In 15 Seconds
- To successfully deal with a difficult challenge or barrier.
- Commonly used in professional, academic, or personal growth contexts.
- Implies rising above a problem rather than just avoiding it.
Meaning
This phrase is all about rising above a challenge or getting past a hurdle that stands in your way. It is used when you successfully deal with a problem, whether it is a physical barrier or a difficult life situation.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a job interview
J'ai dû surmonter un obstacle majeur lors de ce projet.
I had to overcome a major obstacle during this project.
Encouraging a friend
Je sais que tu peux surmonter cet obstacle.
I know you can overcome this obstacle.
Discussing a sports injury
Il a surmonté l'obstacle de sa blessure pour gagner.
He overcame the obstacle of his injury to win.
Cultural Background
The French education system is often described as an 'obstacle course' (parcours du combattant). Students are taught that 'surmonter' academic challenges is a sign of intellectual merit. In Quebec, 'surmonter' is frequently used in the context of the harsh winter. Overcoming the physical obstacles of snow and cold is a point of regional pride. In many Francophone African cultures, the concept of 'surmonter' is tied to community resilience. One surmounts obstacles not just for oneself, but for the family or village. Given the mountainous terrain, the literal sense of 'surmonter' (climbing over) remains very present in the Swiss imagination and vocabulary.
Use it in your CV
French recruiters love the verb 'surmonter'. Use it to describe how you handled a difficult project.
No preposition needed
Never say 'surmonter à'. It's a direct object verb.
In 15 Seconds
- To successfully deal with a difficult challenge or barrier.
- Commonly used in professional, academic, or personal growth contexts.
- Implies rising above a problem rather than just avoiding it.
What It Means
Imagine you are hiking and a giant fallen tree blocks your path. You do not turn back. You climb over it. That is the essence of surmonter un obstacle. It is the act of conquering a difficulty that prevents you from moving forward. In French, it sounds a bit more elegant than just 'fixing a problem.' It implies a sense of triumph and resilience. You are not just bypassing the issue; you are rising above it.
How To Use It
You use this phrase just like you would in English. The verb surmonter is regular, so it is easy to conjugate. You can use it for big life events, like surmonter une épreuve (overcoming an ordeal). You can also use it for smaller, more specific hurdles in a project or a sport. It is a very versatile 'action' phrase. It makes you sound determined and capable when you speak.
When To Use It
This is a fantastic phrase for professional settings. Use it in a job interview to describe how you handled a crisis. It is also perfect for motivational speeches or heart-to-heart talks with friends. If you are discussing a difficult exam or a complex project, this phrase fits perfectly. It adds a touch of gravity to the situation. It shows you take the challenge seriously but are confident in your success.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this for trivial, everyday annoyances. If you can't find your keys, you don't 'surmonter' that obstacle; you just find them. Using it for minor inconveniences can sound overly dramatic or even sarcastic. Also, do not use it for people. You do not 'surmount' a person; you might 'convaincre' (convince) them or 'passer outre' (ignore) their advice. Keep it for situations and abstract barriers.
Cultural Background
French culture places a high value on resilience and intellectual perseverance. The word surmonter comes from the Latin 'super' (above) and 'montare' (to mount). Historically, it often referred to physical barriers in warfare or exploration. Today, it reflects the French 'esprit de résistance.' It is about the glory of the struggle as much as the victory itself. It is a very positive, empowering expression in modern French society.
Common Variations
You might hear franchir un obstacle, which is more about physically crossing a line. Vaincre une difficulté is another common one, focusing more on the 'victory' aspect. If you are feeling more poetic, you might say triompher des embûches. For a more casual vibe, people might just say passer au-dessus. However, surmonter un obstacle remains the gold standard for describing personal or professional growth.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for almost any context. Just be careful not to use it for very minor inconveniences unless you are being intentionally funny.
Use it in your CV
French recruiters love the verb 'surmonter'. Use it to describe how you handled a difficult project.
No preposition needed
Never say 'surmonter à'. It's a direct object verb.
The 'Système D'
When talking about surmounting obstacles in France, mentioning 'le système D' shows great cultural awareness.
Examples
6J'ai dû surmonter un obstacle majeur lors de ce projet.
I had to overcome a major obstacle during this project.
Shows professional competence and problem-solving skills.
Je sais que tu peux surmonter cet obstacle.
I know you can overcome this obstacle.
A supportive way to motivate someone facing a hard time.
Il a surmonté l'obstacle de sa blessure pour gagner.
He overcame the obstacle of his injury to win.
Highlights physical and mental strength.
Enfin ! J'ai surmonté l'obstacle de la paperasse administrative.
Finally! I overcame the obstacle of the administrative paperwork.
Slightly hyperbolic and relatable for anyone dealing with French bureaucracy.
Le premier obstacle à surmonter, c'est de sortir du lit.
The first obstacle to overcome is getting out of bed.
Uses a serious phrase for a funny, everyday struggle.
Ensemble, nous surmonterons tous les obstacles.
Together, we will overcome all obstacles.
Classic inspirational rhetoric.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'surmonter'.
Ils ont réussi à ___ tous les problèmes techniques.
After the preposition 'à', we must use the infinitive form of the verb.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a professional context?
Choose the best option:
'Surmonter' is the correct verb and it does not take a preposition.
Match the obstacle with the most likely thing to be surmonté.
Match the pairs:
Surmonter is versatile and works with emotions, physical objects, and economic situations.
Fill in the missing word in this dialogue.
A: C'est trop dur ! B: Ne t'inquiète pas, tu vas ___ cet obstacle.
'Surmonter' is the most encouraging and appropriate verb here.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIls ont réussi à ___ tous les problèmes techniques.
After the preposition 'à', we must use the infinitive form of the verb.
Choose the best option:
'Surmonter' is the correct verb and it does not take a preposition.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Surmonter is versatile and works with emotions, physical objects, and economic situations.
A: C'est trop dur ! B: Ne t'inquiète pas, tu vas ___ cet obstacle.
'Surmonter' is the most encouraging and appropriate verb here.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'surmonter' implies effort and success against odds, whereas 'passer' is neutral and simple.
Generally no. You surmount problems or barriers. If you say 'surmonter une personne', it sounds like you are physically climbing over them.
'Vaincre' (to defeat) is more aggressive and often used for enemies or diseases. 'Surmonter' is more about the barrier itself.
Yes, very often in horse racing (jumping hurdles) and track and field.
Yes, 'surmonter sa tristesse' or 'surmonter sa peur' is very common and natural.
Yes, it is a standard transitive verb. 'J'ai surmonté'.
'Échouer devant' (to fail in front of) or 'succomber à' (to succumb to).
Yes, always. 'Un obstacle', 'le bel obstacle'.
Yes, 'surmonter des difficultés financières' is a very common professional phrase.
You could say 's'en sortir' or 'passer au-dessus'.
Related Phrases
franchir une étape
similarTo cross a stage or milestone.
relever un défi
similarTo take up a challenge.
venir à bout de
synonymTo get to the end of something difficult.
buter sur un obstacle
contrastTo stumble or get stuck on an obstacle.
