Meaning
To keep things organized or peaceful.
Cultural Background
The 'CRS' (Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité) are the specialized police force often associated with 'le maintien de l'ordre' during strikes and protests. In Quebec, 'garder l'ordre' is used more frequently in informal speech than in France, though 'maintenir' remains the official term. In many West African countries, 'maintenir l'ordre' is a common phrase in local news regarding market organization and public gatherings. Classroom management is a huge part of French teacher training, where 'maintenir l'ordre' is seen as a prerequisite for 'la transmission du savoir'.
Use it for files!
In a professional email, saying you will 'maintenir l'ordre dans les archives' sounds very proactive and organized.
Conjugation Alert
Remember the double 'n' in 'ils maintiennent'. It's a very common spelling error even for native speakers.
Meaning
To keep things organized or peaceful.
Use it for files!
In a professional email, saying you will 'maintenir l'ordre dans les archives' sounds very proactive and organized.
Conjugation Alert
Remember the double 'n' in 'ils maintiennent'. It's a very common spelling error even for native speakers.
Exam Strategy
If you're taking the DELF B2, use 'le maintien de l'ordre' when discussing urban issues or protests to show high-level vocabulary.
The 'Manifestation' Context
When you hear this on French news, it almost always refers to the police managing a street protest.
Test Yourself
Conjugate the verb 'maintenir' in the present tense.
Les forces de sécurité __________ l'ordre pendant le festival.
The subject 'Les forces de sécurité' is third person plural, so we use 'maintiennent'.
Choose the most appropriate context for 'maintenir l'ordre'.
Dans quelle situation utiliseriez-vous cette expression ?
'Maintenir l'ordre' refers to discipline and organization, which fits the classroom context.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form.
A: Pourquoi y a-t-il autant de policiers ? B: Ils sont là pour __________ l'ordre public.
After 'pour', we use the infinitive form of the verb.
Match the phrase variation to the situation.
1. Rétablir l'ordre | 2. Mettre de l'ordre | 3. Maintenir l'ordre
'Rétablir' is for after chaos, 'Mettre' is for tidying, and 'Maintenir' is for ongoing peace.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Maintenir vs. Rétablir vs. Mettre
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLes forces de sécurité __________ l'ordre pendant le festival.
The subject 'Les forces de sécurité' is third person plural, so we use 'maintiennent'.
Dans quelle situation utiliseriez-vous cette expression ?
'Maintenir l'ordre' refers to discipline and organization, which fits the classroom context.
A: Pourquoi y a-t-il autant de policiers ? B: Ils sont là pour __________ l'ordre public.
After 'pour', we use the infinitive form of the verb.
1. Rétablir l'ordre | 2. Mettre de l'ordre | 3. Maintenir l'ordre
'Rétablir' is for after chaos, 'Mettre' is for tidying, and 'Maintenir' is for ongoing peace.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsTechnically yes, but it sounds very formal. 'Ranger ma chambre' is much more natural for daily chores.
'Ordre' is the state of being organized or peaceful. 'Commande' is what you do at a restaurant or on Amazon.
They are close, but 'maintenir' implies more effort and authority. 'Garder' is more passive.
You use the related phrase 'les forces de l'ordre'.
It is always 'maintenir l'ordre' (definite article) because you are maintaining the general concept of order.
Yes! It is very common to talk about 'maintenir l'ordre dans ses fichiers'.
'Semer le désordre' (to sow disorder) or 'troubler l'ordre public'.
Yes, to describe keeping a department or a project organized and on track.
Because it involves a specific collocation and is often used in complex social and political discussions.
No, it can involve teachers, parents, managers, or even just yourself organizing your life.
Je maintiendrai, tu maintiendras, etc. (just like 'tiendrai').
Yes, a referee 'maintient l'ordre' on the field.
Related Phrases
Les forces de l'ordre
specialized formThe police/security forces.
Mettre de l'ordre
similarTo tidy up or organize.
Rétablir l'ordre
builds onTo restore order.
Faire régner l'ordre
similarTo enforce order.
L'ordre du jour
relatedThe agenda.
Troubler l'ordre public
contrastTo disturb public peace.
