au-dessus de in 30 Seconds
- Indicates a position higher than something else.
- Often implies no direct contact.
- Can be literal (spatial) or figurative (superiority).
- Requires 'de' followed by the object below.
- Literal Meaning
- The phrase 'au-dessus de' literally translates to 'above of' or 'over'. It indicates a position higher than something else, without necessarily touching it.
- Spatial Relationships
- It is used to describe the relative position of objects, places, or concepts. For instance, a bird flying in the sky is 'au-dessus de' the trees. A shelf is 'au-dessus de' a table. The second floor of a building is 'au-dessus de' the first floor.
- Figurative Usage
- Beyond its literal spatial meaning, 'au-dessus de' can also be used figuratively to indicate superiority, being in charge, or being beyond something. For example, a manager might be 'au-dessus de' their team in terms of authority. It can also mean something is beyond or not affected by something else, like being 'au-dessus de' criticism.
- Comparison with 'sur'
- It's important to distinguish 'au-dessus de' from 'sur'. While 'sur' generally means 'on' or 'upon' (implying contact or direct support), 'au-dessus de' specifically denotes a position higher than without contact. A book 'sur' a table is resting on it, whereas a lamp 'au-dessus de' the table is hanging or placed higher up.
- Common Scenarios
- You'll frequently encounter 'au-dessus de' when describing geographical features (mountains above a valley), architectural elements (a balcony above a street), or even abstract concepts like rankings or responsibilities. In aviation, planes fly 'au-dessus de' the clouds. In sports, a ball kicked 'au-dessus de' the goal posts is a common occurrence.
Le tableau est accroché au-dessus de la cheminée.
L'avion vole au-dessus de la ville.
Elle se sent au-dessus de la mêlée.
- Understanding Verticality
- 'Au-dessus de' is fundamentally about vertical placement. Think of it as indicating that one thing is higher in the air or on a higher plane than another. This is its most common and direct meaning. When you see this phrase, visualize an upward relationship.
- Degrees of Separation
- The 'de' in 'au-dessus de' serves to connect it to the object that is lower. This connection is crucial. It's not just 'above' in a general sense, but 'above *something*'. This 'something' is the reference point. For example, 'Le plafond est au-dessus de nous' means 'The ceiling is above us'. The 'nous' is the reference point.
- Figurative Authority
- In contexts of hierarchy or authority, 'au-dessus de' signifies being in a superior position. This could be in a professional setting, a family structure, or even a metaphorical hierarchy. Someone who is 'au-dessus de' a certain rule might be exempt from it or have the power to enforce it. This figurative use is very common in discussions about power dynamics.
- Beyond Influence
- Another important figurative use is to express being unaffected or unbothered by something. If someone is described as 'au-dessus de' the petty arguments, it means they are too important or too dignified to engage with them. They are on a higher plane, unaffected by the lower-level concerns.
- Navigational Contexts
- In navigation or when discussing maps, 'au-dessus de' can indicate a position relative to landmarks or points of interest. For example, 'Le phare est au-dessus de la baie' might mean the lighthouse is situated on a hill overlooking the bay. It helps orient the listener or reader.
- Architectural Descriptions
- When describing buildings or structures, 'au-dessus de' is essential. A balcony is 'au-dessus de' the ground floor. A second story is 'au-dessus de' the first. It helps to paint a clear picture of the building's layout and vertical progression.
- Basic Spatial Reference
- The most straightforward use of 'au-dessus de' is to indicate a simple spatial relationship. Imagine a cloud in the sky. It is 'au-dessus de' the ground. A shelf is 'au-dessus de' a desk. A lamp is often positioned 'au-dessus de' a table to provide light. This usage is very common in everyday descriptions of objects and their positions relative to each other. For example, 'Le nid d'oiseau est au-dessus de la branche.' (The bird's nest is above the branch.)
- Indicating Higher Levels or Floors
- When talking about buildings and their different levels, 'au-dessus de' is used to refer to floors or stories that are higher up. The second floor is 'au-dessus de' the first floor. An apartment on the third floor is 'au-dessus de' the apartment on the second floor. This is a fundamental way to describe vertical progression in architecture. For instance, 'La chambre est au-dessus du salon.' (The bedroom is above the living room.)
- Figurative Superiority or Authority
- 'Au-dessus de' can also imply a position of authority or superiority. A manager is 'au-dessus de' their employees in terms of hierarchy. A president is 'au-dessus de' the ministers. This usage extends to abstract concepts where one thing holds precedence or power over another. For example, 'Le bien commun est au-dessus de l'intérêt individuel.' (The common good is above individual interest.)
- Being Unaffected or Beyond Something
- In a more abstract sense, 'au-dessus de' can mean being unaffected by or superior to something negative. If someone is described as 'au-dessus de la critique' (above criticism), it means they are so respected or powerful that criticism does not affect them. Similarly, someone 'au-dessus de la mêlée' is not involved in petty disputes. For example, 'Elle est au-dessus de ces petites jalousies.' (She is above these petty jealousies.)
- Describing Flight Paths or Movement
- When discussing movement in the air, such as birds flying or airplanes, 'au-dessus de' is the natural choice. A bird flies 'au-dessus de' the trees. An airplane flies 'au-dessus de' the clouds. This describes their trajectory relative to the ground or other objects. For example, 'Le drone a survolé la forêt au-dessus des arbres.' (The drone flew over the forest above the trees.)
- In Relation to Maps or Plans
- When interpreting maps or blueprints, 'au-dessus de' can indicate relative positions. For instance, 'La montagne est située au-dessus du lac sur la carte.' (The mountain is located above the lake on the map.) This helps in visualizing the spatial arrangement depicted in two-dimensional representations.
La lampe est au-dessus de la table de chevet.
Le deuxième étage est au-dessus de cet appartement.
Le patron est toujours au-dessus de ses employés.
- Everyday Conversations
- You'll hear 'au-dessus de' constantly in casual French conversations. When friends are describing their apartments, they might say, 'Ma chambre est au-dessus de la cuisine.' (My bedroom is above the kitchen.) Or when talking about where they parked their car, 'Il est garé juste au-dessus de ce magasin.' (It's parked just above this store.) It's a fundamental part of describing spatial relationships in everyday life, from locating items in a room to describing the layout of a neighborhood.
- Travel and Tourism
- When traveling in French-speaking countries, you'll encounter this phrase frequently. Hotel staff might explain, 'La réception est située au-dessus de l'entrée principale.' (The reception is located above the main entrance.) Tour guides will point out landmarks: 'Regardez le château au-dessus de la vallée.' (Look at the castle above the valley.) It's also used when discussing transportation, like 'Le pont passe au-dessus de la rivière.' (The bridge passes over the river.)
- News and Media
- In news reports, especially those discussing weather, aviation, or construction, 'au-dessus de' is indispensable. You might hear, 'Les nuages sont bas aujourd'hui, juste au-dessus des montagnes.' (The clouds are low today, just above the mountains.) Or in a report about an accident: 'L'hélicoptère se tenait au-dessus de la zone de recherche.' (The helicopter hovered above the search area.) It's also used in discussions about political or corporate hierarchies: 'Le PDG est au-dessus de tous les directeurs.' (The CEO is above all the directors.)
- Literature and Film
- Authors and screenwriters use 'au-dessus de' to create vivid imagery and establish character relationships. A character might observe something from a window 'au-dessus de' the street, or a narrative might describe a sense of being 'au-dessus de' the common people, implying social or moral superiority. For example, 'Il la regardait depuis le balcon, perché au-dessus de la foule.' (He watched her from the balcony, perched above the crowd.)
- Sports Commentary
- In sports, describing the trajectory of a ball or the position of players often involves 'au-dessus de'. A commentator might say, 'Le ballon est passé juste au-dessus de la barre transversale.' (The ball went just over the crossbar.) Or, 'L'attaquant s'est élevé au-dessus des défenseurs pour marquer.' (The striker rose above the defenders to score.) This helps paint a dynamic picture of the action on the field.
- Instructional Materials
- In educational contexts, like language learning materials or textbooks, 'au-dessus de' is used to explain concepts and provide examples. Diagrams illustrating vertical relationships will often use this phrase. For instance, a science lesson about the atmosphere might mention that the stratosphere is located 'au-dessus de' the troposphere.
Le restaurant panoramique est situé au-dessus de la tour.
Dans le ciel, un aigle plane au-dessus de la vallée.
Il se sentait au-dessus de la critique populaire.
- Confusing 'au-dessus de' with 'sur'
- A very common error for learners is to confuse 'au-dessus de' (above, over) with 'sur' (on, upon). 'Sur' implies direct contact or resting upon something. For example, a book 'sur' a table is resting on its surface. If a book is hanging from a shelf 'au-dessus de' the table, it is not 'sur' the table. Always ask yourself if there is contact. If yes, use 'sur'. If it's purely a higher position without touching, 'au-dessus de' is correct. For instance, saying 'Le tableau est sur le mur' is correct if the painting is resting on the wall (unlikely), but 'Le tableau est accroché au-dessus du canapé' is correct if it's hung on the wall above the sofa.
- Forgetting the 'de'
- The phrase is 'au-dessus de', not just 'au-dessus'. The 'de' is essential as it links 'au-dessus' to the object that is below. Omitting the 'de' results in an incomplete and grammatically incorrect phrase. For example, instead of 'Le plafond au-dessus nous', it should be 'Le plafond au-dessus de nous'. This applies regardless of whether the following word is a noun or a pronoun.
- Using 'au-dessus' as an Adverb
- While 'au-dessus' can sometimes function adverbially (meaning 'above' without specifying what it's above), it's crucial to remember that 'au-dessus de' is a prepositional phrase requiring an object. Using 'au-dessus' alone when you intend to specify what something is above can be confusing. For example, 'Il y a une étagère au-dessus' is correct if the context is clear that it's above something previously mentioned. However, if you mean 'The shelf is above the desk', you must say 'L'étagère est au-dessus de la table'.
- Misinterpreting Figurative Meanings
- The figurative meanings of 'au-dessus de' (superiority, being unaffected) can sometimes be tricky. Learners might incorrectly apply the literal spatial meaning to abstract situations. For example, saying someone is 'au-dessus de' their problems literally might imply they are physically floating above them, which is not the intended meaning. The intended meaning is that they are mentally or emotionally detached and unbothered. Always consider the context to understand if the literal or figurative sense is being used.
- Incorrect use with 'de' contraction
- Remember that 'de' contracts with definite articles 'le' and 'les'. So, 'au-dessus de le' becomes 'au-dessus du', and 'au-dessus de les' becomes 'au-dessus des'. Forgetting these contractions can lead to errors. For example, it's 'au-dessus du ciel' (above the sky) and 'au-dessus des arbres' (above the trees), not 'au-dessus de le ciel' or 'au-dessus de les arbres'.
Incorrect: La lampe est au-dessus la table.
Incorrect: Le tableau est sur le mur.
Incorrect: Le plafond au-dessus nous.
- 'Au-dessus de' vs. 'Sur'
- This is the most common point of confusion. 'Au-dessus de' means 'above' or 'over' without contact. 'Sur' means 'on' or 'upon', implying direct contact or resting on a surface.
Example: 'Le livre est sur la table.' (The book is on the table - it's touching the table.)
Example: 'La lampe est au-dessus de la table.' (The lamp is above the table - it's hanging or placed higher, not touching.) - 'Au-dessus de' vs. 'En haut de'
- 'En haut de' also means 'at the top of' or 'up on'. It often refers to a position at the highest point of something, or simply a higher location, sometimes implying a less precise position than 'au-dessus de'. 'Au-dessus de' is more consistently about being vertically higher than something else.
Example: 'Il habite en haut de la rue.' (He lives at the top of the street - referring to the upper part of the street.)
Example: 'Le nid est au-dessus de la branche.' (The nest is above the branch - specifically higher than the branch.) - 'Au-dessus de' vs. 'Par-dessus'
- 'Par-dessus' often implies movement or going over something, sometimes with an element of crossing or spanning. It can also mean 'over' in the sense of covering or draped.
Example: 'Il a sauté par-dessus le mur.' (He jumped over the wall - implying movement across it.)
Example: 'Elle a mis un pull par-dessus sa chemise.' (She put a sweater over her shirt - covering it.)
Example: 'Le pont passe au-dessus de la rivière.' (The bridge passes over the river - describing its static position.) - 'Au-dessus de' vs. 'Plus haut que'
- 'Plus haut que' literally translates to 'higher than'. It is a direct comparison of height. 'Au-dessus de' is a prepositional phrase indicating position. While similar, 'plus haut que' is more about relative vertical measurement.
Example: 'Cette montagne est plus haut que celle-là.' (This mountain is higher than that one - a direct comparison of altitude.)
Example: 'Le soleil est au-dessus de nous.' (The sun is above us - indicating its position in the sky.) - 'Au-dessus de' vs. 'Au-delà de'
- 'Au-delà de' means 'beyond' or 'further than'. It typically refers to distance or a limit, not necessarily vertical position.
Example: 'La maison est située au-delà de la forêt.' (The house is located beyond the forest - referring to distance.)
Example: 'Le drone vole au-dessus de la mer.' (The drone flies above the sea - referring to vertical position.)
Le tableau est au-dessus de la cheminée, pas sur le mur.
Il habite en haut de la colline, là où le chemin monte.
Le chat a sauté par-dessus la barrière.
Examples by Level
Le ballon est au-dessus de la table.
The ball is above the table.
'au-dessus de' indicates a position higher than something else.
Le nuage est au-dessus du soleil.
The cloud is above the sun.
Note the contraction 'du' (de + le).
L'oiseau est au-dessus de la maison.
The bird is above the house.
'au-dessus de' describes a spatial relationship.
La lampe est au-dessus de mon lit.
The lamp is above my bed.
Used for everyday objects.
Le plafond est au-dessus de nous.
The ceiling is above us.
'de nous' refers to the people below.
L'avion vole au-dessus.
The plane flies above.
Can be used adverbially when the object below is understood.
La lune est au-dessus du ciel.
The moon is above the sky.
Used for celestial bodies.
Il y a un tableau au-dessus de la porte.
There is a painting above the door.
'au-dessus de la porte' specifies the location.
La bibliothèque est située au-dessus du café.
The library is located above the cafe.
Distinguishes from 'sur' (on) – the library is not on top of the cafe.
Le deuxième étage est au-dessus de cet appartement.
The second floor is above this apartment.
Used for levels in a building.
L'aigle plane au-dessus de la montagne.
The eagle soars above the mountain.
Describes flight paths in nature.
Le pont passe au-dessus de la rivière.
The bridge passes over the river.
Describes infrastructure.
Il se sent au-dessus de ses collègues.
He feels above his colleagues.
Introduces a figurative meaning of superiority.
La poussière s'est accumulée au-dessus des meubles.
Dust has accumulated above the furniture.
Describes position in a room.
Le soleil est au-dessus des nuages.
The sun is above the clouds.
Common meteorological description.
Le nid est construit au-dessus de la porte.
The nest is built above the door.
Describes placement in architecture.
Le manager est au-dessus de l'équipe en termes de responsabilité.
The manager is above the team in terms of responsibility.
Emphasizes hierarchical superiority.
Elle a une vision au-dessus de la mêlée politique.
She has a perspective above the political fray.
Figurative use: being detached and objective.
L'avion a décollé et est passé au-dessus des montagnes.
The plane took off and flew over the mountains.
Describes flight path over terrain.
Le deuxième balcon est positionné au-dessus du premier.
The second balcony is positioned above the first.
Architectural description of levels.
Il est au-dessus de toute critique.
He is above all criticism.
Idiomatic use: being impervious to criticism.
La température est restée au-dessus de zéro.
The temperature remained above zero.
Used for measurements and levels.
Le panneau indicateur se trouve au-dessus de l'intersection.
The road sign is located above the intersection.
Describing signage and road features.
Elle se sentait au-dessus des conventions sociales.
She felt above social conventions.
Figurative: transcending norms.
Le conseil d'administration siège au-dessus de la direction opérationnelle.
The board of directors sits above operational management.
Formal hierarchical context.
Il a réussi à rester au-dessus de la polémique.
He managed to remain above the controversy.
Figurative: maintaining dignity and detachment.
Les satellites orbitent au-dessus de l'atmosphère terrestre.
Satellites orbit above the Earth's atmosphere.
Scientific and astronomical context.
Le prix du pétrole se maintient au-dessus de 80 dollars.
The price of oil remains above 80 dollars.
Economic context: referring to price levels.
Elle a une perspective qui la place au-dessus des querelles mesquines.
She has a perspective that places her above petty quarrels.
Sophisticated figurative use: moral or intellectual superiority.
Le monument domine la ville, perché au-dessus des toits.
The monument overlooks the city, perched above the rooftops.
Descriptive language in literature or journalism.
L'altitude de vol était maintenue au-dessus de la zone de sécurité.
The flight altitude was maintained above the safety zone.
Aviation context: safety and operational procedures.
Il prétendait être au-dessus des lois humaines.
He claimed to be above human laws.
Figurative: claiming exemption or supreme authority.
Le philosophe soutenait que la vérité est intrinsèquement au-dessus des contingences humaines.
The philosopher argued that truth is intrinsically above human contingencies.
Philosophical discourse: abstract concepts.
L'artiste a créé une œuvre qui se situe au-dessus des tendances éphémères de l'art contemporain.
The artist created a work that stands above the ephemeral trends of contemporary art.
Art criticism: timelessness versus trends.
Il a su maintenir une posture au-dessus de la mêlée partisane, gagnant ainsi le respect de tous.
He managed to maintain a stance above the partisan fray, thus earning everyone's respect.
Political or social commentary: neutrality and respect.
Les principes éthiques doivent primer, se plaçant au-dessus des considérations purement économiques.
Ethical principles must take precedence, placing themselves above purely economic considerations.
Ethical and business discourse: prioritizing values.
Elle possédait une élégance naturelle qui la mettait au-dessus des modes passagères.
She possessed a natural elegance that placed her above fleeting fashions.
Describing personal qualities and style.
Le discours du leader visait à élever la nation au-dessus de ses divisions internes.
The leader's speech aimed to lift the nation above its internal divisions.
Rhetoric and leadership: national unity.
La loi s'applique à tous, mais certains postes confèrent une autorité qui se situe au-dessus de l'application directe.
The law applies to all, but certain positions confer authority that stands above direct application.
Legal and governmental discourse: authority and jurisdiction.
Le critique littéraire a analysé comment l'œuvre transcende les genres, se plaçant au-dessus des classifications habituelles.
The literary critic analyzed how the work transcends genres, placing itself above usual classifications.
Literary analysis: genre transcendence.
Le concept de souveraineté absolue implique une entité se situant au-dessus des juridictions terrestres.
The concept of absolute sovereignty implies an entity situated above terrestrial jurisdictions.
Legal and political philosophy: ultimate authority.
Dans la hiérarchie céleste décrite par le théologien, les séraphins se tiennent au-dessus des chérubins.
In the celestial hierarchy described by the theologian, seraphim stand above cherubim.
Theological discourse: specific hierarchical structures.
L'œuvre d'art est conçue pour évoquer une transcendance, une dimension qui se situe au-dessus de la perception sensorielle immédiate.
The artwork is designed to evoke transcendence, a dimension that lies above immediate sensory perception.
Aesthetic theory: evoking spiritual or higher realities.
Le code déontologique des médecins les place au-dessus des intérêts commerciaux personnels.
The medical code of ethics places doctors above personal commercial interests.
Professional ethics: prioritizing duty over profit.
Le poète aspirait à une forme d'expression qui le libérerait des contraintes du langage commun, le plaçant au-dessus de ses contemporains.
The poet aspired to a form of expression that would free him from the constraints of common language, placing him above his contemporaries.
Literary aspiration: artistic innovation.
La doctrine de la raison d'État suggère que les impératifs de la sécurité nationale se situent au-dessus des lois ordinaires.
The doctrine of reason of state suggests that the imperatives of national security stand above ordinary laws.
Political science/philosophy: exceptional circumstances.
L'expérience mystique est souvent décrite comme une union avec le divin, une élévation au-dessus de l'ego et du monde matériel.
The mystical experience is often described as a union with the divine, an elevation above the ego and the material world.
Religious/spiritual discourse: transcendence of self.
Le pouvoir judiciaire, dans une démocratie saine, doit être perçu comme étant au-dessus de toute influence politique partisane.
The judiciary, in a healthy democracy, must be perceived as being above any partisan political influence.
Legal and political theory: judicial independence.
Common Collocations
Summary
'Au-dessus de' signifies a higher vertical position relative to something else, typically without contact. It's crucial for describing spatial arrangements and also carries figurative meanings of superiority or detachment. Always remember the 'de' that follows.
- Indicates a position higher than something else.
- Often implies no direct contact.
- Can be literal (spatial) or figurative (superiority).
- Requires 'de' followed by the object below.
Related Content
Related Phrases
More general words
à cause de
A2Because of; on account of (a neutral or negative cause).
à côté
A2Next to; beside.
à côté de
A2Next to, beside.
À droite
A2To the right; on the right side.
À gauche
A2To the left; on the left side.
à la
A2To the (feminine singular), indicates direction or location.
à laquelle
B2To which; at which (feminine singular).
à mesure que
B2As; while; in proportion as.
abrégé
B1An abstract, summary, or abridgment.
absence
A2The state of being away from a place or person.
