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A2 noun #2,500 am häufigsten 10 Min. Lesezeit

une prescription

An instruction written by a medical practitioner that authorizes a patient to be provided a medicine or treatment.

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to basic vocabulary related to health and daily life. The word 'une prescription' is taught as a formal word for a doctor's note for medicine. While A1 learners might more frequently use 'une ordonnance', recognizing 'prescription' is important because it appears on pharmacy signs and medication boxes. In a simple context, an A1 learner should understand that if they are sick, they go to the doctor (le médecin), and the doctor gives them a 'prescription' to take to the pharmacy (la pharmacie). They learn basic phrases like 'J'ai une prescription' (I have a prescription) or 'C'est sur prescription' (It is by prescription). The focus is entirely on the medical meaning, as the legal meaning is too complex for this level. Teachers emphasize the pronunciation and the association of the word with medicine, doctors, and pharmacies. Simple role-plays at the pharmacy often include handing over a 'prescription' to get pills (des médicaments). Understanding this word helps beginners navigate basic healthcare needs while traveling or living in a French-speaking country, ensuring they know how to obtain necessary medications safely and correctly.
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At the A2 level, the understanding of 'une prescription' deepens. Learners can now form more complex sentences and understand the process of getting medication in more detail. They learn verbs associated with the noun, such as 'avoir besoin d'une prescription' (to need a prescription) and 'demander une prescription' (to ask for a prescription). They understand the difference between medications that are 'avec prescription' (with prescription) and 'sans prescription' (over-the-counter). The vocabulary expands to include different types of medical professionals who can write a prescription, like a dentist (un dentiste) or a specialist. A2 learners can read simple instructions on a medicine box that mention 'prescription médicale'. They might also start to realize that 'ordonnance' is the more common spoken term, while 'prescription' is the formal written term. Role-plays become more detailed, involving explaining symptoms to a doctor and receiving a prescription in return. The legal meaning is still generally avoided, but the concept of following instructions ('suivre la prescription') is introduced. This level builds the practical skills needed to handle routine medical situations independently in a Francophone environment.
At the B1 level, learners are expected to handle most situations that arise while traveling, including medical issues. The use of 'une prescription' becomes more nuanced. They learn to discuss the contents of a prescription, such as dosage (la dose) and frequency. They can understand and use phrases like 'renouveler une prescription' (to renew a prescription) and 'une erreur de prescription' (a prescription error). The distinction between 'ordonnance' (the paper) and 'prescription' (the medical order/treatment) becomes clearer. At this stage, the legal meaning of 'prescription' (statute of limitations) might be briefly introduced, especially if learners are reading news articles or watching French television shows where legal terms are used. They learn that 'le délai de prescription' means the time limit for legal action. However, the primary focus remains on the medical and administrative use. B1 learners can write a simple letter to their health insurance (la mutuelle) mentioning a 'prescription médicale' for reimbursement purposes. They are comfortable navigating the healthcare system and understand the administrative importance of the prescription document in France.
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At the B2 level, learners achieve a high degree of fluency and can understand complex texts. The dual meaning of 'une prescription'—medical and legal—is fully explored. In the medical context, they can discuss the ethics of over-prescription (la surprescription), the rules regarding electronic prescriptions, and the role of the pharmacist in verifying a prescription. They use advanced vocabulary like 'délivrer un médicament sur prescription' and 'respecter les prescriptions médicales'. In the legal context, B2 learners can read and discuss news articles about court cases, understanding phrases like 'les faits sont prescrits' (the acts are barred by the statute of limitations) or 'tomber sous le coup de la prescription'. They can debate the fairness of limitation periods for different crimes. Furthermore, they encounter the word in technical and administrative contexts, meaning 'guidelines' or 'regulations' (e.g., 'les prescriptions techniques d'un contrat'). The ability to switch seamlessly between these different meanings based on context is a hallmark of B2 proficiency. They can write formal complaints or reports using the word accurately in its various senses.
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At the C1 level, learners have an advanced, near-native command of the language. They use 'une prescription' with precision in highly specialized contexts. In medical discussions, they can analyze public health policies regarding the prescription of antibiotics or controlled substances. They understand the nuances of 'prescription hors AMM' (off-label prescription). In legal contexts, they can read legal texts, contracts, and judicial rulings, fully grasping concepts like 'prescription acquisitive' and 'prescription extinctive'. They can discuss the philosophical and societal implications of the statute of limitations in criminal law. The word is also used abstractly to mean any authoritative rule or societal norm (e.g., 'les prescriptions sociales'). C1 learners can write academic essays, legal briefs, or detailed medical reports using the term flawlessly. They are aware of the subtle register differences and choose 'prescription' over 'ordonnance' to elevate their speech or writing when appropriate. They can also play with the word, using it metaphorically in literature or rhetoric. Their understanding encompasses the full historical and etymological depth of the word.
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At the C2 level, mastery of 'une prescription' is absolute. The learner uses the word with the same intuition and cultural awareness as a highly educated native speaker. They can navigate the most complex legal, medical, and administrative documents without hesitation. They understand obscure or highly technical collocations and idiomatic expressions. In a legal debate, they can argue the intricacies of interrupting or suspending a 'délai de prescription' citing specific jurisprudence. In a medical context, they can discuss the evolution of prescription rights for different healthcare professionals (e.g., nurses or pharmacists) in the French healthcare system. They can critique literature or political speeches where 'prescription' is used metaphorically to describe dogmatic rules or societal constraints. At this level, the focus is not just on knowing the definitions, but on the stylistic and rhetorical impact of using the word. C2 learners can produce sophisticated texts—such as a legal thesis, a medical journal article, or a complex piece of creative writing—where 'prescription' is integrated seamlessly and powerfully, demonstrating a profound command of the French language's subtleties and complexities.
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une prescription in 30 Sekunden

  • Medical order: A doctor's written instruction for medication.
  • Legal time limit: The statute of limitations in law.
  • Administrative rule: A guideline or technical specification.
  • Common synonym: Often called 'une ordonnance' in daily life.

The term une prescription is a fundamental noun in the French language, primarily used in medical and legal contexts. In the medical field, it refers to an instruction written by a medical practitioner that authorizes a patient to be provided with a medicine or treatment. This is often synonymous with une ordonnance in everyday language. Understanding this term is crucial for navigating the French healthcare system, known as l'Assurance Maladie.

Medical Definition
A formal written order by a doctor for medications or therapies.
Legal Definition
The statute of limitations or the acquisition/loss of a right over time.
General Usage
Any authoritative rule, instruction, or directive given by someone in power.

Le médecin m'a fait une prescription pour des antibiotiques afin de soigner mon infection.

When you visit a doctor in France, the consultation usually ends with the doctor writing a prescription. You then take this document to the pharmacy to get your medication. The pharmacist will ask for your Carte Vitale to process the reimbursement. The prescription ensures that you get the correct dosage and that the social security system covers the cost.

Certains médicaments ne sont délivrés que sur prescription médicale.

In a legal context, la prescription refers to the time limit after which a legal action can no longer be brought, or a crime can no longer be prosecuted. This is known as the statute of limitations in English. For example, a minor offense might have a prescription period of a few years, after which the perpetrator cannot be charged.

Le délai de prescription pour ce délit est de trois ans.

Prescription extinctive
Loss of a right due to inaction over a certain period.
Prescription acquisitive
Acquiring a right (like property ownership) through continuous possession over time.
Délai de prescription
The specific time period after which the prescription takes effect.

It is also used in administrative and technical contexts to denote a set of rules or guidelines that must be followed. For instance, building codes or safety regulations may contain specific prescriptions that contractors must adhere to.

Les prescriptions de sécurité doivent être respectées sur le chantier.

Mastering the word prescription will greatly enhance your ability to read official documents, understand news reports about legal cases, and manage your healthcare needs in a French-speaking environment. It is a versatile word that bridges the gap between everyday medical needs and complex legal concepts.

Il a suivi la prescription à la lettre pour guérir rapidement.

Using une prescription correctly involves understanding its collocations and the verbs that typically accompany it. In medical contexts, doctors rédigent (write) or font (make) a prescription. Patients suivent (follow) or respectent (respect) a prescription. Pharmacists délivrent (dispense) medications sur prescription (on prescription).

Rédiger une prescription
To write a prescription (action done by the doctor).
Délivrer sur prescription
To dispense on prescription (action done by the pharmacist).
Renouveler une prescription
To renew a prescription (getting a refill).

Le docteur va rédiger une prescription pour vos lunettes.

When you go to the pharmacy, you might see signs saying Uniquement sur prescription médicale, which means 'Prescription only'. This is a very common phrase you should memorize to avoid confusion when trying to buy over-the-counter drugs versus controlled substances.

Ce sirop contre la toux est disponible sans prescription.

In legal contexts, the usage shifts to verbs related to time and legal processes. A crime might tomber sous le coup de la prescription (fall under the statute of limitations). Lawyers might try to interrompre la prescription (interrupt the statute of limitations) by taking a specific legal action.

L'avocat a rappelé que les faits étaient couverts par la prescription.

Délai de prescription
The limitation period.
Prescription trentenaire
A 30-year limitation period (often in property law).
Interruption de la prescription
Stopping the clock on the limitation period.

It is also important to note the adjective form, prescrit(e). A medication can be prescrit. A behavior can be prescrit by law. This past participle is frequently used as an adjective in both spoken and written French.

Prenez le médicament tel qu'il est prescrit par votre médecin.

When writing formal letters or administrative documents, using prescription instead of ordonnance elevates the register of your French. It shows a precise command of the language, especially when dealing with health insurance claims (la Sécurité Sociale) or legal disputes. Always ensure you match the verb to the specific context—medical, legal, or administrative—to sound natural and accurate.

Les prescriptions du cahier des charges sont très strictes.

You will encounter the word une prescription in various settings across the Francophone world. The most common place is, unsurprisingly, in healthcare environments. Hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices, and pharmacies are the primary domains where this word is used daily. When a doctor explains your treatment plan, they will refer to the prescription.

At the Doctor's Office
During the consultation wrap-up when treatment is decided.
At the Pharmacy
When handing over your documents to get medication.
At the Hospital
In patient charts and discharge papers.

L'infirmière vérifie la prescription avant de donner le traitement.

Beyond healthcare, you will hear it frequently in the news, particularly in segments dealing with justice and the law. When a cold case is discussed, journalists will often mention whether the crime has reached its délai de prescription. Legal dramas on French television also use this term heavily during courtroom scenes or police investigations.

Le juge a déclaré un non-lieu en raison de la prescription des faits.

In the workplace, especially in fields like construction, engineering, or public administration, prescription is used to refer to mandatory guidelines or specifications. A project manager might talk about the prescriptions techniques that a contractor must follow to ensure a building is up to code.

Le constructeur n'a pas respecté les prescriptions d'urbanisme.

News Broadcasts
Legal reporting and health policy updates.
Official Documents
Contracts, building permits, and safety regulations.
Insurance Communications
Letters from 'la mutuelle' regarding reimbursements.

You might also see it written on packaging. Many medical products, even those that aren't pills (like orthopedic braces or special dermatological creams), will state whether they require a prescription for purchase or for insurance reimbursement. Understanding this word helps you navigate consumer health products effectively.

Ce dispositif médical est remboursé sur prescription.

In everyday conversation, while ordonnance is preferred for the physical piece of paper, prescription is used when discussing the concept of the treatment itself or the act of prescribing. It's a word that spans the gap between casual health chats and formal administrative procedures, making it a highly valuable addition to your vocabulary.

Ma prescription a été modifiée par le spécialiste.

A frequent mistake learners make with une prescription is confusing it with une proscription. While they look and sound incredibly similar, their meanings are exact opposites. Prescription means an authorization or an order to do something (like taking medicine), whereas proscription means a ban or a prohibition. Mixing these up can lead to serious misunderstandings, especially in medical or legal contexts.

Prescription
An order to DO or TAKE something.
Proscription
An order NOT to do something; a ban.
Ordonnance
The physical paper the doctor gives you.

Erreur: Le médecin a fait une proscription pour des vitamines. (Incorrect)

Another common error is using prescription when referring to the physical piece of paper in casual conversation. While technically correct, native speakers almost universally use une ordonnance for the paper itself. If you say 'J'ai perdu ma prescription', a French person will understand you, but 'J'ai perdu mon ordonnance' sounds much more natural.

Correction: Le médecin a fait une prescription pour des vitamines. (Correct)

Learners also sometimes struggle with the prepositions used with this word. You get medication sur prescription (on prescription), not avec prescription (with prescription), although the latter might be understood. Using the correct preposition makes your French sound much more idiomatic.

Ce médicament est vendu uniquement sur prescription.

Sur prescription
Correct preposition for 'by prescription'.
Délai de prescription
Correct phrase for 'statute of limitations'.
Prescrire à quelqu'un
To prescribe TO someone (requires the preposition 'à').

In legal contexts, English speakers might try to translate 'statute of limitations' literally (e.g., 'statut de limitations'), which means nothing in French law. The correct term is always la prescription or le délai de prescription. Failing to use this specific vocabulary will immediately mark you as a non-native speaker in professional or legal discussions.

L'affaire a été classée suite à la prescription des faits.

Finally, ensure you pronounce the 's' clearly. It is pronounced /pʁɛs.kʁip.sjɔ̃/, not with a 'z' sound. The 'tion' at the end is pronounced /sjɔ̃/ (like 'syon' with a nasal 'o'), which is standard for French words ending in -tion. Paying attention to these nuances will help you use the word confidently and correctly.

Il faut respecter la prescription médicale à la lettre.

Several words in French share similarities with une prescription, either in meaning or in form. The most prominent synonym in the medical field is une ordonnance. While prescription refers to the act of prescribing or the treatment itself, ordonnance specifically refers to the physical or electronic document given by the doctor. They are often used interchangeably in broad contexts.

Une ordonnance
The physical doctor's note (most common synonym).
Une recommandation
A recommendation or advice, less formal than a prescription.
Une directive
An official instruction, often used in administrative contexts.

Je dois aller à la pharmacie avec mon ordonnance (prescription).

Another related word is une indication. In medicine, an indication is a valid reason to use a certain test, medication, procedure, or surgery. It is the underlying medical rationale for the prescription. Conversely, une contre-indication is a reason NOT to use a treatment. Understanding these related terms provides a fuller picture of medical vocabulary.

La fièvre est une indication pour cette prescription.

In a broader, non-medical sense, words like un ordre (an order), une injonction (an injunction or command), and une consigne (an instruction or guideline) carry similar authoritative weight. A prescription in a technical manual is essentially a consigne that must be followed for safety or compliance.

Les ouvriers suivent les prescriptions (consignes) de sécurité.

Un ordre
A direct command.
Une consigne
A guideline or instruction, often for safety.
Une exigence
A requirement or demand.

It is also useful to look at the verb family. Prescrire is the verb form (to prescribe). Proscrire is the antonym (to ban or prohibit). The noun form of proscrire is une proscription. Recognizing these patterns helps in decoding new words and expanding your vocabulary exponentially.

Le médecin a décidé de lui prescrire du repos.

By understanding the nuances between prescription, ordonnance, and other related terms, you can communicate much more precisely. Whether you are discussing a medical treatment, a legal deadline, or technical specifications, choosing the exact right word demonstrates a high level of fluency and cultural competence in French.

Il a reçu une prescription stricte de son cardiologue.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

""

Neutral

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Informell

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Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

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Beispiele nach Niveau

1

Le médecin donne une prescription.

The doctor gives a prescription.

Uses the present tense of 'donner' with the indefinite article 'une'.

2

J'ai une prescription pour la pharmacie.

I have a prescription for the pharmacy.

Basic possession using 'J'ai'.

3

C'est une prescription médicale.

It is a medical prescription.

Adjective 'médicale' agrees in gender (feminine) with 'prescription'.

4

Où est ma prescription ?

Where is my prescription?

Question using 'Où est' and possessive adjective 'ma'.

5

Je lis la prescription.

I read the prescription.

Present tense of 'lire'.

6

Il faut une prescription.

A prescription is needed.

Impersonal expression 'Il faut'.

7

Voici votre prescription.

Here is your prescription.

Use of 'Voici' to present something.

8

La prescription est sur la table.

The prescription is on the table.

Preposition of place 'sur'.

1

Ce médicament est vendu uniquement sur prescription.

This medicine is sold only on prescription.

Passive voice 'est vendu' and preposition 'sur'.

2

Vous devez demander une prescription à votre médecin.

You must ask your doctor for a prescription.

Modal verb 'devoir' followed by infinitive 'demander'.

3

J'ai perdu la prescription pour mes lunettes.

I lost the prescription for my glasses.

Passé composé of 'perdre'.

4

Le pharmacien a besoin de la prescription originale.

The pharmacist needs the original prescription.

Expression 'avoir besoin de'.

5

Il est important de suivre la prescription.

It is important to follow the prescription.

Impersonal structure 'Il est important de'.

6

La prescription est valable pour trois mois.

The prescription is valid for three months.

Adjective 'valable' and preposition 'pour' for duration.

7

Avez-vous une prescription pour ces antibiotiques ?

Do you have a prescription for these antibiotics?

Formal inversion question 'Avez-vous'.

8

Le docteur va rédiger une nouvelle prescription.

The doctor is going to write a new prescription.

Futur proche using 'aller + infinitive'.

1

Je dois aller chez le médecin pour renouveler ma prescription.

I have to go to the doctor to renew my prescription.

Infinitive of purpose 'pour renouveler'.

2

L'assurance maladie rembourse les soins sur prescription médicale.

Health insurance reimburses care on medical prescription.

Vocabulary related to the French healthcare system.

3

Il y a eu une erreur dans la prescription du traitement.

There was an error in the prescription of the treatment.

Passé composé of 'il y a' (il y a eu).

4

Le délai de prescription pour cette infraction est de cinq ans.

The statute of limitations for this offense is five years.

Introduction of the legal meaning of prescription.

5

Sans prescription, le pharmacien refusera de vous donner ce sirop.

Without a prescription, the pharmacist will refuse to give you this syrup.

Future tense 'refusera' and preposition 'sans'.

6

Veuillez lire attentivement les prescriptions sur la notice.

Please read the instructions on the leaflet carefully.

Formal imperative 'Veuillez' and plural use meaning 'instructions'.

7

La prescription d'antibiotiques doit être justifiée.

The prescription of antibiotics must be justified.

Passive voice with modal 'doit être justifiée'.

8

Elle a oublié de prendre son médicament selon la prescription.

She forgot to take her medicine according to the prescription.

Preposition 'selon' meaning 'according to'.

1

La surprescription d'antidépresseurs est un problème de santé publique majeur.

The overprescription of antidepressants is a major public health problem.

Use of prefix 'sur-' to indicate excess.

2

L'avocat de la défense a invoqué la prescription des faits pour faire annuler le procès.

The defense lawyer invoked the statute of limitations to have the trial cancelled.

Advanced legal vocabulary and 'pour faire annuler' (causative).

3

Les prescriptions techniques du cahier des charges doivent être scrupuleusement respectées.

The technical specifications of the terms of reference must be scrupulously respected.

Administrative meaning of prescription (specifications/guidelines).

4

Il est possible d'obtenir une prescription électronique via une téléconsultation.

It is possible to obtain an electronic prescription via a teleconsultation.

Modern healthcare vocabulary.

5

La loi prévoit une interruption de la prescription en cas de nouvelle plainte.

The law provides for an interruption of the limitation period in the event of a new complaint.

Legal phrasing 'prévoit' and 'en cas de'.

6

Le pharmacien a le droit de refuser une prescription s'il a un doute sur son authenticité.

The pharmacist has the right to refuse a prescription if they have a doubt about its authenticity.

Conditional clause with 'si'.

7

Bien que la prescription soit ancienne, le patient continue de suivre le même traitement.

Although the prescription is old, the patient continues to follow the same treatment.

Subjunctive mood triggered by 'Bien que'.

8

Les médecins sont encouragés à limiter la prescription de somnifères aux personnes âgées.

Doctors are encouraged to limit the prescription of sleeping pills to the elderly.

Passive voice 'sont encouragés à'.

1

La controverse autour de la prescription hors AMM (Autorisation de Mise sur le Marché) soulève des questions éthiques complexes.

The controversy surrounding off-label prescription raises complex ethical questions.

Highly specialized medical acronym (AMM) and complex subject.

2

En droit civil, la prescription acquisitive permet de devenir propriétaire d'un bien après une possession prolongée.

In civil law, acquisitive prescription allows one to become the owner of a property after prolonged possession.

Specific legal terminology (prescription acquisitive).

3

Le législateur a récemment allongé le délai de prescription pour les crimes de nature sexuelle.

The legislator recently extended the statute of limitations for crimes of a sexual nature.

Formal political/legal vocabulary.

4

L'architecte a dû revoir ses plans pour se conformer aux prescriptions d'urbanisme de la commune.

The architect had to revise his plans to comply with the municipality's urban planning regulations.

Administrative use of prescription (regulations).

5

Il s'insurge contre les prescriptions morales d'une société qu'il juge hypocrite.

He rebels against the moral dictates of a society he deems hypocritical.

Abstract/metaphorical use of prescription (dictates/rules).

6

La traçabilité des prescriptions médicamenteuses est essentielle pour prévenir les interactions dangereuses.

The traceability of drug prescriptions is essential to prevent dangerous interactions.

Advanced medical phrasing.

7

L'acte d'instruction a eu pour effet de suspendre le cours de la prescription.

The investigative act had the effect of suspending the course of the limitation period.

Formal legal syntax 'a eu pour effet de'.

8

Toute dérogation à ces prescriptions fera l'objet de sanctions sévères.

Any derogation from these instructions will be subject to severe sanctions.

Formal administrative threat/warning language.

1

L'imprescriptibilité des crimes contre l'humanité déroge au principe fondamental de la prescription pénale.

The imprescriptibility of crimes against humanity derogates from the fundamental principle of criminal statutory limitation.

Use of the antonymous concept 'imprescriptibilité' and high-level legal theory.

2

L'auteur dénonce l'aliénation de l'individu face aux prescriptions normatives d'un capitalisme effréné.

The author denounces the alienation of the individual in the face of the normative dictates of unbridled capitalism.

Academic, philosophical, and literary use of the word.

3

La Cour de cassation a rendu un arrêt de principe clarifiant le point de départ du délai de prescription dans les affaires de vices cachés.

The Court of Cassation issued a landmark ruling clarifying the starting point of the limitation period in cases of hidden defects.

Extremely specific French legal terminology (Cour de cassation, arrêt de principe, vices cachés).

4

La iatrogénie médicamenteuse, souvent liée à une polymédication et à des prescriptions inappropriées, constitue un fardeau économique majeur.

Drug iatrogenesis, often linked to polypharmacy and inappropriate prescriptions, constitutes a major economic burden.

Highly technical medical vocabulary (iatrogénie, polymédication).

5

Il convient d'interpréter ces prescriptions contractuelles à la lumière de la commune intention des parties.

These contractual provisions should be interpreted in light of the common intention of the parties.

Formal legal contract language 'Il convient de', 'à la lumière de'.

6

Le débat doctrinal sur la nature extinctive ou acquisitive de la prescription continue d'animer les revues juridiques.

The doctrinal debate on the extinctive or acquisitive nature of prescription continues to animate legal journals.

Academic legal discourse.

7

L'ordonnance de non-lieu a été motivée par l'acquisition de la prescription, éteignant ainsi l'action publique.

The dismissal order was motivated by the acquisition of the statute of limitations, thereby extinguishing the public prosecution.

Complex legal phrasing regarding the end of a legal process.

8

Au-delà de la simple ordonnance, la prescription médicale incarne l'autorité épistémique du praticien sur le corps du patient.

Beyond the simple prescription pad, the medical prescription embodies the epistemic authority of the practitioner over the patient's body.

Sociological and philosophical analysis of the medical act.

Häufige Kollokationen

rédiger une prescription
renouveler une prescription
suivre une prescription
une prescription médicale
une prescription médicamenteuse
délivrer sur prescription
respecter la prescription
une prescription obligatoire
une erreur de prescription
modifier une prescription

Häufige Phrasen

sur prescription médicale

sans prescription

prescription acquisitive

prescription extinctive

délai de prescription

tomber sous le coup de la prescription

interrompre la prescription

prescription de lunettes

prescription de soins

prescription diététique

Wird oft verwechselt mit

une prescription vs une proscription (a ban)

une prescription vs une ordonnance (the physical paper)

une prescription vs une description (a description)

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

Leicht verwechselbar

une prescription vs

une prescription vs

une prescription vs

une prescription vs

une prescription vs

Satzmuster

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So verwendest du es

nuance

A formal order or rule. In medicine, the treatment plan. In law, the time limit.

context

Medical, Legal, Administrative

frequency

High in specific contexts (health/law), medium in general conversation.

Häufige Fehler
  • Saying 'avec prescription' instead of 'sur prescription'.
  • Confusing 'prescription' with 'proscription'.
  • Translating 'statute of limitations' as 'statut de limitations' instead of 'délai de prescription'.
  • Pronouncing the 'tion' ending like the English 'sh' instead of the French 's'.
  • Using 'prescription' for the physical paper in casual speech instead of 'ordonnance'.

Tipps

Ordonnance vs Prescription

Use 'ordonnance' when talking about the paper you hold in your hand. Use 'prescription' when talking about the doctor's medical decision or the rules to follow. This makes you sound much more natural.

Preposition 'Sur'

Always use the preposition 'sur' when saying 'by prescription'. The phrase is 'sur prescription médicale'. Do not translate 'with a prescription' literally as 'avec une prescription'.

The 'tion' ending

Remember that words ending in '-tion' in French are pronounced with an 's' sound, not a 'sh' sound like in English. Practice saying /sjɔ̃/ (syon).

The Carte Vitale

When you hand your prescription to the pharmacist, always have your 'Carte Vitale' (health insurance card) ready. The prescription and the card go together for reimbursement.

Statute of Limitations

If you are reading French news about a cold case, look for the word 'prescription'. It means the time limit to prosecute has expired. It's a very common legal term in the media.

Proscription

Do not confuse 'prescription' (an order to do something) with 'proscription' (a ban or prohibition). They mean the exact opposite.

Formal Letters

If you are writing a formal letter to your health insurance (la mutuelle), use 'prescription médicale' instead of 'ordonnance'. It sounds more professional and administrative.

Medicine Boxes

Look at French medicine boxes. If they have a red or green frame, they usually require a prescription. The box will often say 'Uniquement sur prescription'.

Associated Verbs

Learn the verbs that go with it: 'rédiger' (to write), 'délivrer' (to dispense), and 'renouveler' (to renew). These collocations are essential for fluency.

Technical Specs

If you work in engineering or construction in France, 'les prescriptions' refers to the technical specifications or safety guidelines you must follow.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

PRE-SCRIPTION: The doctor writes a SCRIPT PRE-viously so you can get your medicine.

Wortherkunft

Latin

Kultureller Kontext

Formal, but widely used in everyday administrative and medical contexts.

Using 'prescription' instead of 'ordonnance' sounds slightly more educated or administrative.

Used uniformly across France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"Avez-vous besoin d'une prescription pour ce médicament ?"

"Est-ce que le médecin vous a donné une prescription ?"

"Savez-vous quel est le délai de prescription pour ce type de délit ?"

"Où puis-je faire renouveler ma prescription ?"

"Est-ce que la sécurité sociale rembourse sans prescription ?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe your last visit to the doctor and the prescription you received.

Do you think the statute of limitations (la prescription) is fair in criminal law?

Explain the difference between 'une ordonnance' and 'une prescription' in your own words.

Write a dialogue between a patient and a pharmacist about a missing prescription.

How does the prescription process in France compare to your home country?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

In everyday French, 'ordonnance' refers to the physical piece of paper the doctor gives you. 'Prescription' refers to the medical order or treatment plan itself. However, they are often used interchangeably. Pharmacists might use 'prescription' more formally. You take an 'ordonnance' to the pharmacy to fulfill a 'prescription'.

Yes, many basic medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen are available without a prescription. These are called 'médicaments sans ordonnance' or 'sans prescription'. However, antibiotics and strong painkillers strictly require a prescription. The pharmacist will guide you.

This is a legal term. It translates to 'statute of limitations' in English. It is the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. After this time, the crime or debt is 'prescrit'.

It is feminine. You say 'une prescription' or 'la prescription'. This follows the general rule that French nouns ending in '-tion' are feminine.

The verb is 'prescrire'. For example, 'Le médecin prescrit des antibiotiques' (The doctor prescribes antibiotics). The past participle is 'prescrit'.

This is a specific legal term in French civil law. It means acquiring the right to something (like property) because you have possessed it continuously for a long time. It is the opposite of 'prescription extinctive'.

Yes, to get glasses made and to be reimbursed by the healthcare system, you need a 'prescription médicale' from an ophthalmologist (un ophtalmologue). Opticians require this document.

Prescriptions from other EU countries are generally valid in France if they contain specific information. Prescriptions from non-EU countries are usually not accepted, and you will need to see a French doctor to get a local prescription.

If you lose your 'ordonnance/prescription', the pharmacist cannot legally dispense prescription-only drugs. You will need to contact your doctor to have them issue a duplicate (un duplicata) or write a new one.

Yes, electronic prescriptions (e-prescriptions) are becoming increasingly common in France. The doctor sends the prescription securely to a database, and the pharmacist retrieves it using your Carte Vitale.

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