démission in 30 Seconds
- Démission means resignation.
- It's the formal act of quitting a job.
- Often involves giving notice.
- The noun form of 'démissionner'.
- Definition
- The word 'démission' in French refers to the act of formally relinquishing a position or job. It is the noun form derived from the verb 'démissionner', meaning 'to resign'. When someone decides to leave their employment voluntarily, they submit their démission. This is a formal process, often involving a written letter to their employer, outlining their decision to step down from their role. It signifies the end of an employment contract initiated by the employee. The term can be used in various professional contexts, from entry-level positions to high-ranking executive roles. It's a crucial concept in labor law and human resources, as it outlines the employee's right to leave their job and the employer's process for managing such departures. The démission is a unilateral act, meaning it is the decision of one party (the employee) and does not require the agreement of the other party (the employer). However, there are often notice periods stipulated in contracts or by law that the employee must adhere to after submitting their démission. This period allows the employer time to find a replacement or to manage the transition of responsibilities. The reasons for a démission can be varied, including seeking new opportunities, career advancement, personal reasons, or dissatisfaction with the current role or company. It is a significant event in an individual's career and is often a topic of discussion in professional circles. The formality of the démission process is important to ensure clarity and prevent misunderstandings between the employee and the employer. It marks a definitive end to the working relationship, allowing both parties to move forward. Understanding the nuances of démission is essential for anyone navigating the French professional landscape, whether as an employee or an employer. It is a term that encapsulates the voluntary cessation of employment and is a fundamental aspect of employment agreements and labor relations.
La présentation de sa démission était inévitable après des mois de désaccord.
- Usage
- Used to describe the formal act of quitting a job.
- Context
- Professional and employment contexts.
Il a remis sa démission hier, surprenant toute l'équipe.
- Etymology
- From the verb 'démissionner', which comes from Latin 'dimissio', meaning 'a sending away' or 'dismissal'.
- Basic Structure
- The most common structure involves the verb 'donner' (to give) or 'présenter' (to present) followed by 'sa démission' (one's resignation). For example, 'Il a donné sa démission.' (He gave his resignation.) or 'Elle a présenté sa démission.' (She presented her resignation.). This construction clearly indicates that the person is formally quitting their job. Another common phrasing uses 'remettre' (to hand in), as in 'Il a remis sa démission.' (He handed in his resignation.). These verbs are idiomatic when used with 'démission' and are essential for expressing the act of resigning correctly in French. The possessive adjective 'sa' (his/her) or 'ma' (my) is often used to indicate whose resignation it is. For instance, 'J'ai remis ma démission ce matin.' (I handed in my resignation this morning.). The noun 'démission' itself can also be the subject of a sentence, describing the event or the act. For example, 'Sa démission a surpris tout le monde.' (His resignation surprised everyone.). In this case, 'démission' refers to the action that has already occurred. It can also be used in more complex sentences to discuss the consequences or implications of resigning, such as 'La démission du directeur a entraîné une restructuration.' (The director's resignation led to a restructuring.). The context will often clarify whether 'démission' refers to the act itself or the resulting situation. It is also common to see phrases like 'accepter la démission' (to accept the resignation) or 'refuser la démission' (to refuse the resignation), although refusing a resignation is less common and often legally restricted. The concept of a 'préavis de démission' (resignation notice period) is also frequently associated with the term, highlighting the procedural aspect of leaving a job. Understanding these various grammatical constructions and associated vocabulary will allow for a more nuanced and accurate use of 'démission' in spoken and written French. The key is to recognize that 'démission' is the noun representing the act of quitting, and it is often paired with verbs that signify the formal submission of this act.
L'employé a remis sa démission avec un préavis de deux semaines.
- Examples
- 1. Après mûre réflexion, il a décidé de présenter sa démission.
2. La démission du chef de projet a créé un vide dans l'équipe.
3. Elle a remis sa démission par écrit, comme le stipule son contrat.
4. Les raisons de sa démission n'ont pas été révélées publiquement.
5. L'entreprise a accepté sa démission sans délai.
6. Le syndicat a conseillé aux employés de ne pas donner leur démission immédiatement.
7. La démission soudaine du PDG a secoué le marché boursier.
8. Il est important de respecter le préavis après une démission.
- Professional Settings
- You will frequently hear 'démission' in professional environments. This includes conversations among colleagues discussing someone's departure, meetings with HR or management where resignations are processed, and in formal announcements from companies regarding changes in personnel. For example, during a team meeting, a manager might say, 'Suite à la démission de Jean, nous devons réorganiser les tâches.' (Following Jean's resignation, we need to reorganize tasks.). In a more informal setting among coworkers, one might hear, 'Tu as entendu pour la démission de Sophie ? Elle part pour une meilleure opportunité.' (Did you hear about Sophie's resignation? She's leaving for a better opportunity.). When dealing with employment contracts or legal matters related to work, 'démission' is a standard term. Lawyers specializing in labor law will use it regularly when advising clients on their rights and obligations. News reports about corporate leadership changes will often mention 'la démission du PDG' (the CEO's resignation) or 'la démission en cascade' (a wave of resignations) if many people leave at once. In French media, especially in business news segments, discussions about job market trends, employee turnover, or significant departures from major companies will invariably feature the word 'démission'. Consider a news anchor reporting: 'Le nombre de démissions a augmenté de 5% ce trimestre, selon les dernières statistiques.' (The number of resignations increased by 5% this quarter, according to the latest statistics.). Even in casual conversations about career changes, people might say, 'J'envisage ma démission bientôt' (I'm considering my resignation soon) or 'J'ai remis ma démission la semaine dernière' (I handed in my resignation last week). The term is also used when discussing the act of leaving a political office or a position of responsibility in an organization, not just in employment. For instance, 'La démission du ministre a provoqué une crise politique.' (The minister's resignation caused a political crisis.). Understanding the context is key, but 'démission' is a widely understood and frequently used term in formal and informal French discussions about leaving positions of authority or employment.
Le journal a rapporté la démission du célèbre chef cuisinier.
- Examples in Media
- - "La démission surprise du directeur financier a fait chuter l'action de l'entreprise." (The surprise resignation of the CFO caused the company's stock to fall.)
- "De nombreux employés ont présenté leur démission suite à la restructuration." (Many employees submitted their resignation following the restructuring.)
- "Le président a accepté la démission de son ministre de l'Intérieur." (The president accepted the resignation of his Interior Minister.)
- Verb vs. Noun Confusion
- A frequent error for learners is confusing the noun 'démission' with its corresponding verb, 'démissionner'. While related, they serve different grammatical functions. 'Démission' is the noun representing the act of resigning, while 'démissionner' is the verb meaning 'to resign'. For instance, saying 'Je démission' is incorrect; it should be 'Je démissionne' (I resign) or 'J'ai donné ma démission' (I gave my resignation). Similarly, using 'démission' as a verb, like 'Il démissionne sa position', is grammatically wrong. The correct phrasing would be 'Il démissionne de sa position' or 'Il donne sa démission de sa position'. Another common mistake is the misuse of prepositions. When using the verb 'démissionner', it is often followed by the preposition 'de' when specifying the position resigned from, e.g., 'Il a démissionné de son poste de directeur' (He resigned from his position as director). However, when using the noun 'démission', the preposition is often omitted or different, as in 'sa démission du poste' (his resignation from the position) or simply 'sa démission'. The phrase 'faire une démission' is also sometimes used incorrectly by learners. While understandable, it's not the standard idiomatic expression. The more natural and correct ways to express the act are 'donner sa démission', 'présenter sa démission', or 'remettre sa démission'. Learners might also forget the feminine gender of 'démission', incorrectly using masculine articles or possessives. It is always 'la démission', 'une démission', and 'sa démission', never 'le démission' or 'son démission'. Finally, some may incorrectly use 'résignation' which, while similar in meaning in English, has a slightly different connotation in French. 'Résignation' in French often implies a passive acceptance of hardship or fate, whereas 'démission' specifically refers to the formal act of leaving a post or job. Therefore, while an English speaker might think of 'resignation' in both senses, in French, 'démission' is the precise term for quitting a job.
Erreur : Je démission. Correction : Je démissionne.
- Common Errors
- - Using 'démission' as a verb: 'Il démission sa place.' (Incorrect)
- Incorrect preposition with the verb: 'Il a démissionné son poste.' (Incorrect)
- Using 'résignation' instead of 'démission' for quitting a job.
- Forgetting the feminine gender: 'son démission' (Incorrect)
- Synonyms and Related Terms
- While 'démission' is the most direct and common term for resigning from a job, several other words and phrases can be used depending on the nuance and context. The verb 'démissionner' is the action form, meaning 'to resign'. For example, 'Il a démissionné' (He resigned). Another related term is 'retraite', which means 'retirement'. This is a permanent cessation of work, usually upon reaching a certain age, and is distinct from a voluntary resignation from an ongoing position. 'Abandon de poste' refers to 'job abandonment', which is when an employee stops coming to work without formally resigning. This is a more serious situation with legal implications. 'Congé' generally means 'leave' or 'time off', but in certain contexts, it can imply a prolonged absence that might lead to a de facto resignation if not properly managed. 'Cessation de contrat' means 'termination of contract', which can be initiated by either the employer or the employee, and 'démission' is a specific type of cessation initiated by the employee. In more informal contexts, people might use phrases like 'quitter son travail' (to leave one's job) or 'changer de poste' (to change jobs), which imply resignation without using the formal term. For very high-level positions, such as political office, 'démission' is used, as in 'la démission du président'. However, for leaving a voluntary association or a club, one might use 'se retirer' (to withdraw) or 'quitter le club' (to leave the club). The word 'licenciement' means 'dismissal' or 'firing', which is the opposite of 'démission' as it is initiated by the employer. It's crucial to distinguish 'démission' from 'licenciement'. 'Révocation' is a more formal and often disciplinary dismissal from a public office or position. In summary, while 'démission' is the standard term for resigning from employment, understanding its nuances and alternatives like 'retraite', 'abandon de poste', and the verb 'démissionner' is important for a comprehensive grasp of French employment vocabulary. The choice of word depends heavily on the specific situation, the formality of the context, and the reason for leaving the position.
Il a présenté sa démission, ce qui est différent d'un licenciement.
- Comparison
- - Démission: Voluntary resignation from a job.
- Démissionner: To resign (verb).
- Retraite: Retirement (permanent cessation of work due to age).
- Licenciement: Dismissal/firing (initiated by the employer).
- Abandon de poste: Job abandonment (not showing up without notice).
How Formal Is It?
"Suite aux divergences stratégiques, le Directeur Général a soumis sa démission au Conseil d'Administration."
"Il a décidé de donner sa démission pour chercher de nouvelles opportunités professionnelles."
"J'en ai marre, je vais me tirer et donner ma démission."
"Quand un grand personne ne veut plus travailler, il dit 'au revoir' à son travail. C'est sa démission."
Fun Fact
The concept of 'sending away' from a position is ancient, and the Latin root 'dimissio' reflects this. Over time, in French, 'démission' specifically came to mean the voluntary act of leaving a job or office, rather than just being sent away by someone else.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 's' sound as a hard 'z'.
- Not nasalizing the final 'ion' sound.
- Adding an extra vowel sound before the 's' in 'sion'.
Difficulty Rating
The word 'démission' itself is relatively straightforward. However, understanding its nuances, common collocations, and legal implications requires a good grasp of B1/B2 level French. Reading about it in formal documents or news articles will present more complex sentence structures and vocabulary.
Using 'démission' correctly in writing, especially in formal contexts like a resignation letter or a business report, requires careful attention to grammar, prepositions, and appropriate phrasing. Avoiding confusion with the verb 'démissionner' is key.
Pronouncing 'démission' correctly and using it naturally in conversation, especially when discussing professional matters, is important. Learners need to practice the common phrases associated with it.
Recognizing 'démission' in spoken French, particularly in news broadcasts, professional discussions, or formal announcements, is crucial. The nasal 'ion' sound can sometimes be challenging for non-native speakers.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
The Passé Composé with 'avoir' for verbs like 'donner', 'présenter', 'remettre'.
Il a donné sa démission. (He gave his resignation.)
Using the preposition 'de' after 'démissionner' when specifying the position.
Elle a démissionné de son poste de responsable. (She resigned from her position as manager.)
Possessive adjectives with feminine nouns.
Sa démission était inattendue. (Her resignation was unexpected.)
The use of 'pour' to indicate purpose or reason.
Il a démissionné pour raisons personnelles. (He resigned for personal reasons.)
The passive voice in formal contexts.
La démission a été acceptée par la direction. (The resignation was accepted by management.)
Examples by Level
Je quitte mon travail.
I leave my job.
Simple present tense, direct statement of leaving.
Il ne travaille plus ici.
He no longer works here.
Use of 'ne...plus' for negation of continuation.
Elle a trouvé un autre emploi.
She found another job.
Past tense 'passé composé' to indicate a completed action.
Je ne suis pas content.
I am not happy.
Simple negation of an adjective.
Il veut changer.
He wants to change.
Use of 'vouloir' + infinitive.
C'est fini.
It's finished.
Simple statement of completion.
Je cherche un nouveau poste.
I am looking for a new position.
Present tense of 'chercher' + noun.
Il part.
He leaves.
Simple present tense of 'partir'.
Il a donné sa démission.
He gave his resignation.
Past tense 'passé composé' with the verb 'donner' and the noun 'démission'.
Elle a décidé de quitter son travail.
She decided to leave her job.
Use of 'décider de' + infinitive.
Mon patron n'était pas content de ma démission.
My boss was not happy with my resignation.
Negation with 'ne...pas' and use of the preposition 'de' after 'content'.
Je dois respecter mon préavis.
I must respect my notice period.
Use of modal verb 'devoir' + infinitive.
C'est une démission volontaire.
It is a voluntary resignation.
Adjective 'volontaire' modifying the noun 'démission'.
Il a trouvé un meilleur poste.
He found a better position.
Comparative adjective 'meilleur'.
Ma démission est effective le mois prochain.
My resignation is effective next month.
Use of 'effective' to indicate when something takes place.
Elle a présenté sa démission par écrit.
She submitted her resignation in writing.
Past tense 'passé composé' with 'présenter' and adverb 'par écrit'.
Après plusieurs années dans l'entreprise, elle a présenté sa démission pour raisons personnelles.
After several years in the company, she submitted her resignation for personal reasons.
Use of 'pour raisons personnelles' to explain the motive for resignation.
La démission du directeur a surpris tout le monde.
The director's resignation surprised everyone.
The noun 'démission' as the subject of the sentence, causing an effect.
Il est difficile de donner sa démission sans avoir un autre emploi en perspective.
It is difficult to give one's resignation without having another job in prospect.
Use of 'il est difficile de' + infinitive, and 'en perspective' for future planning.
L'employé a remis sa démission en respectant le préavis légal.
The employee handed in their resignation respecting the legal notice period.
Use of 'en respectant' (gerund) to describe how the action was performed.
Les raisons de sa démission n'ont pas été officiellement communiquées.
The reasons for his resignation have not been officially communicated.
Passive voice 'n'ont pas été communiquées' and use of 'officiellement'.
La démission en bloc de plusieurs cadres a fragilisé la direction.
The mass resignation of several executives weakened the management.
'En bloc' to describe a collective action.
Il a négocié les termes de sa démission.
He negotiated the terms of his resignation.
Use of 'négocier' + object.
Ma démission sera effective à la fin du mois.
My resignation will be effective at the end of the month.
Future tense 'sera effective' for a future event.
Face à des conditions de travail insatisfaisables, il a soumis sa démission avec effet immédiat.
Faced with unsatisfactory working conditions, he submitted his resignation with immediate effect.
Use of 'face à' (faced with), 'insatisfaisables' (unsatisfactory), and 'avec effet immédiat' (with immediate effect).
La démission soudaine du PDG a entraîné une chute significative du cours de l'action.
The sudden resignation of the CEO led to a significant drop in the stock price.
'Entraîné' (led to/caused) and 'cours de l'action' (stock price).
Il est de coutume de présenter sa démission par écrit, en précisant la date de départ souhaitée.
It is customary to submit one's resignation in writing, specifying the desired departure date.
'De coutume' (customary), 'en précisant' (specifying), and 'souhaitée' (desired).
Malgré les tentatives de la direction pour le retenir, sa décision de démission était irrévocable.
Despite the management's attempts to retain him, his decision to resign was irrevocable.
'Malgré' (despite), 'retenir' (to retain), and 'irrévocable' (irrevocable).
La démission collective des employés du département de recherche a mis l'entreprise dans une position délicate.
The collective resignation of employees from the research department put the company in a delicate position.
'Collective' and 'délicate position'.
Elle a choisi de ne pas renouveler son contrat, ce qui équivaut à une démission implicite.
She chose not to renew her contract, which is equivalent to an implicit resignation.
'Équivaut à' (is equivalent to) and 'implicite' (implicit).
Les syndicats ont dénoncé les conditions qui ont mené à une vague de démissions.
The unions denounced the conditions that led to a wave of resignations.
'Dénoncer' (denounced), 'vague de démissions' (wave of resignations).
Il est important de bien réfléchir avant de présenter sa démission, car les conséquences peuvent être importantes.
It is important to think carefully before submitting one's resignation, as the consequences can be significant.
'Bien réfléchir', 'car' (because), 'conséquences'.
La conjoncture économique défavorable a été le catalyseur principal de sa démission.
The unfavorable economic situation was the main catalyst for his resignation.
'Conjoncture économique défavorable' (unfavorable economic situation), 'catalyseur' (catalyst).
Suite à des divergences stratégiques irréconciliables, le conseil d'administration a accepté la démission du directeur général.
Following irreconcilable strategic differences, the board of directors accepted the resignation of the CEO.
'Divergences stratégiques irréconciliables' (irreconcilable strategic differences), 'conseil d'administration' (board of directors), 'directeur général' (CEO).
L'absence de perspectives d'évolution professionnelle a conduit à une démission en chaîne au sein du département marketing.
The lack of professional development prospects led to a chain resignation within the marketing department.
'Perspectives d'évolution professionnelle' (professional development prospects), 'démission en chaîne' (chain resignation).
Il est primordial de notifier formellement sa démission à l'employeur, en respectant les clauses contractuelles.
It is paramount to formally notify the employer of one's resignation, respecting the contractual clauses.
'Primordial' (paramount), 'notifier formellement' (formally notify), 'clauses contractuelles' (contractual clauses).
La pression médiatique et l'ampleur du scandale ont rendu sa démission inéluctable.
Media pressure and the scale of the scandal made his resignation inevitable.
'Pression médiatique' (media pressure), 'ampleur du scandale' (scale of the scandal), 'inéluctable' (inevitable).
Les termes de la démission ont été négociés avec soin pour assurer une transition en douceur.
The terms of the resignation were carefully negotiated to ensure a smooth transition.
'Négociés avec soin' (carefully negotiated), 'transition en douceur' (smooth transition).
Le refus de la direction d'accéder à ses revendications a précipité sa démission.
The management's refusal to meet his demands precipitated his resignation.
'Accéder à ses revendications' (meet his demands), 'précipité' (precipitated).
Une démission pour convenance personnelle est un droit fondamental du salarié.
A resignation for personal convenience is a fundamental right of the employee.
'Convenance personnelle' (personal convenience), 'droit fondamental' (fundamental right).
L'imminence d'une restructuration majeure a incité de nombreux cadres supérieurs à présenter leur démission par anticipation.
The imminence of a major restructuring prompted many senior executives to submit their resignation in advance.
'Imminence', 'incité', 'par anticipation'.
La démission du ministre a été perçue comme un aveu d'échec face à la crise économique.
The minister's resignation was perceived as an admission of failure in the face of the economic crisis.
'Perçue comme' (perceived as), 'aveu d'échec' (admission of failure).
Il a été établi que la démission n'était pas spontanée mais le résultat d'une pression exercée par la hiérarchie.
It was established that the resignation was not spontaneous but the result of pressure exerted by the hierarchy.
'Il a été établi que' (it was established that), 'spontanée' (spontaneous), 'pression exercée' (pressure exerted), 'hiérarchie' (hierarchy).
La démission du comité exécutif a semé le trouble au sein de l'organisation, remettant en cause sa pérennité.
The resignation of the executive committee sowed confusion within the organization, calling its sustainability into question.
'Comité exécutif' (executive committee), 'susciter le trouble' (sowed confusion), 'remettant en cause' (calling into question), 'pérennité' (sustainability).
L'acte de démission, bien que relevant de la sphère privée, a des répercussions publiques considérables.
The act of resignation, although belonging to the private sphere, has considerable public repercussions.
'Relevant de la sphère privée' (belonging to the private sphere), 'répercussions publiques considérables' (considerable public repercussions).
Il est désormais entendu que sa démission était une stratégie calculée pour mieux négocier son retour.
It is now understood that his resignation was a calculated strategy to better negotiate his return.
'Il est désormais entendu que' (it is now understood that), 'stratégie calculée' (calculated strategy).
La démission de l'artiste de son propre projet a été accueillie avec perplexité par la critique.
The artist's resignation from their own project was met with perplexity by critics.
'Accueillie avec perplexité' (met with perplexity).
L'administration a dû composer avec la démission inattendue de plusieurs fonctionnaires clés.
The administration had to cope with the unexpected resignation of several key civil servants.
'Composer avec' (cope with), 'fonctionnaires clés' (key civil servants).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To give one's resignation; to quit one's job.
Il a décidé de donner sa démission pour poursuivre ses études.
— To submit one's resignation; a formal way of saying you are quitting.
Elle a présenté sa démission à son supérieur hiérarchique.
— To hand in one's resignation.
Le directeur a remis sa démission hier après-midi.
— Resignation notice period.
Le préavis de démission est de trois mois dans mon contrat.
— Resignation for personal reasons.
Sa démission pour convenance personnelle a surpris ses collègues.
— To resign from a position.
Il a démissionné de son poste de chef de projet.
— Chain resignation (multiple people resigning in succession).
Une démission en chaîne a frappé le département.
— Immediate resignation.
Elle a présenté une démission immédiate suite à un incident.
Often Confused With
In English, 'resignation' can mean both the act of quitting a job and a passive acceptance of a difficult situation. In French, 'démission' specifically refers to quitting a job, while 'résignation' implies a passive acceptance of fate or hardship, often without a fight.
'Licenciement' is the opposite of 'démission'. 'Démission' is when the employee chooses to leave, whereas 'licenciement' is when the employer terminates the contract (firing or dismissal).
While both involve leaving one's job, 'abandon de poste' is when an employee stops showing up for work without formally resigning, often leading to disciplinary action. 'Démission' is a formal, voluntary act.
Idioms & Expressions
— To throw in the towel; to give up. While not directly using 'démission', it implies a cessation of effort, similar to quitting.
Après tant d'efforts, il a fini par jeter l'éponge.
Informal— To make a run for it; to flee. In a professional context, it can imply leaving abruptly without proper procedure, similar to a hasty resignation.
Il a pris la poudre d'escampette dès qu'il a entendu parler des licenciements.
Informal— To pack one's bags; to prepare to leave. This can be used metaphorically for leaving a job.
Il sentait qu'il était temps de faire ses valises et de chercher ailleurs.
Informal— To hand over the reins; to pass on responsibility. This often happens when someone resigns from a leadership position.
Le vieux professeur a décidé de passer la main à un jeune chercheur.
Neutral— To turn the page; to move on from a past situation. This can apply to moving on from a job after a resignation.
Après sa démission, elle a décidé de tourner la page et de commencer une nouvelle vie.
Neutral— To leave amidst jeers; to depart in disgrace. This can be the negative consequence of a poorly handled resignation or a controversial departure.
Le dirigeant corrompu est parti sous les huées de ses employés.
Formal/Figurative— To leave with one's head held high; to depart with dignity. This is the positive outcome of a well-managed resignation.
Malgré les difficultés, elle a quitté l'entreprise la tête haute.
Neutral/Figurative— To get out of a difficult situation. If a job becomes untenable, resigning can be a way to 'se tirer d'affaire'.
Il a démissionné pour se tirer d'affaire d'une situation professionnelle intenable.
Informal— To set sail; to leave. Similar to 'prendre la poudre d'escampette', it implies a departure, often quickly.
Face aux problèmes, il a décidé de mettre les voiles.
Informal— To get a change of scenery; to experience something new. This is often a motivation for resignation.
Elle a démissionné pour changer d'air et découvrir un nouveau pays.
InformalEasily Confused
It's the verb form of the noun 'démission'.
'Démission' is the noun, referring to the act or state of resigning. 'Démissionner' is the verb, meaning 'to resign'. You 'donnez votre démission' (give your resignation), and you 'démissionnez' (resign).
Il a donné sa <strong>démission</strong>. Il a <strong>démissionné</strong>.
Both involve leaving work.
'Démission' is a voluntary resignation from an ongoing job, often to take another position or for personal reasons. 'Retraite' is retirement, a permanent cessation of work, typically due to age and after a long career.
Il a présenté sa <strong>démission</strong> pour changer de secteur. Elle a pris sa <strong>retraite</strong> après 40 ans de bons et loyaux services.
Both result in the end of employment.
'Démission' is initiated by the employee (quitting). 'Licenciement' is initiated by the employer (firing/dismissal). They are direct opposites in terms of who initiates the termination.
Elle a donné sa <strong>démission</strong>. Il a subi un <strong>licenciement</strong>.
Both mean leaving employment.
'Démission' is a formal, voluntary act with notice. 'Abandon de poste' is an informal, often abrupt departure without notice or communication, which can lead to dismissal for gross misconduct.
Sa <strong>démission</strong> a été formalisée par une lettre. Son <strong>abandon de poste</strong> a entraîné des sanctions.
Both refer to the end of an employment contract.
'Cessation de contrat' is a general term for the end of an employment contract, which can be initiated by either party (employee or employer). 'Démission' is a specific type of 'cessation de contrat' initiated solely by the employee.
La <strong>démission</strong> est une forme de cessation de contrat. La cessation de contrat peut aussi être un licenciement.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + donner/présenter/remettre + sa/ma/ta démission.
Il a <strong>donné sa démission</strong>.
La démission de [personne] + a causé/entraîné/surpris...
La <strong>démission</strong> du directeur a surpris tout le monde.
Il est [adjectif] de [verbe] sa démission.
Il est difficile de <strong>donner sa démission</strong> sans emploi.
Face à [situation], il/elle a présenté sa démission.
Face à des conditions difficiles, elle a <strong>présenté sa démission</strong>.
Malgré [obstacle], sa décision de démission était...
Malgré les efforts, sa décision de <strong>démission</strong> était irrévocable.
La conjoncture [adjectif] a été le catalyseur de sa démission.
La conjoncture économique défavorable a été le catalyseur de <strong>sa démission</strong>.
Suite à [cause], [personne] a soumis sa démission.
Suite à des divergences, il a <strong>soumis sa démission</strong>.
L'imminence de [événement] a incité à présenter sa démission.
L'imminence d'une restructuration a incité à <strong>présenter sa démission</strong>.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Common, especially in professional and media contexts.
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Using 'démission' as a verb.
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Using the verb 'démissionner' or phrases like 'donner sa démission'.
Learners sometimes incorrectly use the noun 'démission' as if it were a verb. For instance, saying 'Il démission sa place' is wrong. The correct verb is 'démissionner', so it should be 'Il démissionne de sa place' or 'Il donne sa démission de sa place'.
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Confusing 'démission' with 'résignation'.
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Using 'démission' for quitting a job and 'résignation' for passive acceptance of fate.
While 'resignation' in English can cover both meanings, in French, 'démission' specifically refers to quitting a job. 'Résignation' implies a passive acceptance of difficult circumstances without protest.
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Forgetting the feminine gender.
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Using feminine articles and possessives with 'démission'.
'Démission' is a feminine noun. Therefore, it takes feminine articles like 'la' and 'une', and feminine possessives like 'sa', 'ma', 'ta'. Saying 'le démission' or 'son démission' is incorrect.
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Incorrect preposition after 'démissionner'.
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Using 'de' after 'démissionner' when specifying the position.
When using the verb 'démissionner', it is typically followed by the preposition 'de' before the position or role being resigned from. For example, 'Il a démissionné <strong>de</strong> son poste.' Not 'Il a démissionné son poste.'
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Using informal language in a formal resignation.
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Using formal and professional language in official communication.
When submitting a resignation, especially in writing ('lettre de démission'), it's crucial to maintain a formal register. Using slang or overly casual phrases can be unprofessional and may reflect poorly on the employee.
Tips
Verb vs. Noun
Remember that 'démission' is the noun (the act of resigning), while 'démissionner' is the verb (to resign). You 'donnez votre démission' (give your resignation), and you 'démissionnez' (resign).
Formal Phrases
In professional settings, use formal phrases like 'présenter sa démission' or 'remettre sa démission' rather than informal expressions when submitting your resignation.
Notice Period
Be aware of the 'préavis de démission' (notice period) required by your contract or French labor law. This is a crucial part of the resignation process.
Distinguish from 'Licenciement'
Understand that 'démission' is voluntary (you choose to leave), whereas 'licenciement' is involuntary (the employer terminates the contract).
Resignation Letter
When writing a 'lettre de démission', keep it professional, clear, and concise. State your intent, effective date, and maintain a respectful tone.
Nasal 'ion'
Practice the nasal 'ion' sound at the end of 'démission'. It's a key phonetic feature of the word.
Employee Rights
In France, employees have the right to resign ('démissionner'), and this right is protected by labor laws. The process is generally well-defined.
Association
Connect 'démission' to 'demission' (as in demitting office) or imagine someone handing in a 'DEMI-mission' because they are leaving.
Expand Vocabulary
Learn related terms like 'préavis', 'licenciement', 'retraite', and 'abandon de poste' to fully understand the nuances of leaving employment.
Sentence Building
Actively use 'démission' in sentences. Try writing a mock resignation letter or discussing a hypothetical scenario where someone resigns.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine someone giving a formal 'DEMI-mission' (half-mission) because they are leaving their full job. They are handing in their resignation, their demi-mission.
Visual Association
Picture a person holding a formal letter labeled 'Démission' and walking out of an office building with a determined look.
Word Web
Challenge
Write three sentences using 'démission' in different contexts: a formal resignation, a news report about a political resignation, and a personal reflection on why someone might choose to resign.
Word Origin
The word 'démission' comes from the Latin word 'dimissio', which means 'a sending away' or 'dismissal'. This Latin root is also the origin of the English word 'dismissal'. The French verb 'démissionner' (to resign) was formed from this root, and the noun 'démission' followed.
Original meaning: A sending away, dismissal.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > FrenchCultural Context
When discussing someone's 'démission', it's usually treated as a professional matter. Unless the person volunteers the information, it's polite not to pry into the specific reasons for their departure.
In English-speaking countries, the term 'resignation' is used, which is a direct cognate. The legal and procedural aspects of resigning are similar, often involving a notice period and a formal letter.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Discussing a colleague's departure.
- Il a donné sa démission.
- Elle a présenté sa démission.
- Sa démission était attendue.
- Pourquoi a-t-il démissionné ?
Writing a formal resignation letter.
- Je vous présente ma démission.
- Ma démission sera effective le...
- Je respecte mon préavis de démission.
- Veuillez accepter ma démission.
News reports about company changes.
- La démission du PDG.
- Une vague de démissions.
- Les raisons de sa démission.
- Suite à sa démission.
Legal or HR discussions about employment.
- Procédure de démission.
- Effets de la démission.
- Démission pour motif légitime.
- Droits suite à une démission.
Casual conversation about career changes.
- J'envisage ma démission.
- Il a démissionné pour changer de carrière.
- Elle a quitté son emploi par démission.
- C'est une démission volontaire.
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever had to submit a 'démission'?"
"What are the typical reasons for someone to give their 'démission' in France?"
"How does the concept of 'préavis de démission' work in French companies?"
"If you were to resign, would you prefer to 'donner', 'présenter', or 'remettre' your 'démission'?"
"What are the main differences between 'démission' and 'licenciement'?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you or someone you know experienced a 'démission'. What were the circumstances and consequences?
Imagine you are writing your 'lettre de démission'. What would be the most important points to include?
Reflect on the idea of 'démission pour convenance personnelle'. What does this right mean to you as an employee?
How might the cultural context of 'démission' in France differ from your own country?
If you were a manager, how would you handle an employee's 'démission' to ensure a smooth transition?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'Démission' is the noun, referring to the act of resignation itself. For example, 'Sa démission a surpris tout le monde.' (His resignation surprised everyone.) 'Démissionner' is the verb, meaning 'to resign'. For example, 'Il a démissionné hier.' (He resigned yesterday.) You perform the action of 'démissionner', and the result is a 'démission'.
Generally, yes. In most professional contexts in France, you are required to give a 'préavis de démission' (resignation notice period). The length of this period is often specified in your employment contract or determined by collective bargaining agreements and can vary depending on your role and industry. Failing to respect it can have consequences.
In most cases, an employer cannot refuse an employee's 'démission' because it is a voluntary act by the employee. However, they can enforce the notice period and ensure that all contractual obligations are met. Refusal is extremely rare and usually only pertains to specific circumstances or roles where there might be legal implications for immediate departure.
A formal 'lettre de démission' should clearly state your intention to resign, the date your resignation will be effective (respecting your notice period), and a polite closing. It's advisable to keep it professional and concise. You can also express gratitude for the opportunity.
After submitting your 'démission', you will typically work through your notice period. Your employer will then process your departure, which includes final pay, return of company property, and providing necessary documents like a 'certificat de travail' (work certificate) and 'attestation Pôle emploi' (unemployment agency certificate). You may also have discussions about handover and transition.
Yes, 'démission' specifically refers to a voluntary act by the employee to end their contract. If the employer terminates the contract, it is called 'licenciement' (dismissal) or, in specific cases, 'rupture conventionnelle' (mutual agreement to terminate).
While technically possible in certain exceptional circumstances (e.g., if the employer has committed a serious breach of contract), resigning without the agreed-upon notice period ('sans préavis') is generally not recommended and can lead to legal or financial repercussions, such as the employer claiming damages for the inconvenience caused.
'Démission' is a formal, voluntary act where you notify your employer of your intention to leave, usually with a notice period. 'Abandon de poste' is when you simply stop showing up for work without any notification, which is considered misconduct and can lead to dismissal for gross fault.
Withdrawing a 'démission' is possible, but it requires the employer's agreement. Once a resignation is formally submitted and accepted, it creates a legal situation. If the employer agrees, you might be able to stay, but it's not an automatic right. It's best to discuss this possibility with your employer as soon as possible.
'Démission pour convenance personnelle' means resignation for personal reasons. It's a standard way to state that you are leaving your job for reasons that are personal to you, without needing to specify them in detail. It's a common and accepted reason for leaving employment.
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Summary
- Démission means resignation.
- It's the formal act of quitting a job.
- Often involves giving notice.
- The noun form of 'démissionner'.
Verb vs. Noun
Remember that 'démission' is the noun (the act of resigning), while 'démissionner' is the verb (to resign). You 'donnez votre démission' (give your resignation), and you 'démissionnez' (resign).
Formal Phrases
In professional settings, use formal phrases like 'présenter sa démission' or 'remettre sa démission' rather than informal expressions when submitting your resignation.
Notice Period
Be aware of the 'préavis de démission' (notice period) required by your contract or French labor law. This is a crucial part of the resignation process.
Distinguish from 'Licenciement'
Understand that 'démission' is voluntary (you choose to leave), whereas 'licenciement' is involuntary (the employer terminates the contract).
Example
Sa démission a surpris tout le monde.
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à jour
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à la fois...et
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à la suite de
B1Following; as a result of.
à l'exception de
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à l'export
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à mon avis
A2In my opinion; according to my point of view.
