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B2 noun 14 min read

le devoir

Examples
Explanation le devoir in your Level:
At the A1 level, you will mostly use 'le devoir' in its plural form, 'les devoirs', to mean school homework. This is one of the first nouns you learn when discussing daily routines and school life. You should focus on the phrase 'faire ses devoirs' (to do one's homework). It is important to remember that in French, we use the plural 'devoirs' whereas in English we use the singular 'homework'. For example, if you want to say 'I have homework', you say 'J'ai des devoirs'. You will also learn to use it with the possessive adjectives, like 'mes devoirs' (my homework), 'tes devoirs' (your homework), etc. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the deep philosophical meanings of 'duty'. Just think of it as the tasks your teacher gives you to do at home. You might hear a teacher say 'Rendez vos devoirs' (Hand in your homework) or 'Sortez vos devoirs' (Take out your homework). It is a very concrete word for A1 learners, tied directly to the classroom and the home study environment. Remember: plural for school, and usually paired with the verb 'faire'.
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At the A2 level, you continue to use 'les devoirs' for school, but you start to see it in more varied sentences. You might describe your daily schedule and mention how long it takes you to do your homework: 'Je fais mes devoirs pendant deux heures.' You will also begin to encounter the singular 'le devoir' in simple expressions of obligation or rules. For example, in a simple text about citizenship or house rules, you might see 'C'est un devoir d'aider ses parents' (It is a duty to help one's parents). You are beginning to understand that 'devoir' isn't just about school; it's about things you *must* do because they are right or required. You will also notice the difference between the noun 'le devoir' and the verb 'devoir' (must/to owe). An A2 learner should be able to distinguish 'Je dois' (I must) from 'Mon devoir' (My duty). You might also see the word in the context of a 'devoir de français' or 'devoir de maths', meaning a specific test or assignment. This level is about expanding the context from just 'homework' to simple 'obligations' in daily life.
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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable with 'le devoir' in both its educational and moral contexts. You will encounter the word in more complex readings about social responsibilities and civic life. You'll learn phrases like 'le devoir civique' (civic duty) and 'accomplir son devoir' (to fulfill one's duty). You will also start to see the word used in professional contexts, though 'responsabilités' is more common. A B1 learner should understand that 'le devoir' can represent a moral pressure. For example, in a story, a character might feel a 'devoir de loyauté' (duty of loyalty) toward a friend. You will also learn the expression 'se faire un devoir de' (to make it a point to do something), which is useful for describing habits or personal principles. In terms of grammar, you will use it with more diverse prepositions and in more complex sentence structures. You will also start to recognize it in the news, particularly when politicians discuss the 'devoirs' of the government or the citizens. Your understanding is moving from concrete tasks to abstract concepts of right and wrong.
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At the B2 level, which is your current level, you are expected to understand the nuances of 'le devoir' in formal, academic, and philosophical discussions. You should be familiar with specific terms like 'le devoir de réserve' (the duty of discretion for public officials) and 'le devoir de mémoire' (the duty of remembrance). You understand that 'le devoir' is a key concept in French Republican values. You can discuss the conflict between 'le devoir' and 'le désir' in a literary analysis or an essay. You are also aware of the legal implications of the word, such as 'le devoir d'assistance' (the duty to help someone in danger). At this level, you should be able to use the word with precision, choosing between 'devoir', 'obligation', 'tâche', and 'responsabilité' depending on the context. You can write a formal letter or an essay using 'le devoir' to argue for a specific ethical position. You also recognize the word in higher-level academic assignments, where 'un devoir' refers to a formal, structured piece of writing or a major examination paper. You are moving toward a sophisticated grasp of how duty shapes French society and individual ethics.
At the C1 level, your understanding of 'le devoir' is deep and multifaceted. You can explore the word's role in complex philosophical systems, such as Kantian ethics (le devoir catégorique) or social contract theory. You are sensitive to the rhetorical power of the word in political speeches and high-level journalism. You can use 'le devoir' to discuss complex ethical dilemmas, such as the 'devoir d'ingérence' (the duty to intervene) in international relations versus national sovereignty. You understand the historical evolution of the term and how it has been used to mobilize populations during wars or social movements. Your vocabulary includes rare or highly formal expressions like 'présenter ses devoirs' or 'manquer à ses devoirs les plus élémentaires.' You can analyze how different authors use the concept of 'le devoir' to build character and plot. In your own writing, you use the word to add gravity and authority to your arguments. You are also aware of the subtle differences in how 'le devoir' is perceived in different Francophone cultures, from the secular 'laïcité' of France to the social structures of West African French-speaking countries.
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At the C2 level, you have a native-like mastery of 'le devoir'. You can play with the word's multiple meanings, using it in puns, metaphors, and sophisticated wordplay. You understand the most obscure legal and theological uses of the term. You can engage in high-level debates about the nature of 'le devoir' in relation to individual freedom and state power. You are familiar with the concept of 'devoir' in French classical theater (Racine, Corneille) and can discuss how it functions as a tragic force. You can write flawlessly about the 'devoir de vigilance' in corporate law or the 'devoir d'inventaire' in political history. For you, 'le devoir' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a fundamental building block of the French intellectual tradition. You can distinguish between the 'devoir d'état' (the duties inherent to one's social or professional position) and 'le devoir moral' with absolute precision. You are capable of interpreting the silence or the absence of the word in certain contexts as a significant stylistic or political choice. Your command of the word allows you to navigate the most formal and the most abstract environments in the French-speaking world with ease and elegance.
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Examples
The French noun le devoir is a word that carries significant weight in the French language, oscillating between the mundane world of education and the lofty heights of moral philosophy. At its most basic and frequent level, used by millions of students across the Francophone world every day, le devoir (usually in its plural form, les devoirs) refers to homework or school assignments. When a child says, 'J'ai beaucoup de devoirs ce soir,' they are expressing the universal struggle of completing academic tasks outside of classroom hours. However, the singular form le devoir often shifts the focus toward a sense of duty, obligation, or a moral imperative. This nuance is crucial for learners to grasp, as it separates a simple task from a deep-seated ethical responsibility. In a professional context, le devoir might refer to one's professional obligations or the 'duty of care' one owes to others. Historically, the concept of duty has been central to French civic life, particularly since the Enlightenment and the French Revolution, where the 'Rights of Man' were often balanced by the 'Duties of the Citizen.'
Educational Context
In the French school system, 'les devoirs' are not just suggestions; they are a fundamental part of the 'parcours scolaire.' Teachers often use the term 'devoir sur table' to refer to a formal, graded in-class exam, distinguishing it from 'devoirs à la maison' or take-home assignments.

Il est de notre le devoir moral de protéger les plus vulnérables de notre société.

Beyond the classroom, 'le devoir' appears in serious discussions about ethics and law. For instance, 'le devoir de réserve' refers to the obligation of civil servants to remain neutral and discreet regarding their personal opinions while performing their functions. This is a key concept in French public administration. Furthermore, the term is deeply embedded in military and civic discourse. A soldier has a 'devoir d'obéissance' (duty of obedience), while every citizen is said to have a 'devoir civique,' such as voting. The word also appears in the poignant phrase 'le devoir de mémoire,' which refers to the collective obligation of a society to remember and honor the victims of past atrocities, such as the Holocaust or colonial conflicts. This specific usage highlights how 'le devoir' is not just about what one *must* do, but about what one *ought* to do to maintain the fabric of society. In literature and philosophy, 'le devoir' is often contrasted with 'le désir' (desire) or 'le plaisir' (pleasure), representing the internal conflict between what we want to do and what our conscience or society demands of us. This duality makes 'le devoir' a rich and versatile word that transitions seamlessly from the backpack of a primary school student to the podium of a high-ranking politician or the pages of a philosophical treatise. Understanding 'le devoir' requires recognizing this spectrum of intensity—from the simple 'homework' to the solemn 'sacred duty.'
Legal Nuance
In legal terms, 'un devoir' is a binding obligation. Failure to fulfill 'ses devoirs' can result in legal repercussions, especially in familial law where parents have 'des devoirs envers leurs enfants.'

Les élèves ont fini leurs devoirs avant d'aller jouer au parc.

Social Obligation
The 'devoir de citoyen' involves participating in the democratic process, including paying taxes and serving on a jury if called upon.

Le médecin a agi par devoir professionnel en aidant le blessé.

Le devoir de mémoire est essentiel pour ne pas répéter les erreurs du passé.

Using le devoir correctly in a sentence depends largely on whether you are discussing a specific task (like schoolwork) or a broader concept of obligation. For schoolwork, the word is almost exclusively plural: les devoirs. You will frequently see it paired with the verb faire (to do). For example, 'L'enfant fait ses devoirs sur la table de la cuisine' (The child is doing his homework on the kitchen table). If a teacher is assigning the work, they might use the verb donner: 'Le professeur nous a donné trop de devoirs' (The teacher gave us too much homework). When students submit their work, the verb rendre is used: 'N'oubliez pas de rendre vos devoirs demain matin' (Don't forget to hand in your homework tomorrow morning).
The Plural Form
When referring to school assignments, 'devoirs' is a countable noun that usually appears in the plural. It encompasses exercises, reading, and preparation for exams.

Elle passe trois heures par jour à faire ses devoirs.

Moving to the singular le devoir, the usage becomes more formal and abstract. It often follows prepositions like par (out of/due to) or envers (towards). For instance, 'Il l'a fait par devoir' means 'He did it out of duty.' When expressing an obligation towards someone, you would say 'un devoir envers quelqu'un.' For example, 'Nous avons un devoir de respect envers nos aînés' (We have a duty of respect toward our elders). In high-level academic or literary French, le devoir can also refer to a specific written dissertation or essay, even if it's not 'homework' in the traditional sense, but rather a formal examination paper. Phrases like 'un devoir de philosophie' refer to a formal essay on a philosophical topic. Another common construction is se faire un devoir de followed by an infinitive, which means 'to make it a point to' or 'to make it one's duty to.' For example, 'Je me fais un devoir de répondre à tous mes courriels' (I make it a point to answer all my emails). This expression adds a layer of personal commitment and discipline to an action. In military or official contexts, you might hear about 'l'appel du devoir' (the call of duty), a phrase that signifies the moment one must set aside personal interests for the greater good.
Abstract Duty
In the singular, 'le devoir' represents a moral or social imperative. It is often used in political and ethical discourse to describe what is expected of a person in a specific role.

C'est mon devoir de vous dire la vérité, même si elle est difficile à entendre.

Professional Obligations
Phrases like 'manquer à son devoir' (to fail in one's duty) are common in professional evaluations or legal contexts when someone has not met their responsibilities.

Le policier n'a pas manqué à son devoir malgré le danger imminent.

Elle se fait un devoir d'aider les nouveaux employés à s'intégrer.

To truly master le devoir, you must listen for it in various social strata of French life. In a typical French household at 5:00 PM, the air is often filled with the question, 'As-tu fini tes devoirs ?' This is the quintessential parental inquiry, emphasizing the importance of academic discipline in French culture. In this context, the word is casual but represents a non-negotiable part of the daily routine. You will hear it in schools, libraries, and among groups of teenagers complaining about the 'montagne de devoirs' (mountain of homework) they have to climb before the next day.
In the Media
News anchors and commentators frequently use 'le devoir' when discussing politics. You might hear about a 'devoir d'exemplarité' (duty to set an example) expected of public figures, or the 'devoir de solidarité' (duty of solidarity) during a national crisis.

Le président a rappelé aux citoyens leur devoir civique avant les élections.

Switching to the news or political speeches, le devoir takes on a more solemn tone. During national commemorations, such as Armistice Day (November 11th), politicians will speak at length about 'le devoir de mémoire.' This isn't just a phrase; it's a social contract to ensure that the sacrifices of previous generations are not forgotten. In these instances, the word is delivered with gravitas and slow, deliberate pronunciation. You will also encounter it in the workplace, though perhaps less frequently than 'responsabilités.' However, if a manager says, 'C'est votre devoir d'informer la direction,' they are signaling a very serious, almost legalistic obligation rather than a simple task. In French cinema and literature, 'le devoir' is a recurring theme, often used to create tension between a character's personal happiness and their social or family obligations. The classic 'conflit cornélien' (Cornelian dilemma) is essentially a battle between 'l'amour' (love) and 'le devoir' (duty). In legal dramas or news reports on court cases, you might hear about 'manquement au devoir' (dereliction of duty). This is a formal term used when someone in a position of authority fails to fulfill their specific legal or professional responsibilities. Even in sports, a commentator might say a player 'a fait son devoir' if they performed exactly as expected to help the team win, implying a disciplined and selfless performance.
Everyday Expressions
'C'est le devoir qui appelle' (Duty calls) is a common, slightly humorous way to say one must leave a social gathering to go to work or attend to a responsibility.

Désolé, je dois partir, le devoir m'appelle à l'hôpital.

Cultural Significance
In France, the concept of 'le devoir' is linked to the Republican values of 'Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité,' where the third term implies a duty of brotherhood and mutual aid.

Il a accompli son devoir avec courage et détermination.

Les parents ont le devoir de protéger et d'éduquer leurs enfants.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with le devoir is confusing the noun with the verb devoir (to have to / to owe). While they share the same spelling in the infinitive and the masculine singular noun form, their grammatical roles are entirely different. You cannot say 'Je devoir faire ça'—you must conjugate the verb: 'Je dois faire ça.' Conversely, you cannot use 'dois' as a noun; it must be 'le devoir.' Another common error is using the singular 'devoir' when referring to school homework. In English, 'homework' is an uncountable noun, so we say 'I have homework.' In French, it is countable and almost always plural in this context: 'J'ai des devoirs.' Saying 'J'ai un devoir' usually implies you have one specific, large assignment or test, or it could be misinterpreted as 'I have a duty,' which sounds very strange in a casual school setting.
Noun vs. Verb
Always check if there is an article (le, les, un, des) before the word. If there is, it is the noun 'duty' or 'homework'. If it is followed by another verb or stands alone after a subject, it is likely the conjugated verb 'must'.

Faux: J'ai fini mon devoir. (Unless referring to one specific essay). Correct: J'ai fini mes devoirs.

Learners also often confuse 'les devoirs' with 'les tâches ménagères' (housework/chores). In English, the words 'homework' and 'housework' are similar, leading to the incorrect use of 'devoirs' for cleaning the house or doing the dishes. In French, 'les devoirs' is strictly academic or moral. For chores, use 'les tâches' or 'le ménage.' Furthermore, when expressing 'out of duty,' English speakers might try to translate literally as 'hors de devoir,' which is incorrect. The correct French idiom is 'par devoir.' Similarly, 'it is my duty to...' should be translated as 'il est de mon devoir de...' rather than 'c'est mon devoir à...'. Another nuance is the plural 'les devoirs' in a non-academic sense. In very formal or archaic French, 'présenter ses devoirs' means to pay one's respects or to greet someone formally. If you use this in a modern, casual conversation, you will sound like you stepped out of an 18th-century novel. Finally, be careful with prepositions. One has a 'devoir envers' (duty towards) a person, but a 'devoir de' (duty of) an action, such as 'le devoir de réserve.' Mixing these up can make your sentence sound clunky.
Preposition Pitfalls
Use 'envers' for people (devoir envers ses parents) and 'de' for abstract concepts or actions (devoir de vérité).

Faux: Il a un devoir pour sa patrie. Correct: Il a un devoir envers sa patrie.

Academic Exams
Don't call a simple vocabulary quiz 'un devoir' unless it's a major graded assignment. For small quizzes, use 'une interrogation' or 'un petit test'.

Le devoir de français de demain sera très difficile.

Elle a oublié de faire ses devoirs de mathématiques.

To expand your vocabulary beyond le devoir, it is helpful to explore related terms that capture different shades of obligation. For instance, une obligation is a general term for something you must do, whether by law, contract, or social pressure. It is more formal and less 'moral' than le devoir. If you are talking about a specific task at work, une tâche or une mission is more appropriate. A 'mission' implies a specific goal or project, while 'tâche' is more routine.
Devoir vs. Obligation
'Le devoir' often implies an internal moral compass or a long-standing social role. 'Une obligation' feels more external, like a rule or a clause in a contract.

C'est une obligation légale, mais est-ce vraiment mon devoir moral ?

In the context of school, you might hear un exercice, which refers to a specific problem or drill, whereas les devoirs is the collective term for all the work assigned. If the work is a major project, it might be called un projet or un dossier. For formal examinations, une épreuve or un examen are the standard terms. In a moral sense, la responsabilité is a close synonym, but it focuses more on being accountable for one's actions rather than the action itself. For example, 'C'est ma responsabilité' means 'I am the one who must answer for this,' whereas 'C'est mon devoir' means 'This is the action I am required to perform.' Another interesting alternative is la charge, which implies a burden or a heavy responsibility, often used in professional or official titles like 'chargé de mission.' If you want to describe a duty that feels like a sacred commitment, you might use un sacerdoce, though this is quite metaphorical and usually refers to a profession like teaching or medicine. Finally, le rôle can sometimes substitute for duty when discussing one's function in a group: 'C'est mon rôle d'aider l'équipe.'
Comparison Table
- **Le Devoir**: Moral/Educational obligation. - **L'Obligation**: Legal/External requirement. - **La Tâche**: Specific piece of work. - **La Mission**: Goal-oriented assignment.

Il a accompli sa mission, mais il a négligé son devoir de transparence.

Synonyms for Schoolwork
In informal speech, French students might use 'le taf' (slang for work) or 'les leçons' (lessons/study) to refer to their homework.

J'ai trop de taf, je ne peux pas sortir ce soir.

Le devoir de réserve s'applique à tous les fonctionnaires.

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Examples by Level

1

Je fais mes devoirs le soir.

I do my homework in the evening.

Uses 'mes devoirs' (plural) for schoolwork.

2

Tu as beaucoup de devoirs ?

Do you have a lot of homework?

Common question using 'beaucoup de'.

3

Il a oublié son devoir de maths.

He forgot his math assignment.

Here, 'devoir' in singular refers to one specific assignment.

4

Nous finissons nos devoirs à six heures.

We finish our homework at six o'clock.

Verb 'finir' paired with the noun 'devoirs'.

5

Le professeur donne des devoirs.

The teacher gives homework.

Verb 'donner' used for assigning work.

6

Elle n'aime pas faire ses devoirs.

She doesn't like doing her homework.

Negation 'ne...pas' with the infinitive 'faire'.

7

Où sont tes devoirs ?

Where is your homework?

Interrogative 'où' with the plural noun.

8

C'est l'heure des devoirs.

It is homework time.

Phrase 'l'heure de' followed by the noun.

1

C'est mon devoir d'aider mes amis.

It is my duty to help my friends.

Singular 'devoir' used for a moral obligation.

2

Les élèves doivent rendre leurs devoirs lundi.

The students must hand in their homework on Monday.

Contrast between the verb 'doivent' and the noun 'devoirs'.

3

Il fait son devoir avec sérieux.

He does his duty with seriousness.

Singular 'devoir' implies a professional or moral role.

4

Avez-vous un devoir de français demain ?

Do you have a French test/assignment tomorrow?

Singular 'un devoir' often means a specific test.

5

Elle se sent obligée par le devoir.

She feels bound by duty.

Abstract use of 'le devoir' as a force.

6

Chaque citoyen a des devoirs.

Every citizen has duties.

Plural 'devoirs' used for civic responsibilities.

7

Il a échoué à son devoir de mathématiques.

He failed his math test.

Specific use of 'devoir' for a graded task.

8

Le devoir avant le plaisir !

Duty before pleasure!

Common proverb-like expression.

1

Il a agi par pur devoir moral.

He acted out of pure moral duty.

The preposition 'par' indicates the motivation.

2

Nous avons un devoir de solidarité envers les pauvres.

We have a duty of solidarity toward the poor.

Use of 'envers' to specify the target of the duty.

3

Elle se fait un devoir de visiter sa grand-mère chaque semaine.

She makes it a point to visit her grandmother every week.

Idiomatic expression 'se faire un devoir de'.

4

Le soldat a accompli son devoir malgré la peur.

The soldier fulfilled his duty despite the fear.

Verb 'accomplir' is formal and fits 'devoir'.

5

Le devoir de réserve est important pour les fonctionnaires.

The duty of discretion is important for civil servants.

Specific professional term 'devoir de réserve'.

6

Il est de notre devoir de protéger l'environnement.

It is our duty to protect the environment.

Formal construction 'Il est de [possessive] devoir de'.

7

Elle a manqué à son devoir en ne disant pas la vérité.

She failed in her duty by not telling the truth.

Expression 'manquer à son devoir'.

8

Les parents ont des devoirs envers leurs enfants.

Parents have duties toward their children.

Legal and moral obligation using 'envers'.

1

Le devoir de mémoire nous oblige à ne pas oublier le passé.

The duty of remembrance obliges us not to forget the past.

Cultural term 'devoir de mémoire'.

2

Il a été démis de ses fonctions pour manquement au devoir.

He was dismissed from his duties for dereliction of duty.

Formal legal/professional phrase 'manquement au devoir'.

3

Elle a toujours placé le devoir au-dessus de ses intérêts personnels.

She always placed duty above her personal interests.

Abstract comparison of values.

4

Le juge a rappelé au témoin son devoir de vérité.

The judge reminded the witness of their duty to tell the truth.

Professional obligation 'devoir de vérité'.

5

Un bon dirigeant doit savoir concilier pouvoir et devoir.

A good leader must know how to reconcile power and duty.

Philosophical pairing of nouns.

6

C'est un devoir sacré pour lui de défendre sa patrie.

It is a sacred duty for him to defend his country.

Adjective 'sacré' adds intensity to the noun.

7

Le devoir d'ingérence humanitaire est un sujet de débat.

The duty of humanitarian intervention is a subject of debate.

Political/geopolitical term.

8

Elle s'est sentie libérée après avoir fait son devoir.

She felt liberated after having done her duty.

Past infinitive 'après avoir fait'.

1

L'impératif du devoir dicte souvent nos choix les plus difficiles.

The imperative of duty often dictates our most difficult choices.

High-level abstract noun usage.

2

Il existe un conflit permanent entre le désir et le devoir.

There exists a permanent conflict between desire and duty.

Common philosophical theme.

3

Le devoir de vigilance s'impose désormais aux grandes entreprises.

The duty of vigilance is now imposed on large companies.

Specific legal term 'devoir de vigilance'.

4

Sa vie fut un long renoncement au profit du devoir.

His life was a long renunciation for the sake of duty.

Literary and somber tone.

5

Le devoir d'inventaire permet de porter un regard critique sur l'histoire.

The duty of inventory allows for a critical look at history.

Political/historical term.

6

Il a agi en vertu de son devoir d'officier de police.

He acted by virtue of his duty as a police officer.

Formal phrase 'en vertu de'.

7

L'éthique du devoir ne laisse aucune place à l'ambiguïté.

The ethics of duty leave no room for ambiguity.

Philosophical terminology.

8

Elle a présenté ses devoirs à la comtesse avec élégance.

She presented her respects to the countess with elegance.

Archaic/very formal use of 'présenter ses devoirs'.

1

Le tragique cornélien réside dans l'écrasement de l'individu par le devoir.

Cornelian tragedy resides in the crushing of the individual by duty.

Literary analysis terminology.

2

Le devoir d'insurrection est parfois le plus sacré des droits.

The duty of insurrection is sometimes the most sacred of rights.

Paradoxical political concept.

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