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B1 verb 11 min read

manger dehors

Examples
Explanation manger dehors in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'manger dehors' is one of the first useful phrases you will learn for daily life. It is composed of two simple words: 'manger' (to eat) and 'dehors' (outside). You use it to talk about basic plans. For example, if it is sunny, you might say 'Je mange dehors.' It is important to know that 'manger' is a regular verb. In A1, we focus on the present tense. You can use this phrase when you are at a restaurant and the waiter asks where you want to sit. You can point outside and say 'Manger dehors, s'il vous plaît.' It helps you express a simple preference. You should also learn that 'dehors' is the opposite of 'dedans' (inside). This phrase is very helpful for tourists who want to enjoy the famous French café culture. Even with very little French, saying 'manger dehors' clearly communicates your intention to enjoy the weather while you have your meal. It's a friendly and positive expression that people use all the time during the summer. Practice saying 'Il fait beau, on mange dehors ?' as a simple way to suggest a plan to a friend.
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At the A2 level, you can begin to use 'manger dehors' in more complex sentences using different tenses like the 'passé composé' or the 'futur proche.' For example, 'Hier, nous avons mangé dehors' (Yesterday, we ate outside) or 'Demain, nous allons manger dehors' (Tomorrow, we are going to eat outside). You also learn to add more details, like where exactly you are eating. 'Nous mangeons dehors dans le jardin' or 'Ils mangent dehors sur la terrasse.' At this level, you should be aware of the spelling of 'manger' in the 'nous' form: 'nous mangeons.' You can also start using it with basic adverbs of frequency. 'Je mange souvent dehors en été' (I often eat outside in summer). This phrase is essential for describing your habits and your weekend activities. You might also hear it in instructions, such as 'Les enfants, allez manger dehors !' (Children, go eat outside!). It's a practical phrase for social interactions, and you can use it to ask questions like 'Est-ce que tu aimes manger dehors ?' to get to know someone better. Understanding the difference between 'dehors' and 'à la maison' is key here.
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At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'manger dehors' with more nuance and in hypothetical situations. You can use the conditional mood: 'S'il ne pleuvait pas, nous mangerions dehors' (If it weren't raining, we would eat outside). You also understand the cultural implications of the phrase. In France, 'manger dehors' is not just about the location; it's about the atmosphere and the social experience. You can use it to talk about your preferences in more detail, comparing it to eating inside. 'Je préfère manger dehors car l'ambiance est plus vivante.' You are also able to use the phrase in professional contexts, such as suggesting a lunch spot to colleagues. 'Il y a un nouveau parc à côté, on pourrait y manger dehors ce midi.' You begin to recognize synonyms and when to use them, like 'pique-niquer' or 'déjeuner en terrasse.' You also understand that 'manger dehors' can sometimes imply going to a restaurant, depending on the context. At this level, your flow should be more natural, and you can use the phrase to transition between topics in a conversation about travel, weather, or food.
At the B2 level, you use 'manger dehors' with full grammatical control across all tenses, including the subjunctive. For example, 'Il est dommage que nous ne puissions pas manger dehors ce soir' (It's a shame we can't eat outside tonight). You can discuss the environmental or urban planning aspects of outdoor dining, such as the increase in terrace spaces in cities. You understand the subtle difference between 'manger dehors' and 'manger en plein air' or 'manger à l'extérieur.' You can use the phrase to describe complex social scenes or to write more descriptive narratives. 'La ville s'animait alors que tout le monde se pressait pour manger dehors avant le coucher du soleil.' You are also aware of the idiomatic uses and how the phrase can vary in register. You might use 'bouffer dehors' in a very informal setting or stick to 'manger dehors' for general use. Your ability to justify why you want to eat outside using complex arguments is expected. 'Manger dehors permet non seulement de profiter du beau temps, mais aussi de se déconnecter du stress du bureau.' You can also use it in the passive voice or in more abstract constructions if necessary for your writing style.
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At the C1 level, 'manger dehors' becomes a tool for sophisticated expression. You can use it to analyze cultural trends, such as the 'terrassisation' of urban centers or the sociological importance of the 'déjeuner sur l'herbe' in French history. You can use the phrase in highly formal or academic contexts, perhaps discussing the health benefits of 'manger dehors' in terms of vitamin D and mental well-being. Your use of the phrase is perfectly integrated into long, complex sentences with multiple clauses. 'Bien que la météo soit incertaine, l'envie de manger dehors l'emporte souvent sur la prudence, témoignant de l'attachement viscéral des Français aux espaces publics.' You can also appreciate the literary use of the phrase in classic and contemporary French novels, where it might set a specific mood or indicate a character's social status. You understand the finest shades of meaning, such as the difference between 'manger dehors' as a necessity (for a worker on a site) versus a luxury (for a diner at a high-end restaurant). Your vocabulary is vast enough to replace the phrase with more specific terms whenever needed, but you choose 'manger dehors' for its simple, evocative power.
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At the C2 level, you have a total mastery of 'manger dehors' and its place within the French linguistic and cultural landscape. You can use it with effortless precision, employing it in puns, metaphors, or high-level rhetorical devices. You might discuss the philosophical implications of 'manger dehors' as a return to nature or a rejection of domestic confinement. You can write eloquent essays or give persuasive speeches where the concept of eating outside serves as a central theme. 'L'acte de manger dehors transcende la simple nutrition pour devenir une célébration de la liberté individuelle au sein de la cité.' You are familiar with every possible regional variation or archaic use of related terms. You can switch registers seamlessly, from the most elevated 'se restaurer en plein air' to the most colloquial expressions, knowing exactly which one fits the social context perfectly. Your understanding of the phrase is so deep that you can interpret its use in media and advertising as a signifier of a certain lifestyle. For a C2 speaker, 'manger dehors' is not just a vocabulary item; it is a cultural concept that you can manipulate and discuss with the same ease as a native speaker, reflecting on its evolution over time.
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Examples

The French phrase manger dehors is a versatile expression that every intermediate learner should master. At its core, it translates to 'to eat outside' or 'to eat out.' However, the cultural weight of this phrase in France carries more nuance than its simple English counterparts. It describes the act of consuming a meal anywhere that is not inside one's own residence or a standard indoor dining room. This could mean sitting at a sidewalk café, having a picnic in a park like the Jardin du Luxembourg, or simply grabbing a sandwich to eat on a bench. The French place a high premium on 'le plein air' (the open air), and as soon as the first rays of spring sun appear, the phrase manger dehors becomes a common refrain in offices and households across the country.

Literal Meaning
Physically consuming food in an outdoor environment, exposed to the elements, such as a garden or a terrace.
Figurative Meaning
Frequently used to mean going to a restaurant, even if you sit inside, though 'manger au restaurant' is more precise for indoor dining.

Il fait un temps magnifique aujourd'hui, et si nous allions manger dehors pour profiter du soleil ?

In a social context, inviting someone to manger dehors is often seen as a casual and pleasant suggestion. It implies a break from the routine of the kitchen and the dining table. It is important to distinguish this from 'sortir manger,' which more explicitly points to a night out on the town. When a Frenchman says they are going to manger dehors, they are often expressing a desire for liberty and a connection with the environment. This is deeply rooted in the French 'art de vivre,' where the setting of the meal is just as important as the food itself. Whether it is a 'déjeuner sur l'herbe' (lunch on the grass) or a quick 'casse-croûte' (snack) in the fresh air, the phrase encapsulates a specific type of leisure.

Pendant les vacances, nous aimons manger dehors tous les soirs sur la terrasse de notre gîte.

Social Context
Used primarily during spring and summer months or in warmer climates like the South of France.

Les citadins adorent manger dehors pour s'échapper de l'étroitesse de leurs appartements.

Même s'il fait un peu frais, les clients préfèrent souvent manger dehors sous les chauffages de terrasse.

Synonymous Phrases
'Déjeuner en plein air' or 'Dîner à l'extérieur' are slightly more formal alternatives.

Nous avons décidé de manger dehors pour fêter la fin de l'année scolaire.

Using manger dehors correctly involves understanding both the conjugation of the verb 'manger' and the placement of the adverb 'dehors.' 'Manger' is a regular -er verb, but it has a minor spelling change in the 'nous' form of the present indicative (mangeons) to maintain the soft 'g' sound. When combined with 'dehors,' the phrase typically functions as a complete predicate or part of a verbal chain. For example, when used with modal verbs like 'vouloir' (to want) or 'pouvoir' (to be able to), 'manger' remains in the infinitive form.

Present Tense
Je mange dehors tous les midis quand il ne pleut pas. (I eat outside every lunchtime when it doesn't rain.)
Passé Composé
Hier soir, nous avons mangé dehors car la cuisine était trop chaude. (Last night, we ate outside because the kitchen was too hot.)

Est-ce que vous préférez rester à l'intérieur ou manger dehors sur le balcon ?

The adverb 'dehors' always follows the conjugated verb in simple tenses and follows the past participle in compound tenses. It is also important to note that 'dehors' is invariable; it never changes form regardless of the subject. In negative sentences, the structure follows the standard 'ne... pas' sandwich around the conjugated verb. For instance, 'Nous ne mangeons pas dehors en hiver' (We do not eat outside in winter). This clarity in structure makes it a relatively simple phrase for English speakers to integrate into their active vocabulary.

Si tu finis tes devoirs tôt, nous pourrons manger dehors ce soir.

Future Tense
Demain, s'il fait beau, ils mangeront dehors dans le jardin public.

Voulez-vous manger dehors ou préférez-vous la climatisation ?

Il est rare de manger dehors en plein mois de janvier à Paris.

Imperative Mode
Mangeons dehors, l'air est si frais et agréable !

Pourquoi ne pas manger dehors pour changer un peu d'ambiance ?

You will encounter manger dehors in a variety of real-life settings, from casual family discussions to restaurant host stands. In a residential context, a parent might say to their children, 'On va manger dehors ce soir,' referring to the backyard table. In a professional context, colleagues might ask each other, 'On mange dehors ?' during a lunch break, which usually means heading to a nearby park with sandwiches or sitting at a café terrace. The phrase is ubiquitous in weather forecasts or lifestyle magazines that promote outdoor living. It is also a staple in tourism, where restaurants advertise their 'terrasse' as a prime spot to manger dehors.

At the Restaurant
Waiters often ask, 'Souhaitez-vous manger dehors ou à l'intérieur ?' when greeting guests.
Among Friends
It is a common suggestion for a weekend plan: 'On pourrait faire un pique-nique et manger dehors.'

À la pause déjeuner, toute l'équipe a décidé de manger dehors sur la place de la mairie.

Furthermore, in French literature and cinema, manger dehors often symbolizes a moment of respite or romantic intimacy. The scene of a couple sharing a meal under the stars or a family gathering around a long table in a vineyard is a classic trope. In more urban settings, it reflects the bustling energy of city life, where the streets are lined with people eating at small tables. You will also hear it in instructions for events: 'Le buffet sera servi dans la cour, nous allons donc manger dehors.' The phrase is deeply embedded in the rhythm of the seasons, marking the transition from the indoor confinement of winter to the expansive freedom of summer.

Les touristes cherchent toujours les meilleurs endroits pour manger dehors avec vue sur la mer.

In the News
Reports on heatwaves often mention that it is too hot to eat outside during the day.

Le guide touristique recommande de manger dehors pour apprécier l'architecture de la ville.

Quand nous recevons des amis, nous préférons manger dehors dans le patio.

Practical Usage
Useful for checking availability: 'Est-il possible de manger dehors ce soir ?'

Il n'y a rien de plus relaxant que de manger dehors après une longue journée de travail.

While manger dehors seems straightforward, English speakers often make subtle errors in its application. One common mistake is confusing 'dehors' with 'à l'extérieur.' While both mean 'outside,' 'dehors' is much more natural in the context of eating. Saying 'manger à l'extérieur' can sound slightly more formal or clinical, often used in technical or architectural descriptions. Another frequent error is the literal translation of 'to eat out' (meaning at a restaurant) as 'manger dehors' in situations where no outdoor seating is involved. If you are going to a fancy restaurant in the middle of winter, 'manger dehors' would imply you are sitting on the sidewalk in the snow, which is obviously not what you mean.

Confusion with 'Sortir'
Learners often say 'manger dehors' when they mean 'sortir au restaurant.' Remember, 'dehors' emphasizes the physical location (outdoors).
Preposition Errors
Do not say 'manger au dehors.' The word 'dehors' acts as an adverb and does not require a preposition before it in this context.

Faux Pas: 'Je veux manger dehors' (when you actually want to go to an indoor bistro).

Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the conjugation of 'manger.' As mentioned, the 'nous' form 'mangeons' is a frequent tripping point. Forgetting the 'e' results in 'mangons,' which would be pronounced with a hard 'g' (like 'gorilla'), which is incorrect. Another mistake is using 'manger dehors' to mean 'to eat away from home' in a generic sense, like at a friend's house. In French, if you are at a friend's house, you are 'chez des amis,' not 'dehors.' 'Dehors' strictly implies the absence of a roof or being in a public outdoor space. Finally, be careful with the tense; 'on va manger dehors' is a near-future plan, while 'on mange dehors' is a current action or a general habit.

Incorrect: Nous mangons dehors chaque dimanche. (Missing the 'e').

Misuse of 'Dehors'
Using 'dehors' to mean 'outside the room' (inside a building) is incorrect; use 'dans le couloir' or 'à côté' instead.

Confusion: 'Il pleut, donc nous ne pouvons pas manger dehors.' (This is correct!)

Tip: Don't confuse 'manger dehors' with 'manger par cœur' (to eat by heart - which doesn't exist, you mean 'apprendre par cœur'!).

Contextual Error
Using 'manger dehors' when you mean 'to eat out of the house' in the sense of 'away' (manger ailleurs).

Correct: Je n'ai pas envie de cuisiner, on va manger dehors en terrasse.

To expand your vocabulary beyond manger dehors, it is useful to learn related terms that specify the type of outdoor dining. French has several words that offer more precision or a different level of formality. For instance, 'pique-niquer' is the specific verb for having a picnic. If you are specifically talking about sitting at a restaurant's outdoor area, 'manger en terrasse' is the most common and idiomatic choice. This phrase specifically highlights the cultural icon of the French terrace. For a more formal or poetic touch, you might use 'déjeuner au grand air,' which evokes a sense of freshness and wide-open spaces.

Manger en terrasse
Specifically refers to eating at the tables set up outside a café or restaurant.
Pique-niquer
To have a picnic, usually on a blanket in a park or countryside.
Sortir au restaurant
The general term for 'going out to eat,' regardless of whether you are inside or outside.

Plutôt que de simplement manger dehors, nous avons décidé de pique-niquer près du lac.

In slang or very informal French, you might hear 'bouffer dehors.' 'Bouffer' is a common colloquialism for 'manger,' but it should only be used with close friends. On the other end of the spectrum, 'dîner en ville' historically meant to eat out at a restaurant or at someone's house in the city, implying a social engagement. Another interesting alternative is 'casser la croûte dehors,' which literally means 'to break the crust outside' and refers to having a quick, informal snack or sandwich outdoors. Understanding these variations allows you to tailor your speech to the specific situation and level of formality required.

On va manger en terrasse pour voir les gens passer dans la rue.

Manger à l'air libre
A slightly more descriptive and aesthetic way to say 'eat in the open air.'

C'est un vrai plaisir de manger à l'air libre après une journée dans un bureau climatisé.

Nous aimons déjeuner au grand air lors de nos randonnées en montagne.

Restaurer en extérieur
Very formal, often found in event planning or catering contracts.

Il est possible de se restaurer en extérieur grâce aux nombreux food-trucks du festival.

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Examples by Level

1

Je mange dehors.

I eat outside.

Simple subject + verb + adverb.

2

Tu manges dehors ?

Are you eating outside?

Question using intonation.

3

Il fait beau, mangeons dehors.

The weather is nice, let's eat outside.

Imperative form of 'manger'.

4

Nous ne mangeons pas dehors.

We are not eating outside.

Negative structure 'ne... pas'.

5

Elle aime manger dehors.

She likes to eat outside.

Infinitive after the verb 'aimer'.

6

Voulez-vous manger dehors ?

Do you want to eat outside?

Inversion for formal question.

7

Ils mangent dehors aujourd'hui.

They are eating outside today.

Third person plural present tense.

8

On mange dehors ce midi ?

Are we eating outside this noon?

Casual use of 'on' for 'we'.

1

Hier, nous avons mangé dehors.

Yesterday, we ate outside.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

2

Je vais manger dehors avec mes amis.

I am going to eat outside with my friends.

Futur proche construction.

3

Il ne mange jamais dehors en hiver.

He never eats outside in winter.

Negative 'ne... jamais'.

4

Est-ce que vous avez mangé dehors ?

Did you eat outside?

Question with 'est-ce que'.

5

Nous mangions dehors quand il a commencé à pleuvoir.

We were eating outside when it started to rain.

Imparfait for ongoing action.

6

Tu peux manger dehors si tu veux.

You can eat outside if you want.

Modal verb 'pouvoir' + infinitive.

7

Ils ont décidé de manger dehors ce soir.

They decided to eat outside tonight.

Verb + 'de' + infinitive.

8

Pourquoi ne mangeons-nous pas dehors ?

Why don't we eat outside?

Negative question with inversion.

1

S'il fait beau demain, nous mangerons dehors.

If the weather is nice tomorrow, we will eat outside.

First conditional (si + present, future).

2

J'aimerais manger dehors pour profiter de la vue.

I would like to eat outside to enjoy the view.

Conditional mood for a wish.

3

Bien qu'il fasse un peu froid, ils mangent dehors.

Although it's a bit cold, they are eating outside.

Subjunctive after 'bien que'.

4

Il est possible de manger dehors sur la terrasse.

It is possible to eat outside on the terrace.

Impersonal expression 'il est possible de'.

5

On m'a dit que l'on pouvait manger dehors ici.

I was told that one could eat outside here.

Reported speech in the past.

6

Nous devrions manger dehors avant qu'il ne fasse nuit.

We should eat outside before it gets dark.

Conditional of 'devoir' + 'avant que' + subjunctive.

7

C'est agréable de manger dehors pendant les vacances.

It's pleasant to eat outside during the holidays.

C'est + adjective + de + infinitive.

8

Je ne pense pas que nous puissions manger dehors ce soir.

I don't think we can eat outside tonight.

Subjunctive after 'ne pas penser que'.

1

Il est regrettable que nous n'ayons pas pu manger dehors.

It is regrettable that we were not able to eat outside.

Subjunctive past after an emotion.

2

En mangeant dehors, on apprécie mieux la nature.

By eating outside, one appreciates nature better.

Gérondif (en + present participle).

3

Dès que le soleil se montre, tout le monde veut manger dehors.

As soon as the sun shows itself, everyone wants to eat outside.

Temporal conjunction 'dès que'.

4

Après avoir mangé dehors, nous sommes allés nous promener.

After having eaten outside, we went for a walk.

Infinitif passé (après + avoir + past participle).

5

Manger dehors est devenu une véritable institution en France.

Eating outside has become a true institution in France.

Infinitive used as a subject noun.

6

Je doute que tu veuilles manger dehors avec ce vent.

I doubt that you want to eat outside with this wind.

Subjunctive after 'douter que'.

7

Quoi que vous fassiez, essayez de manger dehors au moins une fois.

Whatever you do, try to eat outside at least once.

Subjunctive after 'quoi que'.

8

Si j'avais su qu'il ferait si beau, j'aurais proposé de manger dehors.

If I had known it would be so nice, I would have proposed eating outside.

Third conditional (si + plus-que-parfait, conditionnel passé).

1

L'habitude de manger dehors reflète une certaine conception de la vie sociale.

The habit of eating outside reflects a certain conception of social life.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

2

Rares sont ceux qui refusent de manger dehors par une telle soirée d'été.

Rare are those who refuse to eat outside on such a summer evening.

Inversion of adjective 'rares' for emphasis.

3

Il convient de manger dehors pour s'imprégner de l'atmosphère locale.

It is appropriate to eat outside to soak up the local atmosphere.

Formal expression 'il convient de'.

4

On ne saurait manger dehors sans être importuné par quelques insectes.

One cannot eat outside without being bothered by a few insects.

Formal 'ne saurait' meaning 'cannot'.

5

Manger dehors, c'est s'offrir une parenthèse enchantée loin du tumulte.

Eating outside is offering oneself an enchanted break far from the tumult.

Rhetorical use of 'c'est'.

6

À force de manger dehors, on finit par ne plus supporter les salles closes.

By dint of eating outside, one ends up no longer tolerating closed rooms.

Prepositional phrase 'à force de'.

7

Il est impératif que la municipalité autorise les restaurateurs à faire manger dehors leurs clients.

It is imperative that the municipality allows restaurant owners to have their customers eat outside.

Subjunctive after 'il est impératif que' + causative 'faire'.

8

Nul ne peut nier le plaisir que procure le fait de manger dehors à la campagne.

No one can deny the pleasure that the act of eating outside in the countryside provides.

Formal negative 'nul' and relative clause.

1

L'esthétique de manger dehors a été immortalisée par les peintres impressionnistes.

The aesthetic of eating outside was immortalized by Impressionist painters.

Passive voice with historical context.

2

Fût-ce sous une pluie fine, certains s'obstinent à manger dehors par pur principe.

Even if it were under a light rain, some persist in eating outside out of pure principle.

Literary 'fût-ce' (subjunctive imperfect).

3

La propension à manger dehors semble inversement proportionnelle à la rigueur du climat.

The propensity to eat outside seems inversely proportional to the severity of the climate.

Academic vocabulary and structure.

4

Manger dehors, au mépris des conventions, confère une saveur particulière au repas.

Eating outside, in defiance of conventions, gives a particular flavor to the meal.

Parenthetical phrase for stylistic effect.

5

L'urbanisme moderne tend à multiplier les espaces permettant de manger dehors en toute sérénité.

Modern urban planning tends to multiply spaces allowing for eating outside in total serenity.

Present participle 'permettant' as an adjective.

6

On pourrait disserter longuement sur la dimension métaphysique du fait de manger dehors.

One could discourse at length on the metaphysical dimension of the act of eating outside.

Conditional mood for speculation.

7

Si tant est que l'on puisse manger dehors sans vent, l'expérience est inégalable.

Provided that one can eat outside without wind, the experience is incomparable.

Conjunction 'si tant est que' + subjunctive.

8

Manger dehors s'apparente, pour beaucoup, à une quête de liberté retrouvée.

Eating outside is akin, for many, to a quest for rediscovered freedom.

Reflexive verb 's'apparenter à'.

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