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B1 noun 11 Min. Lesezeit

l'amitié

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At the A1 level, you should know that 'l'amitié' is the word for 'friendship'. You will mostly use the related word 'un ami' (a male friend) or 'une amie' (a female friend). For example, 'C'est mon ami' (He is my friend). You should recognize that 'l'amitié' is feminine and that the 'l'' is used because the word starts with a vowel. At this stage, you might see the word in simple sentences about having friends or liking people. You should also learn the basic greeting 'Amitiés' often used at the end of friendly notes. Remember that French people distinguish between a 'copain' (a casual friend/buddy) and an 'ami' (a more serious friend). Focus on simple sentences like 'J'aime l'amitié' or 'C'est une belle amitié'.

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At the A2 level, you can begin to use 'l'amitié' to describe relationships more broadly. You will learn common adjectives to describe friendship, such as 'une amitié sincère' (a sincere friendship) or 'une amitié forte' (a strong friendship). You should be able to talk about how long a friendship has lasted using 'depuis' (since/for), like 'Leur amitié dure depuis dix ans'. You will also encounter the word in the context of social activities, such as 'fêter son amitié'. You should be aware of the possessive adjective rule: use 'mon amitié' instead of 'ma amitié'. This is also a good time to learn that 'amitié' is used in formal closings of letters, though 'Cordialement' is more common for business. You might start to use verbs like 'chercher' (to look for) or 'trouver' (to find) with the word.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to discuss the concept of 'l'amitié' in more detail. You can explain why friendship is important to you and describe different types of friendships. You will use more sophisticated verbs like 'nouer' (to form/strike up) or 'entretenir' (to maintain) a friendship. You should be able to express opinions on whether men and women can be just friends ('l'amitié homme-femme'). You will also start using the word in more complex grammatical structures, such as 'C'est une amitié à laquelle je tiens beaucoup' (It's a friendship I value a lot). You can discuss the qualities of a good friend using abstract nouns related to friendship, like 'la loyauté' (loyalty) and 'la confiance' (trust). You should be able to read short stories or articles about friendship and summarize the main points.

At the B2 level, you can engage in nuanced debates about 'l'amitié'. You can discuss the social and psychological aspects of friendship, such as how it changes with age or the impact of social media on 'l'amitié virtuelle'. You should be comfortable using idiomatic expressions and more literary verbs like 'se lier d'amitié' (to become friends) or 'briser une amitié' (to break a friendship). You can analyze the role of friendship in films or books, using the word to describe character dynamics. You should be able to write an essay or a detailed letter discussing the value of long-term bonds. Your vocabulary should include related terms like 'camaraderie', 'fraternité', and 'complicité', and you should know when to use each one appropriately. You can handle complex sentences like 'L'amitié exige un investissement émotionnel constant pour ne pas s'étioler'.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the philosophical and cultural weight of 'l'amitié' in the French-speaking world. You can discuss the history of the concept, from Montaigne to modern sociologists. You use the word with precision in various registers, from academic discourse to poetic expression. You are familiar with literary references and can discuss 'l'amitié' as a theme in classical French literature. You can use advanced collocations like 'une amitié indéfectible' (an unwavering friendship) or 'témoigner de son amitié' (to show one's friendship). You can also discuss the nuances of 'l'amitié amoureuse' and other complex relational states. Your writing on the subject is fluent, well-structured, and captures the subtle connotations that 'l'amitié' carries in French culture. You can debate the ethics of friendship and its role in society.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'l'amitié' is equivalent to that of an educated native speaker. You can interpret the word in highly abstract or metaphorical contexts. You can analyze how 'l'amitié' is used in political rhetoric to forge alliances or in philosophical treatises to define the human condition. You are capable of perceiving and using the word with all its subtle shades of meaning, including irony or sarcasm if the context calls for it. You can write sophisticated critiques of literature or film focusing on the evolution of 'l'amitié' as a trope. You understand the most obscure idioms and can use the word in creative writing to evoke specific emotional responses. You are also aware of regional variations in how friendship is expressed across the Francophone world, from Quebec to West Africa.

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l'amitié in 30 Sekunden

L'amitié is a feminine noun meaning friendship, starting with a vowel, thus requiring elision (l').
It signifies a deep, non-romantic bond characterized by loyalty and trust in French culture.
Commonly paired with verbs like 'nouer' (to form) and 'entretenir' (to maintain).
Used in formal closings (Amitiés) and is a central theme in French literature and philosophy.

In the French language, l'amitié represents a profound and multifaceted concept that goes far beyond the simple English translation of 'friendship'. For French speakers, this noun, which is feminine in gender, denotes a sentiment of affection, attachment, and mutual benevolence between two or more people that is not based on kinship or sexual attraction. Understanding l'amitié is essential for any learner because French culture places a high premium on the depth and longevity of social bonds. Unlike in some cultures where the term 'friend' might be applied loosely to acquaintances, the French often distinguish strictly between un copain (a pal or buddy) and un ami (a true friend). Consequently, l'amitié is a state achieved through time, shared experiences, and proven loyalty.

Emotional Depth: In French philosophy and literature, l'amitié is often portrayed as one of the highest forms of human connection, characterized by intellectual and emotional intimacy.

Historically, the concept has been celebrated by figures like Michel de Montaigne, who famously wrote about his relationship with Étienne de La Boétie. When asked why they were so close, he simply replied, 'Parce que c'était lui, parce que c'était moi' (Because it was him, because it was me). This illustrates the idea that l'amitié is an inexplicable, soul-level connection. In modern usage, you will encounter this word in contexts ranging from childhood bonds to diplomatic relations between nations, often referred to as l'amitié franco-allemande, for example.

Rien n'est plus précieux que l'amitié sincère qui unit deux êtres depuis l'enfance.

Social Nuance: The French are generally more reserved than Americans or Australians; therefore, claiming 'l'amitié' with someone is a significant social statement that implies a high level of trust.

Ils ont juré une amitié éternelle lors de leur dernier voyage.

The word is also used in formal closures of letters or emails, such as Amitiés or Bien à vous en toute amitié, though these are becoming less common in purely digital business correspondence. In a broader sense, it can refer to the general state of being friends or the quality of the bond itself. It is a word that carries weight, warmth, and a sense of permanence.

Leur amitié a survécu à de nombreuses épreuves au fil des années.

Cultural Context: In France, the concept of 'l'amitié' is often linked to the idea of 'fidélité' (loyalty). A friend is someone who is expected to be present during 'les coups durs' (hard times).

C'est dans le besoin que l'on reconnaît la véritable amitié.

L'expression de son amitié passait par de petits gestes quotidiens.

Using l'amitié correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a feminine noun and the specific verbs that commonly accompany it. Because it begins with a vowel, the definite article 'la' elides to l'. When modified by an adjective, that adjective must be in the feminine form. For example, 'a beautiful friendship' is une belle amitié, not un beau amitié. This is a common point of confusion for learners who might forget the underlying gender of elided nouns.

Common Verb Pairings: The verb 'nouer' (to tie/knot) is frequently used with amitié to mean 'to form' or 'to strike up' a friendship. Example: 'Ils ont noué une amitié solide.'

Another important verb is entretenir, which means to maintain or nurture. In French, entretenir une amitié suggests an active effort to keep the relationship alive through regular contact and shared activities. Conversely, if a friendship ends, one might use the verb briser (to break) or rompre (to break off). For instance, 'Une trahison a brisé leur amitié' (A betrayal broke their friendship). When a friendship fades away naturally over time, the reflexive verb s'étioler is often used, evoking the image of a plant withering.

Il est difficile de cultiver une amitié à distance sans faire d'efforts constants.

You can also use l'amitié in the plural to refer to multiple friendship bonds or as a warm greeting. 'Toutes mes amitiés à ta famille' translates to 'Give my best regards to your family'. Note that in this context, it functions similarly to 'warm wishes'. In academic or formal writing, l'amitié often appears in discussions about sociology or psychology, where it is analyzed as a social construct or a psychological necessity.

Prepositional Usage: We often use 'par amitié' to mean 'out of friendship'. For example: 'Je l'ai fait par amitié pour lui' (I did it out of friendship for him).

Leur amitié est née sur les bancs de l'école primaire.

Elle a témoigné de son amitié en restant à ses côtés pendant la maladie.

Abstract vs. Concrete: While 'un ami' is the person, 'l'amitié' is the concept. You cannot say 'J'ai une amitié' to mean 'I have a friend'; you must say 'J'ai un ami' or 'Nous sommes liés par une amitié'.

L' amitié homme-femme est un sujet souvent débattu en psychologie.

C'est une amitié sans faille qui les unit depuis trente ans.

The word l'amitié is ubiquitous in French life, appearing in high-brow literature, popular cinema, and everyday conversation. If you are watching a French film, you will likely hear it during emotional climaxes where characters reaffirm their loyalty to one another. Films like 'Les Petits Mouchoirs' (Little White Lies) or 'Intouchables' are centered entirely on the dynamics of l'amitié, exploring how it bridges social divides and survives personal tragedies. In these contexts, the word is spoken with a certain gravity that underscores the importance of the bond.

In French music, l'amitié is a recurring theme. Françoise Hardy's classic song 'L'Amitié' is perhaps the most famous example, where she sings about the comfort and strength derived from friends. The lyrics describe friendship as a 'house' or a 'port' in the storm, reinforcing the cultural view of friendship as a sanctuary. You will also hear the term in news broadcasts when discussing international relations. Diplomats frequently use phrases like le traité d'amitié (the friendship treaty) to describe formal alliances between countries, such as the Élysée Treaty between France and Germany.

In a more casual setting, such as a Parisian café, you might hear someone say, 'C'est juste par amitié' to explain why they are helping someone out. It is also common in the context of 'l'amitié amoureuse', a nuanced French concept describing a relationship that sits in the gray area between friendship and romantic love. This reflects the French penchant for acknowledging complex emotional states that don't fit into neat categories.

In schools, children are taught about la valeur de l'amitié from a young age. It is a central theme in children's literature, from 'Le Petit Prince' (where the fox explains the process of 'taming' or making friends) to modern comic books like 'Titeuf'. When the fox says, 'Tu deviens responsable pour toujours de ce que tu as apprivoisé', he is talking about the responsibilities inherent in l'amitié. Therefore, the word is not just a label for a relationship, but a moral and social category that French speakers learn to navigate throughout their lives.

Finally, you will see l'amitié in written form in cards and letters. While 'Cordialement' is the standard professional sign-off, 'Amitiés' is a warm, slightly informal but respectful way to end a message to someone you know well but are not necessarily intimate with. It bridges the gap between the formal 'Sincerely' and the very personal 'Love'. This versatility makes it one of the most useful and expressive words in the French vocabulary.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with l'amitié is a gender-related mistake. Because the word starts with a vowel, the definite article is 'l'', which hides the gender. Many students mistakenly assume it is masculine because it doesn't end in 'e' (like 'ami'). However, it is feminine: la amitié (which becomes l'amitié). This impacts the choice of adjectives. You must say une amitié sincère and not un amitié sincère. Incorrect gender usage is a major 'tell' that someone is not a native speaker.

Another common pitfall is the confusion between l'amitié (the concept) and un ami (the person). English speakers often want to say 'I have a friendship with him' by translating directly as 'J'ai une amitié avec lui'. While technically understandable, a French person would almost always say 'Je suis ami avec lui' or 'Nous sommes amis'. Use l'amitié when talking about the relationship in the abstract or as a noun phrase, but use the noun 'ami' or the adjective 'ami' when describing the status of people.

A third mistake involves possessive adjectives. As mentioned before, because amitié starts with a vowel, you must use the masculine possessive adjectives mon, ton, son even though the word is feminine. Saying 'ma amitié' is a phonological error in French; it must be mon amitié. This rule applies to all feminine nouns starting with a vowel or a mute 'h'.

Learners also often struggle with the distinction between 'amitié' and 'amour'. In some cultures, 'I love you' can be said to friends. In French, 'Je t'aime' is almost exclusively romantic. If you want to express affection to a friend, you might say 'Je t'aime bien' (which ironically means 'I like you') or talk about 'notre amitié'. Using 'amour' when you mean 'amitié' can lead to significant social misunderstandings and awkward situations.

Lastly, be careful with the plural 'amitiés'. While it means 'friendships', when used as a closing in a letter, it doesn't mean you have multiple friendships with the person. It is a set formula meaning 'best wishes' or 'kind regards'. Don't try to pluralize it in other contexts where the singular is more appropriate, such as 'leur amitié' (their friendship) if they only have one shared bond.

While l'amitié is the standard term, French offers a rich variety of synonyms and related terms that convey different nuances of social connection. Understanding these can help you sound more precise and natural.

La camaraderie: This refers to a bond formed through shared activities, work, or membership in a group. It is often less deep than 'amitié' and implies a sense of 'being in the same boat'.

Another term is la fraternité (brotherhood/fraternity). While it can mean a literal sibling relationship, it is more often used in a social or political sense (as in the French motto: 'Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité'). It suggests a universal or group-based bond rather than the individual, personal bond of l'amitié. If you are looking for something more casual, you might speak of la sympathie. This isn't 'sympathy' in the sense of pity, but rather 'liking' or 'friendliness'. 'J'ai de la sympathie pour lui' means 'I find him likable'.

Le lien: Literally 'the link' or 'the bond'. It is a more abstract way to describe the connection between people. One might speak of 'un lien d'amitié indéfectible'.

For very close, intimate friendships, the term complicité is often used. This doesn't necessarily mean being 'accomplices' in a crime; it refers to a deep understanding where two people can communicate without words or share the same sense of humor. 'Il y a une grande complicité entre eux' is a high compliment for a friendship. On the other end of the spectrum, le copinage is a derogatory term referring to 'cronyism' or giving favors to friends in a professional context.

L'affection: A more general term for fondness. It can exist within 'amitié' but is less specific to the type of relationship.

Finally, consider the word intimité. While it can mean physical intimacy, in the context of friendship, it refers to the sharing of secrets and private thoughts. A 'grand ami' is someone with whom you share a deep intimité. Choosing between these words depends on the level of closeness and the context of the interaction.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

In Old French, the word had a broader meaning that could sometimes overlap with 'love' or 'peace treaties'. It wasn't until the Middle Ages that the distinction between romantic love and platonic friendship became more strictly defined in the language.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /l‿a.mi.tje/

US /la.mi.tje/

In French, stress is generally on the final syllable: la-mi-TIÉ.

Reimt sich auf

pitié (pity) moitié (half) héritier (heir) sentier (path) entier (entire) chantier (construction site) métier (profession) quartier (neighborhood)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the 'l' and 'a' separately (it should be one flow).
Using a voiced 'j' sound for the 't' (it's a clean 't').
Extending the final 'e' into a diphthong like 'ay-ee'.
Stressing the first syllable.
Nasalizing the 'i' (it is a pure oral vowel).

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize due to English cognates like 'amity'.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires remembering the feminine gender and the 'mon' possessive rule.

Sprechen 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but requires the correct 'tié' sound.

Hören 2/5

Easily identified in speech.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

ami amie aimer copain bon

Als Nächstes lernen

amical amicalement confiance loyauté partager

Fortgeschritten

inimitié désintéressé indéfectible pérennité s'étioler

Wichtige Grammatik

Elision with definite articles

L'amitié (not La amitié).

Possessive adjectives before vowels

Mon amitié (not Ma amitié).

Adjective agreement with feminine nouns

Une amitié sincère.

Using 'pour' with emotions

Mon amitié pour lui.

Verbs followed by 'de' with amitié

Témoigner de son amitié.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

L'amitié est importante.

Friendship is important.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

C'est une belle amitié.

It is a beautiful friendship.

'Belle' is feminine to match 'amitié'.

J'ai une grande amitié pour lui.

I have a great friendship for him (I value our friendship).

Use 'pour' to indicate who the friendship is directed toward.

L'amitié, c'est super !

Friendship is great!

Casual use of the word.

Mon amitié avec Marie est forte.

My friendship with Marie is strong.

Use 'mon' before 'amitié' because it starts with a vowel.

Ils cherchent l'amitié.

They are looking for friendship.

Definite article 'l''.

L'amitié commence à l'école.

Friendship starts at school.

Simple present tense.

Merci pour ton amitié.

Thank you for your friendship.

Possessive adjective 'ton' used for a feminine noun starting with a vowel.

Nous avons une amitié sincère.

We have a sincere friendship.

'Sincère' is an adjective that doesn't change much in feminine.

Leur amitié dure depuis longtemps.

Their friendship has lasted for a long time.

Using 'depuis' with the present tense.

Il veut garder notre amitié.

He wants to keep our friendship.

Infinitive 'garder' after 'veut'.

L'amitié est un cadeau précieux.

Friendship is a precious gift.

Metaphorical use.

Elle écrit sur l'amitié.

She is writing about friendship.

Preposition 'sur' meaning 'about'.

On ne peut pas acheter l'amitié.

One cannot buy friendship.

Negative structure 'ne peut pas'.

L'amitié demande du temps.

Friendship requires time.

Verb 'demander' meaning 'to require'.

C'est le début d'une amitié.

It's the beginning of a friendship.

Partitive article 'd'une'.

Ils ont noué une amitié solide pendant leurs vacances.

They struck up a solid friendship during their holidays.

The verb 'nouer' is a common collocation with 'amitié'.

L'amitié entre eux est devenue très profonde.

The friendship between them became very deep.

Use of 'entre' to define the participants.

Il a fait cela par pure amitié.

He did that out of pure friendship.

'Par amitié' is a fixed expression.

L'amitié homme-femme est-elle possible selon vous ?

Is male-female friendship possible in your opinion?

Compound noun structure with a hyphen.

Entretenir une amitié demande des efforts réguliers.

Maintaining a friendship requires regular effort.

Gerund-like use of the infinitive as a subject.

Leur amitié a survécu à de nombreux désaccords.

Their friendship survived many disagreements.

Verb 'survivre à'.

Une amitié brisée est difficile à réparer.

A broken friendship is difficult to repair.

Past participle 'brisée' used as an adjective.

Elle a témoigné de son amitié en l'aidant.

She showed her friendship by helping him.

Verb 'témoigner de' meaning 'to bear witness to/show'.

L'amitié désintéressée est une vertu rare de nos jours.

Selfless friendship is a rare virtue these days.

Adjective 'désintéressée' indicates a lack of ulterior motives.

Ils se sont liés d'amitié lors d'un séminaire à Lyon.

They became friends during a seminar in Lyon.

Pronominal verb 'se lier d'amitié'.

Leur amitié s'est étiolée avec le temps et la distance.

Their friendship withered with time and distance.

Reflexive verb 's'étioler' used metaphorically.

Rien ne doit entraver l'amitié que nous portons l'un à l'autre.

Nothing should hinder the friendship we have for each other.

Relative clause with 'que'.

L'amitié est le socle de leur relation professionnelle.

Friendship is the bedrock of their professional relationship.

Metaphorical use of 'socle' (pedestal/base).

Elle a sacrifié beaucoup de choses au nom de l'amitié.

She sacrificed many things in the name of friendship.

Prepositional phrase 'au nom de'.

L'amitié ne supporte pas la trahison, quelle qu'elle soit.

Friendship does not tolerate betrayal, whatever it may be.

Use of 'ne supporte pas' to mean 'cannot stand'.

Il existe une amitié indéfectible entre ces deux peuples.

There exists an unwavering friendship between these two peoples.

Impersonal 'il existe' construction.

Montaigne a magnifié l'amitié dans ses célèbres Essais.

Montaigne extolled friendship in his famous Essays.

Literary context.

L'amitié peut parfois se muer en un sentiment plus complexe.

Friendship can sometimes turn into a more complex feeling.

Verb 'se muer en' (to transform into).

Cette amitié de longue date est un rempart contre la solitude.

This long-standing friendship is a bulwark against loneliness.

Metaphorical use of 'rempart'.

Il convient de distinguer l'amitié véritable du simple copinage.

It is necessary to distinguish true friendship from mere cronyism.

Formal construction 'il convient de'.

Leur amitié s'est forgée dans l'adversité des combats communs.

Their friendship was forged in the adversity of common struggles.

Passive voice with 's'est forgée'.

L'amitié est une quête de vérité partagée entre deux âmes.

Friendship is a quest for shared truth between two souls.

Philosophical definition.

On ne saurait surestimer l'importance de l'amitié dans le développement social.

One cannot overestimate the importance of friendship in social development.

Formal 'on ne saurait' for 'one cannot'.

L'amitié, loin d'être un carcan, est un espace de liberté.

Friendship, far from being a straitjacket, is a space for freedom.

Use of 'loin d'être' to contrast ideas.

L'amitié, telle que conçue par les Anciens, revêtait une dimension politique.

Friendship, as conceived by the Ancients, took on a political dimension.

Complex relative clause and formal verb 'revêtir'.

L'amitié s'étiole parfois sous le poids des non-dits et des rancœurs accumulées.

Friendship sometimes withers under the weight of things left unsaid and accumulated resentment.

Advanced vocabulary 'non-dits' and 'rancœurs'.

L'amitié n'est pas une simple juxtaposition d'ego, mais une symbiose.

Friendship is not a simple juxtaposition of egos, but a symbiosis.

Sophisticated philosophical argument.

Sa conception de l'amitié confine à l'idéalisme le plus pur.

His conception of friendship borders on the purest idealism.

Verb 'confiner à' (to border on).

L'amitié peut être le catalyseur de révolutions intellectuelles majeures.

Friendship can be the catalyst for major intellectual revolutions.

Scientific metaphor 'catalyseur'.

Il y a dans cette amitié une part d'ombre que nul ne saurait sonder.

There is in this friendship a dark side that no one can fathom.

Literary 'nul ne saurait' and 'part d'ombre'.

L'amitié s'affranchit des barrières sociales pour atteindre l'universel.

Friendship frees itself from social barriers to reach the universal.

Verb 's'affranchir de' (to free oneself from).

La pérennité de leur amitié témoigne d'une rare abnégation mutuelle.

The longevity of their friendship bears witness to a rare mutual self-sacrifice.

High-level vocabulary 'pérennité' and 'abnégation'.

Häufige Kollokationen

nouer une amitié

entretenir une amitié

amitié sincère

amitié profonde

briser une amitié

témoigner de son amitié

amitié indéfectible

par amitié

lien d'amitié

amitié de longue date

Häufige Phrasen

Amitiés

— Best wishes / Regards. Used at the end of a friendly letter or email.

À bientôt ! Amitiés, Pierre.

En toute amitié

— In all friendship / Sincerely. Often used to clarify a non-romantic intention.

Je te dis cela en toute amitié.

Se lier d'amitié avec quelqu'un

— To become friends with someone. Focuses on the process of starting the relationship.

Elle s'est liée d'amitié avec sa voisine.

Faire preuve d'amitié

— To show friendship. Acting in a friendly or supportive way.

Il a fait preuve d'amitié envers le nouveau venu.

Une amitié amoureuse

— A romantic friendship. A relationship between friendship and love.

Leur relation est une sorte d'amitié amoureuse.

L'amitié franco-allemande

— Franco-German friendship. Used for political alliances.

Nous célébrons l'amitié franco-allemande.

Offrir son amitié

— To offer one's friendship. A formal way of initiating a bond.

Il lui a offert son amitié dès le premier jour.

Travailler en amitié

— To work in friendship. Working together in a harmonious way.

Ils travaillent en toute amitié depuis des années.

Une grande amitié

— A great friendship. Highlighting the scale and importance of the bond.

C'est le début d'une grande amitié.

Perdre une amitié

— To lose a friendship. When a bond is broken or fades away.

Il regrette d'avoir perdu son amitié.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

l'amitié vs Amour

Amour is romantic love; Amitié is platonic friendship. Mixing them can cause confusion.

l'amitié vs Amiable

Amiable often refers to an out-of-court settlement (à l'amiable) rather than being 'friendly' (amical).

l'amitié vs Sympathie

In French, sympathie means 'likability' or 'friendliness', not necessarily 'pity' or 'condolence'.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"L'amitié n'a pas de prix"

— Friendship is priceless. True friendship is more valuable than money.

On ne peut pas acheter un ami car l'amitié n'a pas de prix.

neutral

"Les bons comptes font les bons amis"

— Short reckonings make long friends. To keep a friendship, settle debts quickly.

Rends-moi l'argent tout de suite, les bons comptes font les bons amis.

informal

"Une amitié de trente ans"

— A thirty-year friendship. Used to denote a very long and stable relationship.

C'est une amitié de trente ans qui nous unit.

neutral

"L'amitié est le sel de la vie"

— Friendship is the salt of life. Friendship makes life meaningful and enjoyable.

Sans amis, tout est fade, car l'amitié est le sel de la vie.

literary

"C'est l'amitié qui prime"

— Friendship comes first. Prioritizing the bond over other concerns.

Peu importe l'argent, c'est l'amitié qui prime.

neutral

"Vivre en amitié avec quelqu'un"

— To live in friendship with someone. Being on good terms.

Il vit en amitié avec tous ses voisins.

neutral

"Une amitié de paille"

— A straw friendship. A weak or superficial friendship that breaks easily.

Je ne veux pas d'une amitié de paille qui s'envole au moindre vent.

literary

"Briser le sceau de l'amitié"

— To break the seal of friendship. To betray a secret shared in confidence.

En répétant ce secret, il a brisé le sceau de l'amitié.

literary

"L'amitié est une âme en deux corps"

— Friendship is one soul in two bodies. An ancient proverb about deep connection.

Comme disait Aristote, l'amitié est une âme en deux corps.

academic

"Nouer les liens de l'amitié"

— To tie the bonds of friendship. To establish a strong relationship.

Ils ont profité de ce voyage pour nouer les liens de l'amitié.

formal

Leicht verwechselbar

l'amitié vs Ami vs Copain

Both translate to 'friend' in English.

An 'ami' is a deep, long-term friend. A 'copain' is more of a casual buddy or classmate.

C'est un copain de classe, mais pas vraiment un ami.

l'amitié vs Amical vs Amiable

They look similar and both relate to 'friend'.

Amical means 'friendly'. Amiable is used for legal or formal agreements made without conflict.

Un geste amical. Un divorce à l'amiable.

l'amitié vs Amitié vs Inimitié

They are opposites but sound similar.

Amitié is friendship; inimitié is hostility.

L'amitié a fait place à l'inimitié.

l'amitié vs Petit ami vs Ami

Adding 'petit' changes the meaning entirely.

'Petit ami' means boyfriend. 'Ami' means friend.

C'est mon ami (friend). C'est mon petit ami (boyfriend).

l'amitié vs Camarade vs Ami

Both imply a relationship.

Camarade implies a shared context (school, army, party). Ami is personal.

Un camarade de chambre.

Satzmuster

C'est + une + [adjectif] + amitié.

C'est une belle amitié.

Notre amitié + [verbe] + depuis + [temps].

Notre amitié dure depuis trois ans.

Nouer une amitié avec + [personne].

Il a noué une amitié avec son voisin.

Faire quelque chose + par amitié pour + [personne].

Je l'ai fait par amitié pour elle.

Témoigner de son amitié envers + [personne].

Il a témoigné de son amitié envers son collègue.

L'amitié, telle que + [proposition], est + [attribut].

L'amitié, telle que je la vois, est un engagement.

Une amitié + [adjectif au féminin].

Une amitié solide.

[Sujet] + se lier d'amitié + avec + [nom].

Ils se sont liés d'amitié avec les locaux.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

ami (male friend)

amie (female friend)

inimitié (enmity)

ami-ami (playing nice/superficial friendship)

Verben

s'amuser (to have fun - distantly related)

aimer (to love/like - root related)

Adjektive

amical (friendly)

amicale (feminine friendly)

ami (friendly - as in 'un pays ami')

Verwandt

amateur

amoureux

aimable

amour

amiable

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Very high in both written and spoken French.

Häufige Fehler

Un amitié → Une amitié
Amitié is feminine, regardless of the elision in 'l'amitié'.
Ma amitié → Mon amitié
Use 'mon' before feminine nouns starting with a vowel to avoid hiatus.
Faire une amitié → Nouer une amitié
Native speakers use 'nouer' or 'se lier d'amitié' rather than 'faire'.
J'aime l'amitié → Je t'aime bien
To tell a friend you like them, use the verb 'aimer bien', not the noun 'amitié' in a sentence like 'I love friendship'.
Une amitié amical → Une amitié amicale
The adjective 'amical' must agree in gender with the feminine 'amitié'.

Tipps

Gender Trap

Don't be fooled by the 'l''. Always treat 'amitié' as feminine. Use 'une', 'la', and feminine adjectives like 'sincère' or 'belle'.

Upgrade your Verbs

Instead of just saying 'avoir une amitié', use 'nouer' (to tie) or 'entretenir' (to maintain) to sound like a native speaker.

Friend vs. Acquaintance

In France, calling someone an 'ami' is a big deal. Use 'copain' or 'connaissance' for people you don't know deeply yet.

Closing Emails

Use 'Amitiés' at the end of emails to people you've met several times and like, but aren't best friends with yet.

The 'L' Elision

Make sure to slide the 'l' into the 'a'. It should sound like 'la-mee-tyay', not 'l... a-mee-tyay'.

Par Amitié

Use the phrase 'par amitié' to explain that you are doing something as a favor without expecting payment.

Amity Connection

Link 'amitié' to the English word 'amity'. They both come from the same Latin root and mean the same thing.

Possessive Rule

Remember: 'mon amitié', 'ton amitié', 'son amitié'. This rule is non-negotiable for vowel-starting feminine nouns.

Se lier d'amitié

This is the best way to say 'to become friends'. It's more natural than 'devenir amis' in many contexts.

Montaigne's Influence

Mentioning Montaigne when talking about 'amitié' will make you sound very cultured in a French conversation.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'Amity' (as in Amity Island or Amityville), which means friendship or peaceful relations. 'Amitié' is the French cousin of 'Amity'.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine two people sharing a 'Mitié' (like 'mitty' - halfway) of a single heart, representing a shared bond. Or visualize two friends drinking 'thé' (tea) to remember the 'tié' ending.

Word Web

ami amie amical amicalement aimer inimitié copain camarade

Herausforderung

Write three sentences about your best friend using 'l'amitié', 'mon amitié', and 'par amitié'.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Old French 'amistié', which comes from the Vulgar Latin 'amicitas'. This is a variation of the Classical Latin 'amicitia'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The word has always referred to the bond between friends, derived from 'amicus' (friend).

It belongs to the Romance language family, sharing roots with Spanish 'amistad' and Italian 'amicizia'.

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful not to confuse 'amitié' with 'amour' (romantic love). Telling a friend 'Je t'aime' without the 'bien' can be seen as a romantic declaration.

In English, 'friendship' can be quite casual. In French, 'l'amitié' is usually reserved for deeper, more established bonds.

Michel de Montaigne's essay 'De l'amitié'. Saint-Exupéry's 'Le Petit Prince' (The Little Prince). The movie 'Intouchables' (The Intouchables).

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Social Gatherings

On est là par amitié.
C'est une vieille amitié.
Fêtons notre amitié !
L'amitié, ça se cultive.

Professional Relationships

Une amitié de travail.
Mélanger amitié et boulot.
En toute amitié professionnelle.
Un geste d'amitié commerciale.

Literature and Art

Le thème de l'amitié.
Une ode à l'amitié.
L'amitié trahie.
L'amitié comme salut.

Childhood

Une amitié d'enfance.
Se jurer amitié.
La fin d'une amitié.
L'amitié à l'école.

Correspondence

Amitiés à tous.
Avec toute mon amitié.
Ton amitié me touche.
Gardons notre amitié.

Gesprächseinstiege

"Quelle est l'importance de l'amitié dans ta vie ?"

"Crois-tu en l'amitié homme-femme ?"

"Comment as-tu noué ton amitié la plus longue ?"

"Qu'est-ce qui peut briser une amitié selon toi ?"

"L'amitié virtuelle est-elle une vraie amitié ?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Décrivez une amitié qui a changé votre vie et expliquez pourquoi elle était si spéciale.

Pensez-vous que l'amitié est plus importante que l'amour ? Argumentez votre réponse.

Racontez une fois où vous avez dû faire un sacrifice par amitié pour quelqu'un.

Comment entretenez-vous vos amitiés malgré la distance ou le manque de temps ?

Quelle est la qualité principale que vous recherchez dans l'amitié ?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

It is feminine. We say 'une amitié' or 'l'amitié'. Even though we use 'mon amitié', the word remains feminine. This is a common rule for feminine words starting with a vowel.

It is better to use 'Cordialement' or 'Bien à vous' for professional contexts. 'Amitiés' is reserved for people you know personally or have a friendly relationship with outside of work.

'Un ami' is the person (the friend). 'L'amitié' is the concept or the relationship (the friendship). You have 'un ami', but you share 'une amitié'.

You can say 'se faire des amis' or 'se lier d'amitié avec quelqu'un'. 'Nouer une amitié' is also used for a more formal or poetic tone.

In French, we change 'ma' to 'mon' before any feminine noun that starts with a vowel or a mute 'h' to avoid a clash of vowel sounds (hiatus). It makes the language flow better.

Yes, absolutely. It is the standard term for diplomatic relations, such as 'le traité d'amitié' or 'l'amitié entre les peuples'.

In modern French, no. It specifically refers to platonic bonds. However, 'l'amitié amoureuse' is a specific term for a relationship that blurs the lines.

Loyalty (fidélité), trust (confiance), and longevity are highly valued. A true friend is someone who stays with you through 'les hauts et les bas'.

Yes, it is one of the top 1000 most used nouns in the French language, appearing frequently in all forms of media.

The 'tié' is pronounced like 'tee-ay'. The 't' is sharp and the 'e' is a closed 'é' sound, similar to the 'e' in 'café'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'l'amitié' and 'sincère'.

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

Demonstrates adjective agreement.