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prendre rendez-vous

B1 noun 9 min read

prendre rendez-vous

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips prendre rendez-vous in 30 Seconds

Explanation prendre rendez-vous in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the most basic and essential form of 'prendre rendez-vous.' The focus is entirely on survival situations, specifically visiting a doctor or a hair salon. A1 students learn this as a fixed block of language: 'Je voudrais prendre rendez-vous.' They don't necessarily need to master the irregular conjugation of 'prendre' in every tense, but they must know the present tense and the polite conditional form. The goal at this level is to be able to make a simple phone call or approach a reception desk and ask for a time. Grammar is kept simple, usually focusing on the preposition 'chez' (e.g., chez le médecin). Vocabulary is limited to common professions. The cultural context is also simplified, emphasizing that in France, you generally cannot just walk in; you must ask first. Exercises at this level involve matching professionals with the phrase and simple gap-fills in basic dialogues. By the end of A1, a student should be able to say: 'Bonjour, je voudrais prendre rendez-vous pour demain, s'il vous plaît.' This foundational step is crucial for building the confidence to handle more complex interactions later on.

At the A2 level, the use of 'prendre rendez-vous' expands to include more varied social and professional scenarios. Students begin to use different tenses, such as the 'passé composé' to report that they have already made an appointment ('J'ai pris rendez-vous hier'). They also start to incorporate more specific time expressions, like 'la semaine prochaine' or 'dans deux jours.' The range of prepositions expands beyond 'chez' to include 'avec' for people and 'à' for institutions (e.g., à la mairie). A2 learners are also introduced to the idea of canceling or changing an appointment ('annuler' or 'déplacer un rendez-vous'), which provides a more complete picture of managing one's schedule. Cultural nuances, such as the importance of punctuality in French appointments, are briefly touched upon. The language remains relatively direct, but the student's ability to provide a reason for the appointment ('pour un vaccin,' 'pour mon passeport') increases. Exercises focus on short dialogues, transforming sentences from present to past, and choosing the correct preposition based on the context of the meeting.

The B1 level is where 'prendre rendez-vous' becomes a versatile tool for independent living in a French-speaking environment. Learners at this stage are expected to handle longer and more complex interactions, such as explaining a problem when booking a medical appointment or negotiating a time in a professional setting. They move beyond fixed phrases to more fluid constructions, using modal verbs like 'devoir,' 'pouvoir,' and 'vouloir' with nuance. B1 students also learn to use the phrase in the future tense and the subjonctif ('Il faut que je prenne rendez-vous'). The focus shifts toward professional etiquette—knowing when to use 'fixer' instead of 'prendre' and understanding the difference between a formal 'rendez-vous' and an informal 'rencontre.' Learners are also introduced to digital vocabulary, such as 'prendre rendez-vous en ligne.' This level emphasizes the ability to manage the entire process: booking, confirming, and potentially rescheduling while maintaining a polite and appropriate register. Exercises include writing emails to request a meeting, listening to complex phone conversations, and role-playing administrative scenarios where complications arise.

At the B2 level, 'prendre rendez-vous' is used within the context of abstract discussions and complex professional environments. Students are expected to understand the phrase in idiomatic expressions and to use it with a high degree of grammatical accuracy, including the use of various pronouns ('Je lui ai pris rendez-vous'). The focus is on the nuances of register—choosing between 'prendre,' 'convenir,' and 'fixer' based on the specific power dynamics of the conversation. B2 learners also explore the cultural implications of 'rendez-vous' in French society, such as its role in the 'parcours de soins' (the healthcare pathway). They can discuss the efficiency of online booking systems versus traditional methods and express opinions on the accessibility of services. The vocabulary becomes more specialized, involving terms like 'créneau' (time slot) and 'disponibilité.' Exercises at this level involve analyzing texts about French bureaucracy, participating in debates about digital services, and writing formal letters where a meeting is proposed as part of a larger project. The learner is no longer just 'taking' an appointment; they are managing their professional and personal life through the language.

At the C1 level, the learner masters the stylistic and rhetorical uses of 'prendre rendez-vous.' They understand its use in literature, news editorials, and high-level corporate communication. The focus is on the subtle connotations of the phrase. For instance, a C1 student can distinguish between the urgency implied in 'prendre rendez-vous en urgence' and the routine of 'prendre rendez-vous pour un suivi.' They are also familiar with the historical and etymological roots of 'rendez-vous' and can use this knowledge to appreciate puns or sophisticated wordplay in French media. At this stage, the learner can navigate highly sensitive situations, such as taking a meeting to discuss a conflict or a legal matter, using the appropriate diplomatic language. They can also reflect on the concept of 'rendez-vous' as a social contract in Francophone cultures. Exercises involve stylistic transformations (e.g., turning a casual request into a highly formal one), analyzing the tone of different booking platforms, and engaging in complex simulations where they must mediate between two parties to 'fixer un rendez-vous' under difficult constraints.

At the C2 level, 'prendre rendez-vous' is handled with the effortless precision of a native speaker. The learner can use the phrase in any context, from the most technical legal document to the most casual slang-filled conversation, without error. They understand the philosophical implications of 'rendez-vous'—the idea of an encounter with destiny or a moment in time—and can use it metaphorically in creative writing or advanced discourse. C2 students are also aware of regional variations in how appointments are made across the Francophone world (e.g., differences between France, Quebec, and Senegal). They can critique the evolution of the phrase in the age of AI and automated assistants. The focus is on absolute mastery of register, tone, and cultural resonance. A C2 learner might analyze how 'prendre rendez-vous' is used in a classic French film to establish character dynamics or use it in a complex negotiation to subtly assert control over a timeline. Exercises include high-level translation, creative writing prompts that utilize the phrase in metaphorical ways, and critical analysis of contemporary French social norms regarding time and professional interactions.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

prendre rendez-vous in 30 Seconds

To schedule a formal meeting or a medical appointment.
Uses the verb 'prendre' (to take) instead of 'faire' (to make).
Essential for navigating French administration and healthcare.
Can be used with prepositions 'chez', 'avec', or 'pour'.

The French expression prendre rendez-vous is a foundational verbal locution that translates literally to "to take a meeting" or "to take an appointment." In the context of French culture and daily life, it is the standard way to describe the act of scheduling or booking a specific time to meet someone, typically in a professional, medical, or administrative capacity. Unlike the English word 'date,' which can imply a romantic encounter, rendez-vous in French is strictly formal or neutral unless specified otherwise. When you use the verb prendre with this noun, you are focusing on the procedural action of securing a slot in someone's calendar.

Medical Context: This is perhaps the most common usage. In France, you rarely walk into a clinic without an appointment. You must prendre rendez-vous via platforms like Doctolib or by calling the secretary. It implies a formal commitment between the patient and the practitioner.

Je dois absolument prendre rendez-vous chez le dentiste avant la fin du mois car j'ai une douleur persistante.

Administrative Context: Whether it is for a passport at the mairie or a meeting with a bank advisor, the phrase denotes the necessity of following a protocol. It reflects the structured nature of French bureaucracy where spontaneity is often replaced by scheduled interactions.

The phrase is also deeply embedded in the social fabric. Even for a simple haircut or a consultation with a lawyer, one must prendre rendez-vous. The verb 'prendre' here suggests an active acquisition of time. You are 'taking' a piece of the other person's schedule. This differs from 'donner rendez-vous,' where you are the one proposing the time and place to someone else. Understanding this distinction is crucial for B1 learners navigating life in a Francophone country.

Est-ce que je peux prendre rendez-vous pour une coupe de cheveux demain après-midi ?

Professional Etiquette: In a business environment, prendre rendez-vous is the first step of any negotiation or partnership. It signals respect for the other party's time and establishes a professional boundary. It is often followed by a confirmation email or a calendar invite.

Furthermore, the term rendez-vous itself comes from the imperative 'rendez-vous,' meaning 'present yourselves.' Historically, it was a military term for a place where troops were ordered to assemble. Today, it has lost its martial connotation but retained the sense of a mandatory presence at a specific location and time. When you prendre rendez-vous, you are essentially agreeing to 'present yourself' at the agreed-upon moment. This historical weight contributes to the slightly formal tone the phrase carries compared to the English 'to book a time.'

Il est difficile de prendre rendez-vous avec ce spécialiste car son carnet est complet pour les trois prochains mois.

Using prendre rendez-vous correctly requires attention to the prepositions that follow it. Depending on who you are meeting or where you are going, the preposition changes, which is a common stumbling block for English speakers. The most frequent patterns involve avec (with a person), chez (at a professional's place of business), or pour (for a specific purpose).

Preposition: Chez: When the appointment is with a doctor, dentist, hair stylist, or any professional whose office is their primary place of work, use chez. Example: "Je dois prendre rendez-vous chez le médecin."

N'oublie pas de prendre rendez-vous chez l'ophtalmologue pour ton examen annuel.

Preposition: Avec: Use avec when the focus is on the specific individual you are meeting, especially in a business or academic setting. Example: "J'ai pris rendez-vous avec le directeur."

Elle a réussi à prendre rendez-vous avec le responsable des ressources humaines pour discuter de son contrat.

Tense changes are also vital. Since prendre is an irregular verb, ensure you know its forms. In the passé composé, it becomes j'ai pris rendez-vous. In the future, je prendrai rendez-vous. The phrase is often used with modal verbs like devoir (must) or pouvoir (can), as seen in many of the examples provided. This adds a layer of necessity or possibility to the action.

Si vous voulez obtenir un visa, vous devrez prendre rendez-vous à l'ambassade très tôt.

Preposition: Pour: When you want to specify the reason for the appointment, use pour followed by a noun or an infinitive. Example: "Prendre rendez-vous pour une consultation."

Finally, consider the negation. To say you haven't made an appointment yet, you would say: "Je n'ai pas encore pris rendez-vous." The placement of the negation around the auxiliary verb 'avoir' is standard for compound tenses. Mastering these variations allows a B1 learner to handle most daily administrative tasks in France with confidence and grammatical accuracy.

In the modern Francophone world, you will hear prendre rendez-vous in a variety of auditory environments, from the hushed tones of a medical waiting room to the automated voices of a telephone switchboard. It is a phrase that bridges the gap between digital interaction and physical presence. One of the most common places to encounter it today is on the internet, specifically on service-booking websites.

Digital Platforms: Websites like Doctolib (for health) or Planity (for beauty) have buttons prominently labeled "Prendre rendez-vous en ligne." This has become the default way for younger generations to interact with services.

Sur ce site, vous pouvez prendre rendez-vous en seulement trois clics sans avoir à téléphoner.

In professional settings, the phrase is heard during meetings when planning future steps. A manager might say, "Il faut prendre rendez-vous avec le client pour finaliser le projet." Here, it signifies a transition from internal discussion to external action. You will also hear it in the news or on the radio when government officials discuss public services. For example, during a vaccination campaign, the phrase "prendre rendez-vous pour se faire vacciner" becomes a national mantra.

Le ministre a encouragé tous les citoyens à prendre rendez-vous via la plateforme nationale dès demain matin.

Customer Service: When calling a bank or a utility company, the automated menu often says: "Pour prendre rendez-vous avec un conseiller, tapez 1." This is a standard phrase in corporate IVR systems.

Lastly, in social circles, while 'se voir' (to see each other) is more common for friends, prendre rendez-vous might be used ironically or to emphasize how busy someone is. "On doit prendre rendez-vous pour te voir maintenant !" (We have to make an appointment to see you now!). This usage highlights the phrase's inherent formality and uses it for comedic effect to point out a friend's packed schedule.

Even intermediate learners frequently make specific errors when trying to translate the concept of "making an appointment" into French. The most prevalent mistake is using the wrong verb or adding unnecessary articles. Because English uses "make" or "book," learners often gravitate toward faire or réserver, which are incorrect in this specific collocation.

Mistake: Faire un rendez-vous: This is a literal translation of "to make an appointment." In French, faire un rendez-vous sounds like you are creating the meeting out of thin air or performing it, rather than scheduling it. Always use prendre.

Faux: Je dois faire un rendez-vous.
Vrai: Je dois prendre rendez-vous.

Mistake: Confusion with 'Date': English speakers often use the word 'date' for romantic outings. In French, un rendez-vous can be romantic (un rendez-vous galant), but prendre rendez-vous sounds too clinical for a date. Use 'proposer une sortie' instead.

Another common issue is the omission or misuse of prepositions. As mentioned previously, using à instead of chez for doctors is a frequent error. "Prendre rendez-vous au médecin" is incorrect; it must be "chez le médecin." Similarly, forgetting the avec when referring to a person makes the sentence feel incomplete.

Erreur: J'ai pris rendez-vous le directeur.
Correction: J'ai pris rendez-vous avec le directeur.

Finally, there's the 'un' issue. While saying "prendre un rendez-vous" is not technically wrong, the idiomatic expression is prendre rendez-vous (no article). Adding the article makes it sound slightly more like you are referring to one specific, perhaps unusual, appointment rather than the general act of scheduling. For B1 learners, sticking to the article-free version sounds more native and fluid.

Depending on the level of formality and the specific context, you might want to swap prendre rendez-vous for a different expression. French is rich in nuances, and using the right synonym can drastically change how your request is perceived. Here are some of the most common alternatives and how they compare.

Fixer un rendez-vous: This is more formal and is often used in a professional context where two parties are deciding on a time together. While 'prendre' is often one-sided (you asking for a slot), 'fixer' implies the finalization of the time. "Nous devons fixer un rendez-vous pour la semaine prochaine."

Après plusieurs appels, nous avons enfin réussi à fixer un rendez-vous qui convient à tout le monde.

Convenir d'un rendez-vous: This is very formal and elegant. It is used in written correspondence or high-level business. It suggests a mutual agreement. "Je vous propose de convenir d'un rendez-vous téléphonique."

Pourriez-vous m'indiquer vos disponibilités afin que nous puissions convenir d'un rendez-vous ?

S'organiser / Se voir: In informal contexts with friends, you wouldn't 'prendre rendez-vous.' You would say "On s'organise pour se voir ?" or "On se capte ?" (slang). Using 'rendez-vous' with a close friend can sound overly stiff or even sarcastic.

Lastly, there is the term une consultation. In medical contexts, you might say "prendre rendez-vous pour une consultation" or simply "réserver une consultation." Using the specific noun for the type of meeting adds precision to your speech. For B1 learners, having these alternatives in your toolkit allows you to adapt your language to the person you are speaking with, which is a key component of communicative competence.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

It was originally a military term for a designated assembly point for troops before it became a social term.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pʁɑ̃dʁ rɑ̃devu/

US /pʁɑ̃dʁ rɑ̃devu/

The stress is typically on the final syllable 'vous'.

Rhymes With

Doux Genou Bijou Chou Caillou Hibou Joujou Pou

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 's' at the end of 'rendez-vous' (it is silent).
Pronouncing the 'd' in 'prendre' too harshly.
Failing to nasalize the 'en' and 'an' sounds.
Pronouncing 'rendez' like the English word 'renders'.
Making the 'ou' sound like 'ow' as in 'cow'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize as it looks like the English word, but the verb 'prendre' must be understood.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering not to use 'faire' and getting the prepositions right.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of nasal vowels and silent letters can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Usually clear in context, especially on the phone.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Prendre Médecin Heure Jour Vouloir

Learn Next

Annuler Déplacer Confirmer Disponibilité Emploi du temps

Advanced

Convenir Fixer Solliciter Entretien Colloque

Grammar to Know

Preposition 'Chez' for professionals

Chez le médecin, chez le coiffeur.

Irregular verb 'Prendre'

Je prends, tu prends, il prend, nous prenons...

Polite Conditional

Je voudrais prendre rendez-vous.

Negative 'Ne... pas'

Je n'ai pas pris rendez-vous.

Omission of the article

Prendre rendez-vous (not 'un').

Examples by Level

Je voudrais prendre rendez-vous chez le médecin.

I would like to make an appointment at the doctor's.

Uses the polite conditional 'je voudrais'.

Est-ce que je peux prendre rendez-vous pour demain ?

Can I make an appointment for tomorrow?

Question using 'est-ce que'.

Je prends rendez-vous pour ma fille.

I am making an appointment for my daughter.

Present tense of 'prendre'.

Prendre rendez-vous chez le coiffeur est facile.

Making an appointment at the hairdresser is easy.

Infinitive used as a subject.

Il faut prendre rendez-vous aujourd'hui.

It is necessary to make an appointment today.

Used with the impersonal 'il faut'.

Tu veux prendre rendez-vous avec moi ?

Do you want to make an appointment with me?

Informal 'tu' form.

On peut prendre rendez-vous par téléphone.

One can make an appointment by phone.

Use of 'on' for general 'one'.

Je ne peux pas prendre rendez-vous maintenant.

I cannot make an appointment now.

Negative construction 'ne... pas'.

J'ai pris rendez-vous pour lundi prochain.

I made an appointment for next Monday.

Passé composé of 'prendre'.

Elle va prendre rendez-vous avec son dentiste.

She is going to make an appointment with her dentist.

Futur proche using 'aller' + infinitive.

Nous avons pris rendez-vous à la banque.

We made an appointment at the bank.

Preposition 'à' for an institution.

Pourquoi n'as-tu pas pris rendez-vous ?

Why didn't you make an appointment?

Negative question in the past.

Il est important de prendre rendez-vous en avance.

It is important to make an appointment in advance.

Adjective + 'de' + infinitive.

Vous devez prendre rendez-vous avant de venir.

You must make an appointment before coming.

Modal verb 'devoir'.

Je vais prendre rendez-vous pour un entretien.

I am going to make an appointment for an interview.

Preposition 'pour' to show purpose.

Ils ont pris rendez-vous avec le professeur.

They made an appointment with the teacher.

Plural subject 'ils'.

Si vous voulez me voir, il faudra prendre rendez-vous.

If you want to see me, you will have to make an appointment.

Futur simple of 'falloir'.

J'ai essayé de prendre rendez-vous, mais c'était complet.

I tried to make an appointment, but it was full.

Contrast using 'mais'.

Il est possible de prendre rendez-vous directement en ligne.

It is possible to make an appointment directly online.

Adverb 'directement' modifying the action.

Bien que j'aie pris rendez-vous, j'ai dû attendre une heure.

Even though I had made an appointment, I had to wait an hour.

Subjonctif after 'bien que'.

Il vaut mieux prendre rendez-vous le matin pour éviter la foule.

It is better to make an appointment in the morning to avoid the crowd.

Comparative expression 'il vaut mieux'.

Je vous suggère de prendre rendez-vous avec un spécialiste.

I suggest that you make an appointment with a specialist.

Verb 'suggérer' followed by 'de'.

Elle a pris rendez-vous sans même consulter son agenda.

She made an appointment without even checking her calendar.

Preposition 'sans' + infinitive.

Nous devrions prendre rendez-vous pour discuter de ce projet.

We should make an appointment to discuss this project.

Conditional 'devrions' for a suggestion.

Avez-vous pensé à prendre rendez-vous pour le contrôle technique ?

Did you think about making an appointment for the technical inspection?

Verb 'penser à' followed by infinitive.

Il est impératif de prendre rendez-vous avant la date limite.

It is imperative to make an appointment before the deadline.

Formal adjective 'impératif'.

On m'a conseillé de prendre rendez-vous avec un avocat.

I was advised to make an appointment with a lawyer.

Passive-like 'on m'a conseillé'.

Le site est saturé, je n'arrive pas à prendre rendez-vous.

The site is overloaded; I can't manage to make an appointment.

Expression 'arriver à' meaning 'to manage to'.

Dès que vous aurez pris rendez-vous, envoyez-moi une confirmation.

As soon as you have made an appointment, send me a confirmation.

Futur antérieur after 'dès que'.

Prendre rendez-vous ne garantit pas une prise en charge immédiate.

Making an appointment does not guarantee immediate attention.

Negative verb 'ne garantit pas'.

Elle a dû prendre rendez-vous plusieurs mois à l'avance.

She had to make an appointment several months in advance.

Duration expression 'plusieurs mois à l'avance'.

Je ne savais pas qu'il fallait prendre rendez-vous pour ce service.

I didn't know that it was necessary to make an appointment for this service.

Imperfect tense 'savais' and 'fallait'.

Il serait judicieux de prendre rendez-vous afin d'éviter tout désagrément.

It would be wise to make an appointment in order to avoid any inconvenience.

Conditional 'serait' and formal 'judicieux'.

Nonobstant l'urgence, il a fallu prendre rendez-vous par la voie normale.

Notwithstanding the urgency, it was necessary to make an appointment through normal channels.

Use of the formal conjunction 'nonobstant'.

Le protocole exige que l'on prenne rendez-vous par écrit.

The protocol requires that one makes an appointment in writing.

Subjunctive 'prenne' after 'exige que'.

Prendre rendez-vous avec l'histoire est une expression souvent galvaudée.

Making an appointment with history is an expression often overused.

Metaphorical use of the phrase.

Elle a pris rendez-vous, s'assurant ainsi d'une audience privée.

She made an appointment, thus ensuring herself a private audience.

Present participle 's'assurant'.

À défaut de pouvoir prendre rendez-vous, il a laissé un message.

Failing to be able to make an appointment, he left a message.

Expression 'à défaut de'.

Il est de coutume de prendre rendez-vous avant de solliciter un entretien.

It is customary to make an appointment before requesting an interview.

Formal 'il est de coutume de'.

Quiconque souhaite participer doit prendre rendez-vous au préalable.

Anyone wishing to participate must make an appointment beforehand.

Relative pronoun 'quiconque'.

La dématérialisation oblige désormais l'usager à prendre rendez-vous via un portail dédié.

Digitization now forces the user to make an appointment via a dedicated portal.

Complex noun 'dématérialisation'.

Nul ne saurait prendre rendez-vous sans avoir préalablement décliné son identité.

No one can make an appointment without having previously stated their identity.

Literary 'nul ne saurait'.

Il s'agit moins de prendre rendez-vous que d'acter une présence indispensable.

It is less about making an appointment than about formalizing an indispensable presence.

Comparative 'moins... que'.

L'impossibilité de prendre rendez-vous cristallise les tensions sociales.

The inability to make an appointment crystallizes social tensions.

Abstract subject 'l'impossibilité'.

Sous couvert de prendre rendez-vous, il cherchait en réalité à obtenir des informations confidentielles.

Under the guise of making an appointment, he was actually seeking to obtain confidential information.

Idiom 'sous couvert de'.

Prendre rendez-vous avec soi-même est le premier pas vers la sérénité.

Making an appointment with oneself is the first step toward serenity.

Philosophical use of 'rendez-vous'.

L'administration enjoint les administrés à prendre rendez-vous pour toute démarche.

The administration enjoins citizens to make an appointment for any procedure.

Formal verb 'enjoindre'.

Force est de constater qu'il devient ardu de prendre rendez-vous dans les déserts médicaux.

It must be noted that it is becoming arduous to make an appointment in medical deserts.

Fixed expression 'force est de constater'.

Common Collocations

Prendre rendez-vous en ligne

Prendre rendez-vous par téléphone

Prendre rendez-vous chez le médecin

Prendre rendez-vous en urgence

Prendre rendez-vous avec un conseiller

Prendre rendez-vous à la mairie

Prendre rendez-vous pour un examen

Prendre rendez-vous au plus vite

Prendre rendez-vous via Doctolib

Prendre rendez-vous pour une visite

Common Phrases

C'est pour prendre rendez-vous.

— I am calling/here to make an appointment.

Bonjour, c'est pour prendre rendez-vous avec le Dr. Petit.

Je voudrais prendre rendez-vous.

— I would like to make an appointment (polite).

Je voudrais prendre rendez-vous pour une coupe.

Impossible de prendre rendez-vous.

— It is impossible to make an appointment.

Le serveur est en panne, impossible de prendre rendez-vous.

Prendre rendez-vous pour plus tard.

— To make an appointment for a later time.

On peut prendre rendez-vous pour plus tard si vous voulez.

Est-ce nécessaire de prendre rendez-vous ?

— Is it necessary to make an appointment?

Est-ce nécessaire de prendre rendez-vous pour un simple conseil ?

Prendre rendez-vous à l'avance.

— To make an appointment in advance.

Il faut toujours prendre rendez-vous à l'avance ici.

Prendre rendez-vous par écrit.

— To make an appointment in writing.

Certains services demandent de prendre rendez-vous par écrit.

Prendre rendez-vous au guichet.

— To make an appointment at the counter/desk.

Vous pouvez prendre rendez-vous au guichet numéro 4.

Prendre rendez-vous pour un devis.

— To make an appointment for a quote/estimate.

Je vais prendre rendez-vous pour un devis travaux.

Prendre rendez-vous avec le destin.

— To have a date with destiny (idiomatic/literary).

Il sentait qu'il allait prendre rendez-vous avec le destin.

Often Confused With

prendre rendez-vous vs Faire un rendez-vous

Incorrect literal translation from English 'to make an appointment'.

prendre rendez-vous vs Prendre une date

Usually means to pick a date for an event, not an appointment with a person.

prendre rendez-vous vs Réserver un rendez-vous

While 'réserver' is for tables or rooms, 'prendre' is for appointments.

Idioms & Expressions

"Prendre rendez-vous avec l'histoire"

— To participate in a significant historical event.

En votant ce jour-là, ils ont pris rendez-vous avec l'histoire.

Literary/Political

"Donner rendez-vous"

— To tell someone to meet you at a certain place/time.

Je vous donne rendez-vous demain à 8h.

Neutral

"Manquer son rendez-vous"

— To miss an opportunity or a meeting.

Il a manqué son rendez-vous avec le succès.

Figurative

"Un rendez-vous galant"

— A romantic date.

Elle se prépare pour son rendez-vous galant.

Slightly Formal

"Le rendez-vous des habitués"

— A place where regulars meet.

Ce café est le rendez-vous des habitués du quartier.

Neutral

"Prendre rencard"

— To make a date or appointment (slang).

On a pris rencard pour ce soir.

Slang

"Être au rendez-vous"

— To be present as expected (often used for weather or success).

Le soleil était au rendez-vous pour le mariage.

Idiomatic

"Prendre rendez-vous avec soi-même"

— To take time for self-reflection.

Il est important de prendre rendez-vous avec soi-même de temps en temps.

Philosophical

"Un rendez-vous manqué"

— A missed opportunity or a failed encounter.

Leur collaboration fut un rendez-vous manqué.

Figurative

"Prendre rendez-vous pour la vie"

— To make a lifelong commitment.

Ils ont pris rendez-vous pour la vie en se mariant.

Poetic

Easily Confused

prendre rendez-vous vs Rendez-vous vs. Date

English 'date' can be romantic or just a calendar date.

In French, 'un rendez-vous' is professional/neutral. For a romantic date, use 'un rendez-vous galant' or 'une sortie.'

J'ai un rendez-vous chez le médecin (Not a date!).

prendre rendez-vous vs Prendre vs. Fixer

Both involve scheduling.

Prendre is common for the person requesting. Fixer is for the person finalizing or both parties together.

Nous avons fixé le rendez-vous pour 10h.

prendre rendez-vous vs Chez vs. À

Prepositions for location.

Use 'chez' for a person's office (doctor, dentist). Use 'à' for an institution (bank, city hall).

Chez le dentiste vs. À la banque.

prendre rendez-vous vs Rencard vs. Rendez-vous

Both mean meeting.

Rencard is slang and often romantic or very casual. Rendez-vous is standard.

J'ai un rencard ce soir (Casual).

prendre rendez-vous vs Entretien vs. Rendez-vous

Both are meetings.

Entretien is specifically for a job interview or a formal evaluation. Rendez-vous is more general.

J'ai un entretien d'embauche.

Sentence Patterns

Je voudrais prendre rendez-vous.

Je voudrais prendre rendez-vous pour demain.

J'ai pris rendez-vous avec...

J'ai pris rendez-vous avec mon avocat.

Il faut que je prenne rendez-vous.

Il faut que je prenne rendez-vous chez le dentiste.

Dès que j'aurai pris rendez-vous...

Dès que j'aurai pris rendez-vous, je te préviendrai.

Il serait préférable de prendre rendez-vous.

Il serait préférable de prendre rendez-vous pour éviter l'attente.

Sous peine de ne pouvoir être reçu, il faut prendre rendez-vous.

Sous peine de ne pouvoir être reçu, il faut prendre rendez-vous au préalable.

Est-ce possible de prendre rendez-vous ?

Est-ce possible de prendre rendez-vous pour cet après-midi ?

Tu devrais prendre rendez-vous.

Tu devrais prendre rendez-vous si tu as mal.

Word Family

Nouns

Un rendez-vous (an appointment)

Une prise de rendez-vous (the act of booking)

Verbs

Prendre (to take)

Rendre (to render/give back)

L'agenda (the calendar)

Le créneau (the time slot)

La disponibilité (availability)

Le désistement (cancellation)

Le rappel (reminder)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life.

Common Mistakes

Faire un rendez-vous → Prendre rendez-vous
English speakers translate 'make' literally. In French, we 'take' the appointment.
Prendre rendez-vous au médecin → Prendre rendez-vous chez le médecin
Use 'chez' when referring to a person's place of business or profession.
Pronouncing the 's' in 'rendez-vous' → Silent 's'
The final 's' in 'rendez-vous' is always silent. Pronouncing it sounds incorrect.
Using 'rendez-vous' for a casual coffee with a friend → On se voit ?
'Rendez-vous' is too formal for close friends; it sounds like a business meeting.
J'ai pris rendez-vous le directeur → J'ai pris rendez-vous avec le directeur
You must use the preposition 'avec' when scheduling with a specific person.

Tips

No Article

Remember to drop the 'un' in the standard phrase. 'Prendre rendez-vous' is the idiomatic way to say it.

Doctolib is King

If you live in France, download the Doctolib app. It is the primary way people 'prennent rendez-vous' for health.

Silent S

Never pronounce the 's' at the end of 'rendez-vous.' It should sound like 'v-oo'.

Fixer vs Prendre

Use 'fixer' when you are the one in charge of the schedule or when deciding together.

Chez vs Avec

Use 'chez' for a professional's office and 'avec' for a specific person in a meeting.

En ligne

Add 'en ligne' to say you are booking online. 'Prendre rendez-vous en ligne' is very common now.

Punctuality

Once you 'prenez rendez-vous,' being on time is expected. In France, 5-10 minutes late is the maximum acceptable delay.

Convenir

In business letters, 'convenir d'un rendez-vous' is much more elegant than 'prendre'.

Urgence

If you need a meeting immediately, say 'C'est pour prendre rendez-vous en urgence'.

Listen for 'Créneau'

When booking, the secretary will ask about your 'créneau' (time slot). Be ready to provide your availability.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Taking a Render of You' - you are 'taking' time to see a 'render' (version) of the person at a specific time.

Visual Association

Imagine a hand physically 'taking' a clock off a wall and putting it into a calendar.

Word Web

Doctolib Médecin Heure Date Agenda Secrétaire Salle d'attente Confirmation

Challenge

Try to say 'Je dois prendre rendez-vous chez le dentiste' five times fast without pronouncing the 's' in 'vous'.

Word Origin

The phrase comes from the French verb 'rendre' (to give back/return) and 'vous' (you). It emerged in the 16th century.

Original meaning: It was originally an imperative command 'rendez-vous!' meaning 'present yourselves' at a specific place.

Romance (Latin: reddere + vos).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use 'prendre rendez-vous' for a very casual hangout with a close friend, as it can sound cold or overly business-like.

English speakers often say 'make an appointment' or 'book a time.' 'Rendez-vous' in English is usually romantic or mysterious, which is not the case in French.

The movie 'Rendez-vous' (1985) by André Téchiné. The song 'Rendez-vous' by Jean-Michel Jarre. The literary concept of a 'rendez-vous avec la mort' (appointment with death).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical

J'ai mal aux dents.
C'est urgent.
Quand avez-vous de la place ?
Je suis un nouveau patient.

Professional

Pour discuter du contrat.
Je suis disponible à 14h.
Est-ce que lundi vous convient ?
Veuillez confirmer par email.

Administrative

Pour refaire mon passeport.
Quels documents apporter ?
Je ne trouve pas de créneau.
C'est pour la mairie.

Beauty/Service

Pour une coupe-brushing.
Avez-vous de la place ce soir ?
C'est pour un devis.
Combien de temps ça dure ?

Education

Pour parler des notes.
Avec le professeur principal.
Pendant les heures de permanence.
Je voudrais vous voir.

Conversation Starters

"Bonjour, je vous appelle pour prendre rendez-vous avec le docteur."

"Savez-vous s'il faut prendre rendez-vous pour visiter ce musée ?"

"J'aimerais prendre rendez-vous avec vous pour parler de mon avenir."

"Est-ce difficile de prendre rendez-vous dans votre cabinet ?"

"Puis-je prendre rendez-vous directement sur votre site internet ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez la dernière fois que vous avez dû prendre rendez-vous pour quelque chose d'important.

Est-ce que vous préférez prendre rendez-vous en ligne ou par téléphone ? Pourquoi ?

Imaginez que vous devez prendre rendez-vous avec une personne célèbre. Qui est-ce ?

Racontez une situation où vous avez oublié de prendre rendez-vous.

Pensez-vous que le système pour prendre rendez-vous en France est efficace ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that is a common mistake for English speakers. In French, the correct verb is 'prendre.' For example, say 'Je dois prendre rendez-vous' instead of 'faire un rendez-vous.'

Yes, it is generally formal or neutral. If you are meeting a friend, you would usually say 'on se voit' or 'on se retrouve' rather than 'on prend rendez-vous,' unless you are being sarcastic.

In the common expression 'prendre rendez-vous,' the article is usually omitted. However, saying 'prendre un rendez-vous' is not strictly incorrect, just less idiomatic for general scheduling.

To cancel, use the verb 'annuler.' For example: 'Je voudrais annuler mon rendez-vous.' To change the time, use 'déplacer' (to move) or 'reporter' (to postpone).

Doctolib is the most popular website and app in France for 'prendre rendez-vous' with doctors and health professionals. It has made the phrase very common in digital contexts.

Always use 'chez.' For example: 'Prendre rendez-vous chez le cardiologue.' Using 'au' is a common error.

Yes, but it's usually specified as 'un rendez-vous galant.' Without that adjective, most French people will assume it's a professional or medical meeting.

Use the conditional: 'Je souhaiterais prendre rendez-vous' or 'Serait-il possible de prendre rendez-vous ?' This sounds more respectful than the present tense.

No, the 's' is silent. The word ends with the 'ou' sound. Pronouncing the 's' is a clear sign of a non-native speaker.

You will hear 'Il n'y a plus de créneaux disponibles' or 'C'est complet.' You might have to 'prendre rendez-vous' much further in the future.