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A2 noun 13 Min. Lesezeit

la cigarette

Beispiele
Erklärung la cigarette in your Level:
At the A1 beginner level, learners are introduced to the word la cigarette as a basic, everyday concrete noun. The primary goal is simply recognizing the word, knowing its correct feminine gender (la/une), and associating it with the fundamental verb fumer (to smoke). At this stage, students learn to form simple, declarative sentences to state facts or personal habits. For example, a student might learn to say 'Je fume une cigarette' (I smoke a cigarette) or, importantly for non-smokers, the negative form 'Je ne fume pas de cigarette' (I do not smoke cigarettes). The vocabulary is kept highly practical, focusing on immediate needs and basic descriptions. Learners might encounter the word in simple reading exercises describing a person or a scene, such as 'L'homme a une cigarette' (The man has a cigarette). They also learn to recognize the universal 'No Smoking' signs in French-speaking countries, typically indicated by 'Défense de fumer' or a crossed-out image of a cigarette. Pronunciation practice at this level focuses on the clear articulation of the three syllables (ci-ga-rette) and ensuring the final 'e' remains silent. The context is usually limited to identifying objects in a picture, basic introductions where hobbies or habits are discussed, and simple transactions like pointing to a pack of cigarettes in a shop. The word is treated as a foundational building block for expanding vocabulary related to daily routines and common objects found in the street or at a café.
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At the A2 elementary level, the usage of la cigarette expands to include more interactive and transactional contexts. Learners are expected to use the word in practical, real-life situations, such as buying items in a store or making polite requests. A key competency at this level is navigating a bureau de tabac. Students learn phrases like 'Je voudrais un paquet de cigarettes, s'il vous plaît' (I would like a pack of cigarettes, please) or asking about prices: 'Combien coûte ce paquet de cigarettes ?' (How much does this pack of cigarettes cost?). The vocabulary broadens to include related terms like le briquet (lighter) and le cendrier (ashtray). Social interactions also become more nuanced. An A2 learner should be able to politely ask for permission to smoke: 'Est-ce que je peux fumer une cigarette ici ?' (Can I smoke a cigarette here?) or offer a simple opinion on the habit, such as 'La cigarette est mauvaise pour la santé' (Cigarettes are bad for health). The grammar associated with the word becomes slightly more complex, incorporating prepositions of quantity (un paquet de) and partitive articles when discussing tobacco in general. Learners also begin to understand simple signs and rules regarding designated smoking areas, moving beyond basic recognition to functional comprehension and application in daily life scenarios, such as joining colleagues for a pause cigarette.
At the B1 intermediate level, the discourse surrounding la cigarette shifts from basic transactions to expressing opinions, discussing habits, and understanding public health guidelines. Learners are now capable of participating in conversations about lifestyle choices and can articulate the reasons behind them. For instance, a B1 student might explain a friend's attempt to quit smoking: 'Mon ami essaie d'arrêter la cigarette parce qu'il tousse beaucoup' (My friend is trying to quit smoking because he coughs a lot). The vocabulary expands to include terms related to health and cessation, such as arrêter de fumer (to quit smoking), la santé (health), and les poumons (lungs). Learners can also discuss the social aspects of smoking, recognizing informal synonyms like la clope and understanding their appropriate contexts. They can debate simple pros and cons, perhaps discussing the financial impact: 'Fumer des cigarettes coûte très cher de nos jours' (Smoking cigarettes is very expensive nowadays). Grammatically, students at this level use the word in more complex sentence structures, employing relative pronouns and subordinate clauses. For example: 'La cigarette que tu fumes sent très fort' (The cigarette that you are smoking smells very strong). Listening comprehension involves understanding radio announcements or reading short articles about anti-smoking campaigns, requiring a broader grasp of related vocabulary and the societal context of smoking in France.
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At the B2 upper-intermediate level, la cigarette is discussed within broader societal, legal, and cultural frameworks. Learners are expected to comprehend and articulate complex arguments regarding public health policies, taxation, and individual freedoms. A B2 student can engage in a debate about the effectiveness of banning smoking in public spaces: 'L'interdiction de la cigarette dans les lieux publics a considérablement amélioré la qualité de l'air' (The ban on cigarettes in public places has significantly improved air quality). The vocabulary becomes highly specialized, incorporating terms like le tabagisme passif (passive smoking), les taxes gouvernementales (government taxes), and la dépendance (addiction). Learners are comfortable reading newspaper articles or watching news reports detailing the economic impact of the tobacco industry or the rise of alternatives like the e-cigarette. They can express nuanced opinions on the psychological aspects of smoking, discussing it as a coping mechanism for stress or a deeply ingrained social ritual. Idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms become a natural part of their speech, seamlessly integrating words like clope or un paquet in fast-paced conversations. Writing tasks at this level might involve composing an argumentative essay on whether the price of a cigarette pack should be increased further to deter young people from starting the habit, requiring sophisticated connectors and persuasive language.
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At the C1 advanced level, the word la cigarette serves as a gateway to exploring deep cultural, historical, and sociological themes in French society. Learners analyze the shifting paradigm of smoking, from its glamorous depiction in 20th-century French cinema and literature to its current status as a highly regulated public health hazard. A C1 user can deconstruct the symbolism of the cigarette in the works of existentialist philosophers or New Wave film directors, discussing how it represented rebellion, intellectualism, or existential angst. The vocabulary is rich, precise, and abstract. Discussions might involve the stigmatization of smokers, the lobbying power of the tobacco industry (l'industrie du tabac), or the sociological divide between different demographics regarding smoking rates. Learners can comprehend complex, fast-paced debates on radio programs like France Inter, where sociologists and doctors discuss the psychological addiction to nicotine and the efficacy of public health campaigns (les campagnes de sensibilisation). They can write comprehensive, well-structured essays analyzing the paradox of the French state heavily taxing cigarettes while historically holding a monopoly on their sale. The language used is sophisticated, employing advanced grammatical structures, subjonctif nuances, and a wide array of idiomatic expressions, demonstrating a near-native command of the cultural weight the word carries.
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At the C2 mastery level, the understanding and usage of la cigarette are virtually indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker. The learner possesses an exhaustive knowledge of all linguistic registers, from the most formal medical and legal terminology regarding tabagisme to the most obscure regional slang or historical colloquialisms. A C2 user can effortlessly navigate complex literary texts where the cigarette is used as a subtle literary device, understanding the implicit cultural connotations without needing explicit explanation. They can engage in highly abstract, philosophical discussions about the nature of addiction, the state's role in regulating personal bodies, or the aestheticization of self-destruction in art, using la cigarette as a central motif. Their speech is characterized by absolute fluency, precision, and an intuitive grasp of irony, humor, and cultural references related to smoking. They understand historical references, such as the significance of the Gauloises or Gitanes brands in French cultural history, and can reference specific cultural icons like Serge Gainsbourg's chain-smoking persona to make broader points about French identity. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item; it is a fully integrated cultural artifact that the learner can manipulate to produce highly sophisticated, nuanced, and culturally resonant discourse in any context, be it academic, professional, or social.
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Beispiele
The French word la cigarette refers to a small cylinder of finely cut tobacco leaves rolled in thin paper for smoking. This ubiquitous item has a long and complex history in French culture, deeply intertwined with social habits, cinematic representations, and daily life. When learning French, understanding the cultural and practical usage of la cigarette is essential, as smoking has traditionally been a highly visible activity in France, particularly on café terraces and in public spaces. The term itself is a feminine noun, meaning it is always preceded by feminine articles such as la, une, cette, or ma. The word derives from the Spanish cigarro, with the French diminutive suffix -ette indicating a smaller version of a cigar. Historically, the image of the French intellectual or artist was rarely complete without a cigarette resting between their fingers, symbolizing a certain existential cool or rebellious spirit. Figures like Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, and Serge Gainsbourg cemented this association in the global imagination. Today, however, the usage and perception of la cigarette have evolved significantly due to stringent public health campaigns and anti-smoking legislation. Despite these changes, the vocabulary surrounding the cigarette remains a vital part of everyday French communication. People use this word when discussing purchasing habits at the local bureau de tabac, when asking for a smoke from a stranger on the street, or when discussing health and lifestyle choices. The anatomy of a typical cigarette includes le filtre (the filter), le tabac (the tobacco), and le papier (the paper). When a cigarette is finished, the remaining part is called le mégot (the cigarette butt), which is a crucial environmental vocabulary word as cities campaign against littering. Understanding when to use la cigarette also involves recognizing its social function; offering a cigarette or asking for a light (un briquet or du feu) has long served as a classic icebreaker in French social settings, from university campuses to bustling nightlife districts.
Social Context
In France, asking for a cigarette is a common way to initiate a conversation, often phrased as 'Tu aurais une cigarette ?'
Health Context
Medical professionals use the term when discussing tabagisme (nicotine addiction) and the associated health risks of smoking.
Economic Context
The rising price of a packet of cigarettes is a frequent topic of debate and news coverage in French media regarding taxation.

Il a décidé d'arrêter la cigarette pour améliorer sa santé respiratoire et économiser de l'argent.

Le prix de la cigarette a encore augmenté cette année suite aux nouvelles taxes gouvernementales.

Elle écrase sa dernière cigarette dans le cendrier avant de rentrer dans le bâtiment non-fumeur.

Les jeunes fument de moins en moins la cigarette traditionnelle, préférant les alternatives électroniques.

Il est strictement interdit de jeter la cigarette sur le trottoir sous peine d'une forte amende.

Mastering the use of la cigarette in sentences requires familiarizing yourself with a specific set of verbs, prepositions, and quantities that naturally collocate with the word. The most fundamental verb is fumer (to smoke). You can say 'Je fume une cigarette' (I am smoking a cigarette) or 'Il fume beaucoup de cigarettes' (He smokes a lot of cigarettes). When initializing the act of smoking, the verb allumer (to light) is used: 'Elle allume une cigarette avec son briquet' (She lights a cigarette with her lighter). Conversely, when finishing, you use éteindre (to extinguish) or écraser (to crush/stub out): 'Il écrase sa cigarette dans le cendrier' (He stubs out his cigarette in the ashtray). If you are asking someone for a cigarette, the colloquial verb taxer is frequently employed in informal contexts: 'Je peux te taxer une cigarette ?' (Can I bum a cigarette off you?). When discussing the purchase of cigarettes, vocabulary related to packaging is crucial. You do not typically buy 'some cigarettes'; you buy un paquet de cigarettes (a pack of cigarettes) or une cartouche de cigarettes (a carton of cigarettes). The preposition de is vital here, linking the container to the contents. It is also important to note how the definite article functions. When talking about smoking as a general habit or concept, the singular definite article is used: 'La cigarette est mauvaise pour la santé' (Smoking/Cigarettes are bad for health). Notice how English often uses the plural or the gerund 'smoking' in these generalized statements, whereas French prefers the singular noun. Furthermore, when describing the type of cigarette, adjectives follow the noun: une cigarette électronique (an electronic cigarette), une cigarette roulée (a roll-your-own cigarette), or une cigarette mentholée (a menthol cigarette). For English speakers, remembering to place these descriptive adjectives after the noun is a key grammatical rule to enforce.
Action Verbs
Use verbs like fumer, allumer, éteindre, and écraser to describe the physical actions associated with handling a cigarette.
Quantity Expressions
Always use 'un paquet de' or 'une cartouche de' to specify the amount of cigarettes being purchased or carried.
Generalization
Employ the singular 'la cigarette' when making broad statements about smoking as a habit or a public health issue.

Chaque matin, il accompagne son café noir avec une cigarette sur le balcon.

Pouvez-vous me dire où je peux acheter un paquet de cigarettes dans ce quartier ?

L'odeur de la cigarette froide imprégnait les rideaux du vieux salon parisien.

Elle a remplacé la cigarette classique par une version électronique pour diminuer sa consommation.

Il est impoli d'allumer une cigarette à table avant que tout le monde ait terminé son repas.

The word la cigarette is omnipresent in both physical locations across France and in various forms of media. The most direct place you will encounter this word is at a bureau de tabac, commonly referred to simply as le tabac. These are the licensed establishments recognized by their iconic red diamond-shaped signs (la carotte) where tobacco products are legally sold in France. You will hear customers asking the tobacconist for specific brands of cigarettes, rolling tobacco, or lighters. Another highly common location is the terrace of a café, brasserie, or restaurant. Since the 2008 ban on smoking inside public places in France, smokers have migrated to outdoor terraces. Here, the phrase 'Tu as du feu pour ma cigarette ?' (Do you have a light for my cigarette?) is an everyday auditory backdrop. You will also hear the word extensively in medical and public health contexts. Doctors, pharmacists, and public health officials frequently discuss la cigarette when advising patients on smoking cessation programs, prescribing nicotine patches, or warning about lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Government-sponsored anti-smoking campaigns (les campagnes anti-tabac) broadcast on television and radio frequently use the term to highlight the dangers of tabagisme. Furthermore, the word appears heavily in French cinema and literature. French films are historically famous for characters engaging in deep, philosophical dialogues while smoking a cigarette. While contemporary cinema is somewhat more regulated regarding the glamorization of smoking, the word and the action remain cultural staples in storytelling, signifying stress, contemplation, or rebellion. Finally, in professional environments, the concept of la pause cigarette (the cigarette break) is a significant part of workplace culture. Colleagues gather outside office buildings to smoke and chat, making it a crucial hub for informal networking and office gossip.
Le Bureau de Tabac
The state-licensed shop where cigarettes are sold. You will hear customers specifying their preferred brand and packaging size here.
La Pause Cigarette
The workplace smoking break, a vital social ritual where employees mingle outside the office building.
Medical Consultations
Doctors use the term when assessing a patient's lifestyle habits or proposing strategies for quitting smoking.

Pendant la pause cigarette, les collègues discutent souvent des rumeurs de l'entreprise.

Le médecin lui a conseillé de réduire sa consommation de cigarettes avant l'opération.

Je descends au tabac du coin pour acheter un paquet de cigarettes, tu veux quelque chose ?

Sur la terrasse du café, l'air était rempli de la fumée de cigarette des clients.

Les nouvelles lois interdisent de fumer la cigarette dans les parcs pour enfants.

When English speakers learn the word la cigarette, they encounter several common pitfalls related to gender, pronunciation, and vocabulary association. The most frequent error is assigning the wrong grammatical gender. Because the English language does not assign gender to inanimate objects, learners often guess and say 'le cigarette'. However, remembering that words ending in -ette are overwhelmingly feminine in French is a simple trick to ensure you always use la or une. Another significant mistake occurs in pronunciation. English speakers tend to stress the first syllable or swallow the middle syllables, pronouncing it similar to the English 'sig-ret'. In French, the pronunciation must be clearly articulated across three distinct syllables: ci-ga-rette, with a slight emphasis on the final syllable. Furthermore, the double 't' dictates that the preceding 'e' is pronounced with an open sound (like the 'e' in the English word 'pet'), and the final 'e' is silent. Vocabulary confusion also arises between la cigarette and le cigare. A cigare is a large, thick roll of tobacco wrapped in tobacco leaves (a cigar), whereas a cigarette is wrapped in paper. Mixing these up can lead to humorous misunderstandings. Additionally, learners often struggle with the correct verbs. You cannot 'faire une cigarette' (do a cigarette) or 'prendre une cigarette' (take a cigarette) when you mean to smoke it; you must use the specific verb fumer. If you are literally taking a cigarette from a pack, 'prendre' is acceptable, but to describe the habit, 'fumer' is mandatory. Finally, a common syntactic error is saying 'arrêter de fumer des cigarettes' when a native speaker would more elegantly say 'arrêter la cigarette' to mean quitting smoking entirely.
Gender Confusion
Using 'le' instead of 'la'. Always remember the feminine suffix -ette to avoid this basic grammatical mistake.
Pronunciation Errors
Failing to articulate all three syllables (ci-ga-rette) and applying English stress patterns instead of the flat French intonation.
Verb Misuse
Using generic verbs like 'faire' or 'avoir' when describing the act of smoking, instead of the dedicated verb 'fumer'.

Incorrect: Il a acheté un cigarette. Correct: Il a acheté une cigarette.

Incorrect: Je fais la cigarette. Correct: Je fume la cigarette.

Incorrect: Mon grand-père fume un gros cigarette. Correct: Mon grand-père fume un gros cigare. (Do not confuse cigarette and cigare).

Incorrect: J'ai arrêté les cigarettes. Correct: J'ai arrêté la cigarette. (Use the singular for the general habit).

Incorrect: Je besoin une cigarette. Correct: J'ai besoin d'une cigarette. (Remember the preposition 'de' with 'avoir besoin').

Expanding your vocabulary around la cigarette involves learning synonyms, slang, and related terms that describe different aspects of smoking culture in France. The most prevalent synonym in informal, everyday speech is la clope. You will hear this constantly among friends, students, and colleagues: 'Je sors fumer une clope' (I'm going out to smoke a cig). Another highly informal, slightly older slang term is une garo or une tige (literally a stem or stalk). If you are referring to the tobacco itself rather than the pre-rolled stick, the word is le tabac. For instance, people who roll their own cigarettes buy du tabac à rouler (rolling tobacco). The remnants of a smoked cigarette are called un mégot (a cigarette butt), a term crucial for environmental contexts, such as 'Ne jetez pas vos mégots par terre' (Do not throw your cigarette butts on the ground). With the rise of modern technology, alternatives to traditional smoking have introduced new vocabulary. La cigarette électronique is the formal term for an e-cigarette, but in daily life, people use the noun la vapoteuse or simply la CE. The verb associated with this is vapoter (to vape), distinguishing it from fumer. When discussing the broader concept of smoking as an addiction or public health issue, the term le tabagisme is employed. This is a formal, medical term used in news reports and doctor's offices. Understanding these alternatives allows you to navigate different social registers, from a formal medical consultation discussing tabagisme to a casual street encounter asking for une clope.
La Clope
The most common informal slang for a cigarette. Essential for conversational fluency in casual French environments.
Le Mégot
The butt or filter that remains after smoking. Frequently seen on warning signs regarding littering.
La Vapoteuse
The modern electronic alternative to the traditional tobacco cigarette, reflecting changing societal habits.

Attends-moi cinq minutes, je vais juste m'en griller une petite clope dehors.

La mairie a installé de nouveaux cendriers pour réduire le nombre de mégots dans les rues.

Pour arrêter la cigarette, il a décidé d'acheter une vapoteuse avec un liquide sans nicotine.

Le tabagisme passif est une préoccupation majeure pour la santé publique en France.

Il préfère acheter du tabac à rouler car c'est beaucoup moins cher que les paquets industriels.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

1

Je fume une cigarette.

I smoke a cigarette.

Basic subject-verb-object structure with the feminine indefinite article 'une'.

2

Elle a une cigarette.

She has a cigarette.

Use of the verb 'avoir' (to have) to indicate possession.

3

C'est une cigarette.

It is a cigarette.

Using 'c'est' to identify an object.

4

Je ne fume pas de cigarette.

I do not smoke cigarettes.

In the negative form, 'une' becomes 'de'.

5

Où est ma cigarette ?

Where is my cigarette?

Using the feminine possessive adjective 'ma'.

6

La cigarette est sur la table.

The cigarette is on the table.

Using the definite article 'la' for a specific item.

7

Il allume la cigarette.

He lights the cigarette.

Basic action verb 'allumer' in the present tense.

8

Non à la cigarette.

No to the cigarette (No smoking).

A simple phrase often used in basic signage or campaigns.

1

Je voudrais un paquet de cigarettes, s'il vous plaît.

I would like a pack of cigarettes, please.

Using 'je voudrais' for polite requests and 'un paquet de' for quantity.

2

Combien coûte cette cigarette électronique ?

How much does this electronic cigarette cost?

Asking for a price using 'combien coûte'.

3

Est-ce que je peux fumer une cigarette ici ?

Can I smoke a cigarette here?

Formulating a question using 'Est-ce que' and the modal verb 'pouvoir'.

4

La cigarette est mauvaise pour la santé.

Cigarettes are bad for health.

Expressing a general fact; note the singular 'la cigarette' for a general concept.

5

Il a jeté sa cigarette par terre.

He threw his cigarette on the ground.

Using the passé composé to describe a completed past action.

6

Tu as du feu pour ma cigarette ?

Do you have a light for my cigarette?

Common informal question using 'avoir du feu'.

7

Elle fume trois cigarettes par jour.

She smokes three cigarettes a day.

Expressing frequency and quantity using numbers and 'par jour'.

8

Il n'y a plus de cigarettes dans le paquet.

There are no more cigarettes in the pack.

Using the negative expression 'ne... plus de' (no more).

1

Mon père a décidé d'arrêter la cigarette l'année dernière.

My father decided to quit smoking last year.

Using 'décider de' + infinitive, and 'la cigarette' as a general concept for smoking.

2

L'odeur de la cigarette me donne mal à la tête.

The smell of cigarettes gives me a headache.

Using a noun phrase 'l'odeur de' and an indirect object pronoun 'me'.

3

Il est interdit de fumer la cigarette à l'intérieur du restaurant.

It is forbidden to smoke cigarettes inside the restaurant.

Impersonal expression 'Il est interdit de' followed by an infinitive.

4

Elle tousse beaucoup à cause de la cigarette.

She coughs a lot because of cigarettes.

Using the causal phrase 'à cause de'.

5

Je préfère la cigarette électronique car elle fait moins de fumée.

I prefer the electronic cigarette because it makes less smoke.

Expressing preference and using a comparative of quantity 'moins de'.

6

Si tu continues avec la cigarette, tu vas ruiner ta santé.

If you continue with cigarettes, you are going to ruin your health.

First conditional sentence using 'Si' + present + futur proche.

7

Les jeunes fument moins de cigarettes qu'avant.

Young people smoke fewer cigarettes than before.

Using the comparative form 'moins de... que'.

8

Il a écrasé sa cigarette nerveusement dans le cendrier.

He nervously stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray.

Using an adverb 'nerveusement' to modify the verb 'écraser'.

1

L'augmentation du prix de la cigarette vise à réduire la consommation.

The increase in the price of cigarettes aims to reduce consumption.

Using formal vocabulary ('augmentation', 'vise à') appropriate for B2.

2

Bien qu'il connaisse les risques, il n'arrive pas à se passer de la cigarette.

Although he knows the risks, he cannot manage to do without cigarettes.

Using the subjunctive after 'Bien que' and the pronominal verb 'se passer de'.

3

Le tabagisme passif lié à la cigarette est un véritable problème de santé publique.

Passive smoking linked to cigarettes is a real public health problem.

Complex noun phrase 'Le tabagisme passif lié à'.

4

Il est primordial que le gouvernement régule davantage la vente de la cigarette.

It is essential that the government regulates the sale of cigarettes more.

Using an impersonal expression 'Il est primordial que' followed by the subjunctive 'régule'.

5

Certains affirment que la cigarette électronique est une transition efficace pour arrêter de fumer.

Some assert that the electronic cigarette is an effective transition to quit smoking.

Expressing an opinion or claim using 'Certains affirment que'.

6

La dépendance à la cigarette est à la fois physique et psychologique.

Addiction to cigarettes is both physical and psychological.

Using abstract nouns ('dépendance') and correlative conjunctions ('à la fois... et').

7

Avant la loi Évin, la publicité pour la cigarette était omniprésente.

Before the Évin law, advertising for cigarettes was omnipresent.

Using the imparfait to describe a past state or ongoing situation.

8

Elle a fini par jeter son dernier paquet de cigarettes à la poubelle.

She ended up throwing her last pack of cigarettes in the trash.

Using the verbal periphrasis 'finir par' to express an ultimate outcome.

1

La banalisation de la cigarette dans le cinéma français a longtemps forgé une esthétique de la rébellion.

The normalization of cigarettes in French cinema long forged an aesthetic of rebellion.

Highly advanced vocabulary ('banalisation', 'forgé une esthétique') and abstract concepts.

2

Les industriels ont sciemment dissimulé la nocivité inhérente à la cigarette pendant des décennies.

Industrialists knowingly concealed the inherent harmfulness of cigarettes for decades.

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