This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
French
Vocabulary
infirmerie

A2 noun #15,000 most common 11 min read

infirmerie

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips infirmerie in 30 Seconds

Explanation infirmerie in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word infirmerie is a useful noun to know for basic survival and school-related conversations. You should learn that it is a place where you go when you are sick ('malade'). It is a feminine word: 'l'infirmerie' or 'une infirmerie'. At this stage, focus on simple sentences like 'Où est l'infirmerie ?' (Where is the infirmary?) or 'Je vais à l'infirmerie' (I am going to the infirmary). You don't need to know all the technical details, just that it is the room with the nurse ('l'infirmière'). Think of it as the 'school clinic'. It is important because if you feel bad during a class, this is the word you need to tell your teacher. You can also use it with 'avoir mal' (to have pain), for example: 'J'ai mal à la tête, je vais à l'infirmerie.' This level is about identifying the place and knowing how to get there. Remember the sound: 'in-fir-me-rie'. It is a long word, but very regular. Practice saying it slowly. In A1, we focus on the most common use: the school nurse's office. You might see this word on a map of a school or a building. It's one of those essential 'place' words like 'la bibliothèque' or 'la cantine'. Keep it simple and focus on the 'aller à' (go to) structure.

At the A2 level, you should be able to describe what happens in an infirmerie. You can use more verbs like 'attendre' (to wait), 'voir' (to see the nurse), or 'donner' (the nurse gives a bandage). You should know that it's not just for schools but also for workplaces and summer camps. You can start using adjectives to describe it: 'L'infirmerie est petite' or 'L'infirmerie est fermée'. You can also use the past tense: 'Je suis allé à l'infirmerie hier' (I went to the infirmary yesterday). At this level, you understand that 'l'infirmerie' is different from 'l'hôpital'. An infirmary is for small problems. You might also learn the word 'infirmier' (male nurse) or 'infirmière' (female nurse) as the person who works there. You can explain your reasons for going: 'Je vais à l'infirmerie parce que je suis tombé' (I'm going to the infirmary because I fell). This level is about expanding the context and using the word in short stories or descriptions of your day. It's a key word for the 'Health' and 'School' themes in A2 exams. You should also be comfortable with the preposition 'à l'' and how it sounds in a sentence.

At the B1 level, you can use infirmerie in more complex discussions about health systems or school life. You can talk about the role of the nurse in the infirmerie, such as providing advice or handling emergencies. You can use the word in the conditional or subjunctive: 'Si j'avais mal, j'irais à l'infirmerie' (If I were in pain, I would go to the infirmary). You can discuss the importance of having an infirmerie in every school for student well-being. At this level, you should be able to understand more detailed texts about medical facilities. You might encounter the term in a professional context, such as 'l'infirmerie du travail'. You can compare the infirmerie with other places like 'le cabinet du médecin'. You can also describe the equipment you might find there, like 'un lit', 'des pansements', or 'un thermomètre'. Your sentences will be longer and more descriptive. For example, 'Bien que l'infirmerie soit petite, elle est très bien équipée pour les premiers soins.' This level requires a deeper understanding of the word's place in French society, especially its role as a safe space for teenagers in schools.

At the B2 level, infirmerie is a word you use fluently in various registers. You can discuss the administrative and legal requirements for an infirmerie in public institutions. You might read articles about the lack of staff in school infirmeries or the expanding role of school nurses in mental health. You can use the word in metaphorical or more abstract ways, or in historical contexts (e.g., the infirmerie of a monastery). You should be able to argue for or against certain health policies involving these facilities. For example, 'L'infirmerie scolaire ne devrait pas seulement être un lieu de soins physiques, mais aussi un pôle de prévention.' You understand the nuances between 'infirmerie', 'poste de secours', and 'dispensaire'. You can also handle technical vocabulary associated with the word, such as 'protocole de soins' or 'secret médical'. Your vocabulary is rich enough to describe the atmosphere of the place—whether it's 'stérile', 'accueillante', or 'débordée'. At B2, you are expected to use the word accurately in both written essays and oral presentations about health, education, or labor rights.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated command of the word infirmerie and its socio-cultural implications. You can analyze the evolution of the infirmerie from a simple first-aid room to a complex center for adolescent health. You might explore the word in literature, looking at how it serves as a space of transition or isolation in novels. You can discuss the ethics of the 'secret médical' within a school infirmerie. Your language is precise: you might use terms like 'le passage à l'infirmerie' as a statistical unit in a sociological study. You can speak about the infirmerie in specialized fields like the maritime industry or the military with appropriate jargon. You can also appreciate the etymological roots of the word and how it relates to the concept of 'infirmity' and 'care'. For instance, you could write a critique of the healthcare infrastructure in prisons, focusing on the adequacy of the 'infirmerie carcérale'. At this level, the word is just one tool in a very large and nuanced medical and institutional vocabulary. You can use it in high-level academic or professional writing without hesitation, ensuring perfect agreement and stylistic integration.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like mastery of infirmerie. You can use it in all contexts, from highly technical medical discussions to poetic or philosophical reflections. You might discuss the 'topographie de l'infirmerie' in a historical building or the 'symbolique de l'infirmerie' as a place of healing and vulnerability in a cinematic analysis. You can effortlessly switch between formal administrative reports and colloquial storytelling. You understand the subtle connotations the word carries in different francophone cultures. You might even use the word in wordplay or complex metaphors. Your understanding extends to the historical 'Hôtel-Dieu' and how it differs from a modern infirmerie. You can lead a debate on the funding of school infirmeries or the professionalization of the staff. There are no limits to your use of the word; it is fully integrated into your lexicon. You can describe the 'odeur caractéristique de l'infirmerie' (the characteristic smell of the infirmary) with evocative language. Whether you are reading a 19th-century novel or a modern medical journal, the word infirmerie and its various shades of meaning are completely transparent to you.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

infirmerie in 30 Seconds

A feminine noun referring to a medical room within a school, camp, or office.
Used for first aid and basic care, distinct from a full hospital.
Essential vocabulary for students (A2) to navigate school and health situations.
Commonly paired with 'aller à' and 'infirmière' (nurse).

The French noun infirmerie is a cornerstone of institutional life in France, primarily referring to a dedicated space for medical care within a larger non-medical establishment. While an English speaker might immediately think of a 'nurse's office' or a 'clinic,' the term infirmerie carries a specific weight in the French education system and professional environments. It is the first point of contact for anyone feeling unwell in a school, a summer camp (colonie de vacances), a military barracks, or a large industrial site. Unlike a hospital, which is a standalone medical facility, an infirmerie is an internal service. In the French school system, from 'collège' to 'lycée,' the infirmerie is not just a place for bandages; it is a sanctuary where students go for psychological support, health education, and mandatory medical check-ups. The word evokes a sense of sterile calm, the smell of antiseptic, and the presence of the 'infirmière scolaire' (school nurse). It is a feminine noun, so we always use 'la' or 'une' with it. When a student says 'Je vais à l'infirmerie,' it implies a temporary departure from the rigors of the classroom to address a physical or emotional ailment. Historically, the term was heavily associated with religious orders and military structures where 'les infirmes' (the weak or sick) were tended to. Today, it remains the standard term for on-site medical rooms.

Contextual Usage: In a professional setting, the infirmerie is where occupational health services are often based, ensuring workers are fit for their tasks.

L'élève a dû quitter le cours de mathématiques pour se rendre à l' infirmerie à cause d'une forte migraine.

Grammatical Gender: Always feminine: Une grande infirmerie, l'infirmerie est ouverte.

Pendant le camp d'été, tous les médicaments doivent être déposés à l' infirmerie dès l'arrivée.

Professional Scope: Beyond schools, the term is used in prisons (infirmerie de la prison) and on large ships (infirmerie du navire).

Le blessé a été transporté d'urgence à l' infirmerie du régiment pour recevoir les premiers soins.

Il n'y a personne à l' infirmerie pendant la pause déjeuner.

L' infirmerie se trouve au rez-de-chaussée, juste à côté du gymnase.

To use this word correctly, remember that it implies a location of care rather than the act of caring itself. It is the physical space. If you are looking for the nurse, you go to the infirmerie. In literature, the infirmerie often serves as a setting for transition or vulnerability, where characters are removed from their social roles. In daily life, it is a practical term. If you are working in a French office and you cut your finger, you would ask, 'Où se trouve l'infirmerie ?' even if it is just a small cabinet with first-aid supplies. The term covers everything from a state-of-the-art medical wing in a boarding school to a humble first-aid station at a music festival. It is essential for A2 learners to master this word because it is part of the basic vocabulary for navigating public spaces and describing personal needs. Understanding the role of the infirmerie also provides insight into the French state's commitment to public health within the education system, where nurses play a pivotal role in preventative medicine and student welfare.

Using infirmerie in a sentence requires an understanding of prepositions and articles. Since it is a feminine noun starting with a vowel, the definite article 'la' becomes 'l'' (l'infirmerie). When expressing movement towards it, we use 'à l'infirmerie'. For instance, 'Je vais à l'infirmerie' (I am going to the infirmary). If you are already there, you say 'Je suis à l'infirmerie'. The word is frequently paired with verbs of movement like 'aller' (to go), 'accompagner' (to accompany), or 'transporter' (to transport). In a school context, a teacher might say, 'Tu devrais aller à l'infirmerie' if a student looks pale.

Common Verbs: Aller à, rester à, s'occuper de, nettoyer, fermer, ouvrir.

L'infirmière m'a demandé de rester à l' infirmerie jusqu'à l'arrivée de mes parents.

Adjective Agreement: Since it is feminine, adjectives must agree: une petite infirmerie, une infirmerie moderne, une infirmerie bondée.

L' infirmerie du collège a été entièrement rénovée l'été dernier.

Est-ce que l' infirmerie est ouverte le mercredi après-midi ?

Nous avons installé une infirmerie de campagne pour le festival de musique.

When describing the contents of an infirmerie, you might use the preposition 'dans' (inside). 'Il y a des lits dans l'infirmerie' (There are beds in the infirmary). You can also use it to describe a state of being: 'Il est à l'infirmerie' can mean he is currently receiving care. It is a versatile noun that fits into many everyday scenarios. Whether you are discussing a minor injury at school or a more serious situation in a workplace, infirmerie is the precise term. It avoids the clinical coldness of 'hôpital' while maintaining a professional medical standard. For students, it is often a place of respite, and this nuances how it is used in conversation—sometimes with relief, sometimes with anxiety. In the workplace, 'passer à l'infirmerie' might be a mandatory step after a workplace accident to document the event. Thus, the word appears in both casual and formal administrative contexts. Remember that the 'h' in 'hôpital' is silent, but 'infirmerie' starts with a vowel, making the liaison with 'l'' mandatory and smooth. Practice saying 'l'infirmerie' as one fluid sound [lɛ̃.fiʁ.m(ə).ʁi]. The 'e' in the middle is often dropped in fast speech, sounding like 'infirm-rie'. This phonetic detail will help you sound more like a native speaker when using the word in sentences.

You will encounter the word infirmerie most frequently in environments that manage large groups of people. In France, the education system is the most common place. Every 'collège' (middle school) and 'lycée' (high school) is required to have an infirmerie. You will hear students asking, 'Tu peux m'accompagner à l'infirmerie ?' (Can you walk me to the nurse?). Teachers will use it in administrative announcements: 'L'infirmerie sera fermée exceptionnellement ce matin.' Another major setting is the military. On a base or a ship, the infirmerie is the hub for medical readiness. In films or books set in boarding schools or during wartime, the infirmerie is a recurring location for plot developments.

Real-world Locations: Schools, military bases, large factories, summer camps, prisons, and cruise ships.

À l'école, l' infirmerie est le lieu où l'on va quand on ne se sent pas bien.

Signage: Look for signs with a red cross or the word INFIRMERIE in public buildings or large venues.

Le panneau indiquait que l' infirmerie se trouvait au bout du couloir à droite.

En cas d'accident sur le site, veuillez vous présenter immédiatement à l' infirmerie.

L' infirmerie de bord est équipée pour les petites interventions chirurgicales.

You might also hear this word in the context of sports. Many stadiums and training centers have an infirmerie where athletes are treated for minor injuries during practice. In the news, if there is a large public gathering like a protest or a marathon, journalists might report on the number of people who passed through the 'infirmerie mobile' (mobile clinic). It is a word that suggests safety and readiness. Hearing 'l'infirmerie' in a public space usually means that help is available. For a traveler, knowing this word is vital if you are visiting a large attraction like Disneyland Paris or a major museum like the Louvre, as they all have an infirmerie for guests. The word is consistently used across all French-speaking countries, from France to Quebec to Senegal, making it a globally useful term. In the professional world, 'la médecine du travail' often operates out of the infirmerie, so you will hear it during your annual physical. In summary, wherever there is a collective activity, there is likely an infirmerie nearby, and the word is the standard way to refer to it.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with infirmerie is confusing it with 'hôpital' or 'clinique'. While they all relate to health, an infirmerie is localized and usually small. You wouldn't go to an infirmerie for major surgery; you go there for a headache or a scrape. Another error is grammatical gender. Because it starts with a vowel, learners often forget it is feminine and might use masculine adjectives. Remember: 'une infirmerie', not 'un infirmerie'. Also, pay attention to the spelling; it is 'infirmerie' with an 'e' after the 'm', reflecting the verb 'infirmer' (historically to weaken) or the noun 'infirmier'.

Spelling Pitfall: Avoid 'infirmarie' (influenced by English). It must be 'infirmerie'.

Incorrect: Je vais au infirmerie. (Wrong article and contraction). Correct: Je vais à l' infirmerie.

Semantic Confusion: Don't use it for a doctor's private office (cabinet médical). Use it only for institutional medical rooms.

Incorrect: L' infirmerie est un grand hôpital avec beaucoup de médecins. Correct: L' infirmerie est une petite salle de soins dans l'école.

Attention à ne pas dire 'le infirmerie' ; la liaison est obligatoire : l' infirmerie.

On ne dit pas 'une infirmerie de dents' pour un dentiste, mais un 'cabinet dentaire'.

Another nuance is the use of the preposition. In English, we might say 'at the nurse', referring to the person. In French, you almost always refer to the place: 'à l'infirmerie'. If you want to refer to the person, you say 'chez l'infirmière', but 'à l'infirmerie' is much more common. Some learners also struggle with the plural form 'infirmeries' because it looks similar to the English 'infirmaries'. While the spelling is close, the pronunciation is quite different. Make sure you don't pronounce the final 's'. Finally, avoid using infirmerie to describe a pharmacy. A pharmacy (pharmacie) sells medicine; an infirmerie is where care is administered. If you need to buy aspirin, you go to the pharmacie; if you need someone to give you aspirin because you are at school and feel sick, you go to the infirmerie. Keeping these distinctions clear will help you communicate effectively in health-related situations in France.

There are several words related to infirmerie that you should know to build a robust vocabulary. The most common alternative is poste de secours, which refers specifically to a first-aid station, often temporary, like those found at concerts or sports events. Another term is dispensaire, which usually refers to a public clinic providing free or low-cost care, often in rural or underserved areas. In a more formal or medical sense, you might hear cabinet médical, which is a doctor's private practice.

Infirmerie vs. Poste de secours: Infirmerie is permanent and institutional; poste de secours is often mobile or temporary for events.

L' infirmerie de l'école est plus grande que le simple poste de secours de la kermesse.

Infirmerie vs. Dispensaire: Dispensaire is a standalone public facility; infirmerie is inside another building (school, army, etc.).

Dans ce village isolé, il n'y a pas d'hôpital, seulement un petit dispensaire.

Le centre de santé propose des consultations avec plusieurs spécialistes.

L' infirmerie est le premier maillon de la chaîne de soins en milieu scolaire.

You should also be aware of the word sanatorium, though it is quite archaic now and refers to a place for long-term recovery, especially from tuberculosis. In a very informal or slang context, students might refer to the infirmerie as 'l'infirm' (though this is rare). More commonly, they just use the full word because it's easy to say. Understanding these synonyms helps you choose the right word for the right level of care. If you are at a stadium and see someone fall, you look for the 'poste de secours'. If you are a student with a fever, you go to the 'infirmerie'. If you need a vaccine in a city, you might go to a 'centre de santé'. Each word places the care in a specific social and physical context. By learning infirmerie and its relatives, you gain a nuanced view of how health services are organized in the French-speaking world. This knowledge is not just about vocabulary; it's about understanding the infrastructure of daily life.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word originally referred to the part of a monastery where elderly or sick monks were cared for, long before it became a standard term for school clinics.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɛ̃.fiʁ.mə.ʁi/

US /ɛ̃.fiʁ.mə.ʁi/

Stress is usually on the last syllable: in-fir-me-RIE.

Rhymes With

batterie librairie boulangerie chérie galerie mairie prairie vie

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'e' as 'ay' (it should be silent).
Missing the nasal 'in' sound and saying 'een'.
Confusing the 'r' sounds with the English 'r'.
Adding an 'a' sound like in the English 'infirmary'.
Stressing the first syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'infirmary'.

Writing 3/5

Watch out for the 'e' in the middle and the feminine agreement.

Speaking 3/5

The nasal 'in' and multiple 'r' sounds can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to pick out.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

école malade aide salle infirmière

Learn Next

hôpital médicament ordonnance urgence blessure

Advanced

convalescence triage prophylaxie nosocomial dispensaire

Grammar to Know

Liaison with 'l''

L'infirmerie (not la infirmerie)

Feminine adjective agreement

Une infirmerie moderne

Preposition 'à' for location

Je suis à l'infirmerie

Preposition 'de' for origin/possession

Je sors de l'infirmerie

Plural formation with 's'

Les infirmeries du campus

Examples by Level

Où est l'infirmerie ?

Where is the infirmary?

Uses the definite article 'l'' because 'infirmerie' starts with a vowel.

Je vais à l'infirmerie.

I am going to the infirmary.

The preposition 'à' combines with 'l'' to show direction.

L'infirmerie est ici.

The infirmary is here.

Simple subject-verb-adverb structure.

Il est à l'infirmerie.

He is at the infirmary.

Uses 'être à' to indicate location.

C'est une petite infirmerie.

It is a small infirmary.

Adjective 'petite' agrees with the feminine noun 'infirmerie'.

L'infirmière est à l'infirmerie.

The nurse is at the infirmary.

Shows the person associated with the place.

L'infirmerie est ouverte.

The infirmary is open.

Feminine past participle 'ouverte' used as an adjective.

J'ai mal, je cherche l'infirmerie.

I am in pain, I am looking for the infirmary.

Uses the verb 'chercher' (to look for).

Tu dois aller à l'infirmerie tout de suite.

You must go to the infirmary right away.

Uses the modal verb 'devoir' (must).

Il y a un lit dans l'infirmerie.

There is a bed in the infirmary.

Uses 'il y a' (there is).

L'infirmerie se trouve au premier étage.

The infirmary is located on the first floor.

Uses the reflexive verb 'se trouver' (to be located).

Elle a passé une heure à l'infirmerie.

She spent an hour at the infirmary.

Uses the passé composé with 'avoir'.

L'infirmerie du camp est très propre.

The camp's infirmary is very clean.

Uses the possessive 'du' (of the).

Je t'accompagne à l'infirmerie ?

Shall I go with you to the infirmary?

Uses the verb 'accompagner'.

L'infirmerie ferme à seize heures.

The infirmary closes at 4 PM.

Present tense of 'fermer'.

Il n'y a personne à l'infirmerie ce matin.

There is no one at the infirmary this morning.

Uses the negative 'ne... personne'.

Si tu ne te sens pas bien, va directement à l'infirmerie.

If you don't feel well, go directly to the infirmary.

Imperative mood 'va'.

L'infirmière scolaire travaille à l'infirmerie tous les jours.

The school nurse works in the infirmary every day.

Compound noun 'infirmière scolaire'.

Il est important que l'infirmerie soit toujours accessible.

It is important that the infirmary is always accessible.

Requires the subjunctive 'soit'.

L'infirmerie a été installée près du gymnase pour les sportifs.

The infirmary was set up near the gym for the athletes.

Passive voice 'a été installée'.

Les médicaments sont rangés dans l'armoire de l'infirmerie.

The medicines are stored in the infirmary cabinet.

Prepositional phrase 'de l'infirmerie'.

J'ai dû attendre longtemps à l'infirmerie avant de voir le médecin.

I had to wait a long time at the infirmary before seeing the doctor.

Passé composé of 'devoir'.

L'infirmerie propose des séances de prévention sur le sommeil.

The infirmary offers prevention sessions on sleep.

Abstract usage of the place as an organizer.

Chaque élève doit passer à l'infirmerie pour sa visite médicale.

Every student must stop by the infirmary for their medical check-up.

Uses the idiom 'passer à' (to stop by).

L'infirmerie de l'usine est équipée pour gérer les accidents du travail.

The factory infirmary is equipped to handle workplace accidents.

Specific professional context.

Malgré le manque de moyens, l'infirmerie reste un lieu d'écoute essentiel.

Despite the lack of resources, the infirmary remains an essential listening space.

Uses 'malgré' (despite).

L'infirmerie de bord a accueilli plusieurs passagers malades pendant la tempête.

The ship's infirmary took in several sick passengers during the storm.

Nautical context.

Il faudrait rénover l'infirmerie pour qu'elle réponde aux normes actuelles.

The infirmary should be renovated so that it meets current standards.

Conditional mood 'faudrait' and subjunctive 'réponde'.

Le secret professionnel s'applique également au sein de l'infirmerie scolaire.

Professional secrecy also applies within the school infirmary.

Complex legal/ethical concept.

Les blessés légers ont été soignés à l'infirmerie mobile du festival.

The lightly injured were treated at the festival's mobile infirmary.

Adjective 'mobile' modifying 'infirmerie'.

L'infirmerie a un rôle pivot dans le dépistage des troubles de l'audition.

The infirmary has a pivotal role in screening for hearing disorders.

Metaphorical use of 'rôle pivot'.

L'accès à l'infirmerie est strictement réservé au personnel autorisé.

Access to the infirmary is strictly reserved for authorized personnel.

Formal passive construction.

La topographie de l'infirmerie médiévale révèle beaucoup sur les pratiques de soin de l'époque.

The topography of the medieval infirmary reveals much about the care practices of the time.

Academic/Historical context.

L'infirmerie carcérale fait souvent l'objet de critiques concernant la qualité des soins prodigués.

The prison infirmary is often the subject of criticism regarding the quality of care provided.

Complex prepositional phrase 'fait l'objet de'.

Il est impératif de renforcer les effectifs au sein de chaque infirmerie de lycée.

It is imperative to increase staffing within every high school infirmary.

Formal expression 'il est impératif de'.

L'infirmerie n'est plus seulement un lieu de pansement, mais un véritable observatoire de la santé juvénile.

The infirmary is no longer just a place for bandages, but a true observatory of youth health.

Metaphorical and elevated language.

La fréquentation de l'infirmerie augmente significativement pendant les périodes d'examens.

Infirmary attendance increases significantly during exam periods.

Uses formal noun 'fréquentation'.

L'infirmerie du régiment a été le théâtre de nombreuses interventions d'urgence.

The regiment's infirmary was the scene of many emergency interventions.

Idiomatic 'être le théâtre de'.

Sous l'Ancien Régime, l'infirmerie des couvents servait aussi d'asile pour les indigents.

Under the Ancien Régime, the convent infirmary also served as an asylum for the destitute.

Historical terminology.

L'architecte a conçu l'infirmerie de manière à maximiser la lumière naturelle et le calme.

The architect designed the infirmary in a way to maximize natural light and calm.

Focus on design and intent.

L'infirmerie, paroxysme de la vulnérabilité institutionnelle, demeure un sanctuaire pour l'élève en détresse.

The infirmary, the pinnacle of institutional vulnerability, remains a sanctuary for the student in distress.

Highly literary and abstract.

On ne saurait occulter l'importance de l'infirmerie dans le maillage sanitaire du territoire.

One cannot overlook the importance of the infirmary in the territory's health network.

Uses the formal 'on ne saurait'.

L'infirmerie s'érige en rempart contre les épidémies saisonnières au sein de la caserne.

The infirmary stands as a bulwark against seasonal epidemics within the barracks.

Metaphorical verb 's'ériger en'.

La porosité entre l'infirmerie et le milieu pédagogique soulève des questions éthiques complexes.

The porosity between the infirmary and the pedagogical environment raises complex ethical questions.

Abstract philosophical vocabulary.

L'infirmerie de l'abbaye, avec ses effluves d'herbes médicinales, transporte le visiteur dans le passé.

The abbey infirmary, with its scents of medicinal herbs, transports the visitor into the past.

Sensory and evocative description.

Chaque passage à l'infirmerie est consigné avec une rigueur quasi-monacale.

Every visit to the infirmary is recorded with almost monastic rigor.

Advanced simile 'quasi-monacale'.

L'infirmerie incarne cette main tendue de l'État vers ses citoyens les plus fragiles.

The infirmary embodies this outstretched hand of the State towards its most fragile citizens.

Political and social metaphor.

Nonobstant son exiguïté, l'infirmerie du navire remplit ses fonctions avec une efficacité redoutable.

Notwithstanding its smallness, the ship's infirmary fulfills its functions with formidable efficiency.

Uses the formal 'nonobstant' and 'exiguïté'.

Common Collocations

aller à l'infirmerie

infirmerie scolaire

passer à l'infirmerie

infirmerie de bord

infirmerie de campagne

responsable de l'infirmerie

registre de l'infirmerie

lit d'infirmerie

équipement de l'infirmerie

fermeture de l'infirmerie

Common Phrases

Se rendre à l'infirmerie

— To go to the infirmary (more formal than 'aller').

L'élève s'est rendu à l'infirmerie.

Être de garde à l'infirmerie

— To be on duty at the infirmary.

L'infirmière est de garde à l'infirmerie ce soir.

Sortir de l'infirmerie

— To leave the infirmary.

Il vient tout juste de sortir de l'infirmerie.

Attendre à l'infirmerie

— To wait at the infirmary.

Tu peux attendre à l'infirmerie que tes parents arrivent.

Chercher l'infirmerie

— To look for the infirmary.

Nous cherchons l'infirmerie du stade.

Installer une infirmerie

— To set up an infirmary.

Ils ont installé une infirmerie dans le gymnase.

L'infirmerie est bondée

— The infirmary is crowded.

Pendant l'épidémie de grippe, l'infirmerie était bondée.

Appeler l'infirmerie

— To call the infirmary.

Appelez l'infirmerie pour demander de l'aide !

Une visite à l'infirmerie

— A visit to the infirmary.

Sa visite à l'infirmerie a duré dix minutes.

L'infirmerie centrale

— The main infirmary.

Rendez-vous à l'infirmerie centrale du campus.

Often Confused With

infirmerie vs Hôpital

An infirmerie is a small room inside another building; an hôpital is a large building for major medical care.

infirmerie vs Pharmacie

A pharmacie is a store for buying medicine; an infirmerie is for receiving treatment.

infirmerie vs Cabinet

A cabinet is usually a private doctor's office, not an institutional room.

Idioms & Expressions

"Avoir un pied à l'infirmerie"

— To be frequently sick or injured (informal).

Ce joueur de foot a toujours un pied à l'infirmerie.

informal

"Vider l'infirmerie"

— To have all the sick/injured people recover and leave (often used in sports).

L'équipe espère vider l'infirmerie avant le match final.

neutral

"L'infirmerie ne désemplit pas"

— The infirmary is constantly full of people.

Avec ce froid, l'infirmerie ne désemplit pas.

neutral

"Faire le tour de l'infirmerie"

— To check on all the sick/injured people.

Le médecin fait le tour de l'infirmerie chaque matin.

neutral

"S'abonner à l'infirmerie"

— To go to the infirmary so often it's like having a subscription (sarcastic).

Tu t'es abonné à l'infirmerie ou quoi ?

informal

"Passer par la case infirmerie"

— To be forced to go to the infirmary (alluding to Monopoly).

Après sa chute, il a dû passer par la case infirmerie.

informal

"L'infirmerie de l'histoire"

— Metaphor for a place where old or 'sick' ideas are kept (literary).

Ces théories appartiennent désormais à l'infirmerie de l'histoire.

literary

"Être bon pour l'infirmerie"

— To be in a state where one needs medical care.

Vu ta tête, tu es bon pour l'infirmerie.

neutral

"Sortir de l'infirmerie par le haut"

— To recover and return better than before (rare).

Il est sorti de l'infirmerie par le haut avec une forme incroyable.

informal

"Une infirmerie à ciel ouvert"

— A situation where many people are sick or injured in the open.

Après la catastrophe, la ville était une infirmerie à ciel ouvert.

literary

Easily Confused

infirmerie vs Infirmier

Looks similar.

Infirmier is the person (nurse); infirmerie is the place.

L'infirmier travaille à l'infirmerie.

infirmerie vs Infirme

Root word.

Infirme is an adjective meaning weak or disabled; infirmerie is the noun for the clinic.

Il s'occupe des personnes infirmes dans l'infirmerie.

infirmerie vs Clinique

Health related.

A clinique is a private hospital; an infirmerie is an institutional first-aid room.

Il a été transféré de l'infirmerie à une clinique privée.

infirmerie vs Poste de secours

Similar function.

Poste de secours is often temporary (at a race); infirmerie is permanent.

Cherchez le poste de secours sur la plage.

infirmerie vs Sanatorium

Old medical term.

A sanatorium was for long-term recovery (like TB); an infirmerie is for short-term care.

L'ancien sanatorium a été transformé en école avec sa propre infirmerie.

Sentence Patterns

Où est [place] ?

Où est l'infirmerie ?

Je vais à [place].

Je vais à l'infirmerie.

Il y a [object] dans [place].

Il y a un lit dans l'infirmerie.

[Place] est [adjective].

L'infirmerie est fermée.

Il faut que je [verb] à [place].

Il faut que j'aille à l'infirmerie.

Si [condition], je vais à [place].

Si j'ai mal, je vais à l'infirmerie.

[Place] sert à [action].

L'infirmerie sert à soigner les élèves.

Au sein de [place], on [action].

Au sein de l'infirmerie, on respecte le secret médical.

Word Family

Nouns

infirmier (male nurse)

infirmière (female nurse)

infirmité (infirmity/disability)

infirme (disabled person)

Verbs

infirmer (to invalidate/weaken - linguistic/legal use)

Adjectives

infirmier (nursing-related)

infirme (weak/sick)

santé

soins

médical

hôpital

maladie

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in educational and institutional contexts.

Common Mistakes

Le infirmerie → L'infirmerie
You must use the elision 'l'' before a vowel.
Je vais au infirmerie → Je vais à l'infirmerie
The contraction 'au' is only for masculine nouns. Use 'à l''.
Un grand infirmerie → Une grande infirmerie
Infirmerie is feminine, so adjectives must match.
L'infirmarie → L'infirmerie
Don't copy the English spelling with an 'a'.
Chez l'infirmerie → À l'infirmerie
Use 'à' for places and 'chez' for people.

Tips

Gender Check

Always treat 'infirmerie' as feminine. Think of it like 'la mairie' or 'la boulangerie'.

The Silent E

Don't forget the 'e' after the 'm'. It's not 'infirmrie' in writing, even if it sounds like it.

Nasal Sound

Practice the 'in' [ɛ̃] sound. It's the same as in 'vin' or 'lapin'.

Person vs. Place

Distinguish between 'infirmière' (the person) and 'infirmerie' (the place).

Politeness

Always ask permission before going: 'Est-ce que je peux aller à l'infirmerie ?'

French Schools

The infirmerie is a safe space in French schools. It's more than just medical.

Workplace Health

In large companies, look for the 'infirmerie' for your annual check-up.

Supplies

You can find 'des pansements' (bandages) and 'du désinfectant' at the infirmerie.

Triage

The infirmerie decides if you need to go to the hospital or just rest.

Cognate

Use the English word 'infirmary' to remember the meaning, but use French spelling.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an INFIRMary where people are INFIRM (weak). In French, just add an -IE at the end to make it the place: INFIRMERIE.

Visual Association

Imagine a school hallway with a door that has a large red cross and the word 'INFIRMERIE' written in blue letters. Inside, there is a kind nurse with a white coat.

Word Web

école nurse malade soins pansement lit médicament repos

Challenge

Try to use 'infirmerie' in three different sentences today: one about a school, one about a workplace, and one about a ship.

Word Origin

From the Middle French 'infirmerie', derived from the Medieval Latin 'infirmaria'. It comes from the Latin 'infirmus', meaning 'not strong' or 'weak'.

Original meaning: A place for the weak or those lacking strength (the sick).

Romance (Latin)

Cultural Context

Be aware that in some contexts, 'infirmerie' can imply a lack of advanced care, so don't use it to describe a high-tech hospital.

Equivalent to 'nurse's office' in US schools or 'sick bay' in UK/nautical contexts.

In the movie 'Les Choristes', the infirmary is a key location. The 'Infirmerie de Marie-Antoinette' at Versailles is a historical site. Harry Potter fans will recognize 'l'infirmerie de Poudlard' in the French translation.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At school

Je peux aller à l'infirmerie ?
Où est l'infirmière ?
J'ai besoin d'un pansement.
Je ne me sens pas bien.

At work

L'infirmerie est au rez-de-chaussée.
C'est un accident du travail.
Il faut prévenir l'infirmerie.
L'infirmière arrive.

At a summer camp

Donne tes médicaments à l'infirmerie.
L'infirmerie est dans le chalet bleu.
Il s'est blessé au pied.
On va à l'infirmerie.

On a boat

Où se trouve l'infirmerie de bord ?
Le médecin est à l'infirmerie.
J'ai le mal de mer.
L'infirmerie est ouverte 24h/24.

In the military

Rapportez-vous à l'infirmerie.
L'infirmerie du régiment.
Il est inapte, il est à l'infirmerie.
Soins d'urgence à l'infirmerie.

Conversation Starters

"Est-ce qu'il y a une infirmerie dans ton école ?"

"Tu es déjà allé à l'infirmerie pour un petit bobo ?"

"Où se trouve l'infirmerie la plus proche d'ici ?"

"Est-ce que l'infirmière de l'infirmerie est sympa ?"

"Pourquoi est-ce que tu dois aller à l'infirmerie ?"

Journal Prompts

Décris une fois où tu as dû aller à l'infirmerie.

Imagine que tu es l'infirmier d'une école. Raconte ta journée à l'infirmerie.

Pourquoi est-il important d'avoir une infirmerie dans les lieux publics ?

Invente une histoire qui se passe dans une infirmerie mystérieuse.

Quels objets trouve-t-on dans une infirmerie idéale ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is always feminine: 'la' or 'une' infirmerie. Because it starts with a vowel, we use 'l'infirmerie'.

Usually no. A private doctor's office is a 'cabinet médical'. Use 'infirmerie' for schools, military, or workplaces.

Simply 'l'infirmerie' or more specifically 'l'infirmerie scolaire'.

An 'infirmerie' is a permanent room in a building. A 'poste de secours' is often a temporary station at an event like a concert.

In slow speech, yes [mə]. In fast speech, it is often dropped [infirm-rie].

No, an infirmerie is for first aid and minor ailments. For surgery, you go to an 'hôpital' or 'clinique'.

The plural is 'infirmeries'. The 's' is silent.

Yes, it is a legal requirement for middle and high schools in France.

Common verbs include 'aller à', 'rester à', 'passer par', and 'se rendre à'.

Yes, it is very common in daily life, especially for students and workers.