Meaning
To consider something appropriate or applicable.
Cultural Background
In French companies, 'juger pertinent' is often used by managers to politely decline an employee's suggestion without being blunt. It frames the refusal as a logical business decision. In Quebec, the phrase is equally common in formal government communications, often appearing in 'avis publics' (public notices) to explain regulatory changes. The 'Grand Oral' or thesis defense heavily relies on this phrase. Students use it to show they have 'l'esprit critique' (critical thinking). In international relations, French diplomats use this phrase to maintain 'la neutralité bienveillante'. It allows them to comment on a proposal's utility without necessarily agreeing with its content.
The 'De' Rule
Always use 'de' before an infinitive: 'juger pertinent DE faire'. Never skip the 'de'!
Agreement Trap
If you are writing, check the gender of the object. 'Une remarque pertinente' (with an 'e') but 'Un argument pertinent' (no 'e').
Meaning
To consider something appropriate or applicable.
The 'De' Rule
Always use 'de' before an infinitive: 'juger pertinent DE faire'. Never skip the 'de'!
Agreement Trap
If you are writing, check the gender of the object. 'Une remarque pertinente' (with an 'e') but 'Un argument pertinent' (no 'e').
Sounding Like a Leader
Using this phrase in a French workplace immediately signals that you are capable of high-level, objective analysis.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'pertinent' (pay attention to agreement).
Le conseil d'administration a jugé ces mesures _________ pour l'entreprise.
The adjective must agree with 'ces mesures', which is feminine plural.
Which sentence is grammatically correct and formal?
Select the best option:
'Juger' does not take 'comme', and when followed by 'de + infinitive', 'pertinent' is masculine singular.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: A journalist is asked why they didn't mention a specific rumor.
This is the most professional way to justify an editorial choice.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate formal phrase.
Client: 'Pourquoi avez-vous ajouté cette clause ?' Avocat: 'Nous ________________ d'assurer votre protection.'
Followed by 'd'assurer' (infinitive), we use the masculine singular form.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLe conseil d'administration a jugé ces mesures _________ pour l'entreprise.
The adjective must agree with 'ces mesures', which is feminine plural.
Select the best option:
'Juger' does not take 'comme', and when followed by 'de + infinitive', 'pertinent' is masculine singular.
Situation: A journalist is asked why they didn't mention a specific rumor.
This is the most professional way to justify an editorial choice.
Client: 'Pourquoi avez-vous ajouté cette clause ?' Avocat: 'Nous ________________ d'assurer votre protection.'
Followed by 'd'assurer' (infinitive), we use the masculine singular form.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsOnly if you are being ironic or talking to a colleague about a work matter. It's usually too formal for casual texting.
No. 'Intéressant' means it catches your attention. 'Pertinent' means it is useful and logically fits the current goal.
Only if the noun it describes is feminine (e.g., une idée pertinente).
You can say 'juger non pertinent' or 'juger hors de propos'.
It sounds very strange. You would usually say 'Je pense être à la hauteur' or 'Je pense que mon profil est pertinent'.
Yes, but mostly in formal speeches, news, or professional meetings.
Because the verb 'juger' functions as a 'verbe d'état' here, taking the attribute directly without a preposition.
Yes, it's a key term for determining if evidence can be presented in court.
Rarely. You wouldn't say a spice is 'pertinente' unless you are a very formal food critic discussing the logic of a recipe.
It is equally common in formal registers in both regions.
Related Phrases
Estimer opportun
synonymTo deem the timing or situation right.
Trouver judicieux
similarTo find something wise or clever.
Hors de propos
contrastIrrelevant or off-topic.
À bon escient
builds onWith good judgment / wisely.
