Gendarmerie in 30 Seconds
- Gendarmerie is the French military police force serving rural areas and small towns, distinct from the urban Police Nationale.
- The word refers to both the organization and the physical police station building found in villages and suburbs.
- As a feminine noun (la gendarmerie), it is essential for travelers needing assistance outside of major French cities.
- Key associations include road safety, mountain rescue, and the iconic blue uniforms and vehicles seen throughout France.
The word gendarmerie is a fundamental term in the French administrative and security landscape. For an English speaker, it is often translated simply as 'police station' or 'the police,' but this ignores the rich historical and structural nuances of the French system. In France, law enforcement is divided between two main bodies: the Police Nationale (civilian, operating in urban areas) and the Gendarmerie Nationale (military, operating in rural and suburban areas). Therefore, when you use the word gendarmerie, you are specifically referring to the military-status police force or the building they occupy.
- Institutional Context
- The Gendarmerie is part of the French Armed Forces but is placed under the authority of the Ministry of the Interior for its daily missions. This dual nature is crucial for understanding why a 'gendarme' is not exactly a 'policier'.
- Physical Location
- In common parlance, 'la gendarmerie' refers to the actual building. If you lose your wallet in a small village, you don't look for a 'commissariat' (police station); you look for the 'gendarmerie'.
Je dois me rendre à la gendarmerie pour déclarer la perte de mes papiers.
Historically, the term derives from gens d'armes (men-at-arms), reflecting its origins as a heavy cavalry unit of the French King. Today, it represents safety and authority in the French countryside. You will see them on highways (Peloton d'Autoroute), in the mountains (PGHM), and even guarding the President (Garde Républicaine). Using this word correctly signals to native speakers that you understand the specific geography of French law enforcement.
Les motards de la gendarmerie surveillent la vitesse sur l'autoroute.
Grammatically, gendarmerie is a feminine noun (la gendarmerie). It can be used as a collective noun to describe the institution or as a concrete noun for the building. Because it is a military organization, the language surrounding it often involves terms of hierarchy and barracks (casernes).
- As a Destination
- When giving directions or stating where you are going, use the preposition 'à la'. Example: 'Le touriste est allé à la gendarmerie'.
- As an Agent
- When the institution is performing an action, it is the subject. Example: 'La gendarmerie enquête sur l'accident'.
La gendarmerie a installé un barrage routier à l'entrée du village.
When referring to the people within the gendarmerie, you use 'le gendarme' (masculine) or 'la gendarme' (feminine). However, when referring to the force in general, the collective noun is preferred. In more formal writing, you might see 'la Gendarmerie Nationale' with capital letters to denote the specific state institution.
Il y a toujours quelqu'un de garde à la gendarmerie, 24 heures sur 24.
In France, you will hear gendarmerie most often in the context of rural life, travel, and news reports. If you live in a village of 2,000 people, the gendarmerie is your primary point of contact for safety. You will hear it on the radio during traffic updates ('La gendarmerie signale un ralentissement...') or in local news regarding investigations.
- On the Road
- Drivers often warn each other about 'la gendarmerie' performing speed checks or sobriety tests. It’s a word associated with road safety and control.
- In Cinema and TV
- The 'Gendarme de Saint-Tropez' films with Louis de Funès are a cult classic, though they portray a very comedic and somewhat outdated image of the institution.
On a vu les voitures de la gendarmerie passer avec les sirènes hurlantes.
In administrative settings, you will hear it when discussing 'procédures' or 'plaintes'. If someone says 'Porter plainte à la gendarmerie', they are talking about filing a formal complaint. It is a word that carries weight, authority, and a sense of republican order.
The most common mistake for English speakers is using 'police' when 'gendarmerie' is required. While 'police' is a generic term in English, in French, calling a gendarme a 'policier' is technically incorrect and might be seen as a slight lack of cultural awareness (though they will understand you).
- Gender Confusion
- Students often forget that 'gendarmerie' is feminine. Avoid saying 'le gendarmerie'. It is always 'la'.
- Spelling
- The 'g' is followed by an 'e', making a soft 'j' sound. Don't confuse it with 'gendarme' (the person) vs 'gendarmerie' (the place/force).
Incorrect: Je vais au gendarmerie. Correct: Je vais à la gendarmerie.
Another mistake is the pronunciation of the ending. The '-erie' suffix should be pronounced clearly as /ɛ.ʁi/, not /ɛ.ri/. Also, ensure the nasal 'en' in 'gen-' is pronounced correctly as /ʒɑ̃/.
While gendarmerie is specific, there are several related terms you should know to navigate French law enforcement terminology.
- Police Nationale
- The civilian counterpart. They operate in cities. Their building is a 'commissariat'.
- Police Municipale
- Local police managed by the mayor. They have limited powers compared to the Gendarmerie.
- La Maréchaussée
- An archaic/historical term for the Gendarmerie. Sometimes used humorously or in historical novels.
Contrairement à la police, la gendarmerie dépend du statut militaire.
In slang, you might hear 'les pandores' to refer to the gendarmes, or 'les bleus' (because of their blue uniforms), though 'les bleus' can also refer to the national soccer team or the police in general. 'La maréchaussée' is a fun word to know if you want to sound like you've read 18th-century literature.
How Formal Is It?
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Fun Fact
The Gendarmerie is one of the oldest institutions in France, with its roots going back to the 'Maréchaussée' of the 14th century. The 'gendarme couché' (speed bump) is a funny linguistic nod to their role in traffic control.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'gen' like the English 'ten'. It should be a nasal 'zhon'.
- Hard 'g' sound. It is always soft /ʒ/.
- Forgetting the 'e' in the middle.
- Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
- Pronouncing the final 'e' in 'gendarme' when it's just the person, but it's clearly 'erie' in 'gendarmerie'.
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize if you know the English cognate.
Spelling the nasal 'en' and the ending '-erie' can be tricky.
The nasal vowel and the soft 'g' require practice.
Distinctive sound, usually easy to pick out in context.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Feminine noun endings in -erie
La boulangerie, la gendarmerie, la boucherie.
Preposition 'à' with buildings
Je vais à la gendarmerie.
Nasal 'en' pronunciation
Gendarme, enfant, attendre.
Soft 'g' before 'e'
Gendarme, manger, rouge.
Agreement of adjectives with collective nouns
La gendarmerie est prête.
Examples by Level
Où est la gendarmerie ?
Where is the gendarmerie?
Simple question with 'où est'.
La gendarmerie est bleue.
The gendarmerie is blue.
Adjective agreement with feminine noun.
Je cherche la gendarmerie.
I am looking for the gendarmerie.
Verb 'chercher' + direct object.
C'est une gendarmerie.
It is a gendarmerie.
Indefinite article 'une'.
La gendarmerie est ouverte.
The gendarmerie is open.
Feminine adjective 'ouverte'.
Le gendarme travaille à la gendarmerie.
The gendarme works at the gendarmerie.
Preposition 'à la'.
Il y a une gendarmerie ici.
There is a gendarmerie here.
Expression 'il y a'.
Merci, gendarmerie !
Thank you, gendarmerie!
Noun used as a collective address.
Nous devons aller à la gendarmerie pour mon passeport.
We must go to the gendarmerie for my passport.
Modal verb 'devoir' + infinitive.
La gendarmerie surveille les routes de campagne.
The gendarmerie monitors the country roads.
Present tense of 'surveiller'.
J'ai appelé la gendarmerie après l'accident.
I called the gendarmerie after the accident.
Passé composé with 'avoir'.
La gendarmerie est à côté de la mairie.
The gendarmerie is next to the town hall.
Prepositional phrase 'à côté de'.
Les voitures de la gendarmerie sont rapides.
The gendarmerie cars are fast.
Plural subject and adjective.
Elle travaille à la gendarmerie nationale.
She works at the national gendarmerie.
Proper noun usage.
Il n'y a pas de gendarmerie dans ce petit village.
There is no gendarmerie in this small village.
Negation 'pas de'.
La gendarmerie aide les citoyens.
The gendarmerie helps citizens.
Simple present tense.
La gendarmerie a ouvert une enquête sur le vol.
The gendarmerie has opened an investigation into the theft.
Passé composé with direct object.
Si vous avez un problème, contactez la gendarmerie.
If you have a problem, contact the gendarmerie.
Imperative mood.
La gendarmerie est responsable de la sécurité rurale.
The gendarmerie is responsible for rural security.
Adjective 'responsable de'.
Elle a décidé de s'engager dans la gendarmerie.
She decided to join the gendarmerie.
Reflexive verb 's'engager'.
La gendarmerie utilise des hélicoptères pour les secours.
The gendarmerie uses helicopters for rescues.
Plural noun 'hélicoptères'.
Pendant les vacances, la gendarmerie surveille votre maison.
During the holidays, the gendarmerie watches your house.
Time phrase 'pendant les vacances'.
Le rapport de la gendarmerie est très détaillé.
The gendarmerie report is very detailed.
Possessive 'de la'.
Il a été arrêté par la gendarmerie ce matin.
He was arrested by the gendarmerie this morning.
Passive voice.
La gendarmerie collabore étroitement avec la police nationale.
The gendarmerie collaborates closely with the national police.
Adverb 'étroitement'.
Le statut militaire de la gendarmerie est un sujet de débat.
The military status of the gendarmerie is a subject of debate.
Abstract noun 'statut'.
La gendarmerie mobile intervient lors des manifestations.
The mobile gendarmerie intervenes during demonstrations.
Specialized unit name.
L'histoire de la gendarmerie remonte au Moyen Âge.
The history of the gendarmerie dates back to the Middle Ages.
Phrasal verb 'remonter à'.
La gendarmerie assure la protection des points sensibles.
The gendarmerie ensures the protection of sensitive sites.
Verb 'assurer'.
Elle a passé le concours pour entrer dans la gendarmerie.
She took the exam to enter the gendarmerie.
Noun 'concours' (competitive exam).
La gendarmerie maritime patrouille le long des côtes.
The maritime gendarmerie patrols along the coasts.
Adjective 'maritime'.
Le déploiement de la gendarmerie a été immédiat.
The deployment of the gendarmerie was immediate.
Abstract noun 'déploiement'.
La gendarmerie exerce des missions de police administrative et judiciaire.
The gendarmerie carries out administrative and judicial police missions.
Technical legal terms.
L'ancrage territorial de la gendarmerie est un atout pour l'État.
The territorial anchoring of the gendarmerie is an asset for the State.
Formal noun 'ancrage'.
La gendarmerie nationale est une force armée instituée pour veiller à la sûreté publique.
The national gendarmerie is an armed force established to watch over public safety.
Formal definition structure.
Les effectifs de la gendarmerie ont été renforcés cette année.
The gendarmerie's workforce has been reinforced this year.
Plural noun 'effectifs'.
La gendarmerie joue un rôle clé dans la lutte contre le terrorisme.
The gendarmerie plays a key role in the fight against terrorism.
Idiomatic 'jouer un rôle clé'.
Malgré son statut militaire, la gendarmerie est proche de la population.
Despite its military status, the gendarmerie is close to the population.
Conjunction 'malgré'.
Le maillage de la gendarmerie permet une intervention rapide partout.
The gendarmerie's network allows for rapid intervention everywhere.
Technical term 'maillage'.
La gendarmerie est le garant de l'ordre républicain en zone rurale.
The gendarmerie is the guarantor of republican order in rural areas.
High-level noun 'garant'.
La gendarmerie s'inscrit dans une tradition séculaire de service à la nation.
The gendarmerie is part of a centuries-old tradition of service to the nation.
Reflexive verb 's'inscrire dans'.
L'interopérabilité entre la gendarmerie et les forces alliées est cruciale.
Interoperability between the gendarmerie and allied forces is crucial.
Complex technical noun.
La gendarmerie doit concilier impératifs de sécurité et respect des libertés individuelles.
The gendarmerie must reconcile security imperatives and respect for individual freedoms.
Verb 'concilier'.
La résilience de la gendarmerie face aux crises majeures est exemplaire.
The gendarmerie's resilience in the face of major crises is exemplary.
Abstract noun 'résilience'.
L'évolution doctrinale de la gendarmerie accompagne les mutations de la société.
The doctrinal evolution of the gendarmerie accompanies the changes in society.
Advanced vocabulary 'doctrinale', 'mutations'.
Le prestige de la gendarmerie repose sur son intégrité et son dévouement.
The prestige of the gendarmerie rests on its integrity and dedication.
Verb 'reposer sur'.
La gendarmerie est une composante indissociable du paysage institutionnel français.
The gendarmerie is an inseparable component of the French institutional landscape.
Adjective 'indissociable'.
L'expertise de la gendarmerie en matière de police technique est reconnue mondialement.
The gendarmerie's expertise in technical policing is recognized worldwide.
Phrase 'en matière de'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To go to the police station (rural).
Je dois aller à la gendarmerie pour mes papiers.
— To file a formal police report.
Elle a décidé de porter plainte à la gendarmerie.
— An officer belonging to the force.
C'est un gendarme de la gendarmerie locale.
— Community policing in rural areas.
La gendarmerie de proximité est essentielle ici.
— Under the authority of the gendarmerie.
La zone est sous l'autorité de la gendarmerie.
— Police intervention.
L'intervention de la gendarmerie a calmé la situation.
— The duty shift at the station.
La permanence de la gendarmerie répond au téléphone.
Often Confused With
Police is urban and civilian; Gendarmerie is rural and military.
The building for the Police, not the Gendarmerie.
Gendarme is the person; Gendarmerie is the place or force.
Idioms & Expressions
— To arrive when everything is already over or the problem is solved.
Tu m'aides maintenant ? C'est la gendarmerie qui arrive après la bataille !
Informal— To play cops and robbers.
Les enfants jouent au gendarme et au voleur dans le jardin.
Neutral— To be in police custody.
Le suspect est désormais entre les mains de la gendarmerie.
Neutral— To act like a policeman or to boss people around to maintain order.
Arrête de faire le gendarme avec tes frères !
Informal— The police are watching (often said ironically).
Roule doucement, la maréchaussée veille !
Informal/Ironical— To stop by the police station.
Je vais passer à la gendarmerie avant de rentrer.
Neutral— Known to the police (usually for criminal activity).
Cet homme est bien connu de la gendarmerie.
Neutral— To have the police chasing you.
Il a la gendarmerie aux trousses après son vol.
Informal— A speed bump (literally 'a lying gendarme').
Il y a beaucoup de gendarmes couchés dans cette rue.
Neutral— Because it's the gendarmerie (implying strict rules).
Il faut être ponctuel, gendarmerie oblige !
NeutralEasily Confused
Both are police forces.
Police Nationale is civilian and works in cities over 20,000 inhabitants. Gendarmerie is military and works everywhere else.
À Paris, on appelle la police; à la campagne, la gendarmerie.
Often used interchangeably.
A 'brigade' is the specific local unit/office of the Gendarmerie.
La brigade de mon village est petite.
Both are buildings.
A 'caserne' is where they live; the 'gendarmerie' is where they work (though often the same building).
Il rentre à la caserne après son service.
Historical term.
It is the old name, used today mostly for stylistic effect.
La maréchaussée patrouillait à cheval.
Contains the word 'gendarme'.
It is an idiom for a speed bump.
Attention au gendarme couché !
Sentence Patterns
Où est la [place] ?
Où est la gendarmerie ?
Je vais à la [place] pour [action].
Je vais à la gendarmerie pour une plainte.
La gendarmerie a [past participle] le [object].
La gendarmerie a trouvé le vélo.
Il est nécessaire de contacter la gendarmerie si...
Il est nécessaire de contacter la gendarmerie si vous voyez un vol.
Bien que la gendarmerie soit militaire, elle...
Bien que la gendarmerie soit militaire, elle aide les civils.
L'intervention de la gendarmerie témoigne de...
L'intervention de la gendarmerie témoigne de la réactivité de l'État.
Il y a une [place] près de [location].
Il y a une gendarmerie près de l'église.
Selon la gendarmerie, [clause].
Selon la gendarmerie, la route est bloquée.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common in rural and regional contexts.
-
Using 'le gendarmerie'
→
la gendarmerie
The noun is feminine. Using the masculine article is a common error for beginners.
-
Saying 'commissariat' in a village
→
gendarmerie
Villages don't have commissariats; they have gendarmeries. Using the wrong term shows a lack of local knowledge.
-
Pronouncing the 'g' like 'goat'
→
soft 'g' like 'measure'
In French, 'g' before 'e' is always soft /ʒ/.
-
Confusing 'gendarme' and 'gendarmerie'
→
gendarme (person), gendarmerie (place)
You talk to a gendarme, but you go to the gendarmerie.
-
Forgetting the nasal sound in 'gen-'
→
nasal /ʒɑ̃/
Pronouncing the 'n' fully makes the word sound foreign and hard to understand for natives.
Tips
Learn the Duo
Always learn 'gendarmerie' alongside 'commissariat'. Knowing both will help you navigate any French town or city without confusion.
Respect the Képi
Gendarmes are military personnel. A polite 'Bonjour Monsieur le Gendarme' goes a long way in establishing a good rapport.
Nasal 'EN'
Don't pronounce the 'n' in 'gen'. It's a nasal vowel. Think of the 'on' in the English word 'song' but with a 'zh' at the start.
Highway Patrol
On French highways (autoroutes), the Gendarmerie is the force you will see. They handle accidents and speed checks there.
Feminine Agreement
Remember: 'La gendarmerie est ferméE' (with an extra 'e'). Adjectives must agree with the feminine noun.
Collective Noun
You can use 'La gendarmerie' to mean 'The police are coming'. Example: 'La gendarmerie arrive !' (singular verb in French, plural meaning).
Look for Blue
In France, blue is the color of the Gendarmerie. Blue cars, blue uniforms, blue signs. If it's blue and official, it's likely Gendarmerie.
Career Word
If you see 'Recrutement Gendarmerie', it's about joining the force. It's a prestigious career path in France.
Men-at-Arms
Remember the etymology 'gens d'armes' to help you remember the spelling. It's literally 'people of arms'.
Trusted Source
In small villages, the gendarmerie is often the most trusted source of help. Don't hesitate to approach them.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Gens d'armes' -> 'Gents with arms' who live in the 'Gendarmerie'. It sounds like 'John' (nasal) + 'Darm' + 'Er-ee'.
Visual Association
Imagine a blue building in a quiet French village with a French flag and a sign that says 'Gendarmerie'. Picture a gendarme in a blue uniform and a képi.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to spot a gendarmerie on Google Maps in a random French village and describe what it looks like in three sentences using the word.
Word Origin
The word 'gendarmerie' comes from the Old French 'gens d'armes', which literally means 'men-at-arms'.
Original meaning: It originally referred to a body of heavy cavalrymen who were part of the king's household troops.
Romance (French).Cultural Context
Always respect the military status of gendarmes; they are soldiers and appreciate being addressed formally.
In the UK or US, there is no direct equivalent of a military force doing civilian police work. The closest might be State Troopers or Highway Patrol, but without the military status.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Road Safety
- Contrôle de vitesse
- Alcootest
- Papiers du véhicule
- Amende
Administrative
- Déclaration de perte
- Dépôt de plainte
- Main courante
- Procès-verbal
Emergency
- Appelez le 17
- Au secours
- Accident de la route
- Cambriolage
Rural Life
- Voisinage
- Patrouille
- Caserne
- Brigade locale
Mountain/Sea
- Secours en montagne
- Sauvetage
- Hélicoptère
- Gendarmerie maritime
Conversation Starters
"Savez-vous où se trouve la gendarmerie la plus proche ?"
"Avez-vous déjà dû appeler la gendarmerie pour un problème ?"
"Pensez-vous que la gendarmerie est plus efficace en milieu rural ?"
"Avez-vous vu les nouveaux véhicules de la gendarmerie ?"
"Est-ce que la gendarmerie surveille souvent cette route ?"
Journal Prompts
Décrivez votre visite imaginaire à une gendarmerie pour signaler un objet perdu.
Expliquez la différence entre la police et la gendarmerie à un ami étranger.
Imaginez une journée dans la vie d'un gendarme travaillant dans une petite brigade.
Pourquoi est-il important d'avoir une gendarmerie dans les zones rurales ?
Racontez une histoire où la gendarmerie aide un touriste en difficulté.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot exactly. While they both perform law enforcement duties, the Gendarmerie has a military status and operates mainly in rural areas. The Police Nationale is civilian and operates in cities. For a citizen, the service provided is similar.
In France, you should dial 17. The operator will automatically connect you to the appropriate service (Police or Gendarmerie) based on your current location. You don't need to choose yourself.
It is a feminine noun: 'la gendarmerie'. This is true whether you are talking about the building or the institution as a whole. Example: 'Une grande gendarmerie'.
Yes, if you are in a rural area or a small town, the Gendarmerie is the correct place to file a 'déclaration de perte' (declaration of loss). In a city, you would go to a 'commissariat de police'.
Yes, one of the unique features of the Gendarmerie is that officers are required to live in 'casernement' (barracks) located within or next to the gendarmerie building. This ensures they are available quickly.
The GIGN (Groupe d'Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale) is the elite tactical unit of the Gendarmerie, specialized in counter-terrorism and hostage rescue. They are world-renowned for their expertise.
They usually have a blue sign with 'Gendarmerie' in white letters, a French flag, and often a grenade symbol (the emblem of the Gendarmerie). The buildings are often modern and functional.
Yes, many countries that were influenced by the French legal system have a Gendarmerie, including Italy (Carabinieri), Spain (Guardia Civil), and many African nations.
It is the smallest territorial unit of the Gendarmerie. When you go to a local 'gendarmerie' in a village, you are technically visiting a 'brigade'.
Absolutely. Women have been part of the Gendarmerie for decades and serve in all positions, from local brigades to elite units like the GIGN and the Garde Républicaine.
Test Yourself 171 questions
Translate: 'I am going to the gendarmerie.'
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Pronounce the word: Gendarmerie.
Read this aloud:
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Listen and write the word you hear: [Audio: Gendarmerie]
Write a sentence using 'gendarmerie' and 'village'.
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Say: 'Je cherche la gendarmerie.'
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Identify the number of syllables in 'gendarmerie'.
Translate: 'The gendarmerie is closing at 6 PM.'
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Say: 'J'ai perdu mon sac, où est la gendarmerie ?'
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Does the speaker sound happy or serious when saying 'gendarmerie'?
Translate: 'File a complaint at the gendarmerie.'
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Say: 'C'est la gendarmerie qui arrive après la bataille.'
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Is the word 'gendarmerie' stressed at the end?
Write: 'The gendarmerie is near the park.'
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Say: 'La gendarmerie est fermée le dimanche.'
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Write the first syllable of 'gendarmerie'.
Translate: 'Call the gendarmerie now!'
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Pronounce: 'Gendarmerie Nationale'.
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Listen and identify the preposition used before 'gendarmerie'.
Translate: 'The gendarmerie is very old.'
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Say: 'Je travaille à la gendarmerie.'
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Is the word 'gendarmerie' a noun or a verb?
Translate: 'I see the gendarmerie.'
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Say: 'C'est loin, la gendarmerie ?'
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Does the word end in a vowel sound?
Translate: 'The gendarmerie car is fast.'
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Say: 'Merci pour votre aide, gendarmerie.'
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Listen and write the last two letters of the word.
Translate: 'I am a gendarme.'
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Say: 'Une gendarmerie moderne.'
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Is the 'g' in 'gendarmerie' hard like 'game'?
Translate: 'The gendarmerie is important.'
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Say: 'La gendarmerie du village.'
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Listen and write the word.
Translate: 'The gendarmerie is open now.'
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Say: 'Je vais à la gendarmerie.'
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You said:
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How many 'e's are in 'gendarmerie'?
Translate: 'The gendarmerie is beautiful.'
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Say: 'Où est la gendarmerie, s'il vous plaît ?'
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Is the first sound 'g' or 'zh'?
Translate: 'I am going to the gendarmerie with my friend.'
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Say: 'Une petite gendarmerie.'
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Translate: 'The gendarmerie is blue and white.'
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Say: 'La gendarmerie nationale.'
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Translate: 'The gendarmerie is here.'
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Say: 'Où est la gendarmerie ?'
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Translate: 'The gendarmerie is there.'
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Say: 'Gendarmerie.'
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Write 'the gendarmerie'.
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Say 'la gendarmerie'.
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Summary
The word 'gendarmerie' is your go-to term for 'police' in rural France. Remember it's military-based and feminine. Example: 'Allez à la gendarmerie pour déclarer un vol' (Go to the gendarmerie to report a theft).
- Gendarmerie is the French military police force serving rural areas and small towns, distinct from the urban Police Nationale.
- The word refers to both the organization and the physical police station building found in villages and suburbs.
- As a feminine noun (la gendarmerie), it is essential for travelers needing assistance outside of major French cities.
- Key associations include road safety, mountain rescue, and the iconic blue uniforms and vehicles seen throughout France.
Learn the Duo
Always learn 'gendarmerie' alongside 'commissariat'. Knowing both will help you navigate any French town or city without confusion.
Respect the Képi
Gendarmes are military personnel. A polite 'Bonjour Monsieur le Gendarme' goes a long way in establishing a good rapport.
Nasal 'EN'
Don't pronounce the 'n' in 'gen'. It's a nasal vowel. Think of the 'on' in the English word 'song' but with a 'zh' at the start.
Highway Patrol
On French highways (autoroutes), the Gendarmerie is the force you will see. They handle accidents and speed checks there.
Example
En cas de problème, contactez la gendarmerie.
Related Content
More law words
amende
A2A sum of money paid as a penalty for an offense.
arbitral
B1Relating to or determined by arbitration.
avocat
A2Lawyer (male).
avocate
A2Lawyer (female).
commissariat
A2Police station; the local office of the police force.
conciliation
B1The action of stopping someone from being angry; mediation.
crime
A2Crime.
droit
A2A moral or legal entitlement to have or obtain something.
exonération
B1Exemption; the action of freeing or state of being free from an obligation.
indemnisation
B1Compensation for loss or damage.
