un invraisemblable critère
a invraisemblable critère
Literally: an unbelievable criterion
In 15 Seconds
- A standard or rule that is completely absurd or illogical.
- Used to complain about weird requirements in life or work.
- Sounds slightly sophisticated while expressing total disbelief and frustration.
Meaning
This phrase describes a requirement or standard that is so strange, ridiculous, or extreme that it's hard to believe. You use it when someone sets a rule that makes absolutely no sense to you.
Key Examples
3 of 6Complaining about a job posting
Ils demandent dix ans d'expérience pour un stage, c'est un invraisemblable critère !
They ask for ten years of experience for an internship, it's an unbelievable criterion!
Discussing a difficult apartment search
Le propriétaire a ajouté un invraisemblable critère sur la couleur des rideaux.
The landlord added an unbelievable criterion regarding the color of the curtains.
In a professional meeting
Nous devons éviter d'inclure un invraisemblable critère qui bloquerait les candidats.
We must avoid including an unbelievable criterion that would block candidates.
Cultural Background
The French 'Administration' is famous for its 'invraisemblables critères'. This is often discussed in the news when new laws are passed that seem impossible to apply. In Quebec, while 'invraisemblable' is used, you might also hear 'tiré par les cheveux' (pulled by the hair) to describe a logic that is too complicated or unlikely. Belgian French often uses 'surréaliste' (surreal) in similar contexts, reflecting the country's history with surrealist art. In Swiss French, precision is valued. An 'invraisemblable critère' might be seen as a sign of 'désordre' (disorder) which is culturally frowned upon.
Use for emphasis
Put 'invraisemblable' before the noun to sound more like a native speaker expressing frustration.
Watch the nasal sounds
There are two different nasal sounds in 'invraisemblable'. Practice switching from /ɛ̃/ to /ɑ̃/.
In 15 Seconds
- A standard or rule that is completely absurd or illogical.
- Used to complain about weird requirements in life or work.
- Sounds slightly sophisticated while expressing total disbelief and frustration.
What It Means
Imagine you are applying for a job. The boss says you must own a purple unicycle. That is un invraisemblable critère. It refers to a standard that feels totally disconnected from reality. It is not just a 'weird' rule. It is a rule that makes you tilt your head in confusion. The word invraisemblable means 'unlikely' or 'implausible'. When paired with critère, it suggests a level of absurdity. It is the kind of thing that makes you laugh or sigh.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase to complain about bureaucracy. Use it when discussing dating standards or strict house rules. It usually functions as the object of a sentence. You might say, 'They added un invraisemblable critère to the contract.' It sounds slightly sophisticated because of the long words. However, it remains very clear in its criticism. You are highlighting that a specific requirement is nonsense. It is perfect for venting about life's little illogical hurdles.
When To Use It
Use it when you are frustrated by red tape. It works great at a dinner party while telling a story. If a landlord asks for five years of tax returns for a studio, tell your friends. Use it in a meeting if a proposal includes a bizarre requirement. It is excellent for texting a friend about a bad date's expectations. It adds a touch of intellectual flair to your annoyance. It shows you find the situation logically offensive.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this if the rule is actually fair. Do not use it for simple mistakes. If someone asks for your ID at a bar, that is a normal criterion. Calling it invraisemblable would make you sound dramatic or entitled. Also, keep it out of very high-level legal documents unless you are the one complaining. It carries a subjective tone of disbelief. It is too opinionated for a neutral scientific report.
Cultural Background
French culture loves to debate logic and administration. The French bureaucracy is famous for its complex layers. Because of this, people often encounter strange requirements in daily life. This phrase captures that specific French 'ras-le-bol' (fed-up feeling) toward illogical systems. It reflects a society that values reason and intellectual consistency. When something is invraisemblable, it has failed the test of French logic. It is a very 'Parisian' way to express disbelief at a system.
Common Variations
You can swap invraisemblable for other adjectives. Try un critère absurde for something truly crazy. Use un critère improbable for something just unlikely. If you want to be more intense, use un critère hallucinant. For a more formal vibe, try une exigence invraisemblable. Each variation changes the 'flavor' of your disbelief. But the original phrase remains a classic for describing nonsense standards.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral but leans toward a more articulate register. It is perfect for situations where you want to sound smart while expressing that you are being treated unfairly by a system.
Use for emphasis
Put 'invraisemblable' before the noun to sound more like a native speaker expressing frustration.
Watch the nasal sounds
There are two different nasal sounds in 'invraisemblable'. Practice switching from /ɛ̃/ to /ɑ̃/.
Bureaucracy talk
This is the #1 phrase for bonding with French people over administrative headaches.
Examples
6Ils demandent dix ans d'expérience pour un stage, c'est un invraisemblable critère !
They ask for ten years of experience for an internship, it's an unbelievable criterion!
Highlights the absurdity of entry-level job requirements.
Le propriétaire a ajouté un invraisemblable critère sur la couleur des rideaux.
The landlord added an unbelievable criterion regarding the color of the curtains.
Used to show how picky or strange a person is being.
Nous devons éviter d'inclure un invraisemblable critère qui bloquerait les candidats.
We must avoid including an unbelievable criterion that would block candidates.
Professional way to warn against setting unrealistic standards.
Il veut que sa copine sache parler le latin... un invraisemblable critère, non ?
He wants his girlfriend to speak Latin... an unbelievable criterion, right?
Mocking someone's unrealistic expectations in a relationship.
Pour ouvrir un compte, ils ont inventé un invraisemblable critère de résidence.
To open an account, they invented an unbelievable residency criterion.
Expressing genuine frustration with bureaucratic nonsense.
Pour gagner, il fallait peser exactement 72 kilos, un invraisemblable critère !
To win, you had to weigh exactly 72 kilos, an unbelievable criterion!
Focuses on the randomness of a specific rule.
Test Yourself
Choose the most sophisticated way to describe a rule that makes no sense.
L'entreprise a fixé ________ pour le recrutement.
'Un invraisemblable critère' is the most precise and sophisticated choice for a B2 level.
Fill in the missing word (pay attention to plural rules).
Il s'appuie sur d'________ critères pour juger ses employés.
The adjective must be plural to match 'critères'.
Match the reaction to the situation.
Situation: A bank asks for a 200% deposit for a loan.
A 200% deposit is illogical and 'invraisemblable'.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form.
A: Ils veulent que je sache parler 5 langues pour ce job de serveur. B: Quel ________ !
The noun phrase functions as an exclamation here.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesL'entreprise a fixé ________ pour le recrutement.
'Un invraisemblable critère' is the most precise and sophisticated choice for a B2 level.
Il s'appuie sur d'________ critères pour juger ses employés.
The adjective must be plural to match 'critères'.
Situation: A bank asks for a 200% deposit for a loan.
A 200% deposit is illogical and 'invraisemblable'.
A: Ils veulent que je sache parler 5 langues pour ce job de serveur. B: Quel ________ !
The noun phrase functions as an exclamation here.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in 95% of cases, it implies that something is wrong or illogical. It's rarely used as a compliment.
You can say 'une personne invraisemblable,' but it means they are eccentric or hard to believe, not that they are a 'criterion.'
'Absurde' is more philosophical and extreme. 'Invraisemblable' specifically attacks the 'believability' of the rule.
It's a bit long for a quick text. Most people would text 'C'est n'importe quoi' instead.
It's very quick. Think of it as a small puff of air on the 'bl' sounds.
Only if you are very confident and want to challenge a rule politely. It's a strong word.
Not exactly. It means 'doesn't look like it could be true.'
Yes, especially in 19th-century realism where authors critiqued social norms.
No, that's an adverb. You need the adjective 'invraisemblable'.
Un critère logique or un critère raisonnable.
Related Phrases
tiré par les cheveux
similarfar-fetched
un critère éliminatoire
specialized forma deal-breaker criterion
hors de propos
contrastirrelevant
à dormir debout
similarnonsense (usually for stories)
