor.

Simple subject-verb-complement structure.

2

Ma grand-mère voit le gériatre.

My grandmother sees the geriatrician.

Use of the definite article 'le'.

3

C'est un bon gériatre.

He is a good geriatrician.

Use of 'c'est' + indefinite article + adjective + noun.

4

Le gériatre travaille à l'hôpital.

The geriatrician works at the hospital.

Preposition 'à' for a place.

5

Où est le gériatre ?

Where is the geriatrician?

Interrogative sentence.

6

Le gériatre aide mon grand-père.

The geriatrician helps my grandfather.

Simple present tense.

7

Elle est gériatre.

She is a geriatrician.

No article after 'être' for professions.

8

Merci, Monsieur le gériatre.

Thank you, Mr. Geriatrician.

Polite address.

1

Je vais chez le gériatre avec mon père.

I am going to the geriatrician with my father.

Use of 'chez' for a person's office.

2

Le gériatre lui donne des médicaments.

The geriatrician gives him/her some medicine.

Indirect object pronoun 'lui'.

3

Il y a un gériatre dans cette maison de retraite.

There is a geriatrician in this retirement home.

Expression 'il y a'.

4

Le gériatre explique la maladie.

The geriatrician explains the illness.

Direct object 'la maladie'.

5

Nous cherchons un gériatre pour ma tante.

We are looking for a geriatrician for my aunt.

Present continuous sense in French present.

6

Le gériatre est très patient avec les vieux.

The geriatrician is very patient with the elderly.

Adjective agreement.

7

Ma mère veut devenir gériatre.

My mother wants to become a geriatrician.

Infinitive 'devenir'.

8

Le gériatre a fini son examen.

The geriatrician has finished his exam.

Passé composé.

1

Le gériatre s'occupe de la santé globale des seniors.

The geriatrician takes care of the overall health of seniors.

Pronominal verb 's'occuper de'.

2

Il est important de consulter un gériatre régulièrement.

It is important to consult a geriatrician regularly.

Impersonal 'il est important de'.

3

Le gériatre a prescrit un nouveau régime alimentaire.

The geriatrician prescribed a new diet.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

4

Bien que le gériatre soit occupé, il prend son temps.

Although the geriatrician is busy, he takes his time.

Subjunctive after 'bien que'.

5

Le gériatre collabore avec les infirmières de l'EHPAD.

The geriatrician collaborates with the nurses at the nursing home.

Preposition 'avec'.

6

C'est le gériatre qui a diagnostiqué son Alzheimer.

It's the geriatrician who diagnosed his Alzheimer's.

Relative clause with 'qui'.

7

Si tu veux des conseils, demande au gériatre.

If you want advice, ask the geriatrician.

Conditional sentence (Si + present -> imperative).

8

Le gériatre suit mon grand-père depuis trois ans.

The geriatrician has been following my grandfather for three years.

Present tense with 'depuis' for ongoing actions.

1

Le gériatre doit évaluer la perte d'autonomie du patient.

The geriatrician must evaluate the patient's loss of autonomy.

Modal verb 'devoir'.

2

La pénurie de gériatres est un problème majeur en France.

The shortage of geriatricians is a major problem in France.

Noun 'pénurie' with 'de'.

3

Le gériatre prévient les risques de chutes à domicile.

The geriatrician prevents the risks of falls at home.

Verb 'prévenir'.

4

Le gériatre a organisé une réunion avec la famille.

The geriatrician organized a meeting with the family.

Direct object 'une réunion'.

5

On attend l'avis du gériatre avant de prendre une décision.

We are waiting for the geriatrician's opinion before making a decision.

Preposition 'avant de' + infinitive.

6

Le gériatre s'inquiète de la dénutrition de la résidente.

The geriatrician is worried about the resident's malnutrition.

Pronominal verb 's'inquiéter de'.

7

Le rôle du gériatre est de coordonner les différents soins.

The geriatrician's role is to coordinate the various treatments.

Infinitive as a complement.

8

Le gériatre a souligné l'importance du lien social.

The geriatrician emphasized the importance of social connection.

Verb 'souligner'.

1

Le gériatre plaide pour une approche centrée sur la personne.

The geriatrician advocates for a person-centered approach.

Verb 'plaider pour'.

2

Le gériatre analyse les interactions médicamenteuses complexes.

The geriatrician analyzes complex drug interactions.

Technical vocabulary 'interactions médicamenteuses'.

3

Un bon gériatre sait aborder les questions de fin de vie.

A good geriatrician knows how to address end-of-life issues.

Infinitive after 'savoir'.

4

Le gériatre fait face à une augmentation des cas de démence.

The geriatrician is facing an increase in dementia cases.

Expression 'faire face à'.

5

L'expertise du gériatre est sollicitée pour les cas de polypathologie.

The geriatrician's expertise is requested for cases of multiple illnesses.

Passive voice 'est sollicitée'.

6

Le gériatre doit naviguer entre soin curatif et palliatif.

The geriatrician must navigate between curative and palliative care.

Preposition 'entre... et...'.

7

Le gériatre participe activement à la recherche clinique.

The geriatrician actively participates in clinical research.

Adverb 'activement' placement.

8

Selon le gériatre, la prévention est la clé du bien-vieillir.

According to the geriatrician, prevention is the key to aging well.

Preposition 'selon'.

1

Le gériatre orchestre la prise en charge médico-psycho-sociale.

The geriatrician orchestrates the medico-psycho-social management.

Metaphorical use of 'orchestrer'.

2

L'approche du gériatre transcende la simple vision organique.

The geriatrician's approach transcends a simple organic vision.

High-level verb 'transcender'.

3

Le gériatre est le garant de la bientraitance en institution.

The geriatrician is the guarantor of benevolent care in institutions.

Noun 'garant' + 'de'.

4

Le gériatre évalue la fragilité, un concept pivot de la discipline.

The geriatrician evaluates frailty, a pivotal concept of the discipline.

Apposition 'un concept pivot'.

5

Le gériatre s'attache à déceler les syndromes gériatriques atypiques.

The geriatrician strives to detect atypical geriatric syndromes.

Verb 's'attacher à' + infinitive.

6

La réflexion éthique du gériatre est au cœur de sa pratique.

The geriatrician's ethical reflection is at the heart of their practice.

Possessive 'sa' referring to 'pratique'.

7

Le gériatre doit composer avec la complexité du terrain cognitif.

The geriatrician must deal with the complexity of the cognitive terrain.

Expression 'composer avec'.

8

L'apport du gériatre est crucial lors des staffs pluridisciplinaires.

The geriatrician's contribution is crucial during multidisciplinary meetings.

Technical term 'staffs pluridisciplinaires'.

Häufige Kollokationen

Consulter un gériatre
Gériatre hospitalier
Avis du gériatre
Gériatre libéral
Rendez-vous chez le gériatre
Expertise du gériatre
Gériatre de garde
Équipe du gériatre
Recommandations du gériatre
Cabinet du gériatre

Häufige Phrasen

Bilan gériatrique

— A comprehensive assessment performed by a gériatre to evaluate an elderly person's health.

Le gériatre a effectué un bilan gériatrique complet.

Service de gériatrie

— The hospital department where gériatres work.

Il a été admis dans le service de gériatrie.

Médecin traitant et gériatre

— The collaboration between the GP and the specialist.

Mon médecin traitant m'a orienté vers un gériatre.

Suivi par un gériatre

— Being under the regular care of a geriatrician.

Elle est suivie par un gériatre pour sa mémoire.

Consultation mémoire

— A specific appointment, often with a gériatre, to check for cognitive issues.

Le gériatre l'a reçue en consultation mémoire.

Projet de soin gériatrique

— The care plan established by the gériatre.

Le gériatre a défini le projet de soin pour mon père.

Évaluation de l'autonomie

— A key task of the gériatre to see how much help a senior needs.

Le gériatre procède à l'évaluation de l'autonomie.

Fragilité du sujet âgé

— A medical term used by gériatres to describe vulnerability.

Le gériatre s'intéresse à la fragilité du sujet âgé.

Maintien à domicile

— The goal of keeping seniors at home, often coordinated by a gériatre.

Le gériatre favorise le maintien à domicile.

Polypathologie gériatrique

— Having multiple diseases, a condition managed by the gériatre.

Le gériatre traite sa polypathologie complexe.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

gériatre vs Gérontologue

A gériatre is a medical doctor; a gérontologue studies aging more broadly (social, biological).

gériatre vs Pédiatre

A doctor for children. They sound similar due to the suffix but are opposites.

gériatre vs Psychiatre

A doctor for mental health. While gériatres deal with dementia, they are not the same.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Être entre de bonnes mains"

— To be in good hands; often used when a patient starts seeing a competent gériatre.

Avec ce gériatre, votre mère est entre de bonnes mains.

Informal
"Passer la main"

— To hand over; used when a GP refers a patient to a gériatre.

Le généraliste a passé la main au gériatre.

Neutral
"Tirer la sonnette d'alarme"

— To sound the alarm; often used by gériatres regarding the lack of resources.

Le gériatre tire la sonnette d'alarme sur le manque de lits.

Neutral
"Faire fausse route"

— To be on the wrong track; used when a diagnosis is corrected by a gériatre.

On faisait fausse route avant de voir le gériatre.

Informal
"Prendre le taureau par les cornes"

— To take the bull by the horns; deciding to see a gériatre finally.

Il a pris le taureau par les cornes et a vu un gériatre.

Informal
"Mettre les points sur les i"

— To clarify everything; what a gériatre does during a family meeting.

Le gériatre a mis les points sur les i concernant l'état de santé.

Neutral
"Avoir le cœur sur la main"

— To be very kind; often said of a dedicated gériatre.

Ce gériatre a vraiment le cœur sur la main.

Informal
"Dormir sur ses deux oreilles"

— To sleep soundly; feeling safe because a gériatre is looking after a parent.

On dort sur nos deux oreilles depuis qu'elle voit ce gériatre.

Informal
"Couper les cheveux en quatre"

— To split hairs; sometimes used to describe the detailed analysis gériatres do.

Le gériatre ne coupe pas les cheveux en quatre, il est direct.

Informal
"Prendre son mal en patience"

— To bear one's troubles patiently; what patients do while waiting for the gériatre.

Il faut prendre son mal en patience en salle d'attente.

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

gériatre vs Gériatrie

Noun for the field vs. noun for the person.

Gériatrie is the science/department; gériatre is the human doctor.

Il travaille en gériatrie (field) car il est gériatre (person).

gériatre vs Gériatrique

Adjective vs. noun.

Gériatrique describes something related to the field; gériatre is the doctor.

Un service gériatrique (adj) dirigé par un gériatre (noun).

gériatre vs Sénologue

Sounds like 'senior' to some learners.

A sénologue is a specialist in breast diseases, not aging.

Elle voit un sénologue pour son dépistage, pas un gériatre.

gériatre vs Généraliste

Both are doctors.

A généraliste sees everyone; a gériatre is a specialist for the elderly.

Le généraliste traite le rhume; le gériatre traite la fragilité liée à l'âge.

gériatre vs Interne

Often seen in hospitals.

An interne is a resident (student); a gériatre is the fully qualified doctor.

L'interne suit les ordres du gériatre.

Satzmuster

A1

Le gériatre est [adjective].

Le gériatre est gentil.

A2

Je vais chez le gériatre pour [noun].

Je vais chez le gériatre pour ma grand-mère.

B1

Il est important que le gériatre [subjunctive].

Il est important que le gériatre voie mon père.

B2

C'est grâce au gériatre que [clause].

C'est grâce au gériatre qu'elle va mieux.

C1

L'expertise du gériatre permet de [infinitive].

L'expertise du gériatre permet de limiter les risques.

C2

Nonobstant l'avis du gériatre, [clause].

Nonobstant l'avis du gériatre, la famille refuse l'opération.

B1

Le gériatre s'occupe de [noun].

Le gériatre s'occupe de la polypathologie.

B2

Le gériatre a pour mission de [infinitive].

Le gériatre a pour mission de maintenir l'autonomie.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Gériatrie (the specialty)
Gérontologie (the study of aging)
Gérontologue (the researcher)

Verben

Gériatriser (rare: to adapt to geriatric needs)

Adjektive

Gériatrique (relating to geriatrics)
Gérontologique (relating to gerontology)

Verwandt

Sénescence
Vieillissement
Autonomie
Dépendance
EHPAD

So verwendest du es

frequency

High in medical and social contexts; increasing with the aging population.

Häufige Fehler
  • Un gériatreur Un gériatre

    Learners sometimes try to add an '-eur' ending like in 'docteur' or 'professeur', but '-iatre' is the correct suffix.

  • Je vais au gériatre Je vais chez le gériatre

    In French, you go 'chez' a person/professional, not 'à' the person.

  • La gériatresse La gériatre

    There is no feminine form for 'gériatre'. It is an epicene noun.

  • Il étudie le gériatre Il étudie la gériatrie

    You study the field (gériatrie), not the person (gériatre).

  • Un gériatre pour les enfants Un pédiatre pour les enfants

    Confusing the two age-specific specialties is common due to their similar sound.

Tipps

Suffix Knowledge

Learn the suffix '-iatre' (doctor). It appears in pédiatre, psychiatre, and gériatre. This helps you identify medical professions immediately.

Gender Neutrality

Don't search for a feminine version of 'gériatre'. It doesn't exist. Use 'la gériatre' and you're perfectly correct.

The Referral System

In France, always mention your 'médecin traitant' when talking about seeing a 'gériatre'. It shows you understand the French health system.

Soft G

Remember the rule: G + E/I/Y is always soft in French. Gériatre starts with G + É, so it's a soft 'j' sound.

Accent Check

The 'é' in gériatre is an acute accent. It's the same direction as the 'é' in 'école' or 'été'.

Hospital vs. Office

If someone works in a hospital, say 'gériatre hospitalier'. If they have their own office, say 'gériatre libéral'.

The Grandparent Connection

Link 'Gériatre' with 'Grand-parent'. Both start with 'G'. It's a simple but effective way to remember the target age group.

Politeness

When meeting one, address them as 'Docteur'. You can say 'Bonjour Docteur' even if you know they are a gériatre.

Adjective Use

Use the adjective 'gériatrique' for things (un service gériatrique) and 'gériatre' for the person (un gériatre compétent).

Context Clues

If you hear words like 'autonomie', 'dépendance', or 'EHPAD', your brain should automatically prime itself for the word 'gériatre'.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'Gériatre' as a doctor for the 'Great' (elderly). The 'G' stands for Grandparents.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a doctor (iatre) holding a giant letter 'G' which is actually a walking cane for an elderly person.

Word Web

Hôpital Senior Médecin Alzheimer EHPAD Vieillesse Santé Ordonnance

Herausforderung

Try to use 'gériatre' in a sentence describing a fictional meeting between a doctor and a very old, wise wizard.

Wortherkunft

From the Ancient Greek 'gēras' (old age) and 'iatros' (physician/healer). It follows the same linguistic pattern as 'pédiatre' (child healer) and 'psychiatre' (soul/mind healer).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: A healer of the aged.

Indo-European (Greek roots via Latin/French scientific naming conventions).

Kultureller Kontext

Avoid using the term 'médecin des vieux' which can be pejorative. Use 'gériatre' or 'médecin spécialisé'.

In the US/UK, we use 'geriatrician'. The French word 'gériatre' is more commonly used in everyday conversation than 'geriatrician' might be in some English-speaking circles, where 'senior doctor' or just 'GP' is used.

Dr. Françoise Forette (famous French geriatrician and researcher). The film 'Amour' by Michael Haneke (deals with the medical reality of aging). The book 'La Vieillesse' by Simone de Beauvoir (though not about a gériatre, it set the stage for the field).

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

At the hospital

  • Où est le service de gériatrie ?
  • Je voudrais parler au gériatre.
  • Le gériatre est en visite.
  • Le gériatre a prescrit des examens.

Family meeting

  • Le gériatre pense qu'il ne peut plus rester seul.
  • L'avis du gériatre est favorable.
  • On doit prendre rendez-vous chez le gériatre.
  • Qu'a dit le gériatre ?

Medical school

  • Je veux me spécialiser pour être gériatre.
  • Le cours de gériatrie est passionnant.
  • Il y a beaucoup de débouchés pour les gériatres.
  • Le stage en gériatrie est obligatoire.

In a nursing home (EHPAD)

  • Le gériatre coordonne les soins des résidents.
  • La gériatre passe deux fois par semaine.
  • C'est la gériatre qui gère les traitements.
  • Le gériatre a validé l'admission.

Health news

  • La France manque cruellement de gériatres.
  • Les gériatres demandent plus de moyens.
  • Une interview d'un gériatre renommé.
  • Le rôle des gériatres dans la Silver Economy.

Gesprächseinstiege

"Saviez-vous que mon frère est devenu gériatre l'année dernière ?"

"Est-ce qu'il y a un gériatre que vous pourriez me recommander pour mon père ?"

"Pensez-vous que tous les médecins devraient avoir une formation de gériatre ?"

"Le gériatre a dit que la marche était le meilleur remède, vous êtes d'accord ?"

"À quel âge devrait-on commencer à consulter un gériatre selon vous ?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Décrivez une visite imaginaire chez le gériatre pour un personnage célèbre qui refuse de vieillir.

Pourquoi le métier de gériatre est-il si important dans la société française actuelle ?

Imaginez une journée dans la vie d'un gériatre travaillant dans un grand hôpital parisien.

Quelles sont les qualités humaines nécessaires pour être un bon gériatre ?

Racontez comment un gériatre a aidé votre famille à prendre une décision difficile.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Le gériatre est un médecin titulaire d'un diplôme de médecine spécialisé dans les pathologies du vieillissement. Le gérontologue, quant à lui, étudie le vieillissement sous divers angles (sociologique, biologique, psychologique) et n'est pas forcément médecin. Pour un traitement médical, on consulte un gériatre.

Il est conseillé de consulter un gériatre dès que la personne âgée présente plusieurs maladies chroniques, une perte d'autonomie, des troubles de la mémoire ou une fatigue inexpliquée. Le gériatre apporte une vision globale que n'a pas toujours le médecin généraliste.

La plupart des gériatres travaillent à l'hôpital ou en EHPAD, mais certains exercent en libéral (cabinet privé) et peuvent effectuer des visites à domicile, bien que cela soit plus rare. Ils collaborent souvent avec des services de soins infirmiers à domicile (SSIAD).

Le mot est épicène, ce qui signifie qu'il a la même forme pour les deux genres. On dit 'un gériatre' pour un homme et 'une gériatre' pour une femme. L'accord de l'adjectif change cependant : 'un gériatre compétent' / 'une gériatre compétente'.

Dans le cadre du parcours de soins en France, il est préférable d'être orienté par son médecin traitant pour être mieux remboursé par la Sécurité sociale. Cependant, on peut techniquement prendre rendez-vous directement avec un gériatre libéral.

Il faut d'abord faire six ans de médecine, puis réussir les épreuves classantes nationales (ECN) et choisir la spécialité 'gériatrie' pour un internat de quatre ou cinq ans. C'est une spécialité médicale à part entière.

Non, même si c'est une part importante de son travail. Le gériatre traite aussi les problèmes cardiaques, respiratoires, nutritionnels, et surtout la 'iatrogénie' (effets secondaires des médicaments) chez les seniors.

On prononce [ʒe.ʁi.atʁ]. Le 'g' est doux comme dans 'girafe'. Le 'é' est bien marqué. Le 'r' est à la française, dans la gorge, et on termine sur un 't' et un 'r' légers.

Oui, c'est un mot très courant dans le langage médical et familial en France, surtout avec le vieillissement de la population. Tout le monde comprend ce mot.

C'est l'exact opposé. Le pédiatre soigne les enfants (de la naissance à l'adolescence) tandis que le gériatre soigne les personnes âgées (généralement après 65 ou 75 ans).

Teste dich selbst 76 Fragen

writing

Write a sentence explaining why your grandfather needs to see a gériatre.

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

This sentence uses 'doit voir', 'gériatre', and a reason.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

This sentence uses 'doit voir', 'gériatre', and a reason.

writing

Describe the role of a gériatre in a nursing home (EHPAD).

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

Uses 'coordonne', 'soins', and 'suivi médical'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Uses 'coordonne', 'soins', and 'suivi médical'.

speaking

Say: 'Je vais chez le gériatre avec mon grand-père.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Check for soft 'g' and correct 'chez' usage.

listening

Identify the word: [Audio: gériatre]

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

Listen for the soft 'g' and the 'é-ri-atre' syllables.

writing

Write: 'The doctor is a geriatrician.'

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

Simple profession statement.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Simple profession statement.

writing

Discuss the importance of the gériatre in one sentence.

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

High-level vocabulary.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

High-level vocabulary.

speaking

Say: 'C'est un excellent gériatre.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Check for flow.

listening

Is the word 'gériatre' or 'pédiatre'? [Audio: gériatre]

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

Phonetic distinction.

writing

Write 'The doctor' using the word gériatre.

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

Simple noun phrase.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Simple noun phrase.

writing

Use 'gériatre' and 'hôpital' in a sentence.

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

Combining vocabulary.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Combining vocabulary.

speaking

Say: 'Le gériatre a diagnostiqué une polypathologie.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Advanced pronunciation.

writing

Translate: 'He is a good geriatrician.'

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

Basic translation.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Basic translation.

writing

Write: 'The geriatrician coordinates the home care.'

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

Uses 'coordonne' and 'soins à domicile'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Uses 'coordonne' and 'soins à domicile'.

speaking

Say: 'L'expertise gériatrique est indispensable en EHPAD.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Formal sentence.

writing

Write 'A doctor' (using gériatre).

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

Indefinite article.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Indefinite article.

writing

Translate: 'I am seeing the geriatrician tomorrow.'

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

Present tense for near future.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Present tense for near future.

speaking

Say the word: 'gériatre'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Basic pronunciation.

writing

Write: 'He is a French geriatrician.'

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

Adjective placement.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Adjective placement.

/ 76 correct

Perfect score!

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