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A2 noun #4,000 am häufigsten 12 Min. Lesezeit

une démission

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At the A1 level, you should know that 'une démission' is a word used when someone wants to leave their job. It is a feminine noun. You might hear it in very simple sentences like 'Je donne ma démission' (I am quitting). In France, work is a big part of life, so even beginners will hear this word in basic conversations about jobs. You don't need to know all the legal rules yet, just that 'démission' equals 'quitting' or 'resigning'. Think of it as the opposite of 'un travail' (a job) in the sense of leaving it. You can remember it by the verb 'démissionner', which means 'to resign'. At this level, focus on the phrase 'donner sa démission'. It is the most useful way to use the word. If you see it in a news headline, it usually means someone famous or important is leaving their position. It is a formal word, but very common. Try to practice saying 'ma démission' and 'ta démission' to get used to the feminine gender of the noun. Even if you are a man, you say 'ma démission'. This is a common point of confusion for beginners, but in French, the gender of the noun is independent of the person speaking.

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At the A2 level, you are expected to use 'une démission' in more complete sentences. You should understand that it is a voluntary act. You might use it to talk about your past experiences or your future plans. For example, 'J'ai donné ma démission parce que je n'aimais pas mon chef' (I resigned because I didn't like my boss). You should also be aware of the verb 'démissionner'. A2 learners should start to recognize the difference between 'quitter' (to leave) and 'démissionner' (to resign). 'Démissionner' is more specific to a job or a formal position. You should also be able to understand simple news stories about politicians resigning. The word 'lettre' often goes with it: 'une lettre de démission'. This is the physical letter you write to your boss. You might also hear about 'le préavis', which is the time you must work after you resign. Knowing these related words helps you understand the context of a démission better. In France, the process is quite formal, so the word 'démission' reflects that formality. It is not just 'quitting'—it is a formal announcement of your departure.

At the B1 level, you should be able to discuss the reasons and consequences of 'une démission' in more detail. You can talk about 'les motivations' behind a resignation, such as seeking a better salary, a career change, or a better work-life balance. You should understand phrases like 'donner sa démission avec effet immédiat' (to resign with immediate effect) or 'respecter son préavis' (to respect one's notice period). B1 learners should also be aware of the cultural context in France, specifically that a démission usually means you don't get 'le chômage' (unemployment benefits) right away. This is a very important point in French society and often explains why people might hesitate to resign. You can also start using the word in a more figurative sense, such as 'la démission des parents' (the resignation of parents from their duties). This level requires a better grasp of the nuances: for instance, why someone would choose a 'démission' over a 'rupture conventionnelle'. You should be able to write a basic resignation letter using appropriate formal language, such as 'Je vous informe par la présente de ma démission'.

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At the B2 level, you should have a sophisticated understanding of 'une démission' in both professional and political contexts. You can follow complex debates about why a minister might be forced into 'une démission' and the political fallout that follows. You should be familiar with legal terms associated with it, like 'démission légitime' or 'prise d'acte'. At this level, you can use the word to analyze social trends, such as 'la grande démission' (the Great Resignation) and its impact on the French labor market. You should be able to use a variety of verbs with the noun: 'acter une démission', 'entériner une démission', or 'provoquer une démission'. You can also discuss the psychological aspects of resigning—the stress, the relief, and the professional transition. Your vocabulary should include synonyms and related terms like 'démissionnaire', 'démissionner', and 'indemnités de fin de contrat'. You should be able to argue the pros and cons of resigning in a structured way during a speaking exam, using 'démission' as a key term in your discourse on work and society.

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At the C1 level, your use of 'une démission' should be precise and nuanced. You should understand its use in high-level literature and academic texts, where it might refer to a 'démission de l'esprit' (a resignation of the mind) or a 'démission morale'. You are expected to understand the historical significance of certain 'démissions' in French history, such as the resignation of Charles de Gaulle in 1969. You can use the word in complex idiomatic expressions and understand the subtle difference between a 'démission' and an 'abdication' or a 'renoncement'. Your writing should reflect a deep understanding of the formal registers associated with the term. You can analyze the legal intricacies of 'démission' in the 'Code du travail' and discuss how it interacts with other forms of contract termination. In professional settings, you can navigate the delicate politics of 'présenter sa démission' in a way that preserves your professional reputation. You should also be able to critique the use of the word in political rhetoric, identifying when it is used to pressure an opponent or to signal a shift in government policy.

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like mastery of 'une démission'. You can appreciate the word's etymological roots and its evolution in the French language. You can use it in all contexts, from the most technical legal discussions to the most abstract philosophical debates. You understand the profound implications of a 'démission' in the context of constitutional law and the balance of powers. You can write sophisticated essays on the concept of 'démission' as a form of political or social protest. You are sensitive to the connotations of the word in different historical eras and can use it to evoke specific emotional or intellectual responses in your audience. Your command of the language allows you to play with the word, using it in metaphors and complex wordplay. You can effortlessly switch between the literal meaning of quitting a job and the metaphorical meaning of failing in one's duty or principles. At this level, 'une démission' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a versatile tool for expressing complex ideas about responsibility, agency, and the structures of power in society.

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A feminine noun meaning 'resignation'. It is used when an employee chooses to leave their job voluntarily, distinguished from being fired or laid off.
Commonly used with verbs like 'donner', 'présenter', and 'remettre'. It requires a formal process including a written letter and a notice period (préavis).
Also applies to political figures or sports coaches stepping down. In a figurative sense, it can mean giving up on responsibilities or principles.
Crucial for administrative purposes in France, as a voluntary resignation usually disqualifies a person from receiving immediate unemployment benefits from the state.

The French noun une démission refers to the act of voluntarily leaving a position, job, or office. In a professional context, it is the standard term for a resignation. Unlike a dismissal or a firing, which are involuntary, a démission is an act initiated by the employee. However, the term extends beyond the mere office environment. It carries a significant weight in the political sphere, where a minister or a head of state might offer their démission following a scandal or a lost vote of confidence. In a more philosophical or abstract sense, it can also describe a 'giving up' or an abandonment of responsibilities or principles, though this usage is more formal or literary.

Professional Context: In the French workplace, a démission is a formal process. An employee typically submits a 'lettre de démission' to their employer. This starts the 'préavis' (notice period), which is the duration the employee must continue working before they can officially leave. The length of this period is usually defined by the 'convention collective' or the employment contract itself.

Après dix ans de services loyaux, elle a finalement présenté une démission pour poursuivre ses propres projets entrepreneuriaux.

Political Context: In French politics, the word is frequently in the headlines. When a government fails to pass a budget or faces a motion of censure, the Prime Minister may have to hand in the 'démission du gouvernement' to the President. It is a moment of high drama and constitutional significance.

The word is also used in sports. If a coach is not getting the desired results, the fans and the media might call for their démission. In this sense, it is synonymous with stepping down. It is important to note that the verb form is 'démissionner'. You 'donner votre démission' or you 'démissionnez'. The nuance between the noun and the verb is slight, but the noun is often used to emphasize the official act or the document itself. In the media, you will often hear phrases like 'la démission surprise' (the surprise resignation) or 'une démission irrévocable' (an irrevocable resignation), highlighting the finality of the decision.

Le ministre a annoncé sa démission en direct à la télévision nationale hier soir.

Figurative Usage: Beyond the office, 'démission' can refer to a moral failure or a refusal to act. For example, 'la démission des parents' refers to a situation where parents have given up on educating or disciplining their children. It implies a total withdrawal from responsibility.

Certains critiques dénoncent une véritable démission de l'État face aux enjeux climatiques actuels.

Il a écrit sa démission sur un simple morceau de papier avant de partir.

Using une démission correctly involves understanding the common verbs that accompany it. In French, you don't just 'make' a resignation; you 'give' it, 'present' it, or 'hand it over'. The most common construction is donner sa démission. This is the neutral, everyday way to say someone quit their job. If you want to sound more formal, especially in a legal or corporate setting, you would use présenter sa démission or remettre sa démission.

Verb Pairings: 'Donner sa démission' (To give one's resignation), 'Accepter une démission' (To accept a resignation), 'Refuser une démission' (To refuse a resignation - rare but possible in some contracts), 'Retirer sa démission' (To withdraw one's resignation).

Le directeur a refusé d'accepter sa démission, lui proposant plutôt une augmentation de salaire.

When discussing the reasons for leaving, you often use the preposition 'pour'. For example, 'une démission pour raisons personnelles' (a resignation for personal reasons) or 'une démission pour faute grave' (this is actually rare, as usually the employer fires for 'faute grave', but an employee might resign claiming the employer's fault, known as 'prise d'acte'). It is also important to understand the concept of 'démission légitime', which refers to specific cases (like moving to follow a spouse) where the French state recognizes the resignation as justified, allowing the person to receive unemployment benefits.

Elle a dû donner sa démission pour suivre son mari qui a été muté à Lyon.

Sentence Patterns: 'Suite à [reason], j'ai l'honneur de vous présenter ma démission.' (Formal letter opening). 'Sa démission a pris tout le monde de court.' (His/her resignation took everyone by surprise).

In a sentence, the word can also be qualified by adjectives that describe the nature of the departure. 'Une démission fracassante' implies a noisy, dramatic exit that causes a stir. 'Une démission forcée' suggests that while the person technically resigned, they were pushed out by circumstances or pressure from above. In journalistic French, you will see 'vague de démissions' (a wave of resignations) when many people leave an organization at once, often signaling internal turmoil.

La démission collective des membres du conseil d'administration a provoqué une chute de l'action en bourse.

Après le scandale, sa démission était devenue inévitable pour calmer l'opinion publique.

Grammar Note: The plural is 'des démissions'. It follows standard French pluralization rules. Example: 'Il y a eu plusieurs démissions dans le service marketing cette année.'

Sa démission prendra effet à la fin du mois, une fois son préavis terminé.

You will encounter une démission in various spheres of French life. The most frequent is, of course, the professional environment. Whether it's a colleague whispering about someone 'giving their notice' or a formal HR announcement, the word is ubiquitous in the world of work. In France, where job security is highly valued, a démission is often a topic of intense discussion among friends and family, as it represents a significant life change.

In the Media: Turn on any French news channel like BFMTV or France Info, and you are likely to hear the word within an hour. Political resignations are a staple of French news cycles. Phrases like 'Le Premier ministre a remis la démission de son gouvernement' are standard journalistic formulas during periods of political transition.

Le journal télévisé a ouvert sur la démission inattendue du sélectionneur de l'équipe de France.

In French cinema and literature, a 'démission' often serves as a plot catalyst. It might represent a character's desire for freedom, a moral stand against a corrupt system, or a moment of despair. Think of a classic French film where a protagonist 'claque la porte' (slams the door) and hands in their démission to start a new life in the countryside. This romanticized view of quitting is a common trope in French culture, emphasizing individual liberty over corporate loyalty.

Dans le film, le héros utilise sa démission comme un acte de rébellion contre la société de consommation.

Everyday Conversations: In casual French, you might hear 'J'ai posé ma démission' (I've put in my resignation). The verb 'poser' is often used colloquially in this context. People also talk about 'la grande démission' (the Great Resignation), referring to the global trend of employees leaving their jobs post-pandemic.

Legal and administrative contexts are also places where the word is common. If you are dealing with 'Pôle Emploi' (the French unemployment agency), the reason for your departure—whether it was a 'démission' or a 'licenciement'—is the single most important factor in determining your rights to benefits. Therefore, the word appears on countless administrative forms and legal documents.

L'avocat a expliqué que sa démission ne pouvait pas être considérée comme légitime selon le code du travail.

La démission du PDG a été annoncée par voie de communiqué de presse ce matin.

Academic and Intellectual Discourse: In sociological texts, you might read about 'la démission de l'école' or 'la démission de la pensée', referring to a perceived decline in educational standards or a lack of critical thinking in society.

Le philosophe s'inquiète d'une démission collective face aux responsabilités éthiques de notre temps.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with une démission is confusing it with the English word 'dismissal'. In English, 'dismissal' means being fired, which is the exact opposite of a 'démission'. The French word for dismissal is 'un licenciement'. This is a classic false friend (faux-ami) that can lead to serious misunderstandings in a professional setting. If you tell your boss 'Je demande ma démission', you are saying you want to quit. If you say 'J'ai été licencié', you are saying you were let go.

False Friend Alert: English 'Dismissal' = French 'Licenciement'. French 'Démission' = English 'Resignation'. Do not mix them up!

Erreur : 'Il a reçu sa démission' (Incorrect if you mean he was fired). Correct : 'Il a été licencié'.

Another common error is using the wrong verb. While in English we 'make' a decision, in French we 'donne' (give) our resignation. Using 'faire une démission' sounds unnatural and robotic to a native speaker. Always stick to 'donner', 'présenter', or 'remettre'. Furthermore, learners often forget that 'démission' is feminine. They might say 'mon démission' instead of 'ma démission'. Remember that even if the person resigning is male, the noun remains feminine.

Attention : On dit 'ma démission' et non 'mon démission', peu importe le genre de l'employé.

Preposition Pitfalls: When saying you are resigning 'from' a position, use 'de' or 'de son poste'. For example: 'Sa démission de son poste de directeur'. Using 'à' or 'depuis' in this context is incorrect.

A subtle mistake involves the context of 'retirement'. In English, 'resigning' and 'retiring' are different, and the same applies in French. 'Démission' is for quitting a job to do something else or just leave. 'La retraite' is the word for retirement. If you say someone 'a donné sa démission' when they are 65 and stopping work forever, it sounds like they are quitting in a huff rather than celebrating the end of a career. Use 'prendre sa retraite' for the latter.

Ne confondez pas la démission avec le départ à la retraite, qui est la fin naturelle d'une carrière.

Il a été obligé de retirer sa démission après avoir réalisé qu'il n'avait pas d'autre emploi.

Spelling Note: Make sure to include the accent acute on the 'é'. Writing 'demission' without the accent is a spelling error, though it is often understood in informal digital communication.

L'absence d'accent sur le 'é' dans démission est une faute d'orthographe courante chez les débutants.

While une démission is the most precise term for a voluntary resignation, French offers several alternatives depending on the register and the specific circumstances of the departure. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker and better comprehend the subtleties of French workplace dynamics.

Démission vs Rupture Conventionnelle: A 'démission' is unilateral (the employee decides). A 'rupture conventionnelle' is a mutual agreement to end the contract. The latter is very popular in France because it allows the employee to receive unemployment benefits, whereas a standard démission usually does not.
Démission vs Licenciement: As mentioned before, 'licenciement' is when the employer fires the employee. It is the opposite of 'démission' in terms of who initiates the action.

Il hésitait entre une démission pure et simple et la négociation d'une rupture conventionnelle.

In informal settings, you might hear 'un départ'. While 'un départ' just means 'a departure', it is often used as a euphemism for quitting. 'On organise un pot pour le départ de Julie' (We're organizing a drink for Julie's departure) sounds softer than saying 'for Julie's resignation'. Another colloquial expression is 'claquer la porte', which literally means 'to slam the door' but figuratively means to quit suddenly and angrily. This is much more expressive than 'donner sa démission'.

Son départ a été perçu comme une démission déguisée par la direction de l'entreprise.

Synonyms in Formal Contexts: 'Le renoncement' (renunciation) - used in more abstract or political senses. 'L'abdication' (abdication) - specifically for monarchs or people in very high positions of power. 'Le désistement' - often used in legal or electoral contexts (e.g., a candidate dropping out of a race).

In the political world, you might encounter 'un remaniement'. This isn't a resignation of one person, but a 'reshuffle' of the whole cabinet, which usually follows the 'démission' of the Prime Minister. It's important to understand the sequence: first the démission, then the remaniement. Finally, in very high-level administrative French, you might see 'cessation de fonctions', which is a dry, bureaucratic way of saying someone is stopping their work, which could be due to resignation, retirement, or the end of a mandate.

La cessation de fonctions a été actée juste après la remise de sa démission au préfet.

Plutôt qu'une démission, il a préféré demander une mise en disponibilité pour un an.

Summary of Alternatives: 1. Départ (General) 2. Rupture conventionnelle (Mutual) 3. Licenciement (Fired) 4. Abdication (High power) 5. Désistement (Electoral/Legal).

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The word 'mission' is contained within 'démission'. A mission is something you are sent to do, and a 'dé-mission' is the act of 'un-sending' yourself or leaving that task behind.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /de.mi.sjɔ̃/

US /de.mi.sjɔ̃/

In French, word stress is generally on the final syllable of the word or rhythmic group, so the 'sjɔ̃' receives slightly more emphasis.

Reimt sich auf

mission passion action solution attention direction position condition

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the final 'n' clearly instead of making it nasal.
Forgetting the accent on the first 'e' and pronouncing it as a schwa (like 'de' in 'the').
Confusing the 'sj' sound with a hard 'sh' sound.
Stress on the first syllable like in English 'resignation'.
Misgendering the word as masculine.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

The word is common in news and work documents, making it easy to recognize.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires knowledge of formal letter structures and specific verb pairings.

Sprechen 2/5

Easy to pronounce once the nasal ending is mastered.

Hören 2/5

Clear sound, though it can be confused with other '-ion' words.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

un travail un patron quitter une lettre un contrat

Als Nächstes lernen

un licenciement un préavis le chômage une rupture conventionnelle une promotion

Fortgeschritten

la jurisprudence le code du travail un mandataire social une clause de non-concurrence un solde de tout compte

Wichtige Grammatik

The use of the possessive adjective with 'démission' (ma, ta, sa).

Il a donné *sa* démission.

The gender of nouns ending in '-ion' (usually feminine).

Une démission, une action, une mission.

Using the preposition 'de' after the verb 'démissionner'.

Il a démissionné *de* son poste.

The past participle agreement with 'avoir' (if the direct object is before).

La démission qu'il a *donnée*.

Formal letter conventions in French (vouvoiement and set phrases).

Je vous prie d'agréer ma démission.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

Il a donné sa démission hier.

He gave his resignation yesterday.

Uses the passé composé with 'avoir'.

Ma démission est sur le bureau.

My resignation is on the desk.

Feminine noun with the possessive adjective 'ma'.

Elle veut donner sa démission.

She wants to give her resignation.

Verb 'vouloir' followed by an infinitive phrase.

C'est une démission surprise.

It is a surprise resignation.

Noun used with the indefinite article 'une'.

Pourquoi cette démission ?

Why this resignation?

Interrogative sentence using 'pourquoi'.

Je n'accepte pas ta démission.

I do not accept your resignation.

Negative sentence with 'ne... pas'.

La démission est officielle.

The resignation is official.

Subject-verb-adjective structure.

Il écrit sa démission.

He is writing his resignation.

Present tense of the verb 'écrire'.

Elle a préparé sa lettre de démission avec soin.

She prepared her resignation letter with care.

Compound noun 'lettre de démission'.

Après la réunion, il a annoncé sa démission.

After the meeting, he announced his resignation.

Prepositional phrase 'après la réunion'.

Une démission n'est pas toujours facile à annoncer.

A resignation is not always easy to announce.

Adjective 'facile' describing the noun.

Le patron a reçu sa démission ce matin par email.

The boss received his resignation this morning by email.

Adverbial phrase 'ce matin'.

Il doit respecter un préavis après sa démission.

He must respect a notice period after his resignation.

Modal verb 'doit' expressing obligation.

Sa démission a été un choc pour toute l'équipe.

His resignation was a shock for the whole team.

Passive-like structure with the verb 'être'.

Elle a donné sa démission pour changer de carrière.

She gave her resignation to change careers.

Infinitive of purpose with 'pour'.

Voulez-vous retirer votre démission ?

Do you want to withdraw your resignation?

Inversion for formal question.

La démission d'un salarié doit être claire et non équivoque.

An employee's resignation must be clear and unequivocal.

Adjectives 'claire' and 'équivoque' agreeing with the feminine noun.

Suite à ce désaccord, il a remis sa démission en main propre.

Following this disagreement, he handed in his resignation in person.

Expression 'en main propre' meaning in person.

Elle a négocié son départ plutôt que de donner une simple démission.

She negotiated her departure rather than giving a simple resignation.

Comparison 'plutôt que de'.

Une démission peut parfois être requalifiée en licenciement par le juge.

A resignation can sometimes be reclassified as a dismissal by a judge.

Passive voice 'être requalifiée'.

Il a expliqué les motifs de sa démission lors de l'entretien de départ.

He explained the reasons for his resignation during the exit interview.

Noun 'motifs' meaning reasons.

La démission est un droit fondamental pour tout travailleur en CDI.

Resignation is a fundamental right for any worker on a permanent contract.

Adjective 'fondamental' agreeing with 'droit'.

Sa démission a entraîné une réorganisation complète du service.

His resignation led to a complete reorganization of the department.

Verb 'entraîner' meaning to lead to or cause.

Elle regrette sa démission maintenant qu'elle a du mal à retrouver un emploi.

She regrets her resignation now that she is having trouble finding a new job.

Causal conjunction 'maintenant que'.

La démission collective du gouvernement a provoqué une crise politique majeure.

The collective resignation of the government caused a major political crisis.

Adjective 'collective' agreeing with 'démission'.

Le ministre a été poussé à la démission par les révélations de la presse.

The minister was pushed to resign by the press revelations.

Passive construction 'a été poussé'.

Il est possible de contester une démission si elle a été donnée sous la contrainte.

It is possible to contest a resignation if it was given under duress.

Conditional clause with 'si'.

La démission n'ouvre pas droit aux allocations chômage, sauf cas particuliers.

Resignation does not grant the right to unemployment benefits, except in specific cases.

Negative structure 'ne... pas' with 'ouvrir droit'.

Sa démission fracassante a fait la une de tous les quotidiens nationaux.

His sensational resignation made the front page of all the national dailies.

Adjective 'fracassante' meaning sensational or noisy.

L'entreprise a tenté de dissuader le cadre de présenter sa démission.

The company tried to dissuade the executive from submitting his resignation.

Verb 'dissuader' followed by 'de'.

Une démission verbale peut être source de nombreux litiges juridiques.

A verbal resignation can be the source of many legal disputes.

Adjective 'verbale' agreeing with 'démission'.

Elle a mûrement réfléchi sa démission avant de franchir le pas.

She carefully considered her resignation before taking the plunge.

Adverb 'mûrement' meaning maturely or carefully.

L'éditorialiste fustige la démission des élites face aux défis écologiques.

The columnist castigates the resignation of the elites in the face of ecological challenges.

Figurative use of 'démission' meaning abandonment of duty.

Le retrait de la vie politique s'est traduit par une démission irrévocable.

The withdrawal from political life resulted in an irrevocable resignation.

Adjective 'irrévocable' emphasizing finality.

Certains voient dans cet acte une démission de la souveraineté nationale.

Some see in this act a resignation of national sovereignty.

Abstract usage in a geopolitical context.

La démission d'un mandataire social obéit à des règles juridiques spécifiques.

The resignation of a corporate officer is subject to specific legal rules.

Verb 'obéir à' followed by a noun phrase.

Il a invoqué une clause de conscience pour justifier sa démission.

He invoked a conscience clause to justify his resignation.

Technical term 'clause de conscience'.

La démission peut être interprétée comme un aveu de faiblesse ou un acte d'honneur.

Resignation can be interpreted as an admission of weakness or an act of honor.

Passive voice 'peut être interprétée'.

Elle a présenté sa démission pour protester contre la nouvelle stratégie du groupe.

She submitted her resignation to protest the group's new strategy.

Infinitive of purpose with 'pour' and the verb 'protester'.

L'absence de réaction du gouvernement s'apparente à une démission morale.

The government's lack of reaction is akin to a moral resignation.

Verb 's'apparenter à' meaning to be akin to.

La démission de la pensée critique est le terreau fertile de l'obscurantisme.

The resignation of critical thinking is the fertile ground for obscurantism.

Highly abstract and philosophical usage.

L'histoire retiendra sa démission comme le point de bascule du régime.

History will remember his resignation as the regime's tipping point.

Future tense 'retiendra' used for historical certainty.

L'acte de démission, loin d'être un renoncement, fut ici une affirmation de soi.

The act of resignation, far from being a renunciation, was here an affirmation of self.

Complex sentence structure with an appositive phrase.

On ne saurait réduire sa démission à une simple péripétie administrative.

One cannot reduce his resignation to a simple administrative incident.

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

La démission du sujet face à l'objet est un thème récurrent en phénoménologie.

The resignation of the subject before the object is a recurring theme in phenomenology.

Highly technical academic language.

Sa démission fut le point d'orgue d'une carrière marquée par l'intégrité.

His resignation was the climax of a career marked by integrity.

Metaphorical use of 'point d'orgue' meaning climax.

Le caractère subit de cette démission a déstabilisé les marchés financiers mondiaux.

The sudden nature of this resignation destabilized global financial markets.

Noun phrase 'le caractère subit' meaning the suddenness.

Par sa démission, il a entendu dénoncer l'inanité des réformes entreprises.

By his resignation, he intended to denounce the futility of the reforms undertaken.

Formal use of 'entendre' meaning to intend.

Häufige Kollokationen

donner sa démission

présenter sa démission

lettre de démission

démission collective

démission surprise

accepter une démission

démission irrévocable

démission légitime

motif de démission

retirer sa démission

Häufige Phrasen

Poser sa démission

— A more colloquial way to say 'donner sa démission', common in office talk.

Il a posé sa démission sur le bureau de son chef.

Remettre sa démission

— To hand over the physical resignation letter to an authority figure.

Elle a remis sa démission en main propre au directeur.

Démission du gouvernement

— The collective resignation of all ministers in a cabinet.

Le Premier ministre a annoncé la démission du gouvernement.

Une vague de démissions

— When many people resign at the same time from the same place.

Il y a une vague de démissions dans le secteur de la tech.

Démissionner de ses fonctions

— To formally resign from one's specific duties or role.

Il a décidé de démissionner de ses fonctions de maire.

Forcer à la démission

— To pressure someone until they have no choice but to resign.

Le scandale a forcé le PDG à la démission.

Prendre acte d'une démission

— A formal way for an employer to acknowledge they have received the resignation.

La direction a pris acte de sa démission.

Démission pour suivi de conjoint

— Resigning to follow a spouse who has been relocated (a 'legitimate' reason).

Elle a opté pour une démission pour suivi de conjoint.

La grande démission

— The French term for the global phenomenon 'The Great Resignation'.

La grande démission touche aussi le marché français.

Délai de démission

— The time frame involved in the resignation process, usually the notice period.

Quel est le délai de démission prévu dans votre contrat ?

Wird oft verwechselt mit

une démission vs Licenciement

Licenciement is being fired; Démission is quitting. They are opposites.

une démission vs Retraite

Retraite is retirement at the end of a career; Démission is quitting at any time.

une démission vs Dismissal

The English word 'dismissal' sounds like 'démission' but means the opposite (firing).

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Claquer la porte"

— To quit suddenly and with anger, often without notice or after a fight.

Il a claqué la porte après une dispute avec son patron.

informal

"Donner son tablier"

— An old-fashioned way to say 'to quit', literally 'to give back one's apron'.

Le cuisinier a décidé de donner son tablier.

informal/old-fashioned

"Plaquer son job"

— To dump or abandon one's job suddenly.

Elle a tout plaqué pour partir faire le tour du monde.

slang

"Rendre son badge"

— To quit, referring to the act of returning an office access badge.

Il a rendu son badge et il est parti sans se retourner.

neutral

"Jeter l'éponge"

— To throw in the towel; to give up on a difficult task or job.

Après des mois de stress, il a jeté l'éponge et a démissionné.

neutral

"Prendre ses cliques et ses claques"

— To pack up all one's things and leave a place for good.

Il a pris ses cliques et ses claques après sa démission.

informal

"Passer à autre chose"

— To move on to something else, often said after a resignation.

Sa démission lui permet enfin de passer à autre chose.

neutral

"Vider son bureau"

— To empty one's desk, the physical act associated with resigning.

Elle a vidé son bureau juste après avoir donné sa démission.

neutral

"Tourner la page"

— To turn the page; to start a new chapter after leaving a job.

Cette démission est l'occasion pour lui de tourner la page.

neutral

"Se mettre en retrait"

— To step back or withdraw from a public or professional role.

Le ministre a décidé de se mettre en retrait en attendant sa démission.

formal

Leicht verwechselbar

une démission vs démissionnaire

It looks like the noun but it's the person.

Démission is the act; démissionnaire is the person who performs the act.

Le ministre démissionnaire a quitté son bureau.

une démission vs démissionner

It's the verb form.

Démission is the noun (the resignation); démissionner is the verb (to resign).

Je vais démissionner demain.

une démission vs diminution

Similar sound for beginners.

Diminution means a reduction; démission means a resignation.

Il y a une diminution des effectifs après sa démission.

une démission vs mission

Contained within the word.

A mission is a task; a démission is leaving a task.

Sa mission est terminée, il a donné sa démission.

une démission vs demande

Both start with 'de' and involve work.

Demande is a request; démission is a resignation.

Sa demande de démission a été refusée.

Satzmuster

Je donne ma démission.

Je donne ma démission aujourd'hui.

Il a écrit sa lettre de démission.

Il a écrit sa lettre de démission hier soir.

Après réflexion, elle a présenté sa démission.

Après réflexion, elle a présenté sa démission au directeur.

Sa démission a été acceptée par la direction.

Sa démission a été acceptée par la direction sans délai.

Une démission irrévocable a été remise au préfet.

Une démission irrévocable a été remise au préfet ce matin.

Nul ne pouvait prévoir une telle démission de l'esprit.

Nul ne pouvait prévoir une telle démission de l'esprit critique.

C'est ma démission.

C'est ma démission, je pars demain.

Il doit donner sa démission pour partir.

Il doit donner sa démission pour partir travailler ailleurs.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

une démission (resignation)

un démissionnaire (a person who has resigned)

Verben

démissionner (to resign)

Adjektive

démissionnaire (resigning/having resigned)

Verwandt

une mission (a mission/task)

un licenciement (a dismissal)

un préavis (a notice period)

une rupture (a break/termination)

un départ (a departure)

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Very common in both professional life and news media.

Häufige Fehler

J'ai fait une démission. → J'ai donné ma démission.
In French, we 'give' or 'present' a resignation, we don't 'make' one.
Il a reçu sa démission. → Il a été licencié.
If the person was fired, you must use 'licencié'. 'Démission' is only when they choose to leave.
Mon démission est prête. → Ma démission est prête.
Démission is feminine, so it must be 'ma', not 'mon'.
Je démissionne mon travail. → Je démissionne de mon travail.
The verb 'démissionner' requires the preposition 'de' when followed by the thing you are quitting.
Sa démission de l'entreprise était triste. → Son départ de l'entreprise était triste.
While 'démission' is grammatically correct, 'départ' is more natural if you are talking about the emotional aspect of leaving.

Tipps

Gender Agreement

Always remember 'démission' is feminine. Match your adjectives: 'une démission inattendue', 'sa démission était complète'.

Verb Choice

Use 'donner sa démission' for 90% of situations. It is the most natural and safe verb to use.

The Notice Period

In France, the 'préavis' is serious. Don't expect to quit today and start a new job tomorrow; you usually owe your current boss a few months.

Unemployment Benefits

Be careful! If you 'démissionne', you usually lose your right to 'chômage' (unemployment money) for at least four months.

Resignation Letters

Keep it simple. 'Je vous informe de ma démission' is enough. You don't legally have to explain why you are leaving.

Nasal Sounds

Practice the '-ion' sound. It's the same in 'attention', 'passion', and 'démission'. Don't say the 'n'!

Not 'Dismissal'!

Never use 'démission' to mean someone was fired. That is 'licenciement'. This is the #1 mistake for English speakers.

Exit Interview

In France, this is called 'un entretien de départ'. You might discuss your 'démission' here.

Mission Impossible

Remember that 'démission' means leaving your 'mission'. It helps you remember the meaning.

Poser sa dém'

Younger people often abbreviate 'démission' to 'dém'' in casual talk: 'J'ai posé ma dém''.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'De-Mission'. You are removing (De-) yourself from your current 'Mission' (job).

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a person handing a white envelope (the 'lettre de démission') to a boss across a large wooden desk.

Word Web

Travail Patron Lettre Préavis Quitter Contrat Chômage Liberté

Herausforderung

Try to write three sentences using 'une démission' in three different contexts: a job, a political scandal, and a sports team.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Latin 'demissio', which comes from 'demittere' (to let down, to lower, or to send away). In Middle French, it evolved to mean the relinquishing of a right or a position.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The act of lowering or letting go, which evolved into the specific professional sense of letting go of one's position.

Romance (Latin root).

Kultureller Kontext

Resigning can be a sensitive topic in an office. Use the term 'départ' if you want to be more discreet or polite.

In English-speaking cultures, 'quitting' can be very informal. In France, 'une démission' is almost always a formal, written process with legal implications.

Charles de Gaulle's resignation in 1969 after losing a referendum. The collective resignation of the Santer Commission (EU) in 1999. The phrase 'La démission des clercs' (The Treason of the Intellectuals) by Julien Benda.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Professional / Workplace

donner sa démission
lettre de démission
respecter le préavis
entretien de départ

Politics

démission du gouvernement
démission d'un ministre
crise politique
remettre sa démission au Président

Sports

démission de l'entraîneur
résultats décevants
quitter le club
démission surprise

Legal / Administrative

démission légitime
contester une démission
prise d'acte
droits au chômage

Figurative / Moral

démission des parents
démission de la pensée
renoncement moral
abandon de poste

Gesprächseinstiege

"As-tu déjà donné ta démission pour un travail que tu n'aimais pas ?"

"Que penses-tu de la démission surprise du ministre hier ?"

"Est-il difficile de rédiger une lettre de démission selon toi ?"

"Quelles sont les meilleures raisons pour présenter sa démission ?"

"Sais-tu ce qu'est une démission légitime en France ?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Décrivez un moment où vous avez dû donner votre démission. Quelles étaient vos émotions à ce moment-là ?

Imaginez que vous êtes un ministre qui doit présenter sa démission après un grand scandale. Écrivez votre discours.

Pensez-vous que la 'Grande Démission' est une bonne chose pour les travailleurs ? Expliquez votre point de vue.

Si vous deviez écrire une lettre de démission aujourd'hui, que diriez-vous à votre employeur pour rester poli ?

Analysez l'impact de la démission d'un leader sur une équipe de sport ou une entreprise.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

A démission is a decision made only by the employee, while a rupture conventionnelle is a mutual agreement between the employer and employee. Crucially, a rupture conventionnelle allows you to receive unemployment benefits, but a démission usually doesn't.

Technically, no. Resigning is a right for employees on a permanent contract (CDI). However, the employer can insist that you respect your notice period (préavis) before you leave.

It is always feminine: 'une démission' or 'la démission'. You say 'ma démission' even if you are a man.

You can say 'poser sa démission' or, even more informally, 'claquer la porte' or 'plaquer son job'.

While a verbal resignation is technically possible, it is highly recommended to do it in writing (lettre de démission) to avoid legal disputes and to have proof of the date for the notice period.

It is the notice period you must work after handing in your resignation. It is usually one to three months depending on your contract and job level.

Only if your employer agrees. Once you have given your resignation, it is generally considered final unless you can prove you were forced to do it (under duress).

It is a resignation that the French state considers justified, such as moving to follow a spouse or being the victim of workplace violence. In these cases, you might still get unemployment benefits.

In politics, it is the formal way a minister or the Prime Minister leaves their post, often to signal a change in government or to take responsibility for a failure.

Your employer must pay you for any unused vacation days you have accumulated. This is called the 'indemnité compensatrice de congés payés'.

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