Meaning
Used to indicate position at the front part of something.
Cultural Background
Sitting 'devant' a café is a core social activity. Chairs are often placed side-by-side facing the street to watch people pass by. In Quebec, 'devant' is used similarly, but you might hear 'en avant de' in informal speech, which is influenced by English 'in front of'. The 'devant' (façade) of a building is historically more decorated than the sides or back, reflecting social status. The phrase 'passer au tableau devant tout {le|m} monde' (going to the board in front of everyone) is a common source of stress for French students.
The 'No-De' Rule
Remember: Devant + {le|m}/{la|f}. Never add 'de'!
Time vs Space
If you are talking about 5:00 PM, use 'avant'. If you are talking about a building, use 'devant'.
Meaning
Used to indicate position at the front part of something.
The 'No-De' Rule
Remember: Devant + {le|m}/{la|f}. Never add 'de'!
Time vs Space
If you are talking about 5:00 PM, use 'avant'. If you are talking about a building, use 'devant'.
Stress Pronouns
When using 'devant' with people, use 'moi, toi, lui, elle, nous, vous, eux, elles'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with 'devant' or 'avant'.
Je t'attends ________ {le|m} cinéma.
Since it's a physical location (the cinema), we use 'devant'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct option:
'Devant' does not take 'de' and is used for physical space.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Où est ma voiture ? B: Elle est ________ {le|m} garage.
In front of the garage is a common place to park.
Match the sentence to the context.
Sentence: 'Il parle devant 200 personnes.'
'Devant' here means 'in front of an audience'.
Use the correct stress pronoun.
Il y a une personne ________ (me).
After a preposition like 'devant', you must use a stress pronoun (moi, toi, lui, etc.).
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Devant vs Avant
Practice Bank
5 exercisesJe t'attends ________ {le|m} cinéma.
Since it's a physical location (the cinema), we use 'devant'.
Select the correct option:
'Devant' does not take 'de' and is used for physical space.
A: Où est ma voiture ? B: Elle est ________ {le|m} garage.
In front of the garage is a common place to park.
Sentence: 'Il parle devant 200 personnes.'
'Devant' here means 'in front of an audience'.
Il y a une personne ________ (me).
After a preposition like 'devant', you must use a stress pronoun (moi, toi, lui, etc.).
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'devant' is strictly for physical space. Use 'avant' for time.
It is always 'devant le'. You do not use the partitive 'du' or the preposition 'de' with 'devant'.
'Devant' means in front of. 'En face de' means opposite or facing. If you are at the door, you are 'devant'. If you are across the street, you are 'en face de'.
You say 'devant moi'.
It is neutral. It can be used in both casual and formal contexts.
Yes, 'le devant' means 'the front part' of something.
It means 'straight ahead'.
No, the 't' is silent.
Yes, but it is usually formal or legal, meaning 'in the presence of'.
No, it is invariable. 'Devant {le|m} chien' and 'Devant {les|pl} chiens' both use 'devant'.
Related Phrases
en face de
similaropposite / facing
derrière
contrastbehind
avant
similarbefore (time/order)
droit devant
specialized formstraight ahead
en avant
builds onforward
