la sécheresse in 30 Sekunden
- La sécheresse means drought. It is a feminine noun used for weather, skin, and personality.
- It comes from the adjective 'sec' (dry) and is essential for environmental discussions.
- Commonly heard in French news during summer regarding water restrictions and farming issues.
- Metaphorically, it describes a lack of emotion, creativity, or ornament in writing or character.
The term la sécheresse is a fundamental noun in the French language, primarily used to describe a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall that results in a water shortage. Etymologically derived from the adjective sec (dry), it encompasses both the meteorological phenomenon and the resulting environmental or physical state. In a literal sense, you will encounter this word frequently in discussions regarding climate change, agriculture, and weather forecasting. In France, the summer months often bring news reports about la sécheresse, especially in southern regions like Provence or Occitanie, where water restrictions become a common civic reality. However, the word's utility extends far beyond the weather. It is used in medical contexts to describe dryness of the skin (sécheresse cutanée) or eyes (sécheresse oculaire). Furthermore, it possesses a powerful metaphorical dimension. In literature or formal critique, one might speak of la sécheresse d'un style to describe a writing style that is clinical, devoid of ornament, or emotionally cold. Similarly, une sécheresse de cœur refers to a lack of empathy or emotional warmth. Understanding this word requires recognizing its dual nature: the physical reality of a parched earth and the abstract concept of lack or austerity. When a French speaker uses this word, they are often signaling a state of crisis or a deficiency that needs to be addressed, whether by rain, moisturizer, or human emotion.
- Environmental Context
- Used to describe the lack of rain affecting crops and water levels. For example: 'Les agriculteurs s'inquiètent de la sécheresse estivale.'
- Medical Context
- Refers to the lack of moisture in tissues. 'Cette crème est efficace contre la sécheresse des mains.'
- Metaphorical Context
- Describes a lack of feeling or imagination. 'On lui reproche souvent sa sécheresse de cœur.'
Le gouvernement a déclaré l'état de catastrophe naturelle à cause de la sécheresse.
La sécheresse oculaire peut être causée par le temps passé devant les écrans.
Le jardin souffre de la sécheresse prolongée cet été.
L'écrivain utilise une sécheresse de ton pour souligner la brutalité de la scène.
Il n'y a rien de plus triste que la sécheresse d'une âme sans passion.
Using la sécheresse correctly involves understanding the verbs it commonly pairs with. Because it is a condition or a state, it often follows verbs of suffering, causing, or observing. For instance, we say souffrir de la sécheresse (to suffer from drought) or lutter contre la sécheresse (to fight against drought). When discussing the impact of the weather, you might use provoquer (to cause) or accentuer (to worsen). In a sentence, it often functions as the subject of a sentence describing an action on the environment, such as La sécheresse a détruit les récoltes (The drought destroyed the crops). It is also important to notice how adjectives modify it. Common adjectives include estivale (summer), prolongée (prolonged), sévère (severe), or historique (historic). In medical contexts, the structure changes slightly, often appearing in the form 'sécheresse + adjective' like sécheresse vaginale or sécheresse buccale (dry mouth). When speaking about someone's personality, the preposition de is used to link it to the quality lacking: une sécheresse d'esprit. This versatility makes it a powerful noun for both objective reporting and subjective description. Pay attention to the definite article 'la'; even when the drought is general, French prefers the definite article to indicate the concept as a whole. If you are describing a specific instance that hasn't been mentioned before, you might use 'une'. For example, 'Nous traversons une période de sécheresse' (We are going through a period of drought).
- With Verbs of Impact
- La sécheresse frappe la région (The drought hits the region).
- With Verbs of Enduring
- Les plantes résistent à la sécheresse (The plants resist the drought).
- With Verbs of Causation
- Le manque de pluie entraîne la sécheresse (The lack of rain leads to drought).
Face à la sécheresse, il est interdit d'arroser les pelouses.
La sécheresse des sols est un indicateur clé pour les climatologues.
In contemporary France, la sécheresse is a word that has moved from the specialized vocabulary of farmers and meteorologists into the daily lexicon of every citizen. You will hear it most frequently during the evening news (le JT - Journal Télévisé) during the summer months. News anchors will discuss le plan sécheresse, which refers to the government's tiered system of water restrictions. These tiers—vigilance, alert, increased alert, and crisis—dictate whether you can wash your car, fill your swimming pool, or water your garden. In local bakeries or markets, you'll hear people lamenting la sécheresse as they discuss the rising price of vegetables or the poor quality of the hay for livestock. In the professional world, particularly in ecology and urban planning, the word is central to discussions about la résilience face à la sécheresse (resilience in the face of drought). If you are a student in France, you might encounter it in geography class when studying the Sahel region of Africa or the Mediterranean climate. Furthermore, if you visit a pharmacy (une pharmacie), you will see signs for products treating la sécheresse de la peau. It is a word that bridges the gap between the monumental threat of global warming and the mundane discomfort of dry hands. Its frequency in the media has increased significantly over the last decade, making it an essential term for anyone following French current events or environmental policy.
- On the News
- 'La sécheresse record de cet été inquiète les autorités.'
- In the Pharmacy
- 'J'ai besoin d'un baume pour la sécheresse de mes lèvres.'
- In Literature
- 'Une sécheresse implacable s'était abattue sur le village.'
Météo France prévoit une aggravation de la sécheresse dans le sud-est.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing the noun la sécheresse with the adjective sec (masculine) or sèche (feminine). While in English you might say 'the dry,' in French you must use the noun form to describe the state or the period. For example, you cannot say 'pendant le sec' to mean 'during the drought'; you must say 'pendant la sécheresse.' Another common error involves the spelling, specifically the accent on the first 'e' and the double 's'. The word is spelled s-é-c-h-e-r-e-s-s-e. Note that the 'é' (accent aigu) is followed by a 'ch' and then an 'e' without an accent, followed by the double 's'. Learners often forget the double 's' or try to add more accents than necessary. Additionally, there is the confusion between sécheresse and aridité. While they are related, aridité refers to a permanent climatic condition (like a desert), whereas sécheresse usually refers to a temporary, albeit sometimes long, lack of rain. You wouldn't say the Sahara is suffering from 'sécheresse' as a temporary event; it is a land of 'aridité.' Finally, be careful with the pronunciation. The 'ch' is soft like 'sh' in 'shoe,' and the 're' is the typical French guttural 'r'. Mistaking the gender is also common; remember that most French nouns ending in '-esse' (like la tristesse, la gentillesse) are feminine. Using 'le sécheresse' is a clear marker of a non-native speaker and should be avoided to improve fluency.
- Noun vs Adjective
- Correct: 'La sécheresse est grave.' Incorrect: 'Le sec est grave.'
- Spelling
- Remember the double 's' at the end: sécheresse, not sécherese.
- Gender
- Always 'la' or 'une', never 'le'.
On ne dit pas 'un temps de sec', mais 'une période de sécheresse'.
Depending on the context, there are several words you can use instead of la sécheresse to add variety or precision to your French. If you are talking about intense heat that often accompanies a drought, la canicule (heatwave) is the appropriate term. While a drought refers to water, a canicule refers to temperature. If you want to describe the permanent dry state of a region, use l'aridité. For a more poetic or literary tone, you might use la déshydratation, though this is primarily medical today. Another useful word is le tarissement, which specifically refers to the drying up of a source, like a well or a river. In agriculture, you might hear about le stress hydrique (water stress), which is a more technical way of describing how plants suffer from a lack of water. If you are describing someone's personality and want to avoid sécheresse, you could use la froideur (coldness) or l'insensibilité (insensitivity). Conversely, if you are looking for the opposite of la sécheresse, the most direct antonym is l'humidité (humidity/moisture) or l'abondance de pluie (abundance of rain). Understanding these nuances allows you to tailor your speech to the situation. For example, saying 'la sécheresse des sols' is more precise than just 'la terre est sèche' when writing a report. Using le manque d'eau (lack of water) is a simpler, more colloquial alternative that everyone will understand but lacks the formal weight of sécheresse.
- Sécheresse vs Canicule
- Sécheresse is about water; Canicule is about heat. They often happen together but are distinct.
- Sécheresse vs Aridité
- Sécheresse is an event; Aridité is a climate characteristic.
- Sécheresse vs Stress Hydrique
- Stress hydrique is the biological impact of sécheresse on organisms.
L'aridité du désert est permanente, contrairement à une sécheresse passagère.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
The suffix '-esse' is the same one found in 'altesse' (highness) or 'richesse' (wealth), originally indicating a state of being.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing 'ch' as 'k' (like 'chemistry'). It should always be 'sh'.
- Missing the guttural 'r'.
- Adding an extra syllable at the end (it's two-and-a-half syllables: sé-ch-resse).
- Making the first 'e' sound like 'ee'. It should be 'ay'.
- Forgetting the final 's' sound.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Easy to recognize if you know 'sec'. Frequently appears in news titles.
Spelling with double 's' and accents can be tricky for beginners.
Requires mastering the French 'r' and the soft 'ch' sound.
Distinctive sound, usually easy to pick out in weather reports.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Feminine nouns ending in -esse
La sécheresse, la tristesse, la sagesse.
Using 'à cause de' for negative causes
À cause de la sécheresse, tout est sec.
Agreement of adjectives with feminine nouns
Une sécheresse prolongée.
The partitive article with abstract nouns
Il y a de la sécheresse dans ses propos.
Verbs followed by 'de' (souffrir de)
Les plantes souffrent de la sécheresse.
Beispiele nach Niveau
Il y a une grande sécheresse cet été.
There is a big drought this summer.
Uses the feminine article 'une'.
La sécheresse est mauvaise pour les fleurs.
The drought is bad for the flowers.
Subject of the sentence.
J'ai de la sécheresse sur les mains.
I have dryness on my hands.
Refers to skin condition.
C'est la sécheresse, il ne pleut pas.
It's a drought, it's not raining.
Simple identification.
Le jardin souffre de la sécheresse.
The garden suffers from the drought.
Verb 'souffrir' takes 'de'.
La sécheresse arrive souvent en juillet.
Drought often arrives in July.
General statement.
Attention à la sécheresse !
Watch out for the drought!
Exclamatory use.
La terre a soif à cause de la sécheresse.
The earth is thirsty because of the drought.
Cause and effect.
À cause de la sécheresse, nous ne pouvons pas arroser le jardin.
Because of the drought, we cannot water the garden.
Prepositional phrase 'à cause de'.
La sécheresse de la peau est courante en hiver.
Dryness of the skin is common in winter.
Noun complement 'de la peau'.
Les agriculteurs ont peur de la sécheresse.
Farmers are afraid of the drought.
Verb 'avoir peur de'.
Il faut lutter contre la sécheresse.
We must fight against the drought.
Preposition 'contre'.
La sécheresse a duré trois mois.
The drought lasted three months.
Passé composé with 'avoir'.
Une crème pour la sécheresse oculaire.
A cream for eye dryness.
Medical adjective 'oculaire'.
La sécheresse est un problème sérieux.
Drought is a serious problem.
Noun + adjective agreement.
On parle de la sécheresse aux informations.
They are talking about the drought on the news.
Refers to media coverage.
La sécheresse prolongée menace les récoltes de blé.
The prolonged drought threatens the wheat harvests.
Adjective 'prolongée' agrees with 'sécheresse'.
Le gouvernement a mis en place un plan sécheresse.
The government has put in place a drought plan.
Compound noun usage.
Cette région subit une sécheresse historique.
This region is undergoing a historic drought.
Verb 'subir' (to undergo/endure).
La sécheresse des sols empêche la croissance des arbres.
The dryness of the soil prevents the growth of trees.
Subject-verb agreement.
Malgré la sécheresse, certaines plantes survivent.
Despite the drought, some plants survive.
Conjunction 'malgré'.
La sécheresse peut provoquer des incendies de forêt.
Drought can cause forest fires.
Modal verb 'pouvoir' + infinitive.
Il y a une sécheresse de sentiments entre eux.
There is a dryness of feelings between them.
Metaphorical usage.
L'eau devient rare pendant la sécheresse.
Water becomes scarce during the drought.
Adjective 'rare' usage.
L'ampleur de la sécheresse oblige à des restrictions d'eau strictes.
The scale of the drought forces strict water restrictions.
Verb 'obliger à'.
La sécheresse hivernale est particulièrement inquiétante pour les nappes.
Winter drought is particularly worrying for groundwater levels.
Specific term 'nappes phréatiques' implied.
On observe une sécheresse accrue due au réchauffement climatique.
We are observing increased drought due to global warming.
Past participle 'due' agreeing with 'sécheresse'.
Le style de cet auteur se caractérise par une certaine sécheresse.
This author's style is characterized by a certain dryness.
Literary critique usage.
La sécheresse a des répercussions économiques majeures.
The drought has major economic repercussions.
Plural adjective 'majeures'.
Les zones touchées par la sécheresse demandent de l'aide.
The areas affected by the drought are asking for help.
Passive construction 'touchées par'.
La sécheresse aggrave les conflits pour l'accès aux ressources.
The drought worsens conflicts over access to resources.
Verb 'aggraver'.
Il faut s'adapter à la sécheresse par de nouvelles techniques.
We must adapt to the drought through new techniques.
Pronominal verb 's'adapter à'.
La sécheresse édaphique se définit par un déficit d'eau dans le sol.
Edaphic drought is defined by a water deficit in the soil.
Technical scientific term.
L'aridité n'est pas synonyme de sécheresse, bien qu'elles soient liées.
Aridity is not synonymous with drought, although they are linked.
Subjunctive 'soient' after 'bien que'.
La sécheresse de ton de l'administration a choqué les usagers.
The dry tone of the administration shocked the users.
Metaphorical 'sécheresse de ton'.
On craint un tarissement des sources dû à la sécheresse persistante.
We fear a drying up of springs due to the persistent drought.
Vocabulary: 'tarissement'.
La sécheresse est ici le moteur d'une mutation profonde des paysages.
Drought is here the driver of a profound landscape transformation.
Abstract metaphorical 'moteur'.
L'œuvre est marquée par une sécheresse lyrique volontaire.
The work is marked by a deliberate lyrical dryness.
Literary analysis.
La sécheresse récurrente fragilise l'équilibre des écosystèmes.
Recurrent drought weakens the balance of ecosystems.
Verb 'fragiliser'.
Il y a une sécheresse de l'imaginaire dans la publicité actuelle.
There is a dryness of the imagination in current advertising.
Cultural critique.
L'ontologie du manque se manifeste par cette sécheresse existentielle.
The ontology of lack manifests through this existential dryness.
Philosophical register.
L'aléa sécheresse est désormais intégré dans les modèles actuariels.
The drought hazard is now integrated into actuarial models.
Technical risk management term.
La sécheresse des débats parlementaires occulte les vrais enjeux.
The dryness of parliamentary debates hides the real issues.
Political metaphor.
On assiste à une sécheresse sémantique où les mots perdent leur sève.
We are witnessing a semantic dryness where words lose their sap.
Linguistic metaphor.
La sécheresse, en tant que phénomène systémique, transcende les frontières.
Drought, as a systemic phenomenon, transcends borders.
Formal analytical style.
L'austérité budgétaire est une forme de sécheresse institutionnelle.
Budgetary austerity is a form of institutional dryness.
Economic metaphor.
L'inexorabilité de la sécheresse impose une refonte de notre rapport à l'eau.
The inexorability of the drought imposes a redesign of our relationship with water.
High-level vocabulary: 'inexorabilité'.
Il y a une sécheresse de l'âme qui précède souvent la chute des empires.
There is a dryness of the soul that often precedes the fall of empires.
Historical/Philosophical register.
Synonyme
Gegenteile
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— During times of drought. Used to describe rules or behaviors.
En temps de sécheresse, économisez l'eau.
— Confronted with the drought. Used in news or policy discussions.
Face à la sécheresse, les solutions manquent.
— A victim of the drought. Often applied to farmers or animals.
Le bétail est la première victime de la sécheresse.
— To fear the drought. Common among gardeners and farmers.
Nous craignons la sécheresse pour nos tomates.
— To worsen the drought. Used for environmental factors.
Le vent d'est vient aggraver la sécheresse.
— To fight against the drought. Refers to mitigation efforts.
L'irrigation permet de lutter contre la sécheresse.
— To cause the drought. Used for climatic causes.
Le manque de neige a provoqué la sécheresse.
— To suffer from the drought. General usage for any living thing.
Les arbres souffrent de la sécheresse.
— A period of drought. The standard way to describe the event.
Nous entrons dans une période de sécheresse.
— The drought is setting in. Used when the situation becomes long-term.
La sécheresse s'installe durablement dans le pays.
Wird oft verwechselt mit
This is the adjective. Use 'sécheresse' for the noun.
Refers to heat, while sécheresse refers to lack of water.
Aridité is permanent; sécheresse is a temporary event.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— A lack of sensitivity or compassion. Describing someone cold.
Son refus d'aider témoigne d'une sécheresse de cœur.
literary— To speak in a curt, abrupt, or unfriendly manner.
Il m'a répondu avec une sécheresse qui m'a blessé.
neutral— A lack of imagination, wit, or intellectual richness.
Son œuvre souffre d'une certaine sécheresse d'esprit.
formal— To be out of money or out of a liquid (related to the root 'sec').
Désolé, je ne peux pas t'aider, je suis à sec.
informal— A clinical or unemotional way of communicating.
Le rapport est écrit avec une sécheresse de ton exemplaire.
formal— Spiritual emptiness or a lack of inner life.
Il cherchait un remède à sa sécheresse de l'âme.
literary— To answer dryly/abruptly (adverbial form).
Elle a répondu sèchement 'Non'.
neutral— An extreme, devastating drought reminiscent of ancient times.
Le pays est frappé par une sécheresse biblique.
journalistic— The cold, rigid, and unyielding nature of bureaucracy.
Il a été découragé par la sécheresse administrative.
neutral— A style of poetry or art that avoids emotion and flowery language.
Certains poètes modernes cultivent la sécheresse lyrique.
academicLeicht verwechselbar
Both mean dry conditions.
Aridité describes a desert climate that is always dry. Sécheresse describes a period when it doesn't rain as much as it should.
Le désert est marqué par l'aridité, mais la France subit une sécheresse.
They often happen at the same time.
Canicule is about high temperatures (heatwave). Sécheresse is about a lack of water (drought).
La canicule de 2003 a été accompagnée d'une forte sécheresse.
Spelling variation.
The traditional spelling is 'sécheresse' with an accent aigu. The 1990 reform allows 'sècheresse' with an accent grave, but 'sécheresse' remains more common.
Il est préférable d'écrire 'sécheresse'.
Related concepts.
Soif is the sensation of needing to drink (thirst). Sécheresse is the environmental condition.
La sécheresse donne soif à la terre.
Both involve drying.
Tarissement specifically refers to a liquid source (river, well) stopping its flow.
La sécheresse a entraîné le tarissement du puits.
Satzmuster
Il y a + [la sécheresse]
Il y a la sécheresse.
À cause de + [la sécheresse]
À cause de la sécheresse, j'ai soif.
[Subject] + souffrir de + [la sécheresse]
Le pays souffre de la sécheresse.
[Subject] + provoquer + [la sécheresse]
Le climat provoque la sécheresse.
[Abstract Noun] + de + [sécheresse]
Une sécheresse de ton incroyable.
L'aléa + [sécheresse]
L'aléa sécheresse est critique.
Lutter contre + [la sécheresse]
Nous luttons contre la sécheresse.
Pendant + [la sécheresse]
Pendant la sécheresse, on ne lave pas la voiture.
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Very high, especially in spring and summer.
-
Le sécheresse
→
La sécheresse
The word is feminine. Using the masculine article is a common gender error.
-
Il y a un sec.
→
Il y a une sécheresse.
You cannot use the adjective 'sec' as a noun for drought. You must use the noun form.
-
Sécherese
→
Sécheresse
Missing the double 's' is a frequent spelling mistake.
-
La sécheresse de la température.
→
La canicule.
Sécheresse refers to water levels, not high temperature. Use 'canicule' for heat.
-
Une sécheresse permanent.
→
Une aridité permanente.
If the condition is a permanent part of the climate, 'aridité' is the correct term.
Tipps
Gender Memory
Nouns ending in '-esse' are almost always feminine. Think of 'la princesse' to remember 'la sécheresse'.
Adjective Link
Link 'sécheresse' to 'sec' (dry). If you know the ground is 'sec', the situation is 'la sécheresse'.
Summer News
Expect to hear this word daily on French TV in July and August. It's a key part of the 'météo'.
The Double S
Always double the 's'. A single 's' between two vowels would sound like a 'z', which is wrong here.
The Middle E
The 'e' after 'ch' is very short. Don't over-emphasize it. It's more like a quick breath.
Metaphorical Use
Use 'sécheresse' when a book or a speech feels too clinical and boring. It's a sophisticated critique.
Water Warnings
If you see 'Alerte Sécheresse' on a sign in France, check the local rules before using water outside.
Pharmacy Labels
Look for this word on lotions if you have dry skin. It's the standard term for dryness.
Etymology Tip
The Latin root 'siccus' also gives us 'siccatif' (a drying agent in paint). Connect them!
Variety
In a long essay, alternate 'sécheresse' with 'manque de précipitations' to avoid repetition.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of 'Sécheresse' as 'SAY-SHE-RESTS'. When there is a drought, the rain 'rests' and refuses to fall.
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a giant 'S' shape made of cracked, dry mud in a field. The 'S' stands for Sécheresse.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to use 'la sécheresse' in three different ways today: once for the weather, once for your skin, and once for a movie character's personality.
Wortherkunft
Derived from the Old French 'sec', which comes from the Latin 'siccus', meaning 'dry'. The suffix '-esse' is used in French to form abstract feminine nouns from adjectives.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The state of being dry or a period of dryness.
Romance (Latin root).Kultureller Kontext
Be sensitive when discussing drought with farmers or people from regions currently suffering from severe water shortages, as it is a source of great economic and personal stress.
In English-speaking countries like Australia or the US (California), drought is a similar cultural touchstone, often associated with wildfires and water conservation.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Weather Forecast
- Alerte sécheresse
- Déficit de pluie
- Températures élevées
- Vigilance orange
Gardening
- Arroser les plantes
- Plantes résistantes
- Terre sèche
- Économiser l'eau
Skincare
- Peau sèche
- Crème hydratante
- Lait corporel
- Sensation de tiraillement
News/Politics
- Restrictions d'eau
- Catastrophe naturelle
- Aide aux agriculteurs
- Crise écologique
Literature
- Sécheresse de cœur
- Style dépouillé
- Ton sec
- Âme aride
Gesprächseinstiege
"Penses-tu que la sécheresse va s'aggraver cette année ?"
"Comment protèges-tu ton jardin pendant la sécheresse ?"
"As-tu déjà connu une période de sécheresse sévère ?"
"Est-ce qu'il y a des restrictions d'eau dans ta région ?"
"Que penses-tu de la sécheresse de ton dans les emails professionnels ?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Décrivez les changements dans la nature pendant une période de sécheresse prolongée.
Imaginez que vous vivez dans un monde où la sécheresse est permanente. Comment est votre vie ?
Racontez un souvenir d'un été marqué par la chaleur et la sécheresse.
Analysez l'importance de l'eau pour éviter la sécheresse des sols et de l'économie.
Écrivez une lettre à un ami pour lui expliquer pourquoi vous ne pouvez pas arroser vos fleurs à cause de la sécheresse.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenIt is a feminine noun. You should always use 'la sécheresse' or 'une sécheresse'. For example, 'La sécheresse est grave.' Never use 'le'.
The 'ch' is pronounced like the English 'sh' in 'sheep'. It is a soft sound, not a hard 'k' sound. Say 'say-shuh-ress'.
Yes, absolutely. In a medical or cosmetic context, you can say 'la sécheresse de la peau' or 'sécheresse cutanée' to describe dry skin.
Sécheresse is a temporary lack of rain in a place where it usually rains. Aridité is the permanent state of a dry climate, like a desert.
Common restrictions include banning car washing, filling swimming pools, and watering gardens during the day. These are regulated by 'arrêtés préfectoraux'.
There isn't a single verb. You would use 'provoquer la sécheresse' or 'entraîner une sécheresse'.
Yes, metaphorically. 'Une sécheresse de cœur' describes someone who is emotionally cold or lacks empathy.
The plural is 'les sécheresses', but it is rarely used unless you are talking about several different historical drought events.
It is spelled with an 'é' (accent aigu) then 'ch', followed by 'e', and then a double 's'. S-É-C-H-E-R-E-S-S-E.
It means 'dry eyes'. It is a common medical condition often discussed in pharmacies or by eye doctors.
Teste dich selbst 150 Fragen
Translate: 'The drought is long.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I have dry skin.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Because of the drought, there is no water.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The farmers fear the drought.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Drought causes forest fires.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'A period of historic drought.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Water restrictions are strict.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'He has a cold personality (dryness of heart).'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Drought affects the entire region.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The soil is very dry.'
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Translate: 'We must save water.'
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Translate: 'The drought is a serious problem.'
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Translate: 'Climate change increases drought.'
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Translate: 'I need eye drops for dry eyes.'
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Translate: 'The drought has lasted all summer.'
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Translate: 'There is a lack of rain.'
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Translate: 'The flowers are dying because of the drought.'
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Translate: 'It is a national emergency.'
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Translate: 'The river is dry.'
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Translate: 'Drought is a natural disaster.'
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Say: 'La sécheresse est grave cet été.'
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Explain why drought is bad for flowers.
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Say: 'J'ai la peau sèche à cause du froid.'
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Describe a drought in your own words.
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Say: 'Le plan sécheresse est activé.'
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Listen and identify 'sécheresse' in a sentence.
What is the news anchor talking about? (Listen to 'restrictions d'eau')
What is the symptom of the patient? (Listen to 'sécheresse oculaire')
Is the weather report good or bad? (Listen to 'sécheresse historique')
What is the cause of the problem? (Listen to 'manque de précipitations')
Write a sentence using 'sécheresse' and 'agriculture'.
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Write a sentence using 'sécheresse' and 'peau'.
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/ 150 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
La sécheresse is a versatile feminine noun meaning 'drought' or 'dryness'. Whether you are talking about the climate, your skin, or a cold personality, this word is your primary tool. Example: 'La sécheresse frappe la France cet été' (Drought is hitting France this summer).
- La sécheresse means drought. It is a feminine noun used for weather, skin, and personality.
- It comes from the adjective 'sec' (dry) and is essential for environmental discussions.
- Commonly heard in French news during summer regarding water restrictions and farming issues.
- Metaphorically, it describes a lack of emotion, creativity, or ornament in writing or character.
Gender Memory
Nouns ending in '-esse' are almost always feminine. Think of 'la princesse' to remember 'la sécheresse'.
Adjective Link
Link 'sécheresse' to 'sec' (dry). If you know the ground is 'sec', the situation is 'la sécheresse'.
Summer News
Expect to hear this word daily on French TV in July and August. It's a key part of the 'météo'.
The Double S
Always double the 's'. A single 's' between two vowels would sound like a 'z', which is wrong here.
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr nature Wörter
à ciel ouvert
B1Open-air, under the open sky.
à fleur d'eau
B1Auf Wasserspiegelhöhe.
à l'abri de
B1Der Ausdruck 'à l'abri de' bedeutet, vor etwas Unangenehmem oder Schädlichem geschützt zu sein. Zum Beispiel kann man vor dem Regen unter einem Dach geschützt sein.
à l'approche de
B1Bei herannahendem; kurz vor; im Vorfeld von.
à l'aube
B1In der Morgendämmerung; zu Beginn des Tages.
à l'écart de
B1Abseits von etwas oder jemandem sein.
à l'état sauvage
B1In the wild; in an untamed state.
à l'extérieur de
A2Außerhalb von etwas gelegen.
à l'intérieur de
A2Inside of; within.
à pas lents
B1Mit langsamen Schritten; in einem gemächlichen Tempo.
