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A2 verb 12 min read

juger

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips juger in 30 Seconds

Explanation juger in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'juger' is a word you might encounter in very simple contexts, though it is not usually part of the first 100 words you learn. You will mostly see it in the context of simple opinions or in common proverbs. For an A1 learner, the focus is on the basic meaning: to have an opinion about something. You might hear it in the phrase 'ne pas juger' (do not judge), which is a common social rule. At this stage, you should recognize that 'juger' is a regular -er verb in its conjugation (mostly), which makes it easy to practice. You can use it to say 'Je juge que c'est bon' (I judge/think it is good), although 'Je pense' is more common. The key for A1 is recognizing the word in simple sentences and understanding its basic 'opinion-forming' nature. You might also see it in very simple stories where a character has to make a choice or give an opinion. It's important to remember that 'juger' is about what you think in your head. Even at this early stage, you can start to see how it differs from 'voir' (to see) or 'entendre' (to hear) because it involves a mental decision. Practice saying 'C'est difficile à juger' (It's hard to judge) as a useful set phrase for when you aren't sure about something.

At the A2 level, you are expected to use 'juger' in more structured ways. You should be able to form sentences like 'Il ne faut pas juger les gens trop vite' (One must not judge people too quickly). This level introduces the idea of social judgment. You will also begin to see 'juger' used with the conjunction 'que' to express a more formal opinion: 'Je juge qu'il est nécessaire de partir.' You are also learning to use the imperative, so 'Jugez par vous-même' (Judge for yourself) is a great phrase to add to your repertoire. At A2, you are expanding your vocabulary to include more verbs of 'thinking' and 'opinion,' and 'juger' fits perfectly between the simple 'penser' and the more complex 'considérer.' You should also be aware of the noun 'un juge' (a judge), which helps you anchor the verb in a concrete profession. You might start to use 'juger' in the context of describing people or their actions in your past tense (passé composé) or imperfect (imparfait) narratives. For example, 'Il a jugé que mon travail était bien.' This shows you are moving beyond simple descriptions and into the realm of reporting opinions and evaluations.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'juger' in a variety of contexts, including legal, social, and professional. You will start to use the construction 'juger de' to talk about evaluating qualities: 'Il est difficile de juger de la qualité de ce produit.' This shows a more nuanced understanding of French prepositions. You will also use 'juger' in the passive voice, especially when discussing news or history: 'Louis XVI a été jugé en 1792.' B1 learners are expected to give more detailed opinions, and 'juger' is a key verb for this. Instead of just saying 'I like it,' you might say 'Je juge cet acte courageux' (I judge this act [to be] courageous). You will also encounter 'juger' in more idiomatic expressions like 'juger sur les apparences' (to judge by appearances). At this level, you are also starting to use the subjunctive, and while 'juger que' usually takes the indicative (because it expresses a certainty or a firm opinion), you might see it in negative or interrogative forms that could trigger different moods in complex sentences. You should be able to debate topics and use 'juger' to state your position or to describe how society evaluates certain behaviors.

At the B2 level, your use of 'juger' should reflect a high degree of precision. You should understand the difference between 'juger' and its synonyms like 'estimer,' 'évaluer,' and 'considérer.' You will use 'juger' in more abstract and philosophical discussions. For example, 'Comment peut-on juger de la moralité d'une action ?' (How can one judge the morality of an action?). You will also be familiar with the reflexive 'se juger' (to judge oneself), which is common in literature and psychological discussions. At B2, you are expected to follow complex arguments in French, and 'juger' will often appear as a way for authors or speakers to introduce their conclusions. You will also encounter the word in more formal writing, such as essays or reports, where 'il est jugé nécessaire de...' (it is deemed necessary to...) is a standard formal construction. You should also be able to use 'juger' in the context of literary or art criticism, discussing how a work is 'jugé par la critique.' Your ability to use the word with different prepositions and in different voices (active vs. passive) should be fluid. You will also understand the nuance of 'juger à l'emporte-pièce' (to judge hastily/without nuance), which is a common B2-level idiom.

At the C1 level, you have a deep appreciation for the nuances of 'juger.' You can use it to express subtle differences in thought and evaluation. You will use the verb in highly formal and academic contexts, often in the passive voice or in impersonal constructions: 'Il fut jugé opportun de...' (It was deemed opportune to...). You are also aware of the historical and legal weight of the word, understanding how it functions in the French judicial system (e.g., 'juger en dernier ressort' - to judge in the last resort). At C1, you can use 'juger' to critique complex ideas, perhaps in a dissertation or a high-level professional meeting. You understand the rhetorical power of inviting someone to judge: 'C'est à vous qu'il appartient de juger de la pertinence de mes propos.' You will also recognize and use more literary or rare forms of the word family. Your understanding of 'juger' extends to its role in French 'esprit critique' (critical spirit), where the act of judging is seen as a vital intellectual exercise. You can discuss the ethics of judgment and the limitations of human evaluation using this verb. Your vocabulary is rich enough that 'juger' is just one of many tools you use to express evaluation, and you choose it specifically when you want to imply a definitive or authoritative stance.

At the C2 level, you have mastered 'juger' to the point where you can use it with the same flexibility and nuance as a highly educated native speaker. You are comfortable using it in any register, from the most technical legal jargon to the most refined literary prose. You might use it in complex metaphorical ways, or in exploring the etymological roots of the word in your speech. You can engage in high-level debates about the nature of justice and judgment, using 'juger' to navigate through intricate legal and moral arguments. You are familiar with all the idiomatic expressions and can even play with them for stylistic effect. In writing, you use 'juger' to create a specific tone—perhaps one of authority, distance, or careful deliberation. You understand how 'juger' interacts with other complex verbs in a sentence to create precise meanings. For a C2 learner, 'juger' is not just a verb; it is a concept that you can manipulate to express the finest shades of human thought. You might analyze how the word is used in classic French literature, from Racine to Camus, and use those insights to enrich your own production. Your use of the word is flawless, and you can explain its nuances to others, including the subtle differences in its use across different French-speaking cultures.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

juger in 30 Seconds

Juger means 'to judge' and is used for forming opinions, evaluating quality, or making legal decisions in a formal or informal setting.
It is a regular -er verb, though it requires an extra 'e' in the 'nous' form (nous jugeons) to maintain the soft 'g' sound.
Common structures include 'juger quelqu'un' (direct object), 'juger que' (deem that), and 'juger de' (evaluate a quality or magnitude).
While it can mean 'to criticize,' it is technically a neutral verb that simply means the act of evaluation, whether positive or negative.

The French verb juger is a multifaceted term that English speakers primarily translate as 'to judge.' However, its application in French spans a wider spectrum of human cognition and social interaction than the English counterpart might suggest in casual conversation. At its core, juger involves the mental process of evaluation, whether that process is formal, informal, legal, or purely personal. When you use this word, you are describing the act of forming an opinion, making a decision based on evidence, or passing a verdict on someone or something.

Legal Context: In a court of law, juger refers to the official act of a judge or jury determining the guilt or innocence of a person or the merits of a case. It is the formal exercise of justice.

Le tribunal doit juger l'accusé selon les preuves présentées.

Beyond the courtroom, juger is used to describe the mental estimation of quality or value. For instance, if you are looking at a piece of art or tasting a dish, you are 'judging' its merit. It is not necessarily negative; it is simply the act of assessment. In social contexts, it often carries the weight of social critique. To judge someone (juger quelqu'un) frequently implies making a moral or social assessment of their character or behavior, often with a hint of disapproval or superficiality.

Subjective Assessment: This refers to personal opinions where one evaluates a situation or a person's actions based on their own standards or values.

Il ne faut pas juger un livre à sa couverture.

The word is also common in technical or professional settings. An expert might be called to juger the feasibility of a project. In this sense, it aligns with 'to evaluate' or 'to assess.' It implies a level of authority or expertise in the person doing the judging. Furthermore, the reflexive form se juger is used when someone evaluates themselves, which is a common theme in psychological or philosophical discussions in French culture.

Comparative Logic: Using 'juger' to compare two items or outcomes, often used in the phrase 'juger de la différence' (to judge the difference).

Vous pouvez juger par vous-même des résultats.

À en juger par son sourire, elle est très contente.

In summary, juger is a versatile verb that moves from the high-stakes environment of the judiciary to the everyday nuances of social opinion and personal decision-making. It captures the essential human activity of processing information to reach a conclusion. Whether you are a judge in a court, a critic at a festival, or simply a friend observing another's choices, you are engaging in the act of juger. Understanding its various shades—from neutral assessment to critical condemnation—is key to mastering its use in French.

Using juger correctly requires an understanding of its various syntactic structures. As a transitive verb, it can take a direct object, but it also appears in several idiomatic constructions that change its nuance. The most straightforward use is 'juger quelqu'un' or 'juger quelque chose,' meaning to form an opinion about someone or something. This is the most common way to express social judgment or evaluation of an object's quality.

Direct Object Construction: Verb + Direct Object. Used for straightforward evaluation. Example: 'Le jury va juger les candidats.'

Elle ne veut pas que les gens la jugent sur son apparence.

Another vital structure is juger que followed by a clause. This translates to 'to judge that' or 'to deem that.' It is used to express a formal or considered opinion about a situation. For example, 'Le directeur a jugé que le projet était trop coûteux' (The director deemed that the project was too expensive). This usage is very common in professional and academic writing where one needs to state a conclusion based on analysis.

Deeming/Considering: Juger + que + [Clause]. Used to express a logical conclusion or a formal stance. Example: 'Nous jugeons qu'il est temps d'agir.'

Le comité a jugé utile de rappeler les règles.

The construction juger de is used when expressing the ability to evaluate or appreciate something's value or extent. For example, 'Il est difficile de juger de l'importance de cet événement' (It is difficult to judge the importance of this event). This 'de' introduces the aspect or quality being evaluated. It is slightly more abstract than the direct object construction.

Evaluation of Scope: Juger + de + [Noun]. Used when assessing the scale, quality, or magnitude of something. Example: 'Laissez-moi juger de la situation.'

On ne peut pas juger de la qualité d'un vin sans le goûter.

L'affaire sera jugée par un tribunal correctionnel.

Finally, consider the imperative use of juger in rhetorical contexts. 'Jugez-en par vous-même' (Judge for yourself) is a powerful way to invite someone to look at the evidence and come to their own conclusion. This highlights the word's role in persuasive speech and debate. By understanding these patterns—direct object for people/things, 'que' for opinions, 'de' for qualities, and the passive for legalities—you can navigate the complexities of juger with confidence.

The word juger permeates various layers of French society, from the most formal institutions to the most casual kitchen-table conversations. In France, where intellectual debate and critical thinking are highly valued, you will hear this word constantly. In the media, news anchors use it when discussing legal trials, which are a staple of public interest. Phrases like 'L'accusé va être jugé' (The accused is going to be tried) are common in crime reporting and legal journalism.

The Legal Sphere: In news reports, documentaries, and legal dramas, 'juger' is the standard term for the judicial process.

Le procès a pour but de juger la responsabilité de l'entreprise.

In the world of entertainment and culture, juger is the verb of choice for competitions. Whether it's a cooking show like 'Top Chef,' a talent show, or a literary prize like the 'Prix Goncourt,' the experts are there to juger the performances or works. You will hear phrases like 'Le jury a eu du mal à juger les candidats' (The jury had a hard time judging the candidates). This highlights the evaluative nature of the word in a competitive context.

Cultural Competitions: Used in TV shows, art contests, and sports to describe the act of scoring or ranking participants.

Elle a peur d'être jugée par ses collègues sur ses choix de vie.

Socially, the word is often used in the negative to discuss social pressure or gossip. French culture can be quite observant and critical, and the fear of 'le regard des autres' (the gaze of others) often involves being 'jugé.' Conversations between friends often touch on this: 'Les gens jugent trop vite' (People judge too quickly). Here, it takes on a more emotional and moral tone, reflecting the human tendency to categorize others based on superficial traits.

Social Commentary: Used when discussing societal norms, peer pressure, and the tendency of people to form opinions about others' private lives.

C'est facile de juger quand on ne connaît pas toute l'histoire.

Il appartient au lecteur de juger de la véracité de ces propos.

Lastly, in the workplace, managers 'jugent' the performance of their employees during annual reviews (entretiens annuels). In this context, it is synonymous with 'évaluer.' You will hear it in corporate settings regarding project outcomes, employee efficiency, and strategic decisions. Whether in a courtroom, on a TV set, at a café, or in an office, juger is the essential verb for the human act of weighing evidence and forming a conclusion.

For English speakers learning French, juger presents a few subtle traps that can lead to unnatural-sounding sentences. One of the most common mistakes is overusing it where 'penser' (to think) or 'trouver' (to find/think) would be more appropriate. While in English we might say 'I judge this to be a good idea,' in French, 'Je trouve que c'est une bonne idée' is much more common for casual opinions. Juger implies a more formal or definitive evaluation.

Over-formality: Using 'juger' for every minor opinion. Use 'trouver' or 'penser' for everyday thoughts.

Faux: Je juge que ce film est sympa. (Trop formel)
Correct: Je trouve que ce film est sympa.

Another frequent error involves the preposition 'de.' As mentioned in the usage section, 'juger de' is used for assessing qualities or magnitudes. Learners often omit the 'de' when it is required, or include it when it shouldn't be there. For instance, to say 'judge the quality,' you need 'juger de la qualité.' If you just say 'juger la qualité,' it sounds slightly incomplete in certain formal contexts, though the direct object is often used for people ('juger quelqu'un').

Preposition Confusion: Confusing 'juger [objet]' with 'juger de [qualité]'. Remember: 'de' is for the aspect being evaluated.

Il ne faut pas juger les gens sur leur passé.

Confusion with the verb 'condamner' (to condemn) is also common. While 'juger' is the act of evaluation, 'condamner' is the result of a negative judgment. Learners sometimes use 'juger' when they specifically mean 'to criticize' or 'to find guilty.' Remember that juger is technically neutral; you can judge someone to be innocent just as easily as you can judge them to be guilty.

Neutrality vs. Negativity: Don't assume 'juger' always means 'to criticize.' It means 'to evaluate,' which can result in a positive or negative view.

Le public a jugé sa performance exceptionnelle.

Nous jugeons qu'il est nécessaire de rester prudents.

Finally, watch out for the phrase 'à mon jugement' which is often a calque from 'in my judgment.' While understandable, French speakers more often say 'à mon avis' (in my opinion) or 'selon moi.' Using 'jugement' in this way can sound overly clinical or legalistic in a casual conversation. Stick to the verb juger for the action, but use other terms for the noun 'opinion' in everyday speech.

While juger is a powerful and versatile verb, French offers several alternatives that can provide more precision depending on the context. Understanding these synonyms helps you avoid repetition and sound more like a native speaker. The most common alternative for general opinions is 'trouver.' When you say 'Je trouve ce livre intéressant,' you are essentially judging the book, but in a more natural, subjective way.

Trouver vs. Juger: 'Trouver' is subjective and casual ('I find/think'). 'Juger' is more definitive and formal ('I deem/judge').

Je trouve qu'il a raison, mais le comité va juger officiellement.

In professional or technical contexts, 'évaluer' (to evaluate) or 'estimer' (to estimate/deem) are frequent substitutes. 'Évaluer' is often used for performance, costs, or levels (e.g., 'évaluer le niveau d'un élève'). 'Estimer' is often used for value or when expressing a considered opinion (e.g., 'J'estime que nous avons fait du bon travail'). These verbs lack the potential moral 'sting' that juger can sometimes carry.

Évaluer & Estimer: 'Évaluer' is for measurement and assessment. 'Estimer' is for value and professional opinions.

Il est difficile d'apprécier les conséquences, mais on peut les juger sévèrement.

If the judgment is specifically negative, you might use 'critiquer' (to criticize) or 'blâmer' (to blame). These words are not neutral; they imply that the evaluation has resulted in a negative conclusion. Conversely, if the judgment is legal, 'trancher' (to decide/settle) is often used for a judge making a final, decisive ruling that 'cuts' through the debate. 'Condamner' (to condemn/sentence) is the specific verb for finding someone guilty and assigning a punishment.

Critiquer vs. Juger: 'Critiquer' is inherently negative or analytical. 'Juger' is the process of forming the opinion, which could be positive.

Ne me critique pas avant d'avoir pu me juger sur mes actes.

Nous considérons cette option comme la meilleure.

In summary, while juger is your 'go-to' verb for the act of judging, remember 'trouver' for casual thoughts, 'évaluer' for measurements, 'estimer' for value-based opinions, and 'critiquer' for negative assessments. Each of these adds a layer of specificity that will make your French more expressive and accurate.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'juger' shares the same root as 'justice' and 'jury', reflecting its deep historical connection to the legal system.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʒy.ʒe/

US /ʒu.ʒe/

Stress is on the final syllable: ju-GER.

Rhymes With

manger changer danger nager partager voyager ranger léger

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'r' (it is silent).
Using a hard 'g' like 'goat' (it must be soft like 'measure').
Pronouncing the 'u' like 'oo' in 'food' instead of the French 'u'.
Forgetting the extra 'e' in 'nous jugeons' which changes the pronunciation of the 'g'.
Confusing the 'j' with an English 'dzh' sound (it should have no 'd' sound).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is common and easy to recognize, but its use in 'que' clauses requires focus on the following tense.

Writing 3/5

Spelling 'nous jugeons' is a common pitfall, as is choosing the right preposition (de/sur).

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once the French 'u' and soft 'g' are mastered.

Listening 2/5

Easily heard in news broadcasts and daily conversations.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

penser dire choisir juste loi

Learn Next

estimer évaluer considérer condamner trancher

Advanced

jurisprudence impartialité arbitrage appréciation discernement

Grammar to Know

Spelling of -ger verbs

Nous jugeons (not jugons) to keep the 'g' soft.

Direct vs Indirect Objects

Juger quelqu'un (Direct) vs Juger de quelque chose (Indirect for quality).

Verb + Adjective + de + Infinitive

Il a jugé utile de téléphoner.

Subjunctive vs Indicative after 'juger que'

Je juge qu'il est prêt (Indicative for a firm opinion).

Passive Voice with 'être'

Il sera jugé l'année prochaine.

Examples by Level

Je ne veux pas juger.

I do not want to judge.

Basic negative structure with an infinitive.

Il juge que c'est bien.

He judges that it is good.

Using 'juger que' + indicative.

C'est facile à juger.

It is easy to judge.

Impersonal 'c'est' + adjective + à + infinitive.

Elle juge son amie.

She judges her friend.

Subject + verb + direct object.

Nous jugeons ce film.

We are judging this movie.

Note the 'e' in 'jugeons' to keep the soft 'g'.

Ils ne jugent personne.

They judge no one.

Negative 'ne... personne'.

Tu juges trop ?

Do you judge too much?

Simple question with rising intonation.

Le juge est là.

The judge is there.

Related noun 'le juge'.

Ne jugez pas sur l'apparence.

Do not judge based on appearance.

Imperative negative form.

Il a jugé utile de venir.

He judged it useful to come.

Passé composé followed by adjective + de + infinitive.

Elle juge ses propres erreurs.

She judges her own mistakes.

Use of 'propre' for emphasis.

Voulez-vous juger ce plat ?

Do you want to judge this dish?

Inversion for a formal question.

On ne peut pas le juger.

One cannot judge him.

Use of the pronoun 'le' before the verb.

J'ai jugé que c'était trop cher.

I judged that it was too expensive.

Passé composé + 'que' + imparfait.

Ils nous jugent toujours.

They always judge us.

Placement of the adverb 'toujours'.

Qui va juger le concours ?

Who is going to judge the contest?

Future proche with 'aller' + infinitive.

À en juger par le ciel, il va pleuvoir.

Judging by the sky, it's going to rain.

Common idiomatic structure 'à en juger par'.

Il est difficile de juger de la situation.

It is difficult to judge the situation.

Use of 'juger de' for abstract assessment.

Elle a été jugée pour ses actes.

She was judged for her actions.

Passive voice in the passé composé.

Nous ne devons pas juger sans preuves.

We must not judge without proof.

Modal verb 'devoir' + negative + infinitive.

Jugez-en par vous-même.

Judge it for yourself.

Imperative with the pronoun 'en'.

Il jugeait nécessaire de l'aider.

He judged it necessary to help him.

Imparfait used for a continuous state or opinion.

Le jury doit juger les œuvres d'art.

The jury must judge the artworks.

Plural subject and plural direct object.

Elle se juge très sévèrement.

She judges herself very severely.

Reflexive construction 'se juger'.

L'histoire jugera ses décisions politiques.

History will judge his political decisions.

Future simple used for a definitive future outcome.

Il a jugé bon de ne pas répondre.

He thought it best not to answer.

Idiomatic 'juger bon de' + infinitive.

Peut-on juger de la valeur d'une vie ?

Can one judge the value of a life?

Philosophical question using 'juger de'.

Elle a été jugée inapte au travail.

She was judged unfit for work.

Passive voice with an attribute 'inapte'.

Ne jugez pas avant d'avoir tout entendu.

Do not judge before having heard everything.

Use of 'avant de' + past infinitive.

Ils jugent que le risque est trop grand.

They judge that the risk is too great.

Third person plural present + 'que' clause.

Il est mal placé pour me juger.

He is in no position to judge me.

Idiomatic 'être mal placé pour'.

On le jugeait sur son accent.

He was being judged on his accent.

Passive-like use of 'on' in the imparfait.

Le tribunal a jugé l'affaire en dernier ressort.

The court judged the case in the last resort.

Legal term 'en dernier ressort'.

Il convient de ne pas juger hâtivement.

It is appropriate not to judge hastily.

Formal 'il convient de' + negation + infinitive.

Elle a jugé à propos de démissionner.

She saw fit to resign.

Formal idiom 'juger à propos de'.

L'accusé sera jugé par ses pairs.

The accused will be judged by his peers.

Future passive voice.

Il est ardu de juger de la pertinence de cet argument.

It is difficult to judge the relevance of this argument.

Formal adjective 'ardu' + 'juger de'.

On ne saurait juger un homme sur un seul acte.

One cannot judge a man on a single act.

Literary 'ne saurait' + infinitive.

Il s'est jugé incapable de continuer.

He judged himself incapable of continuing.

Reflexive 'se juger' + attribute.

La critique a jugé son dernier roman sévèrement.

The critics judged his last novel severely.

Collective noun 'la critique' as subject.

L'œuvre fut jugée indigne de la postérité.

The work was judged unworthy of posterity.

Passé simple passive voice.

Il s'agit de juger de la portée de ces réformes.

It is a matter of judging the scope of these reforms.

Formal 'il s'agit de' + 'juger de'.

Nul ne peut se juger en sa propre cause.

No one can be a judge in their own cause.

Legal maxim in formal French.

Elle jugea qu'il était vain de lutter davantage.

She judged that it was futile to struggle further.

Passé simple + 'que' clause.

La postérité seule saura nous juger.

Posterity alone will know how to judge us.

Subject 'la postérité' + 'saura' + infinitive.

Qu'on ne me juge point sur mes paroles.

Let no one judge me on my words.

Subjunctive of command/wish + 'point' for negation.

Le sort en est jeté, il faut maintenant juger des résultats.

The die is cast; we must now judge the results.

Idiomatic opening + 'juger des'.

Il convient d'en juger selon les mœurs de l'époque.

It is appropriate to judge it according to the customs of the time.

Formal 'il convient de' + 'en' + 'juger selon'.

Common Collocations

juger nécessaire

juger utile

juger sévèrement

juger sur pièces

juger bon de

être jugé apte

juger un procès

juger d'un coup d'œil

juger par soi-même

se juger capable

Common Phrases

À en juger par...

— Going by / Judging by the evidence of...

À en juger par sa tête, il est en colère.

Juger sur les apparences

— To judge based on how things look on the surface.

Il ne faut jamais juger sur les apparences.

Bien/Mal juger

— To have a correct or incorrect assessment of a situation.

J'ai mal jugé ses intentions.

Juger en connaissance de cause

— To judge with all the facts in hand.

On doit juger en connaissance de cause.

Se faire juger

— To be judged by others.

Il déteste se faire juger par sa famille.

Juger de la différence

— To see or evaluate the difference between things.

Comparez les deux et jugez de la différence.

Avoir à juger

— To be in a position where one must make a decision.

Nous aurons à juger de la suite à donner.

Juger opportun

— To deem something appropriate or timely.

Le gouvernement a jugé opportun d'intervenir.

Se juger digne

— To consider oneself worthy of something.

Il ne se jugeait pas digne de ce prix.

Juger sans passion

— To judge objectively and without emotion.

Il faut savoir juger sans passion.

Often Confused With

juger vs jurer

Jurer means 'to swear' or 'to vow'. Don't confuse it with juger (to judge).

juger vs jouer

Jouer means 'to play'. The spelling is similar, but the meaning is entirely different.

juger vs ajuster

Ajuster means 'to adjust'. Some learners mix up the middle consonants.

Idioms & Expressions

"Juger à l'emporte-pièce"

— To judge in a sharp, categorical, and often hasty or simplistic manner.

Ses critiques sont toujours jugées à l'emporte-pièce.

informal/figurative

"Ne pas juger un livre à sa couverture"

— Don't judge a book by its cover (exact French equivalent).

Il a l'air timide mais il est courageux; ne jugez pas un livre à sa couverture.

common/proverbial

"Juger de haut"

— To judge from a position of perceived superiority; to look down on.

Elle juge tout le monde de haut depuis sa promotion.

informal

"Dieu seul peut me juger"

— Only God can judge me (used to dismiss others' opinions).

Peu importe ce qu'ils disent, Dieu seul peut me juger.

common/slang

"Juger au pifomètre"

— To judge by guesswork or 'by the seat of one's pants'.

On ne peut pas juger ce budget au pifomètre.

informal/slang

"Être juge et partie"

— To be both judge and interested party (a conflict of interest).

Il ne peut pas présider la réunion, il est juge et partie.

formal/professional

"Prendre à témoin et à juge"

— To call upon someone to witness and evaluate a situation.

Je vous prends à témoin et à juge de ma bonne foi.

literary

"Juger à vue de nez"

— To judge roughly or by estimation (similar to 'at a glance').

À vue de nez, je jugerais qu'il y a cent personnes.

informal

"Juger en dernier ressort"

— To make a final decision that cannot be appealed.

La Cour de cassation juge en dernier ressort.

legal

"S'ériger en juge"

— To set oneself up as a judge (often used critically).

De quel droit s'érige-t-elle en juge de ma vie ?

neutral/formal

Easily Confused

juger vs trouver

Both express opinions.

'Trouver' is subjective and casual; 'juger' is more formal or definitive.

Je trouve qu'il fait froid vs Le juge a jugé l'affaire.

juger vs estimer

Both involve evaluation.

'Estimer' is often about value or professional opinion; 'juger' can be moral or legal.

J'estime le prix à 10 euros vs Je juge son comportement inadmissible.

juger vs évaluer

Both mean to assess.

'Évaluer' is technical/metric-based; 'juger' is often opinion-based.

Évaluer un élève vs Juger un ami.

juger vs considérer

Both mean to deem.

'Considérer' is more about how you view something; 'juger' is the decision you reach.

Je le considère comme un ami vs J'ai jugé qu'il avait tort.

juger vs condamner

Related to legal outcomes.

'Juger' is the process; 'condamner' is a specific negative result (to sentence).

Il va être jugé demain vs Il a été condamné à la prison.

Sentence Patterns

Je juge [nom].

Je juge ce livre.

Il juge que [phrase].

Il juge que c'est difficile.

À en juger par [nom], ...

À en juger par le bruit, ils sont là.

Juger de [nom abstrait].

Il faut juger de la qualité.

Juger [adjectif] de [infinitif].

J'ai jugé bon de partir.

Être jugé [adjectif].

Il a été jugé coupable.

Se juger [adjectif/nom].

Elle se jugeait incapable d'agir.

Juger en [expression légale].

Le tribunal juge en dernier ressort.

Word Family

Nouns

le juge (the judge)

le jugement (the judgment)

la judicature (the judicature)

le préjugé (prejudice/preconceived notion)

Verbs

préjuger (to prejudge)

rejuger (to retry/rejudge)

se juger (to judge oneself)

Adjectives

jugeable (judgable)

judiciaire (judicial)

judicieux (judicious/wise)

préjudiciable (harmful/prejudicial)

la justice

le tribunal

juridique

la sentence

le verdict

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written French.

Common Mistakes

Nous jugons → Nous jugeons
Missing the 'e' changes the pronunciation of the 'g'.
Je juge que c'est une bonne idée. (in a cafe) → Je trouve que c'est une bonne idée.
'Juger' is often too formal for casual opinions.
Il a été jugé à 5 ans de prison. → Il a été condamné à 5 ans de prison.
'Juger' is the process; 'condamner' is the sentencing.
Juger la qualité du service. → Juger de la qualité du service.
'Juger de' is preferred for abstract qualities in formal French.
À mon jugement... → À mon avis... / Selon moi...
'À mon jugement' is an anglicism; use standard French opinion markers.

Tips

The Soft G Rule

Always keep the 'e' in 'nous jugeons' and 'je jugeais'. Without it, the 'g' would sound like the 'g' in 'gas', which is incorrect for this verb.

Don't Overuse It

In casual talk, prefer 'trouver'. Use 'juger' when you want to sound more serious, formal, or when you are talking about moral/legal matters.

Learn the Phrase

'À en juger par' is a 'cheat code' for sounding more fluent. It's a very common way to start a sentence in French.

Critical Spirit

Remember that in France, 'juger' isn't always seen as rude; it's often seen as a sign of having an active, critical mind.

Formal Deeming

In professional emails, use 'J'ai jugé utile de...' to explain why you took an action. It sounds very professional.

Silent R

Like all regular -er verbs, the 'r' at the end of 'juger' is silent. It sounds exactly like 'jugé' (the past participle).

De vs Sur

Use 'juger sur' for physical evidence (sur les apparences) and 'juger de' for abstract qualities (de la valeur).

Judge and Party

The idiom 'être juge et partie' is very useful for describing a conflict of interest in business or politics.

Legal Process

Remember that 'juger' is both the act of presiding over a trial and the act of reaching the verdict.

The J-U-G-E Connection

The English word 'Judge' is your best friend here. Just add an 'r' and you have the French verb.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Judge' (juge) in a 'jury' room deciding the 'just' (jus) path. J-U-G-E-R.

Visual Association

Imagine a pair of balancing scales (the symbol of justice) with a brain on one side and a heart on the other.

Word Web

juge jugement justice juste tribunal verdict preuve opinion

Challenge

Try to use 'juger' in three different ways today: once for a movie, once for a person's action, and once using the phrase 'à en juger par'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin verb 'judicare', which is a compound of 'jus' (law/right) and 'dicare' (to point out/state).

Original meaning: To state the law or to pronounce a legal decision.

Romance (Latin origin).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'juger' about people; it can sound accusatory or 'judgey' if the tone isn't neutral.

English speakers might find 'juger' more formal than 'think' or 'find', whereas in French, it is very common even in slightly more elevated casual talk.

Le Jugement Dernier (The Last Judgment) - common theme in French cathedrals. Albert Camus' 'L'Étranger' - centered on the trial and judgment of Meursault. The TV show 'Le Maillon Faible' (The Weakest Link) - where people are judged and voted off.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Law & Justice

juger un crime
être jugé coupable
juger en appel
le droit de juger

Personal Opinions

juger quelqu'un
ne pas juger
juger trop vite
être mal jugé

Professional Evaluation

juger la performance
juger les résultats
juger de la pertinence
juger nécessaire

Competitions

juger un concours
le jury juge
juger les candidats
critères pour juger

Logic & Reasoning

juger par soi-même
à en juger par
juger de la situation
juger bon de

Conversation Starters

"Penses-tu qu'il est possible de ne jamais juger les autres ?"

"Comment juges-tu le succès d'une personne dans la vie ?"

"À en juger par l'actualité, penses-tu que le monde change en bien ?"

"Est-ce que tu te juges sévèrement quand tu fais une erreur ?"

"Selon quels critères juges-tu la qualité d'un restaurant ?"

Journal Prompts

Écris sur une situation où tu as mal jugé quelqu'un au premier abord. Qu'as-tu appris ?

Est-il plus important de juger les intentions ou les résultats d'une action ? Pourquoi ?

Décris un moment où tu as dû juger de la situation très rapidement. Quelles ont été les conséquences ?

Comment la société juge-t-elle les jeunes d'aujourd'hui par rapport aux générations précédentes ?

Réfléchis à la phrase 'Dieu seul peut me juger'. Est-ce une philosophie utile ou dangereuse ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. While it can mean 'to criticize,' its primary meaning is neutral: to form an opinion. You can 'juger' something to be excellent or 'juger' someone to be innocent.

Use 'juger de' when you are evaluating a specific quality, magnitude, or abstract concept (e.g., juger de la valeur). Use the direct object for people or things (e.g., juger un candidat).

It is 'nous jugeons'. You must keep the 'e' from the stem so that the 'g' remains soft (/ʒ/) instead of hard (/g/).

Yes, especially in the structure 'juger que'. However, it sounds more formal than 'penser que' or 'croire que'.

'Juger' is the act of evaluation which can be positive or negative. 'Critiquer' usually implies a negative or at least a detailed analytical assessment.

Yes, a referee can be called a 'juge-arbitre', and the act of scoring or making calls is 'juger'.

The most common way is 'Ne me juge pas' (informal) or 'Ne me jugez pas' (formal).

It means 'judging by' or 'going by'. It's used to draw a conclusion from evidence (e.g., 'À en juger par son accent, il est anglais').

Yes, it is very common in news, literature, legal contexts, and daily life.

Yes, 'se juger' means to judge oneself or to consider oneself to be something (e.g., 'Elle se juge capable').