Meaning
To refuse to work as a protest.
Cultural Background
Striking is considered a 'national sport'. It is a constitutional right and often the first step in negotiations rather than the last. While also French-speaking, the culture of striking is slightly different, often influenced by North American labor laws, though student strikes (grèves étudiantes) are very famous there. Strikes are common in Belgium as well, often involving 'fronts communs' where different unions work together. Strikes are much rarer in Switzerland due to a tradition of 'paix du travail' (labor peace) where conflicts are resolved through mediation.
Use it for transport
If your train is late in France, check the screens for the word 'Grève'—it's the most common reason!
Don't say 'Prendre'
Avoid saying 'prendre la grève'. It's a common English mistake. Stick to 'faire'.
Meaning
To refuse to work as a protest.
Use it for transport
If your train is late in France, check the screens for the word 'Grève'—it's the most common reason!
Don't say 'Prendre'
Avoid saying 'prendre la grève'. It's a common English mistake. Stick to 'faire'.
Humor is key
Use 'faire la grève de...' for chores to sound more like a native and add some humor to your French.
Check the news
Follow the hashtag #greve on Twitter/X to see real-time usage and current events in France.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'faire'.
Les professeurs ______ la grève demain.
'Les professeurs' is third-person plural (ils), so the correct form is 'font'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the natural way to say 'I am on strike'.
In French, we use the verb 'faire' with the definite article 'la'.
Match the type of strike with its meaning.
Match the following:
These are specific variations of the main idiom.
In which situation would you say 'Je fais la grève de la cuisine'?
Select the best context:
This is a humorous, informal use of the phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Grève vs. Manifestation
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLes professeurs ______ la grève demain.
'Les professeurs' is third-person plural (ils), so the correct form is 'font'.
Choose the natural way to say 'I am on strike'.
In French, we use the verb 'faire' with the definite article 'la'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are specific variations of the main idiom.
Select the best context:
This is a humorous, informal use of the phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, students can 'faire la grève' to protest against school reforms or tuition hikes.
Usually 'faire la grève' for the general act, but 'une grève' when referring to a specific instance (e.g., 'Il y a une grève demain').
It's a strike that happens without the legal notice period, often called a 'wildcat strike' in English.
Yes, it is a constitutional right for almost all workers, except for some essential services like the police.
It means a hunger strike.
Use 'Je ferai la grève' or 'Je vais faire la grève'.
It is a neutral term. It's not rude, but the topic itself can be controversial.
There isn't a single word, but 'travailler' (to work) or 'reprendre le travail' (to resume work) are the opposites.
Only metaphorically or humorously, e.g., 'Mon chat fait la grève des croquettes' (My cat is refusing his kibble).
It's when workers follow every single rule so strictly that it actually slows down or stops the work.
Related Phrases
se mettre en grève
similarTo go on strike
un préavis de grève
builds onA strike notice
un gréviste
relatedA striker
briser la grève
contrastTo break the strike
manifester
similarTo protest/march
