In 15 Seconds
- Official government order mandated.
- Used in formal, administrative contexts.
- Implies top-level authority.
- Not for casual conversation.
Meaning
This phrase means something is happening because a formal, high-level government order, a `décret`, has been issued. It's like saying 'because the top brass made it official.' Think of it as the ultimate administrative stamp of approval, carrying a lot of official weight and finality. It’s not just a suggestion; it’s a command from the highest levels.
Key Examples
3 of 11News report about a new law
La nouvelle loi sur la protection des données est entrée en vigueur sur des décret présidentiels.
The new data protection law came into effect based on presidential decrees.
Academic discussion on French administration
De nombreuses réformes sociales ont été initiées sur des décret au cours du siècle dernier.
Many social reforms were initiated by decree over the last century.
Explaining a historical event
L'abolition des privilèges féodaux s'est faite sur des décret royaux.
The abolition of feudal privileges was done by royal decree.
Cultural Background
The 'décret' is a central pillar of the Fifth Republic's administrative power.
Use in writing
This is much better for formal writing than for speaking.
In 15 Seconds
- Official government order mandated.
- Used in formal, administrative contexts.
- Implies top-level authority.
- Not for casual conversation.
What It Means
This phrase, sur des décret, signifies that an action or decision is directly mandated by an official government decree. It’s not a casual suggestion; it’s a formal order. Imagine the French government signing a decree to change a law. That change happens sur des décret. It carries the full weight of official authority. It’s the ultimate 'because the law says so' in a very official way. You’ll often see this in legal or administrative contexts.
How To Use It
Use sur des décret when you need to emphasize that something is happening due to a specific, high-level government order. It’s about the source of the authority. The decision isn't up for debate; it's been officially decreed. Think of it as a formal justification. It’s perfect for explaining why a new rule is being implemented or why a certain procedure must be followed. It’s like pointing to the ultimate boss’s signature.
Real-Life Examples
Picture this: a new environmental regulation is announced. The news report might say it’s being implemented sur des décret. Or perhaps a historical policy change happened because a president signed a decree. You’d use it to explain the official backing. It’s the administrative equivalent of a mic drop. It leaves little room for argument. It’s official business, plain and simple.
When To Use It
Use sur des décret in formal settings. Think news reports, legal documents, government announcements, or serious academic discussions. It’s for situations where you need to convey absolute official authority. If a new tax policy is introduced by presidential order, you'd say it's enacted sur des décret. It’s also great for historical context when discussing past government actions. It's the language of official pronouncements. It’s not for your casual chats about weekend plans.
When NOT To Use It
Never use sur des décret in informal conversations. Don't say your mom made you clean your room sur des décret. That would be hilarious, but incorrect. Avoid it in casual emails, texts, or social media posts unless you're being ironic. It’s too formal for everyday chat. Think of it like using legal jargon to order a coffee – it just doesn't fit. It’s like wearing a tuxedo to a beach party; technically clothing, but totally out of place.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse sur des décret with simply saying something is 'about a decree'. The preposition sur here means 'based on' or 'by virtue of'. It’s not just 'on the topic of'. Another mistake is using it for less formal decisions.
Il a fait ça sur un conseil de son ami.
✓Il a fait ça sur l'avis de son ami.
La nouvelle règle est sur un décret du maire.
✓La nouvelle règle est établie par décret du maire.
See? The nuance is important. It’s about official mandate, not just a casual mention.
Similar Expressions
Other phrases can convey official decisions, but sur des décret is specific. Par arrêté ministériel is similar but refers to a ministerial order, which is slightly lower in the hierarchy than a décret. Selon la loi means 'according to the law', which is broader. Sur décision du gouvernement is very close, meaning 'by government decision'. Sur des décret specifically points to the formal act of decreeing. It’s like comparing a royal decree to a simple law passed by parliament.
Common Variations
While sur des décret is the standard, you might sometimes see par décret. This means 'by decree' and is often used interchangeably in certain contexts, like promulgué par décret. The phrase pris sur décret also exists, meaning 'taken/issued based on a decree'. The core idea remains the same: official, high-level government mandate. Think of these as slightly different ways to say the same official thing. It’s like different flavors of the same official ice cream.
Memory Trick
Imagine a giant, official-looking D in a Circle, like a royal seal. This D stands for Décret. You see this seal stamped SUR everything official. So, sur des décret means it's stamped SUR the official Décret seal. When you see that seal, you know it's a serious, top-down order. It's official business, no joking around!
Quick FAQ
Q. Is sur des décret formal?
A. Yes, very. It’s used in official contexts.
Q. What’s a décret?
A. It’s a formal order issued by the head of state or government.
Q. Can I use it for everyday things?
A. Absolutely not. It implies high-level government authority.
Usage Notes
This phrase is strictly for formal contexts, particularly legal and administrative ones. It denotes an action mandated by a high-level government order (`décret`). Using it informally or for minor decisions is a significant register error. Be mindful that while 'sur des décret' is correct, 'par décret' is often a more common and direct phrasing.
Use in writing
This is much better for formal writing than for speaking.
Examples
11La nouvelle loi sur la protection des données est entrée en vigueur sur des décret présidentiels.
The new data protection law came into effect based on presidential decrees.
Emphasizes that the law's implementation is directly tied to official presidential orders.
De nombreuses réformes sociales ont été initiées sur des décret au cours du siècle dernier.
Many social reforms were initiated by decree over the last century.
Highlights the formal, top-down nature of these reforms.
L'abolition des privilèges féodaux s'est faite sur des décret royaux.
The abolition of feudal privileges was done by royal decree.
Connects the historical event directly to the ultimate authority of royal decrees.
Le gouvernement a décidé de nouvelles mesures sanitaires sur des décret ministériel.
The government has decided on new health measures by ministerial decree.
Specifies the source of authority for the new measures.
Nouvelle règle au parc : plus de chiens sans laisse ! C'est sur des décret municipal. 🌳 enforcement strict!
New rule at the park: no more dogs off-leash! It's by municipal decree. 🌳 Strict enforcement!
Used humorously to emphasize the official, unchangeable nature of the new rule.
OMG, ils ont changé les horaires de la piscine sur des décret ! On ne peut plus y aller le dimanche soir.
OMG, they changed the pool hours by decree! We can't go anymore on Sunday evenings.
Expresses surprise and slight frustration at an official, unappealable change.
✗ J'ai acheté ce livre sur des décret de mon prof.
✗ I bought this book on my teacher's decree.
Incorrectly applies the phrase to a teacher's suggestion, which isn't a government decree.
✗ La décision a été prise en sur des décret.
✗ The decision was made in on a decree.
The preposition `en` is incorrect here; `sur` or `par` are typically used.
La politique étrangère a été redéfinie sur des décret présidentiels après la crise.
Foreign policy was redefined by presidential decrees after the crisis.
Clearly links the policy shift to the highest executive authority.
L'application de cette norme est strictement encadrée sur des décret.
The application of this standard is strictly regulated by decree.
Highlights the strict, official nature of the regulation.
Ils ont interdit le stationnement sur la Grand' Rue sur des décret municipal. Quelqu'un sait pourquoi ? 🤔
They banned parking on Grand' Rue by municipal decree. Does anyone know why? 🤔
Used to explain an official, potentially inconvenient rule.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
La décision a été prise _____ décrets.
The collocation is 'sur des décrets'.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesLa décision a été prise _____ décrets.
The collocation is 'sur des décrets'.
🎉 Score: /1
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsOnly if your boss is a government official or you are discussing legal compliance.
Related Phrases
par décret
synonymby decree
