remariage
remariage in 30 Seconds
- Remariage is the French masculine noun for remarriage, used after divorce or widowhood.
- It is a formal term used in legal, social, and everyday family contexts.
- The word is formed by the prefix 're-' and the noun 'mariage'.
- It often relates to the concept of blended families (familles recomposées).
The term remariage is a masculine noun in French that translates directly to 'remarriage' in English. It refers to the legal and social act of marrying again after a previous marriage has ended, whether through divorce or the death of a spouse. In the context of modern French society, the word carries significant weight as it often signals the beginning of a 'famille recomposée' (blended family). Understanding this word requires more than just knowing its definition; it involves understanding the prefix 're-', which denotes repetition or a return to a state, and the core noun 'mariage'. While the act of marriage is a foundational social pillar, the remariage represents a second chapter, often accompanied by complex legal considerations regarding inheritance, custody, and civil status. In France, where secularism (laïcité) is paramount, the term usually refers to the civil ceremony at the town hall (la mairie), though it can also apply to religious contexts if the specific faith allows for it. People use this word in formal legal documents, such as prenuptial agreements, and in casual conversations when discussing family histories or social trends. It is a word that encapsulates hope, transition, and the reorganization of social structures.
- Legal Context
- In French law, the remariage ends certain obligations from a previous marriage, such as the 'prestation compensatoire' (compensatory allowance) in some cases, and creates new inheritance rights for the new spouse. It is a formal procedure that must be registered with the civil registry.
Le remariage de mon père a été célébré dans la plus stricte intimité, entouré de ses proches et de ses nouveaux enfants.
Socially, the word is often discussed in the context of demographic shifts. Statistics in France show that a significant portion of marriages each year are actually remarriages. This has led to a normalization of the term, moving away from older stigmas associated with divorce. When you hear a French speaker talk about 'le projet de remariage', they are likely discussing the logistical and emotional preparations for this new union. It is also important to note that the word is used strictly for the act of marrying again, not for entering a civil union (PACS) for the second time, although the social implications might be similar. The word evokes a sense of continuity and the rebuilding of a domestic life. It is common to find this word in literature and film, often serving as a plot device to explore themes of jealousy, inheritance, or the blending of different family cultures. In professional settings, such as human resources or insurance, the word is used to update a person's marital status and beneficiary information.
- Social Nuance
- The term is often linked to the concept of 'beaux-parents' (step-parents) and 'demi-frères' (half-siblings), as a remariage is the formal event that often solidifies these new family roles in the eyes of the law and society.
Après dix ans de célibat, son remariage a surpris toute la famille, mais il semble plus heureux que jamais.
Using the word remariage correctly involves placing it within the right grammatical framework as a masculine noun. It is frequently preceded by definite articles (le), indefinite articles (un), or possessive adjectives (mon, son, leur). Because it is a noun of action, it often follows verbs like 'annoncer' (to announce), 'célébrer' (to celebrate), 'envisager' (to consider), or 's'opposer à' (to oppose). In a sentence, it functions as the subject or the object. For example, 'Le remariage est une étape importante' (Remarriage is an important step). When describing the quality or nature of the remarriage, adjectives must agree in the masculine singular form, such as 'un remariage civil' or 'un remariage précipité'.
- Direct Object Usage
- When the word acts as the object: 'Ils ont enfin fixé la date de leur remariage.' (They have finally set the date for their remarriage.) Here, it follows the preposition 'de' to show possession or relation.
Elle a dû obtenir certains documents administratifs pour valider son remariage auprès de la mairie.
In more complex sentences, remariage can be part of a prepositional phrase that explains the cause or condition of an event. For instance, 'Suite à son remariage, elle a déménagé à Lyon' (Following her remarriage, she moved to Lyon). It is also common to see it used in the plural form 'les remariages' when discussing statistics or general social phenomena: 'Les remariages sont de plus en plus fréquents dans les sociétés occidentales.' (Remarriages are increasingly frequent in Western societies). When using it with the verb 'songer' (to think/dream of), you must use the preposition 'au' (à + le): 'Il songe sérieusement au remariage.' (He is seriously considering remarriage).
- Subjective Usage
- When the word starts the sentence: 'Le remariage peut parfois créer des tensions entre les enfants du premier lit.' (Remarriage can sometimes create tensions between children from the first marriage.)
Tout le monde parlait du remariage imminent de la célèbre actrice avec son ancien compagnon.
The word remariage is a staple in several specific domains of French life. First and foremost, you will encounter it in the realm of droit de la famille (family law). If you visit a 'notaire' (notary) in France to discuss an inheritance or a 'contrat de mariage', the term will come up frequently because a remarriage changes the legal landscape of a person's estate. It is also a common word in the media, particularly in 'presse people' (celebrity magazines), where the second or third weddings of stars are scrutinized. You might see headlines like 'Le remariage secret de la star' (The star's secret remarriage).
- Administrative Settings
- At the 'mairie' (town hall), officials use this term when processing marriage licenses for individuals who have been previously married. It is a technical term used to ensure that all prior bonds have been legally dissolved.
Le journal télévisé a consacré un reportage sur l'augmentation du taux de remariage chez les seniors en France.
In social circles, the word is used when discussing the evolution of one's family. A friend might say, 'Je t'invite au remariage de ma mère' (I'm inviting you to my mother's remarriage). It is also heard in sociological discussions on television or radio programs like 'France Culture', where experts analyze the 'recomposition familiale'. In these contexts, the word is treated with academic neutrality. Furthermore, in the world of literature and cinema—think of classic French films or contemporary dramas—the remariage is often a central theme, representing a second chance or a source of conflict for the characters involved. Whether it's a discussion about 'pensions de réversion' (widow's pensions) or a joyful family announcement, the word is ubiquitous because it touches on the fundamental human experience of love and legal union.
- Cinematic Themes
- In many French 'comédies dramatiques', the remariage of a parent is the catalyst for the plot, forcing adult children to interact with new family members.
Dans ce film, le remariage du protagoniste est le point de départ d'une série de quiproquos hilarants.
One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is using the word 'encore' or 'nouveau' with 'mariage' instead of using the specific term remariage. While 'un nouveau mariage' is grammatically correct, it is less precise than 'remariage' when referring specifically to a second wedding for a previously married person. Another common pitfall is the gender of the noun. Many learners assume that because 'mariage' ends in '-age', it must be masculine—which is correct—but they sometimes forget this when applying it to a woman’s second wedding. The noun 'le remariage' remains masculine regardless of the gender of the participants.
- Confusion with the Verb
- Learners often say 'Il a fait un remarier' instead of 'Il a fait un remariage' or 'Il s'est remarié'. You cannot use the infinitive verb where a noun is required.
Faux : Elle a célébré sa remariage. Correct : Elle a célébré son remariage.
Additionally, there is often confusion between remariage and 'union libre' or 'PACS'. A remarriage is specifically a second legal marriage. If a person gets divorced and then enters a PACS (a civil partnership), it is not a remariage. Using the term loosely to describe any second long-term relationship is a common mistake in social contexts. Another subtle error is the spelling; learners sometimes forget the 'i' after the 'r' in the middle (remariage), influenced by the English spelling 'remarriage' which has two 'r's in the middle. In French, it is 're-' + 'mariage', so only one 'r' follows the 'e'.
- Spelling Trap
- Notice the single 'r' in remariage. English 'remarriage' has a double 'r' at the start of the second syllable, but French follows the root word 'mariage'.
Attention : N'écrivez pas 'remarriage' avec deux 'r' au milieu, c'est l'orthographe anglaise !
While remariage is the most direct term for marrying again, there are several alternatives and related terms that can be used depending on the register and the specific situation. For instance, 'nouvelles noces' is a more poetic or formal way to describe a second marriage. 'Noces' refers to the wedding ceremony and festivities, so 'se marier en secondes noces' is a common legal and formal expression. Another term is 'recomposition familiale', which refers to the broader result of a remarriage—the formation of a new family unit including children from previous relationships.
- Remariage vs. Secondes Noces
- Remariage is the standard noun. 'Secondes noces' is a more elevated, often legal phrase used in expressions like 'conjoint en secondes noces'.
Il a épousé sa compagne en secondes noces, marquant ainsi son remariage officiel.
If the union is not a formal marriage, terms like 'union libre' or 'concubinage' are used. While these are not synonyms for remariage, they are often the practical alternatives people choose. In some contexts, you might hear 're-union', though this is rare and usually refers to a reunion of the same couple who had previously divorced. If you want to focus on the act of starting a new life, you might use 'nouveau départ' (new start) or 'nouvelle vie conjugale'. In legal terms, 'conjoint survivant' (surviving spouse) is often discussed in the context of how a remariage affects their rights.
- Synonym Comparison
- Hyménée: A very archaic and literary term for marriage. You would almost never hear 'ré-hyménée', but it's good to know for classical literature.
Le remariage est souvent la base d'une famille recomposée, un terme très actuel en sociologie.
Fun Fact
In medieval times, remarriage was often a strategic economic necessity for widows to maintain land and protection, whereas today it is primarily viewed through the lens of emotional fulfillment.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'e' too strongly (it should be a light schwa).
- Using the English 'j' sound (dge) instead of the soft French 'j'.
- Over-pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r'.
- Confusing the 'i' and 'a' sounds in the middle.
- Forgetting to nasalize if there were nasal vowels (not applicable here, but common in related words).
Examples by Level
C'est le remariage de mon père.
It is my father's remarriage.
Use 'le' because remariage is masculine.
Le remariage est demain.
The remarriage is tomorrow.
Remariage is the subject of the sentence.
J'aime le remariage de ma tante.
I like my aunt's remarriage.
Direct object of the verb 'aimer'.
Un remariage est une fête.
A remarriage is a party.
Indefinite article 'un'.
Voici une photo du remariage.
Here is a photo of the remarriage.
'du' is the contraction of 'de + le'.
Mon frère va au remariage.
My brother is going to the remarriage.
Preposition 'au' (à + le).
Le remariage est simple.
The remarriage is simple.
Adjective 'simple' agrees with masculine noun.
Elle parle de son remariage.
She is talking about her remarriage.
Possessive adjective 'son' because remariage is masculine.
Ils préparent leur remariage avec joie.
They are preparing their remarriage with joy.
Present tense of 'préparer'.
Son remariage a eu lieu à Paris.
Her remarriage took place in Paris.
Passé composé of 'avoir lieu'.
Nous avons reçu une invitation pour le remariage.
We received an invitation for the remarriage.
Preposition 'pour' indicating purpose.
Ce remariage est un nouveau départ.
This remarriage is a new start.
Demonstrative adjective 'ce'.
Elle ne veut pas de grand remariage.
She doesn't want a big remarriage.
Negative construction 'ne...pas de'.
Le remariage de Paul était très élégant.
Paul's remarriage was very elegant.
Imparfait of 'être'.
Après son remariage, il a changé de maison.
After his remarriage, he moved house.
Preposition 'après' followed by the noun.
Tout le village parle de ce remariage.
The whole village is talking about this remarriage.
Verb 'parler de'.
Elle hésite encore à accepter ce remariage.
She is still hesitating to accept this remarriage.
Verb 'hésiter à'.
Le remariage civil est obligatoire en France.
Civil remarriage is mandatory in France.
Adjective 'civil' modifying remariage.
Ses enfants sont contents de son remariage.
His children are happy about his remarriage.
Adjective 'content de'.
Le remariage peut changer la situation financière.
Remarriage can change the financial situation.
Modal verb 'pouvoir'.
Ils ont fêté leur remariage sur un bateau.
They celebrated their remarriage on a boat.
Preposition 'sur' indicating location.
Le remariage demande beaucoup d'organisation.
Remarriage requires a lot of organization.
Verb 'demander' meaning 'to require'.
Elle a invité ses anciens collègues à son remariage.
She invited her former colleagues to her remarriage.
Verb 'inviter à'.
Le remariage est souvent plus intime que le premier.
Remarriage is often more intimate than the first.
Comparative 'plus...que'.
Le remariage entraîne des conséquences juridiques importantes.
Remarriage entails important legal consequences.
Verb 'entraîner' (to lead to/entail).
Il a dû informer son ex-femme de son remariage.
He had to inform his ex-wife of his remarriage.
Verb 'informer de'.
Le remariage de sa mère a bouleversé son quotidien.
His mother's remarriage disrupted his daily life.
Verb 'bouleverser' (to upset/disrupt).
Ils ont opté pour un remariage sans cérémonie religieuse.
They opted for a remarriage without a religious ceremony.
Verb 'opter pour'.
Le remariage est un sujet fréquent dans les films français.
Remarriage is a frequent subject in French films.
Noun as a subject in a general statement.
Elle s'inquiète de l'impact du remariage sur l'héritage.
She is worried about the impact of remarriage on the inheritance.
Preposition 'de' after 's'inquiéter'.
Le remariage a permis de stabiliser la situation familiale.
Remarriage allowed for the stabilization of the family situation.
Verb 'permettre de'.
Bien que favorable au remariage, il reste prudent.
Although in favor of remarriage, he remains cautious.
Conjunction 'bien que' followed by an adjective.
L'institution du remariage a évolué avec les mœurs sociales.
The institution of remarriage has evolved with social customs.
Abstract noun 'institution'.
Le remariage peut engendrer des conflits de loyauté chez les enfants.
Remarriage can generate loyalty conflicts in children.
Verb 'engendrer' (to generate/cause).
Il convient d'analyser le remariage sous un angle sociologique.
It is appropriate to analyze remarriage from a sociological perspective.
Formal expression 'Il convient de'.
Le remariage met fin au versement de certaines pensions.
Remarriage puts an end to the payment of certain pensions.
Idiomatic expression 'mettre fin à'.
Son remariage fut perçu comme une trahison par sa belle-famille.
His remarriage was perceived as a betrayal by his in-laws.
Passé simple 'fut' (formal/literary).
Le remariage nécessite une réflexion approfondie sur le régime matrimonial.
Remarriage requires deep reflection on the matrimonial regime.
Adjective 'approfondie' (deep/thorough).
Malgré les obstacles, le remariage reste un idéal pour beaucoup.
Despite the obstacles, remarriage remains an ideal for many.
Preposition 'malgré' (despite).
Le remariage est au cœur des débats sur la recomposition familiale.
Remarriage is at the heart of debates on family recomposition.
Idiomatic expression 'au cœur de'.
La complexité patrimoniale inhérente au remariage exige une expertise notariale.
The property complexity inherent in remarriage requires notarial expertise.
Adjective 'inhérente' following the noun.
Le remariage s'inscrit dans une dynamique de quête perpétuelle du bonheur.
Remarriage is part of a dynamic of a perpetual quest for happiness.
Reflexive verb 's'inscrire dans'.
On observe une corrélation entre le taux de remariage et l'espérance de vie.
A correlation is observed between the remarriage rate and life expectancy.
Scientific/academic register.
Le remariage peut être le catalyseur d'une réconciliation intergénérationnelle.
Remarriage can be the catalyst for intergenerational reconciliation.
Metaphorical use of 'catalyseur'.
L'acte de remariage scelle une alliance tant affective que juridique.
The act of remarriage seals an alliance that is as emotional as it is legal.
Correlative conjunction 'tant...que'.
Le remariage ne saurait occulter les cicatrices des unions passées.
Remarriage cannot hide the scars of past unions.
Formal negative 'ne saurait' (cannot/should not).
L'appréhension du remariage varie considérablement d'une culture à l'autre.
The perception of remarriage varies considerably from one culture to another.
Noun 'appréhension' meaning 'understanding/perception'.
Le remariage constitue souvent un défi pour la cohésion du noyau familial originel.
Remarriage often constitutes a challenge for the cohesion of the original family nucleus.
Precise verb 'constituer'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— A formal way to say 'to get remarried'.
Il a décidé de convoler en secondes noces avec sa compagne.
— To have or hold a second wedding ceremony.
Ils veulent faire un petit remariage entre amis.
— To tell others that one is getting married again.
Elle a profité du dîner pour annoncer son remariage.
— A request to attend a second wedding.
J'ai reçu une invitation au remariage de mon cousin.
— A person who acts as a legal witness for a second wedding.
Il a été choisi comme témoin de remariage.
— The specific day the union is scheduled.
La date du remariage est fixée au 15 mai.
— The planning and tasks involved in a second wedding.
Les préparatifs du remariage avancent bien.
— To celebrate the occasion of marrying again.
Nous allons fêter leur remariage ce week-end.
— Legal rights that change upon getting married again.
Il faut se renseigner sur les droits liés au remariage.
— The period of time and lifestyle following the union.
Sa vie après le remariage est beaucoup plus calme.
Idioms & Expressions
— To get married (literally 'to put the rope around one's neck'), used humorously for remarriage.
Il va se passer la corde au cou une deuxième fois !
informal— A play on the proverb 'Mariage pluvieux, mariage heureux' (Rainy wedding, happy wedding), suggesting a second chance at happiness.
On dit souvent : mariage pluvieux, remariage heureux.
informal— To start over on new foundations, often said of a remarriage.
Leur remariage leur permet de repartir sur de nouvelles bases.
neutral— To rush things, often said if a remarriage happens very soon after a divorce.
N'est-ce pas brûler les étapes que de prévoir un remariage si tôt ?
neutral— To turn the page/move on, a common sentiment behind a remarriage.
Ce remariage l'aide enfin à tourner la page.
neutral— A new breath of life, used to describe the energy a remarriage brings.
Leur remariage a donné un nouveau souffle à la famille.
neutral— To wipe the slate clean, often associated with the legal and emotional start of a remariage.
Le remariage n'efface pas tout, on ne fait pas table rase du passé si facilement.
neutral— To put the ring on the finger (to get married), used for remarriage too.
Elle va se remettre la bague au doigt cet automne.
informal— A second spring (later life happiness), often used for remarriage in older age.
Ce remariage est pour lui un second printemps.
literary— To unite one's destiny, a poetic way to describe the act of remariage.
Ils ont décidé d'unir leur destinée lors d'un remariage discret.
formalWord Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'RE-MARRY-AGE'. 'RE' is again, 'MARRY' is the action, and '-AGE' is the noun ending. It's the 'Age of Marrying again'.
Visual Association
Imagine a wedding cake with two small '2's on top of the bride and groom figures to represent a second wedding.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'remariage' in a sentence that also includes the word 'famille recomposée' and 'notaire'.
Word Origin
Derived from the French prefix 're-' (again) and the noun 'mariage'. The noun 'mariage' comes from the Old French 'mariage', which stems from 'marier' (to marry), originating from the Latin 'maritare'.
Original meaning: The act of taking a husband or wife again.
Romance (Indo-European).Cultural Context
Be mindful that for some, remarriage can be a sensitive topic involving grief or difficult divorces. In religious circles, it may still carry some stigma depending on the denomination.
In the US and UK, 'remarriage' is often associated with 'blended families'. In France, the focus is equally on the legal 'civil' status change.
Summary
The word 'remariage' is a masculine noun (le remariage) that describes a second or subsequent marriage. It is essential for discussing modern family structures in France, such as 'familles recomposées'. Example: 'Le remariage de ma mère a été un moment joyeux.'
- Remariage is the French masculine noun for remarriage, used after divorce or widowhood.
- It is a formal term used in legal, social, and everyday family contexts.
- The word is formed by the prefix 're-' and the noun 'mariage'.
- It often relates to the concept of blended families (familles recomposées).
Related Content
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à charge
B2Dependent (referring to a family member financially supported).
à deux
A2As a pair, two people; together as two.
à domicile
A2at home
à jamais
A2Forever, for all time.
à la charge de
B2Dependent on; at the expense of.
à la mémoire de
B2In memory of; commemorating someone deceased.
à la place de
B2In lieu of; instead of.
à l'amiable
B2Amicably, by mutual agreement.
à l'égard de
A2With regard to; concerning.
à l'image de
B2In the image of, like (e.g., a child resembles a parent).