A2 Collocation Neutral 7 min read

demander les résultat

to demander the result

Literally: To ask the results

In 15 Seconds

  • Used for seeking outcomes of tests, exams, or competitions.
  • Neutral formality suitable for doctors, teachers, or friends.
  • Avoid adding 'pour' between the verb and the noun.
  • Usually used in the plural form 'les résultats'.

Meaning

This phrase refers to the specific action of seeking the outcome of an event, test, or competition. It captures that high-stakes moment of anticipation when you're looking for a definitive answer, whether it's from a medical lab, a teacher, or a sports scoreboard.

Key Examples

3 of 10
1

At a medical laboratory

Je viens demander les résultats de mes analyses.

I have come to ask for the results of my tests.

2

Texting a classmate after an exam

Tu vas appeler l'école pour demander les résultats ?

Are you going to call the school to ask for the results?

3

In a corporate meeting

Le patron va demander les résultats du trimestre à 14h.

The boss is going to ask for the quarterly results at 2 PM.

🌍

Cultural Background

The 'Bac' results day is a major cultural event. Students often go to their high schools to see the results posted on boards, even though they are available online. In Quebec, the term 'notes' is often used interchangeably with 'résultats' in academic contexts, but 'demander les résultats' remains the standard for official documents. In many West African French-speaking countries, competitive exams (concours) are very important for job placement, making this phrase very common in administrative talk. Belgian French uses 'demander les résultats' similarly, but you might also hear 'aller aux résultats' as a shorthand.

🎯

Skip the 'Pour'

Remember: Demander + [Object]. Never add 'pour'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.

💬

Be Polite

Always start with 'Bonjour' before you 'demander les résultats'. In France, jumping straight to the request is considered rude.

In 15 Seconds

  • Used for seeking outcomes of tests, exams, or competitions.
  • Neutral formality suitable for doctors, teachers, or friends.
  • Avoid adding 'pour' between the verb and the noun.
  • Usually used in the plural form 'les résultats'.

What It Means

That heart-pounding moment when you stare at a loading screen or a closed envelope is the essence of demander les résultats.

What It Means

Think of this phrase as the 'final answer' button of real life. It isn't just about asking a random question. It is about seeking the specific outcome of something you have been waiting for. Whether you are refreshing a browser for your Baccalauréat scores or calling a clinic, this is your go-to phrase. It carries a sense of finality and often a bit of nervous energy. You aren't just chatting; you are looking for the truth. It is the verbal equivalent of checking your Uber Eats map to see if the burger is actually coming. If life were a movie, this is the scene right before the big reveal. Just don't ask for the results of a movie you haven't seen yet—nobody likes spoilers!

How To Use It

Using this phrase is like assembling a simple Lego set. You start with the verb demander (to ask). Then you add the plural article les. Finally, you add résultats with an 's' at the end. In French, we almost always use the plural because one test usually gives multiple data points. You can conjugate demander however you need. For example, Je demande les résultats (I am asking for the results). If you are talking to a smart speaker like Alexa, you might say Demande les résultats du match. It is direct, clean, and gets the job done. It is much easier than trying to explain your feelings to a cat. We also use the preposition de to specify what the results are for. Demander les résultats de l'examen is a classic classroom sentence.

Real-Life Examples

Imagine you are at a local clinic after a blood test. You walk up to the desk and say, Je voudrais demander les résultats de ma prise de sang, s'il vous plaît. It sounds professional and clear. Or maybe you are in a WhatsApp group chat during the World Cup. You might text your friends, Quelqu'un peut demander les résultats du match ?. In a more modern setting, you might be waiting for your TikTok analytics. You would tell your manager, Je vais demander les résultats de la campagne hier. Even in gaming, if you are in a tournament, you'll hear people asking the admins for the final scores. It is the language of people who want to know exactly where they stand. Even if the result is that you shouldn't have eaten that third taco.

When To Use It

You should use this phrase in any situation involving an official outcome. This includes medical contexts, educational settings, and competitive sports. It is perfectly neutral, so you can use it with a doctor or a teammate. Use it when you are at a job interview and want to know the hiring decision. Use it when checking the news for election numbers. It is also great for business meetings when looking at quarterly growth. If there is a score, a grade, or a 'yes/no' involved, this phrase is your best friend. It is like a Swiss Army knife for information seekers. Just avoid using it when asking for the time—that would be very confusing!

When NOT To Use It

Don't use demander les résultats for general questions. If you want to ask 'How are you?', this is not the phrase. It is also not for asking for a favor, like 'Can you pass the salt?'. In French, demander means 'to ask for', but résultats is very specific to data or outcomes. Don't use it for artistic opinions, like 'What do you think of my painting?'. That is a different kind of asking. Also, don't use it if the results are already visible on a giant screen right in front of you. That makes you look like you need a coffee—or new glasses. It is a phrase for the 'unknown', not for the obvious.

Common Mistakes

One major trap for English speakers is adding 'pour' (for). In English, we say 'ask for the results'. In French, demander already includes the 'for'. So, ✗ demander pour les résultats → ✓ demander les résultats. Another mistake is forgetting the 's' on résultats. Even if it feels like one result, French prefers the plural. ✗ demander le résultat (unless it's a very specific single number) → ✓ demander les résultats. Also, don't confuse demander with commander (to order). ✗ commander les résultats → ✓ demander les résultats. Unless you are trying to buy a passing grade, which we definitely do not recommend! Stick to the standard 'de' to link the results to the event.

Similar Expressions

If you want to sound more like a native, try se renseigner sur les résultats. This means 'to inquire about' and sounds a bit more formal. You could also use récupérer les résultats if you are physically going to pick up a paper. If you are just waiting, you would say attendre les résultats. For a quick check online, you might say consulter les résultats. These all live in the same neighborhood but have different vibes. Vérifier les résultats is what you do when you think the teacher made a mistake. It is like choosing between different filters on Instagram—they all show the same thing, but the mood changes. Pick the one that fits your current level of stress!

Common Variations

You can tweak the phrase by changing the possessive adjective. Instead of les résultats, try mes résultats (my results) or tes résultats (your results). You can also add adjectives to be more specific. Demander les résultats définitifs means you want the final, unchangeable scores. In a legal context, you might demander les résultats de l'enquête (the investigation). On social media, you might hear people say demander les stats, which is a shorthand for statistics. It is a flexible phrase that grows with your vocabulary. Like a sourdough starter, you just keep adding bits to it. Just don't let it sit on the counter for too long!

Memory Trick

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Think of a 'De-man' (a man) who is a 'der' (commander). He is the 'De-man-der'. This man stands at the finish line of a race. He is the only one who knows the scores. If you want to know who won, you have to go to the 'De-man-der' and demander les résultats. Visualize him holding a giant gold trophy and a clipboard. Whenever you need an outcome, remember the man with the clipboard. It is a bit silly, but silly sticks in the brain like gum on a shoe. Just remember: De-man asks for the plan (the results)!

Quick FAQ

Can I use this for my Tinder matches? Well, you could, but it sounds like you are analyzing a lab experiment. Better to just ask 'How did it go?'. Is it formal? It is neutral! You can use it anywhere from a hospital to a playground. Should I always use the plural? Yes, 99% of the time, résultats takes an 's'. It is just the way French rolls. What if I want to ask for the 'score' specifically? You can say demander le score, but demander les résultats is more common for the final outcome. Can I use it on a date? Only if you want to make it your last date! Keep the data talk for the office.

Usage Notes

The phrase is neutral and widely applicable. Remember that 'demander' does not require 'pour' (for). Always pluralize 'résultats' unless referring to a very specific, singular piece of data.

🎯

Skip the 'Pour'

Remember: Demander + [Object]. Never add 'pour'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.

💬

Be Polite

Always start with 'Bonjour' before you 'demander les résultats'. In France, jumping straight to the request is considered rude.

⚠️

Plural vs Singular

Use the plural 'résultats' for exams and medical tests. Use the singular 'résultat' for a single sports score.

Examples

10
#1 At a medical laboratory

Je viens demander les résultats de mes analyses.

I have come to ask for the results of my tests.

A standard, polite way to address medical staff.

#2 Texting a classmate after an exam

Tu vas appeler l'école pour demander les résultats ?

Are you going to call the school to ask for the results?

Shows the use of the phrase in a casual, student context.

#3 In a corporate meeting

Le patron va demander les résultats du trimestre à 14h.

The boss is going to ask for the quarterly results at 2 PM.

Used here for business metrics and performance data.

#4 A humorous social media post

Moi qui attends devant l'ordi pour demander les résultats du loto... encore perdu !

Me waiting in front of the computer to ask for the lottery results... lost again!

Uses the phrase in a relatable, funny context.

Common learner error Common Mistake

✗ Je dois demander pour les résultats. → ✓ Je dois demander les résultats.

I must ask for the results.

English speakers often incorrectly insert 'pour' (for).

#6 Answering a phone call from a parent

Oui maman, je suis allé demander les résultats et j'ai eu mon diplôme !

Yes mom, I went to ask for the results and I got my degree!

Emotional and positive family interaction.

#7 Watching a sports match

On peut demander les résultats des autres matchs au barman ?

Can we ask the bartender for the results of the other matches?

Casual usage in a social setting.

Spelling mistake example Common Mistake

✗ Il va demander les résultat. → ✓ Il va demander les résultats.

He is going to ask for the results.

The noun must be pluralized to match 'les'.

#9 Instagram story caption

Trop de stress avant de demander les résultats de mon permis !

Too much stress before asking for my driving test results!

Modern context using social media slang like 'trop de stress'.

#10 Formal inquiry to a government office

Je souhaiterais demander les résultats de l'enquête publique.

I would like to request the results of the public inquiry.

Uses 'souhaiterais' to add a layer of formality.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'demander' in the present tense.

Nous _______ les résultats à la secrétaire.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: demandons

The subject is 'Nous', so the ending for a regular -er verb is -ons.

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

Choose the correct way to ask for results.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je demande les résultats.

'Demander' is a direct transitive verb and does not need 'pour' or 'à' before the object.

Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.

Patient: Bonjour, je voudrais _______. Secrétaire: Bien sûr, quel est votre nom ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: demander les résultats

In a medical context, asking for results is the most logical action.

Match the verb to the level of formality.

1. Réclamer les résultats | 2. S'informer des résultats | 3. Demander les résultats

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Angry/Urgent, 2-Formal/Professional, 3-Neutral

'Réclamer' implies a demand, 's'informer' is professional, and 'demander' is the standard neutral form.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'demander' in the present tense. Fill Blank A1

Nous _______ les résultats à la secrétaire.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: demandons

The subject is 'Nous', so the ending for a regular -er verb is -ons.

Which sentence is grammatically correct? Choose A2

Choose the correct way to ask for results.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Je demande les résultats.

'Demander' is a direct transitive verb and does not need 'pour' or 'à' before the object.

Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase. dialogue_completion A2

Patient: Bonjour, je voudrais _______. Secrétaire: Bien sûr, quel est votre nom ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: demander les résultats

In a medical context, asking for results is the most logical action.

Match the verb to the level of formality. situation_matching B1

1. Réclamer les résultats | 2. S'informer des résultats | 3. Demander les résultats

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Angry/Urgent, 2-Formal/Professional, 3-Neutral

'Réclamer' implies a demand, 's'informer' is professional, and 'demander' is the standard neutral form.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that is an anglicism. Use 'demander les résultats' directly.

It is neutral. You can use it with a friend or a doctor.

'Demander' is a simple request; 'réclamer' is a strong demand, often because something is late.

Yes, it is the standard way to follow up on an interview outcome.

Use 'les' when referring to specific results you are expecting. Use 'des' if you are asking for any results in general.

Use 'Je voudrais demander les résultats, s'il vous plaît.'

Usually, yes, for exams and tests. Singular is used for a single final score.

No, 'interroger' means to question a person, not to ask for an object or data.

Then you would say 'consulter les résultats'.

Yes, it is a universal French collocation.

Related Phrases

🔗

obtenir les résultats

builds on

To actually receive the results.

🔗

proclamer les résultats

specialized form

To announce results publicly.

🔗

attendre les résultats

similar

To wait for the results.

🔗

afficher les résultats

similar

To post the results on a wall or screen.

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