In 15 Seconds
- Examining official government orders or administrative rules.
- Used in professional, legal, or serious civic discussions.
- Implies a diligent analysis of executive branch instructions.
Meaning
This phrase means to carefully examine, study, or take into account official government orders or administrative rules. It’s like reading the fine print of how a law is actually going to be implemented in the real world.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a professional meeting
Nous devons considérer les décrets récents avant de modifier notre stratégie.
We must consider the recent decrees before modifying our strategy.
Texting a colleague about work
Tu as pris le temps de considérer les décrets sur le télétravail ?
Did you take the time to look at the decrees on remote work?
A news report
Le conseil constitutionnel va considérer ces décrets avec attention.
The Constitutional Council will consider these decrees with care.
Cultural Background
In France, the 'Journal Officiel' (JO) is published every morning. Professionals 'considèrent des décrets' daily to stay compliant. It's a ritual of the French administrative life. Quebec uses civil law (unlike the rest of Canada). The term 'décret' is very common in the provincial government (Conseil des ministres) and carries significant weight in public discourse. While the EU uses 'directives' and 'regulations', French officials often 'considèrent des décrets' that transpose these EU rules into French law. As a former French colony, Senegal's legal system is heavily influenced by the French model. 'Considérer des décrets' is standard terminology in Senegalese administrative law.
Use 'Considérant que...'
If you want to sound like a French lawyer, start your arguments with 'Considérant que...' (Considering that...). It's a powerful rhetorical tool.
Spelling Trap
Don't forget the accent change in 'considère'. It's one of the most common spelling mistakes for B2 students.
In 15 Seconds
- Examining official government orders or administrative rules.
- Used in professional, legal, or serious civic discussions.
- Implies a diligent analysis of executive branch instructions.
What It Means
Imagine the government passes a big, flashy law. That law often needs specific instructions to actually work. These instructions are called décrets. When you considérer des décrets, you aren't just thinking about them casually. You are analyzing them, weighing their impact, or ensuring you are following the rules to the letter. It is about taking the executive branch's specific orders seriously.
How To Use It
You will mostly use this in professional, legal, or civic contexts. It’s a heavy-duty verb-noun combo. You don't use it for deciding what to eat. You use it when you are looking at the official 'how-to' guide of the state. If you are a business owner, you might say this to your accountant. If you are a citizen, you might say it when discussing new tax rules. It implies a level of diligence and respect for the administrative process.
When To Use It
Use this in a meeting when a new regulation drops. It’s perfect for a newsroom or a law office. You can also use it when texting a colleague about a boring but important policy change. It’s the phrase for when you need to sound like you know exactly which rules are in play. It shows you are a person who pays attention to the details that matter.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for personal choices or casual opinions. If you tell your partner, "I am considering the decree of the laundry," they will think you’ve spent too much time in a courtroom. It’s strictly for official, administrative, or legal documents. Also, avoid it in very relaxed settings like a bar, unless you are specifically debating politics or law. It’s a bit too stiff for a night out.
Cultural Background
France is a highly centralized state with a complex administrative system. The décret is a primary tool for the President and Prime Minister to act without waiting for a full parliamentary vote. Because of this, the French public is often very aware of these documents. Knowing how to considérer them is a sign of a well-informed citizen (a *citoyen averti*). It reflects the French respect for—and sometimes frustration with—bureaucracy.
Common Variations
You might hear étudier un décret for a more academic vibe. If you are just checking if it applies to you, you might say consulter les décrets. For a more intense version, use analyser les décrets d'application. These all circle the same idea: the government has spoken, and now you have to figure out what that means for your life or business.
Usage Notes
This is a formal collocation. It is most appropriate in written reports, legal discussions, or professional meetings. Avoid using it in casual conversation unless you are being ironic.
Use 'Considérant que...'
If you want to sound like a French lawyer, start your arguments with 'Considérant que...' (Considering that...). It's a powerful rhetorical tool.
Spelling Trap
Don't forget the accent change in 'considère'. It's one of the most common spelling mistakes for B2 students.
The Journal Officiel
Mentioning the 'Journal Officiel' when using this phrase will instantly boost your perceived level of French culture.
Examples
6Nous devons considérer les décrets récents avant de modifier notre stratégie.
We must consider the recent decrees before modifying our strategy.
The speaker is emphasizing the need to follow new regulations.
Tu as pris le temps de considérer les décrets sur le télétravail ?
Did you take the time to look at the decrees on remote work?
A slightly more casual way to ask if someone read the official rules.
Le conseil constitutionnel va considérer ces décrets avec attention.
The Constitutional Council will consider these decrees with care.
Very formal usage regarding legal oversight.
Il traite ses propres règles de maison comme s'il devait considérer des décrets royaux.
He treats his own house rules as if he had to consider royal decrees.
Using formal language to mock someone's self-importance.
C'est épuisant de devoir considérer chaque nouveau décret qui sort.
It's exhausting to have to consider every new decree that comes out.
Expresses the emotional weight of dealing with constant regulation.
L'avocat a insisté pour considérer le décret de 2022.
The lawyer insisted on considering the 2022 decree.
Focuses on a specific piece of regulation in a legal context.
Test Yourself
Complétez la phrase avec la forme correcte du verbe 'considérer' au présent.
Le gouvernement _________ des décrets pour limiter la pollution.
The subject is 'Le gouvernement' (il), and the accent must be grave (è).
Choisissez la meilleure option pour un contexte juridique formel.
L'avocat doit _________ les nouvelles règles avant le procès.
'Considérer des décrets' is the appropriate formal collocation for a legal context.
Associez le verbe à son contexte.
Verbes: 1. Considérer, 2. Voter, 3. Promulguer
Jurists analyze (consider), Parliaments vote, and Presidents enact (promulgate).
Complétez le dialogue de manière professionnelle.
Directeur: 'Pourquoi le projet est-il en retard ?' Employé: 'Parce que nous devons encore _________.'
Implementing decrees (décrets d'application) are a common reason for project delays in a regulated environment.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLe gouvernement _________ des décrets pour limiter la pollution.
The subject is 'Le gouvernement' (il), and the accent must be grave (è).
L'avocat doit _________ les nouvelles règles avant le procès.
'Considérer des décrets' is the appropriate formal collocation for a legal context.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Jurists analyze (consider), Parliaments vote, and Presidents enact (promulgate).
Directeur: 'Pourquoi le projet est-il en retard ?' Employé: 'Parce que nous devons encore _________.'
Implementing decrees (décrets d'application) are a common reason for project delays in a regulated environment.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsMostly, but in French, it's more formal and often implies a deeper analysis or a legal 'whereas' context.
Only if you want to be sarcastic. It's usually reserved for government or high-level administrative orders.
'Des' is used when referring to decrees in general or an unspecified number of them. 'Les' is for specific, known decrees.
Yes, very often, especially when the government announces a new policy that hasn't been fully explained yet.
A 'décret' is signed by the President or Prime Minister. An 'arrêté' is signed by a minister, prefect, or mayor. Both can be 'considérés'.
Related Phrases
décret d'application
specialized formA decree that puts a law into effect.
prendre un arrêté
similarTo issue a local administrative order.
promulguer une loi
builds onTo officially announce a law.
sous réserve de
similarSubject to...
