When you hear en crise in French, it means that someone or something is experiencing a crisis or having an attack. Think of it like saying "in crisis mode" in English. It's often used for situations that are very serious or for medical emergencies.
For example, if a company is en crise, it means they are going through a difficult period. If a person is en crise, it could mean they are having a seizure or a breakdown. The context will usually make it clear which meaning is intended.
It's a useful phrase to know because it conveys a strong sense of urgency or difficulty. You might hear it in news reports, in discussions about a struggling business, or in medical contexts.
Grammar Patterns
Sentence Patterns
être en crise
Il est en crise. (He is in crisis.)
être en pleine crise
Elle est en pleine crise. (She is in the middle of a crisis.)
tomber en crise
Le patient est tombé en crise. (The patient had an attack.)
provoquer une crise
Le stress peut provoquer une crise. (Stress can provoke a crisis.)
une économie en crise
Nous vivons dans une économie en crise. (We live in an economy in crisis.)
un pays en crise
Ce pays est en crise politique. (This country is in political crisis.)
gérer une crise
Comment gérer une crise ? (How to manage a crisis?)
sortir de la crise
Il faut sortir de la crise. (We must get out of the crisis.)
Test Yourself 6 questions
Choose the best translation for "La situation économique est en crise."
"En crise" directly translates to "in crisis." It describes a state of severe difficulty or instability.
What does "Il a fait une crise d'épilepsie" mean?
When referring to a medical event, "faire une crise" can mean to have an attack or seizure.
Which sentence uses "en crise" correctly to describe a difficult period?
This sentence correctly uses "en crise" to describe a period of difficulty for a company. The other options use "crise" in different, more idiomatic contexts (e.g., 'crise de rire' = fit of laughter, 'crise de faim' = hunger pangs).
If someone is "en crise," it always means they are having a medical emergency.
"En crise" can refer to a general state of crisis (e.g., economic, political) as well as a medical attack or seizure. It's not exclusively for medical emergencies.
The phrase "être en crise" can describe a country facing significant economic problems.
Yes, "être en crise" is commonly used to describe a country or economy experiencing severe difficulties.
You can use "en crise" to describe someone who is very happy.
"En crise" implies a state of difficulty, instability, or trouble, not happiness.
/ 6 correct
Perfect score!
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à condition de
B1On condition that; provided that.
à court terme
B1Short-term, over a short period of time.
à jeun
B1On an empty stomach, before eating.
à l'abri
B1Sheltered; safe from danger or harm.
à l'aide de
A2With the help of, by means of.
à l'encontre de
B1Against; contrary to (e.g., advice, rules).
à l'hôpital
B1Located or being in a hospital.
à long terme
B1Long-term, over a long period of time.
à risque
B1At risk of harm, illness, or danger.
à titre
B1As a (e.g., as a preventive measure); by way of.
