At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn how to express basic emotions. The expression être en deuil might seem a bit advanced, but it is very useful to understand. It means 'to be in mourning.' In simple terms, it is what we say when someone is very sad because a person they love has died. In French, you use the verb 'être' (to be) + 'en' + 'deuil'. For example, if you want to say 'He is in mourning,' you say 'Il est en deuil.' It is important to remember that 'deuil' is a noun that means the period of sadness after a death. You don't need to change the word 'deuil' if you are talking about a man or a woman. Just change the verb 'être'. So, 'Je suis en deuil', 'Tu es en deuil', 'Elle est en deuil'. Even at this level, knowing this word helps you understand when people are going through a hard time. You might hear it in a simple story or see it in a news headline. It is a very serious word, so we only use it for death. If you are just a little bit sad because you lost your toy, you should say 'Je suis triste,' not 'Je suis en deuil.' This expression is like a special label that tells people to be kind and quiet because someone has suffered a big loss. In France, people are very respectful of this state. If you know someone is 'en deuil,' you can say 'Je suis désolé' (I am sorry) to show you care. Learning this phrase early helps you understand how French people talk about important life events. Remember: 'être' is the action, 'en' is the little word in the middle, and 'deuil' is the sadness. Try to remember the spelling: D-E-U-I-L. It's a short word but it has a very big meaning.
At the A2 level, you can start using être en deuil in simple sentences to describe people's situations. You already know how to conjugate 'être' in the present tense, so adding 'en deuil' is quite easy. For example: 'Ma voisine est en deuil depuis la semaine dernière' (My neighbor has been in mourning since last week). Notice how we use 'depuis' to say how long the mourning has lasted. This is a common way to use the phrase. You might also see this in simple news articles or hear it on the radio. In France, when a famous person dies, the news will say 'La France est en deuil.' This means the whole country is sad. At this level, you should also know that 'le deuil' is the noun for the period of grieving. You might hear people talk about 'le deuil national' when the government decides the country should show respect together. It is important to distinguish this from just being 'triste' (sad). 'Être en deuil' implies a social situation where someone has died. If you are writing a simple letter of sympathy, you could write: 'Je sais que vous êtes en deuil.' This is a very polite and correct way to acknowledge their loss. Also, remember that you don't use 'avoir' with this. In English, we say 'to be in mourning,' and in French, it is also 'to be' (être). Don't say 'J'ai deuil.' Another thing to notice at the A2 level is how the phrase can be used in the past tense. 'Ils ont été en deuil pendant longtemps' (They were in mourning for a long time). This uses the passé composé. Learning this phrase helps you build your vocabulary for life events like births, marriages, and unfortunately, deaths. It is a key part of being able to talk about family and community life in French-speaking countries.
As a B1 learner, you are expected to handle more sensitive social situations, and être en deuil is an essential part of that. At this level, you should understand the cultural weight of the expression. It's not just about the emotion of sadness; it's about the period of time and the social status of the bereaved person. You can use it to explain why someone might be absent from work or why they are not participating in celebrations. For example, 'Il ne viendra pas à la fête car il est encore en deuil' (He won't come to the party because he is still in mourning). You should also be able to use related expressions like 'faire son deuil.' While être en deuil describes the state, faire son deuil describes the process of coming to terms with the loss. You might say, 'Il a du mal à faire son deuil' (He is having a hard time grieving/moving on). This distinction is important for B1 learners. You will also encounter this phrase in more complex grammatical structures, such as the subjunctive: 'Il est normal qu'elle soit en deuil après une telle perte' (It is normal that she be in mourning after such a loss). In terms of vocabulary, you can start adding adverbs to the phrase to be more precise: 'profondément en deuil' (deeply in mourning) or 'officiellement en deuil' (officially in mourning). You might also see the adjective 'endeuillé' used in newspapers, such as 'les familles endeuillées.' Understanding these variations allows you to discuss the topic of loss with more nuance and respect. In France, the 'deuil' period can involve specific customs, and being able to talk about it using the correct terminology shows that you have a good grasp of both the language and the culture. It is a phrase that requires empathy in its delivery, so pay attention to your tone of voice when using it.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using être en deuil in a variety of contexts, including metaphorical and formal ones. While the primary meaning is the state of mourning after a death, you will notice that in French, it can also describe a community or an institution that has lost something vital. For instance, 'Le monde du théâtre est en deuil après la fermeture de ce lieu mythique' (The world of theater is in mourning after the closure of this mythical venue). This metaphorical use highlights the deep sense of loss. You should also be aware of the historical and social nuances. In literature, the phrase might be used to describe the atmosphere of a post-war society. Grammatically, you can integrate the phrase into complex sentences with relative clauses and advanced tenses. 'Si le pays n'était pas en deuil, nous aurions organisé une grande cérémonie' (If the country weren't in mourning, we would have organized a big ceremony). You should also be able to discuss the concept of 'le travail de deuil' (the work of mourning), a psychological term popularized by Freud but widely used in French to describe the emotional labor of grieving. At this level, you should also be able to distinguish between 'être en deuil' and 'porter le deuil.' The latter refers specifically to the outward signs, such as wearing black clothing, which was a very strict social requirement in the past and still exists in some traditional circles. Understanding these distinctions shows a high level of cultural literacy. You might also encounter the phrase in legal or administrative contexts, such as 'congé pour deuil,' referring to bereavement leave. Being able to navigate these different registers—from the personal and emotional to the public and institutional—is a hallmark of a B2 learner. You should be able to use the phrase accurately in both written and spoken French, maintaining the appropriate level of gravity and respect required by the subject matter.
For C1 learners, être en deuil is a phrase that you should not only know but also be able to analyze in terms of its cultural and philosophical implications. In French discourse, 'le deuil' is a significant theme in philosophy and psychoanalysis. You might encounter discussions about 'l'impossibilité de faire son deuil' (the impossibility of moving on) in academic texts or high-level journalism. The state of être en deuil is often explored as a fundamental human condition. You should be able to use the phrase in sophisticated arguments, perhaps comparing how different cultures handle the state of being 'en deuil.' For example, you might discuss the secularization of mourning in modern France versus more traditional religious practices. In terms of style, you can use the phrase to create a specific atmosphere in your writing. Using it sparingly can make it more powerful. You should also be familiar with more obscure related terms and idioms. For instance, the expression 'mener le deuil' (to lead the mourning procession) or 'prendre le deuil' (to go into mourning). You will also find that être en deuil can be used in political rhetoric to evoke a sense of national unity or shared sacrifice. When a politician says, 'La République est en deuil,' they are invoking a powerful collective identity. As a C1 learner, you should be able to detect the subtle differences in tone when the phrase is used by a news anchor, a poet, or a lawyer. Your own usage should be precise and context-aware. You might use it to describe a cultural shift, such as 'la fin d'une époque qui laisse toute une génération en deuil.' This level of mastery involves understanding the phrase as a tool for expressing complex ideas about time, memory, and loss. You should also be comfortable with the most formal registers, where 'être en deuil' might be replaced by even more elevated language like 'être plongé dans l'affliction,' though 'en deuil' remains the most versatile and essential term.
At the C2 level, your understanding of être en deuil should be near-native, encompassing all its linguistic, cultural, and historical layers. You recognize it as a cornerstone of French social and emotional expression. You are capable of using it in highly nuanced ways, such as in literary criticism to discuss the 'poétique du deuil' in the works of authors like Marcel Proust or Roland Barthes (notably his 'Journal de deuil'). You understand that être en deuil is not just a description of a state but a performance of social identity and a navigation of the 'non-dit' (the unspoken) in French society. You can analyze the evolution of the phrase from its roots in Old French to its current usage in a digital age, where 'être en deuil' might be signaled by a black profile picture or a specific hashtag. You are also aware of the political dimensions of the phrase, such as when it is used to contest or affirm national narratives during commemorations. In your own writing, you can manipulate the phrase for rhetorical effect, perhaps using it in a paradoxical sense or within an extended metaphor. You might explore the idea of 'un deuil blanc' (a white mourning/grief for someone still alive but psychologically absent, like in Alzheimer's). Your grasp of the phrase includes an awareness of how it interacts with other complex concepts like 'la mélancolie' or 'la résilience.' You can engage in deep conversations about the ethics of mourning and the social expectations placed on those who are 'en deuil.' At this level, the phrase is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a lens through which you can view and describe the complexities of human experience and French culture. You use it with total precision, choosing it over synonyms like 'être éploré' or 'être dans l'affliction' based on the exact shade of meaning and register you wish to convey. Your mastery of être en deuil reflects a profound integration into the French language and its deep-seated cultural values regarding life, death, and the persistence of memory.
The expression être en deuil is a profound and emotionally resonant French phrase that translates literally to 'to be in mourning.' In French culture, as in many others, mourning is not just a private emotional state but also a social and often ritualized period that follows the death of a loved one. When someone says they are en deuil, they are communicating that they are currently navigating the complex process of grief and that their life is currently marked by this loss. It is a state of being that encompasses the psychological pain of bereavement as well as the external signs of respect for the deceased. Historically, this state was marked by very specific dress codes, such as wearing all black, though modern French society has become more flexible with these outward displays. However, the linguistic weight of the phrase remains significant. It is used to describe individuals, families, and even entire nations during times of collective tragedy. For example, after a national disaster or the passing of a significant public figure, you will often hear that la France est en deuil (France is in mourning). This indicates a period of official reflection and shared sorrow. Understanding this phrase requires more than just knowing the translation; it requires an appreciation for the gravity it carries in conversation. It is not a phrase used lightly for minor disappointments; it is reserved for the finality of death and the solemnity of remembrance.
- Emotional Depth
- The phrase suggests a deep, ongoing process of psychological adjustment to loss rather than just a momentary feeling of sadness.
Depuis le décès de son père, toute la famille est en deuil.
The word deuil itself comes from the Old French word 'duel' or 'doel', which meant grief or sorrow. It is important to distinguish between the noun le deuil (the mourning/grief) and the state of être en deuil. You might say faire son deuil, which means to go through the process of grieving or to move on from a loss. In contrast, être en deuil describes the current status of the person. When you encounter someone who is en deuil, the social expectation in France is one of quiet respect and empathy. It is common to offer condoléances. The phrase also appears in legal and workplace contexts, such as congé de deuil (bereavement leave), which is the time off granted to employees following a death in the family. This highlights how the concept is integrated into the structural aspects of French life. In literature and film, the state of being en deuil is often used as a powerful thematic element to explore themes of memory, legacy, and the passage of time. It is a universal human experience, but the French expression captures a specific sense of being enveloped by that experience. Whether it is a person wearing a black armband or a social media profile picture changed to a black ribbon, these are all manifestations of être en deuil. The phrase is also used metaphorically, though less commonly, to describe the loss of an era or a significant institution, such as 'le quartier est en deuil après la fermeture de sa dernière librairie' (the neighborhood is in mourning after its last bookstore closed), emphasizing the deep cultural loss felt by the community.
- Social Context
- It is used in both private conversations and official announcements to denote a period of respect and sorrow.
Le pays est en deuil national après l'attentat.
When discussing être en deuil, it is also useful to consider the duration. One can be en deuil for a few days, months, or even years depending on the depth of the relationship and personal or cultural customs. In traditional French rural society of the past, widows might remain en deuil for the rest of their lives, signified by wearing black. While these traditions have largely faded in urban areas, the linguistic structure remains as a testament to that history. The phrase is inherently respectful. Using it shows that you acknowledge the person's pain and the significance of their loss. It is more formal and serious than simply saying someone is 'sad.' It implies a transition period in life where the focus is on honoring what was lost. In a professional setting, if a colleague is en deuil, it is expected that their workload might be adjusted or that they will be given space. The phrase acts as a shield, providing a socially recognized reason for withdrawal or change in behavior. Ultimately, être en deuil is one of those essential French expressions that bridges the gap between individual emotion and social recognition, making it a vital part of the vocabulary for any intermediate learner who wishes to navigate sensitive social situations with grace and accuracy.
- Metaphorical Use
- Can be applied to communities or institutions losing something vital, not just people.
Le monde du cinéma est en deuil suite à la disparition de ce grand réalisateur.
Using être en deuil correctly involves understanding that 'être' is the auxiliary verb that must be conjugated according to the subject. Because 'deuil' is a noun, the phrase functions similarly to 'être en colère' (to be angry) or 'être en vacances' (to be on vacation). The preposition en is mandatory and does not change. Whether you are talking about one person or many, 'deuil' remains singular in this specific construction. For instance, you would say 'Ils sont en deuil' (They are in mourning). You can also modify the phrase to specify who is being mourned by adding 'de' after the phrase, although it is more common to simply state the person is in mourning and then provide context in a separate sentence. For example, 'Elle est en deuil de son mari' is grammatically correct but slightly more formal or literary than 'Elle est en deuil parce que son mari est mort.' In most everyday conversations, the context of the loss is established first, followed by the statement of being en deuil.
- Verb Conjugation
- Always conjugate 'être' to match the subject. 'Je suis en deuil', 'Nous sommes en deuil', etc.
Nous sommes en deuil et nous apprécierions un peu d'intimité.
The phrase can be used in various tenses to describe the duration or timing of the mourning period. In the past tense, you might say 'Elle a été en deuil pendant un an' (She was in mourning for a year), using the passé composé to indicate a completed period of time. Using the imparfait, like 'Il était en deuil quand je l'ai rencontré' (He was in mourning when I met him), sets a background state. In more formal writing, you might see the phrase used in the subjunctive mood: 'Il est important que la nation soit en deuil' (It is important that the nation be in mourning). Additionally, you can add adverbs to modify the intensity or nature of the mourning, such as 'profondément en deuil' (deeply in mourning) or 'officiellement en deuil' (officially in mourning). These modifiers help convey the specific nuances of the situation. It's also worth noting that the phrase can be used with collective nouns. 'Le village est en deuil' or 'La rédaction est en deuil' (The editorial staff is in mourning). This flexibility allows the speaker to describe a shared emotional climate within a group. When writing, remember that 'deuil' is spelled with 'eu' followed by 'il', which can be tricky for English speakers accustomed to different vowel combinations.
- Tense Usage
- Use 'passé composé' for a specific duration and 'imparfait' for a general state in the past.
Toute la ville était en deuil après la catastrophe naturelle.
In negative constructions, the 'ne... pas' surrounds the conjugated verb 'être'. For example, 'Il n'est plus en deuil' (He is no longer in mourning) suggests that the formal period of grieving has ended. This is an important distinction to make when discussing someone's recovery from loss. You can also use the phrase in questions to inquire about someone's status with sensitivity: 'Est-elle encore en deuil ?' (Is she still in mourning?). This is a polite way to ask if someone is ready to participate in social activities again. In more complex sentences, you might see être en deuil followed by a prepositional phrase explaining the cause: 'Ils sont en deuil à cause de la perte de leur ami' (They are in mourning because of the loss of their friend). However, brevity is often preferred in such somber contexts. The phrase stands well on its own because the gravity of 'deuil' implies a significant loss. Whether you are using it in a letter of condolence, a news report, or a casual conversation, keeping the structure simple often enhances the sincerity of the message. Mastery of this expression allows for a more nuanced expression of sympathy and an accurate description of a very human condition.
- Negative Form
- Place 'ne' before and 'pas' (or 'plus') after 'être'. 'Je ne suis pas en deuil.'
Même s'il n'est plus en deuil officiel, il reste très triste.
The expression être en deuil is frequently heard in news broadcasts and read in newspapers, particularly when reporting on the death of a public figure or a major tragedy. In France, the concept of 'deuil national' (national mourning) is a formal state declared by the President. During these times, the media will repeatedly use the phrase to describe the collective state of the country. You will see headlines like 'La France en deuil' or hear news anchors say, 'Le pays est en deuil ce soir.' This usage is very common and serves to unite the population in a shared experience of loss. In such contexts, the phrase takes on an official, solemn tone that is distinct from its use in private conversation. It is often accompanied by images of flags at half-mast or people gathering for vigils. For a learner, recognizing this phrase in the news is a key step in understanding French current events and the way the nation processes collective trauma.
- Media Usage
- Common in news headlines and broadcasts to describe national or community-wide loss.
Le présentateur a annoncé que le monde de la musique était en deuil.
In everyday life, you might hear this phrase in a more personal context, though it is usually spoken with a lower voice and a serious demeanor. If you are visiting a French workplace and a colleague is absent, someone might explain, 'Il est en deuil,' to indicate that they have suffered a personal loss. This is a concise and respectful way to communicate the situation without needing to go into painful details. It sets a boundary that the person needs time and space. You might also hear it in social circles when discussing why someone hasn't been attending events or responding to invitations. In these cases, it acts as a social marker that explains a change in behavior. It is also found in literature and film, where characters might be described as en deuil to explain their motivations or emotional state. The phrase is ubiquitous in French culture because it touches on a universal experience, but it is always treated with the gravity it deserves. Whether in a formal speech or a quiet conversation, hearing être en deuil immediately changes the atmosphere of the interaction to one of solemnity and respect.
- Workplace Context
- Used to respectfully explain an absence or a need for privacy due to a family death.
Ma collègue est en deuil, donc elle ne viendra pas à la réunion.
Furthermore, the phrase is common in religious or spiritual settings. During a funeral service, the priest or speaker might refer to the family as la famille en deuil. This reinforces the idea that the state of mourning is a shared identity for those who were close to the deceased. In historical contexts, you will find it in memoirs or historical novels describing the aftermath of wars or epidemics. For example, after World War I, a huge portion of the French population was en deuil, which had a massive impact on the national psyche and culture. Today, while the outward signs of mourning are less rigid, the phrase remains the standard way to describe the experience. It is also used in legal documents regarding inheritance or survivor benefits, where the status of being a 'personne en deuil' may have specific implications. Overall, être en deuil is a versatile but always serious expression that you will encounter across all levels of French society, from the highest levels of government to the most intimate family settings. Understanding where and how it is used will help you navigate French social life with greater empathy and cultural awareness.
- Legal/Official Context
- Appears in documents regarding bereavement leave or rights of the survivors.
La loi prévoit des jours de repos pour les employés en deuil.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using être en deuil is confusing it with the English structure 'to mourn.' In English, 'to mourn' is a verb (e.g., 'I am mourning my friend'). In French, while there is a verb pleurer (to cry/mourn) or déplorer (to deplore/mourn), the most common way to express the state of being in mourning is the phrase être en deuil. Beginners often try to turn 'deuil' into a verb like 'deuiller,' which does not exist in common usage. Another common error is using the wrong preposition. Students might say 'être dans le deuil' or 'être de deuil.' While 'dans le deuil' can occasionally be seen in very poetic or specific contexts, the standard, everyday expression is always en deuil. Using 'dans' makes the sentence sound unnatural to a native speaker. It is important to memorize the preposition as an inseparable part of the phrase, just like 'en vacances' or 'en colère.'
- Preposition Error
- Incorrect: 'Je suis dans le deuil.' Correct: 'Je suis en deuil.'
Il ne faut pas dire 'il est de deuil', mais bien qu'il est en deuil.
Another mistake involves the auxiliary verb. English speakers might be tempted to use 'avoir' because they think of mourning as something they 'have.' However, in French, mourning is a state you 'are' in. Saying 'J'ai deuil' is incorrect and will confuse native speakers. You must always use être. Additionally, there is often confusion between être en deuil and faire son deuil. As mentioned earlier, faire son deuil means to go through the process of grieving or to come to terms with a loss (often used metaphorically for non-death situations, like 'faire le deuil d'un projet'). If you say 'Je fais mon deuil' when you mean 'I am in mourning,' you are focusing on the psychological process of moving on rather than the current state of bereavement. Another subtle mistake is the spelling of 'deuil.' The 'eu' sound is common in French but the 'uil' ending is specific. Learners often swap the 'u' and 'e' or forget the 'i,' leading to misspellings like 'dueil' or 'deul.' Consistent practice and reading will help solidify the correct spelling in your mind.
- Auxiliary Error
- Incorrect: 'J'ai deuil.' Correct: 'Je suis en deuil.'
Elle est en deuil, elle n'a pas 'le deuil' comme on possède un objet.
Finally, learners sometimes use être en deuil for situations that are not serious enough. For example, if your favorite sports team loses a game, saying 'Je suis en deuil' might be seen as overly dramatic or even offensive if someone nearby has recently suffered a real loss. While French people do use hyperbole, deuil is a very strong word. For minor disappointments, it is better to use words like déçu (disappointed) or triste (sad). Using en deuil for a lost football match might be acceptable in a very specific, joking context among close friends, but it should be avoided in general conversation to prevent appearing insensitive. Also, remember that 'deuil' does not change for gender or number. You would say 'Elles sont en deuil' and 'Ils sont en deuil.' The noun itself is masculine, but in this phrase, it functions as part of an adverbial expression of state. By avoiding these common pitfalls—wrong prepositions, wrong auxiliary verbs, confusion with 'faire son deuil,' and inappropriate context—you will use the phrase much more naturally and respectfully.
- Register and Severity
- Avoid using the phrase for minor setbacks; keep it for actual loss or very significant cultural events.
On ne dit pas qu'on est en deuil juste parce qu'on a perdu ses clés.
While être en deuil is the most direct way to say someone is in mourning, there are several other words and phrases that describe similar emotional states or related concepts. Understanding these alternatives will help you choose the right word for the right situation. A common related verb is pleurer, which means to cry or to weep for someone. While être en deuil describes a state, pleurer describes the action of grieving. For example, 'Elle pleure son mari' (She is mourning/weeping for her husband). Another verb is déplorer, which is more formal and often used to express regret or sorrow over a death or a tragic event, such as 'Nous déplorons la perte de notre collègue.' This is frequently found in official statements. If you want to describe the feeling of deep sorrow without specifically mentioning the state of mourning, you might use être affligé (to be distressed/grief-stricken). This carries a sense of being hit hard by bad news.
- Comparison: Pleurer vs. Être en deuil
- 'Pleurer' is the action of crying/mourning; 'Être en deuil' is the social and emotional state.
Elle est en deuil et passe ses journées à pleurer son fils.
Another important distinction is le chagrin. This noun means 'grief' or 'sorrow' and is often used in the expression avoir du chagrin. While deuil has a social and ritualistic connotation, chagrin is more about the internal emotional pain. You might say 'Il a beaucoup de chagrin depuis la mort de son chien' (He has a lot of grief since his dog died). Notice that for a pet, chagrin is often more common than deuil, though the latter is not impossible. There is also the word la tristesse (sadness), which is the most general term. If you want to say someone is 'sorrowful,' you can use the adjective endeuillé. This is the past participle of the rare verb endeuiller (to cast into mourning). You will often hear about les familles endeuillées (the mourning families) in news reports. This is a very respectful and formal way to refer to those who have lost someone. It is more common as an adjective than the verb form itself.
- Comparison: Chagrin vs. Deuil
- 'Chagrin' is the internal emotion; 'Deuil' is the external state or period.
Les familles endeuillées ont reçu le soutien de la communauté.
Finally, consider the phrase porter le deuil. This specifically means to wear mourning clothes or to show outward signs of mourning. While être en deuil is the general state, porter le deuil is about the physical manifestation of that state. Historically, this meant wearing black for a specific period. Today, it might just mean wearing a black ribbon or dressing conservatively. There is also faire part de son deuil, which means to announce a death, usually through a formal notice called a faire-part. In summary, if you want to describe the state, use être en deuil; for the emotion, use avoir du chagrin; for the action of crying, use pleurer; and for the formal adjective, use endeuillé. Having this range of vocabulary allows you to speak about loss with the appropriate level of formality and emotional depth. Each word carries its own weight and choosing the right one shows a high level of linguistic and cultural competence.
- Comparison: Porter le deuil vs. Être en deuil
- 'Porter le deuil' refers specifically to the outward signs like clothing.
Autrefois, les veuves portaient le deuil pendant plusieurs années.
Examples by Level
Mon ami est en deuil.
My friend is in mourning.
'est' is the present tense of 'être'.
Elle est en deuil car son chat est mort.
She is in mourning because her cat died.
'car' means 'because'.
Nous sommes en deuil aujourd'hui.
We are in mourning today.
'sommes' is the 'nous' form of 'être'.
Est-ce qu'il est en deuil ?
Is he in mourning?
Standard question structure with 'Est-ce que'.
Je ne suis pas en deuil.
I am not in mourning.
'ne... pas' surrounds the verb 'suis'.
La maman est en deuil.
The mother is in mourning.
'La maman' is the subject.
Ils sont en deuil ce mois-ci.
They are in mourning this month.
'sont' is the 'ils' form of 'être'.
Le petit garçon est en deuil.
The little boy is in mourning.
'petit' is the adjective for 'little'.
Toute la famille est en deuil après le décès de la grand-mère.
The whole family is in mourning after the grandmother's death.
'après' is a preposition meaning 'after'.
Ma ville est en deuil à cause de l'accident.
My town is in mourning because of the accident.
'à cause de' means 'because of'.
Ils ont été en deuil pendant tout l'hiver.
They were in mourning during the whole winter.
'ont été' is the passé composé of 'être'.
Elle était en deuil quand je l'ai vue.
She was in mourning when I saw her.
'était' is the imparfait of 'être'.
Pourquoi sont-ils en deuil ?
Why are they in mourning?
'Pourquoi' is the question word for 'why'.
Le pays est en deuil national.
The country is in national mourning.
'national' is the adjective modifying 'deuil'.
Nous respectons ceux qui sont en deuil.
We respect those who are in mourning.
'ceux qui' means 'those who'.
Il est en deuil de son meilleur ami.
He is in mourning for his best friend.
'de' indicates the person being mourned.
Il est important de soutenir les personnes qui sont en deuil.
It is important to support people who are in mourning.
'Il est important de' is followed by an infinitive.
Bien qu'elle soit en deuil, elle essaie de sourire.
Although she is in mourning, she tries to smile.
'soit' is the subjunctive of 'être' after 'bien que'.
Le quartier est en deuil depuis la fermeture de l'école.
The neighborhood is in mourning since the school's closure.
Metaphorical use of 'en deuil'.
Ils ne sont plus en deuil officiel, mais la tristesse reste.
They are no longer in official mourning, but the sadness remains.
'ne... plus' means 'no longer'.
Le monde du cinéma est en deuil suite à la perte de cet acteur.
The film world is in mourning following the loss of this actor.
'suite à' means 'following' or 'as a result of'.
Elle a décidé de rester chez elle car elle est en deuil.
She decided to stay home because she is in mourning.
'chez elle' means 'at her home'.
Nous avons appris que votre famille est en deuil.
We learned that your family is in mourning.
'que' introduces a subordinate clause.
Être en deuil demande beaucoup de courage.
Being in mourning requires a lot of courage.
The infinitive 'Être' acts as the subject.
La nation est en deuil et les drapeaux sont en berne.
The nation is in mourning and the flags are at half-mast.
'en berne' is a specific phrase for flags.
Il est resté en deuil pendant une année entière, comme le voulait la tradition.
He remained in mourning for an entire year, as tradition dictated.
'comme le voulait' uses the imparfait for a past habit or rule.
On sent que toute la rédaction est en deuil après le départ du rédacteur en chef.
One can feel that the whole editorial team is in mourning after the editor-in-chief's departure.
'On sent que' introduces a perception.
Elle s'est montrée très digne alors qu'elle était en deuil.
She showed great dignity while she was in mourning.
'alors que' means 'while' or 'even though'.
Le village est en deuil de son passé industriel.
The village is in mourning for its industrial past.
Metaphorical use for a lost era.
Il n'est pas facile de travailler quand on est en deuil.
It is not easy to work when one is in mourning.
'on' is the indefinite subject 'one' or 'we'.
Ils sont en deuil, respectons leur silence.
They are in mourning, let's respect their silence.
Imperativ
Related Content
Related Phrases
More emotions words
à contrecœur
B1Against one's will; reluctantly.
à fleur de peau
B1Oversensitive; easily affected emotionally.
à la fois
B1At the same time; simultaneously.
à l'aise
A2Feeling comfortable, relaxed, or at ease.
à regret
B1With regret; reluctantly.
abandon
B1The action or fact of abandoning someone or something; abandonment (can be emotional).
abasourdi
B1Stunned, dumbfounded, greatly astonished or shocked.
abattement
A2A state of extreme dejection; despondency.
abattu
A2In low spirits; disheartened; dejected.
abominable
B1Causing moral revulsion; detestable.
