succéder in 30 Seconds
- To take over a role, position, or property.
- Implies a formal transfer or a natural sequence.
- Often used with 'à' (e.g., succéder à quelqu'un).
- Synonymous with succession, inheritance, or following.
The French verb succéder is used to describe the act of taking over a position, role, property, or event from someone or something that came before. It implies a continuation or a replacement in a sequence. You'll commonly hear this verb in contexts related to inheritance, promotions, political changes, historical successions, and even in sequences of events or actions. It signifies a transfer of authority, ownership, or precedence. For instance, a new monarch succeeds the previous one, a new CEO succeeds the former one, or one generation succeeds another. The core idea is stepping into the place or role previously occupied.
- Formal Contexts
- In formal settings, such as legal documents or official announcements, 'succéder' is used to denote the formal transfer of rights or responsibilities. For example, the heir will succeed to the estate.
- Everyday Usage
- In more casual conversations, it might refer to something following another, like one event succeeding another in a series. For example, 'The second act of the play succeeded the first.'
Le nouveau président va succéder au précédent dans quelques mois.
La fille a succédé à son père dans la gestion de l'entreprise familiale.
- Historical Context
- Historically, 'succéder' is crucial when discussing royal lines or dynasties. For example, King Louis XIV succeeded his father, Louis XIII.
- Event Sequencing
- It can also denote a temporal sequence. 'The spring flowers succeeded the winter snows,' meaning they appeared after the snow melted.
Après la démission du directeur, le directeur adjoint va succéder.
The verb succéder is typically followed by the preposition à, indicating who or what is being succeeded. This structure is fundamental to its correct usage. For instance, 'Il succède à son père' means 'He succeeds his father.' This prepositional phrase is key to understanding the direction of the succession. When referring to events or periods, it also uses 'à': 'L'été succède au printemps' translates to 'Summer succeeds spring.' The verb conjugates like a regular -er verb, but it's important to remember its meaning goes beyond simple 'following'. It implies a transfer of a role, property, or position. Consider the nuances in different contexts. In a business setting, it might be about a new manager taking over: 'Madame Dubois succédera à Monsieur Martin à la direction du département.' In a historical or dynastic context, it's about the line of succession: 'Le prince héritier succédera à la reine.' Even in less formal scenarios, it can describe a sequence: 'La pluie a succédé à une longue période de sécheresse.' Mastery involves recognizing these patterns and the specific prepositions used.
Le nouveau chef de projet succédera à l'ancien dès lundi prochain.
- Direct Succession
- The most common structure is 'succéder à [person/role]'. This highlights the direct replacement of one entity by another. For example, 'Le fils a succédé à son père comme maire de la ville.' (The son succeeded his father as mayor of the town.)
- Sequential Succession
- When referring to events or time periods, 'succéder à [event/period]' indicates a sequence. For instance, 'La période de calme a succédé à la tempête.' (The period of calm succeeded the storm.)
Dans la lignée royale, chaque monarque succède au précédent.
Le nouveau directeur financier succédera à Madame Dupont.
- Figurative Succession
- The verb can also be used figuratively to describe one thing naturally following another. For example, 'La joie succède souvent à la tristesse.' (Joy often succeeds sadness.)
You'll encounter succéder in a variety of real-world scenarios, often when discussing official transitions or logical sequences. News reports frequently use it when a new leader takes office: 'Le Premier Ministre a annoncé que son successeur sera nommé la semaine prochaine.' (The Prime Minister announced that his successor would be appointed next week.) In legal and inheritance contexts, it's essential: 'Conformément au testament, le fils aîné succédera à la propriété familiale.' (In accordance with the will, the eldest son will succeed to the family property.) Historical documentaries and discussions about royal families are rife with its use: 'La reine Élisabeth II a succédé à son père, le roi George VI.' (Queen Elizabeth II succeeded her father, King George VI.) In business, it's common during leadership changes: 'Après des années de service, le PDG actuel va succéder à son mentor.' (After years of service, the current CEO will succeed his mentor.) Even in everyday language, describing sequences is a common application: 'Après la pluie, le beau temps succède.' (After the rain, good weather succeeds.) You might also hear it in discussions about scientific discoveries or technological advancements, where one innovation succeeds another. The verb's presence signifies a formal or natural progression from one state or entity to another. It's a word that bridges formal pronouncements with descriptions of natural order, making it a versatile part of the French lexicon. Listen for it in political speeches, family discussions about inheritance, or when people describe the order of events in history or daily life.
Les historiens discutent de la manière dont les empires succèdent les uns aux autres.
- Political Transitions
- News about elections, appointments, and changes in government leadership will often use 'succéder'. For example, 'Le nouveau président succédera à l'ancien le 14 juillet.' (The new president will succeed the former one on July 14th.)
- Business and Corporate Settings
- Announcements about CEO changes, promotions, or management transitions frequently employ this verb. 'Elle succédera à son mentor à la tête du département marketing.' (She will succeed her mentor at the head of the marketing department.)
Dans les familles royales, la couronne succède de génération en génération.
Les saisons succèdent les unes aux autres dans un cycle prévisible.
- Legal and Inheritance Matters
- Discussions about wills, estates, and the transfer of property often use 'succéder'. 'Le neveu succédera à la collection d'art de sa tante.' (The nephew will succeed to his aunt's art collection.)
- Historical Narratives
- When recounting history, especially regarding dynasties or leadership changes, 'succéder' is a key verb. 'Napoléon Ier succéda à la Révolution française.' (Napoleon I succeeded the French Revolution.)
One of the most frequent errors learners make with succéder is omitting the crucial preposition à. Forgetting 'à' leads to grammatically incorrect sentences. For example, saying 'Il succède son père' instead of the correct 'Il succède à son père' is a common oversight. This preposition is vital as it indicates what or who is being succeeded. Another mistake involves confusing 'succéder' with verbs that imply direct action or creation. 'Succéder' is about taking over or following in a sequence, not about initiating something new. For instance, a director doesn't 'succéder' a project; they might 'diriger' or 'lancer' it. Furthermore, learners might misuse 'succéder' when they simply mean 'to follow' in a general sense, without the implication of taking over a role or position. For example, 'La fête succède le dîner' is less precise than 'La fête suit le dîner' if no one is taking over a role. The verb 'suivre' is more appropriate for simple temporal sequences. Lastly, conjugation can be a challenge, especially with the subjunctive or conditional tenses. Ensure you conjugate 'succéder' correctly based on the subject and tense required. Always remember the structure 'succéder à quelqu'un/quelque chose'.
Mistake: Il succède le roi. Correct: Il succède au roi.
- Forgetting the Preposition 'à'
- The most common error is omitting the preposition 'à' before the person or thing being succeeded. The correct structure is always 'succéder à quelqu'un' or 'succéder à quelque chose'. For example, 'Le nouveau maire succédera à l'ancien' is correct, while 'Le nouveau maire succédera l'ancien' is not.
- Confusing with 'suivre'
- 'Succéder' implies taking over a role, position, or property, whereas 'suivre' simply means to follow in sequence. While a new president succeeds the old one, a car follows another on the road. 'La voiture succède à la première' is incorrect; it should be 'La voiture suit la première'.
Mistake: Elle succède la direction. Correct: Elle succédera à la direction.
Mistake: Le printemps succède l'hiver. Correct: Le printemps succède à l'hiver.
- Incorrect Verb Choice
- Using 'succéder' when a more direct verb is needed. For example, if someone is taking over a task they initiated, 'prendre en charge' might be more appropriate than 'succéder'. 'Succéder' implies a pre-existing role or item being passed on.
- Conjugation Errors
- As with any verb, incorrect conjugation in different tenses or moods is a common mistake. Pay close attention to the endings for the present, past, future, and subjunctive forms of 'succéder'.
While succéder carries a specific meaning of taking over a position or property, several other French words can convey similar ideas of sequence or replacement, each with its own nuance. The most common alternative for simple sequence is suivre. 'Le printemps suit l'hiver' means 'Spring follows winter,' a straightforward temporal sequence without the implication of taking over a role. For taking over a role or position, remplacer is a close synonym. 'Le nouveau directeur remplacera l'ancien' means 'The new director will replace the old one.' 'Remplacer' is more general than 'succéder' and can apply to objects as well as people. In a legal or inheritance context, hériter de (to inherit) is relevant, focusing on the reception of property or titles: 'Elle hérite de la maison de sa grand-mère.' (She inherits her grandmother's house.) When referring to a succession of events or a logical progression, enchaîner can be used, meaning 'to link' or 'to follow in succession'. For example, 'Les événements se sont enchaînés rapidement' (The events followed each other rapidly). In a more formal or historical context, prendre la succession de is a phrase that directly means 'to take over the succession of'. For instance, 'Il a pris la succession de son père à la tête de l'entreprise.' (He took over the succession of his father at the head of the company.) Understanding the subtle differences is key: 'succéder' emphasizes the formal transfer of a role or property, 'suivre' indicates a simple sequence, 'remplacer' means to substitute or take the place of, and 'hériter de' focuses on receiving. Choose the word that best fits the specific context of transfer or sequence you wish to express.
- Suivre (to follow)
- Usage: Used for simple temporal or spatial sequences. It does not imply taking over a role or property.
Example: 'Le jour suit la nuit.' (Day follows night.) 'Je suis mon professeur dans le couloir.' (I follow my teacher in the corridor.) - Remplacer (to replace)
- Usage: To take the place of someone or something. It's a direct substitution.
Example: 'Le nouveau disque dur remplacera l'ancien.' (The new hard drive will replace the old one.) 'Le vice-président remplacera le président démissionnaire.' (The vice-president will replace the resigning president.)
'Succéder' implies a formal transition, while 'suivre' is just about order.
- Hériter de (to inherit)
- Usage: Specifically for receiving property, titles, or characteristics from someone who has passed away or relinquished them.
Example: 'Elle a hérité de la fortune de son oncle.' (She inherited her uncle's fortune.) 'Cet architecte a hérité du style de son maître.' (This architect inherited the style of his master.) - Enchaîner (to link, to follow in succession)
- Usage: To connect or follow one after another, often in a chain of events or actions.
Example: 'Les scènes du film s'enchaînent avec fluidité.' (The scenes of the film follow each other fluidly.) 'Après la présentation, nous allons enchaîner avec une séance de questions.' (After the presentation, we will follow up with a Q&A session.)
How Formal Is It?
"Conformément aux dispositions testamentaires, le fils aîné <strong>succédera</strong> à la totalité des biens immobiliers."
"Le nouveau directeur <strong>succédera</strong> à son prédécesseur dès le mois prochain."
"Après le départ du chef, c'est le second qui va <strong>succéder</strong>."
"Quand le roi devient vieux, son fils le <strong>succède</strong> pour devenir le nouveau roi."
Fun Fact
The Latin root 'cedere' (to go, to yield) is also the root of many other English words like 'cede', 'concede', 'proceed', 'recede', and 'precede', highlighting a common semantic field related to movement and yielding.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the final 'r' too strongly, as in English 'rider'.
- Making the 'u' sound too much like the English 'u' in 'cut'.
- Incorrectly stressing the first syllable instead of the second.
Difficulty Rating
The verb 'succéder' is common in B1 and B2 level texts, particularly in news articles, historical accounts, and formal announcements. Understanding its specific meaning and the use of the preposition 'à' is key to comprehension.
Using 'succéder' correctly in writing requires attention to the preposition 'à' and the context of succession (role, property, or sequence). It is a valuable verb for conveying formal transitions and historical progression.
In spoken French, 'succéder' is used in formal discussions about leadership changes, inheritance, or natural sequences. Practicing its conjugation and the 'succéder à' structure is important for fluent usage.
When listening, pay attention to the context to differentiate 'succéder' from verbs like 'suivre' or 'remplacer'. The preposition 'à' is a strong indicator that 'succéder' is being used.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Preposition 'à' with transitive verbs
Verbs like 'penser à', 'jouer à', 'répondre à' require the preposition 'à' to connect to their object. 'Succéder' follows this pattern: 'succéder à quelqu'un/quelque chose'.
Conjugation of regular -er verbs
'Succéder' follows the standard conjugation pattern of regular -er verbs in most tenses (e.g., je succède, tu succèdes, il succède).
The noun 'succession'
The noun form 'la succession' refers to the act or process of succeeding, or the order of succession. 'La succession au trône est réglée par la loi.'
The noun 'successeur'
The noun 'le successeur' refers to the person who succeeds someone. 'Le successeur du président a été élu.'
The adjective 'successif'
The adjective 'successif' means successive or consecutive. 'Les événements successifs ont mené à cette conclusion.'
Examples by Level
Le fils succède à son père.
The son succeeds his father.
The verb 'succéder' is followed by the preposition 'à' when indicating who is being succeeded.
Le printemps succède à l'hiver.
Spring succeeds winter.
Used for natural sequences of seasons.
Qui va succéder à la reine ?
Who will succeed the queen?
Used in the context of royalty and succession.
Le directeur adjoint succédera au directeur.
The deputy director will succeed the director.
'Succéder à' indicates taking over a position.
La nuit succède au jour.
Night succeeds day.
Describes the natural order of day and night.
Il faut succéder au changement.
One must succeed the change.
Can imply adapting to or following a change.
Le nouveau chef succédera à l'ancien.
The new chief will succeed the old one.
Common in professional settings for leadership transitions.
La joie succède à la tristesse.
Joy succeeds sadness.
Used metaphorically for emotional sequences.
Le nouveau PDG succédera à M. Dubois après sa retraite.
The new CEO will succeed Mr. Dubois after his retirement.
'Succéder à' is used for taking over a position of leadership.
La période de prospérité a succédé à une crise économique.
The period of prosperity succeeded an economic crisis.
Describes the sequence of economic events.
Elle espère succéder à son mentor dans la direction du département.
She hopes to succeed her mentor in leading the department.
Indicates ambition for a higher position.
Le fils aîné succédera à son père en tant que propriétaire du domaine.
The eldest son will succeed his father as owner of the estate.
Used in inheritance and property transfer contexts.
Après la chute de l'empire, une nouvelle dynastie succéda.
After the fall of the empire, a new dynasty succeeded.
Historical context of political succession.
Le calme a succédé à la tempête.
Calm succeeded the storm.
Describes the transition from a difficult period to a peaceful one.
Il est prévu que le vice-président succédera au président actuel.
It is expected that the vice-president will succeed the current president.
Used in political and corporate succession planning.
La saison des pluies succède à la saison sèche.
The rainy season succeeds the dry season.
Describes the predictable cycle of seasons.
Le nouveau directeur général succédera à Madame Leclerc, qui prend sa retraite après vingt ans de service.
The new general manager will succeed Madame Leclerc, who is retiring after twenty years of service.
Formal announcement of leadership succession.
Historiquement, les périodes de paix succèdent souvent à de longues guerres.
Historically, periods of peace often succeed long wars.
Discussing historical patterns and cycles.
L'héritier principal succédera à la totalité des biens de la famille.
The principal heir will succeed to the entirety of the family's assets.
Legal and financial context of succession.
Il est essentiel que le processus de transition permette au successeur de succéder en douceur.
It is essential that the transition process allows the successor to succeed smoothly.
Emphasizes the importance of a smooth handover.
La phase d'innovation technologique a succédé à la période de stagnation industrielle.
The phase of technological innovation succeeded the period of industrial stagnation.
Describes the progression of eras in industry or technology.
Le fils unique succédera à son père non seulement dans l'entreprise, mais aussi dans le rôle de maire.
The only son will succeed his father not only in the business but also in the role of mayor.
Indicates succession in multiple roles.
Les experts prévoient que la nouvelle technologie succédera rapidement aux anciens modèles.
Experts predict that the new technology will quickly succeed the old models.
Forecasting the replacement of older products by new ones.
Dans la monarchie constitutionnelle, le prince héritier succédera au trône à la mort de la reine.
In the constitutional monarchy, the crown prince will succeed to the throne upon the queen's death.
Specific to royal succession and the transfer of sovereignty.
La nouvelle stratégie managériale est conçue pour succéder à l'approche obsolète et revitaliser l'organisation.
The new management strategy is designed to succeed the obsolete approach and revitalize the organization.
Emphasizes replacing an outdated system with a new one.
Les analyses historiques suggèrent que chaque ère de progrès succède à une période de remise en question et de réalignement.
Historical analyses suggest that each era of progress succeeds a period of questioning and realignment.
Discussing cyclical patterns in history and societal development.
Le fils aîné, par droit d'aînesse, succédera à la seigneurie et à tous les titres associés.
The eldest son, by right of primogeniture, will succeed to the lordship and all associated titles.
Formal language related to feudal or noble succession.
Il est impératif que le processus de passation permette au successeur de succéder efficacement et sans heurts.
It is imperative that the handover process allows the successor to succeed effectively and smoothly.
Focuses on the efficiency and smoothness of the succession process.
L'avènement de la démocratie a succédé à des décennies de régime autoritaire.
The advent of democracy succeeded decades of authoritarian rule.
Describes a significant political shift and the end of an era.
Le nouveau venu politique promet de succéder à la vieille garde avec une vision rafraîchie.
The new political contender promises to succeed the old guard with a refreshed vision.
Political discourse about generational change in leadership.
La technologie de pointe succédera inévitablement aux méthodes actuelles, redéfinissant le paysage industriel.
Cutting-edge technology will inevitably succeed current methods, redefining the industrial landscape.
Predicting technological disruption and evolution.
Le fils unique est destiné à succéder à son père, non seulement en tant que chef d'entreprise, mais aussi en tant que pilier de la communauté.
The only son is destined to succeed his father, not only as the head of the company but also as a pillar of the community.
Highlights succession in both professional and societal roles.
La nouvelle présidence entend succéder à l'administration précédente en réorientant radicalement les priorités nationales.
The new presidency intends to succeed the previous administration by radically reorienting national priorities.
Formal political discourse about a significant change in governance.
Les paradigmes scientifiques émergents succèdent souvent à des périodes de consolidation théorique intense.
Emerging scientific paradigms often succeed periods of intense theoretical consolidation.
Academic language discussing the evolution of scientific thought.
Par le droit du sang et la lignée, le prince héritier est légitimement destiné à succéder au trône impérial.
By right of blood and lineage, the crown prince is legitimately destined to succeed to the imperial throne.
Highly formal and archaic language related to dynastic succession.
Une transition managériale réussie exige que le successeur puisse succéder au leader sortant sans créer de vide de pouvoir ni de perte de momentum.
A successful managerial transition requires that the successor can succeed the outgoing leader without creating a power vacuum or loss of momentum.
Focuses on the strategic importance of a seamless succession in leadership.
L'effondrement des anciens empires a invariablement succédé à des phases prolongées de déclin interne et d'invasions extérieures.
The collapse of ancient empires invariably succeeded prolonged phases of internal decline and external invasions.
Historical analysis of the factors leading to the fall of empires.
La nouvelle génération de dirigeants politiques s'apprête à succéder à la cohorte établie, apportant avec elle une nouvelle idéologie.
The new generation of political leaders is preparing to succeed the established cohort, bringing with it a new ideology.
Sociopolitical commentary on generational shifts in power.
Les avancées en intelligence artificielle succéderont sans aucun doute aux méthodes de calcul actuelles, transformant radicalement de nombreux secteurs.
Advances in artificial intelligence will undoubtedly succeed current calculation methods, radically transforming numerous sectors.
Predicting transformative technological change with high certainty.
Le fils unique, par décret familial et tradition, est voué à succéder à son père, non seulement dans la direction de l'entreprise mondiale, mais aussi en tant que gardien de l'héritage culturel.
The only son, by family decree and tradition, is destined to succeed his father, not only as the head of the global company but also as the guardian of the cultural heritage.
Emphasizes succession in vast, multi-faceted roles encompassing business and cultural preservation.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To take over a position or role from someone.
Le nouveau directeur succédera à M. Martin.
— To follow something in a natural sequence or order.
L'été succède au printemps.
— To take over the leadership of an organization or group.
Elle succédera à la tête de l'association.
— The act or process of succeeding; the order of succession.
La succession au trône est bien définie.
— To become the monarch after a previous ruler.
Le prince héritier succédera à un long règne.
— To continue or carry on a tradition.
Les jeunes générations doivent succéder à cette tradition.
— To happen or occur after a particular event.
La joie succède souvent à la tristesse après un événement difficile.
— To follow a particular period of time.
Une période de calme a succédé à la tempête.
Often Confused With
'Suivre' means 'to follow' in a general sense of sequence or accompaniment. 'Succéder' implies taking over a role or position, or a more formal, inevitable progression. 'Le jour suit la nuit' (Day follows night) is a simple sequence, while 'Le prince succède au roi' (The prince succeeds the king) involves a transfer of power.
'Remplacer' means 'to replace'. While similar to 'succéder', 'remplacer' is broader and can apply to objects or general substitution. 'Succéder' is more specific to taking over a role, position, or property, often implying a formal or natural line of succession.
'Hériter' means 'to inherit', focusing on the reception of property or titles. 'Succéder' can include inheritance but also refers to taking over a role or position that isn't necessarily inherited, or a sequence of events. 'Elle hérite de la maison' (She inherits the house), but 'Elle succède à son père comme directrice' (She succeeds her father as director).
Idioms & Expressions
— To take over the role, responsibilities, or business from someone else, often implying a formal handover or inheritance.
Le fils aîné a pris la succession de son père à la direction de l'entreprise familiale.
Formal— To be the obvious or expected person to take over from someone, often due to relationship, skill, or position.
En tant que directeur adjoint, il est le successeur naturel du PDG.
Neutral— To make way for someone else, allowing them to take over. This is a more active way of enabling succession.
Le vieux professeur a décidé de laisser la place à une nouvelle génération d'enseignants.
Neutral— To hand over responsibilities, knowledge, or a role to a successor, symbolizing the continuation of a task or legacy.
Le maître artisan a passé le flambeau à son apprenti le plus talentueux.
Informal/Figurative— Used to express that fortunes change, and those who are currently in power or in a certain situation will eventually be replaced or their situation will change, implying succession or reversal of roles.
Ne t'inquiète pas, la roue tourne et un jour ce sera ton tour.
Informal/Proverbial— Refers to the highest possible achievement or position within a hierarchy, implying that one can rise to succeed to the very top.
Il vise le bâton de maréchal dans cette grande organisation.
Figurative— To prove one's worthiness and capability in order to be considered for succession to a position or role.
Il doit faire ses preuves pour succéder à son père.
Neutral— As is natural or expected; in the normal course of events. This phrase often underpins the concept of succession.
C'est dans l'ordre des choses que le fils succède au père.
Neutral— To take over the leadership or responsibility from someone who has passed it on.
Elle a courageusement repris le flambeau après le départ de son prédécesseur.
Figurative— Refers to the natural progression and succession of life, birth, death, and renewal, often used metaphorically.
Dans le cycle de la vie, chaque génération succède à la précédente.
FigurativeEasily Confused
Both verbs describe something that comes after something else.
'Suivre' indicates a simple sequence or following along. 'Succéder' implies taking over a role, position, or property, or a more formal, often inevitable, progression. For example, 'La voiture suit le camion' (The car follows the truck) uses 'suivre', but 'Le fils succède au père' (The son succeeds the father) uses 'succéder' for the transfer of a role.
Le printemps <strong>succède à</strong> l'hiver (natural succession). Le bébé <strong>suit</strong> sa mère partout (simple following).
Both verbs involve one thing coming after or taking the place of another.
'Remplacer' means to substitute or take the place of, often used for objects or when someone is temporarily filling in. 'Succéder' specifically refers to taking over a formal role, position, or property, often in a line of succession or a planned transition. 'Le technicien a remplacé la pièce défectueuse' (The technician replaced the faulty part) vs. 'Le nouveau directeur succédera à l'ancien' (The new director will succeed the old one).
J'ai <strong>remplacé</strong> mon vieux téléphone par un nouveau modèle. Le nouveau directeur <strong>succédera au</strong> président.
Both relate to receiving something from a predecessor.
'Hériter' specifically means to inherit property, titles, or traits, usually from someone deceased or who has relinquished them. 'Succéder' is broader; it can include inheritance but also applies to taking over a role, position, or a sequence of events or time periods. 'Elle a hérité de la fortune de sa tante' (She inherited her aunt's fortune) vs. 'Elle succédera à sa tante comme présidente de l'association' (She will succeed her aunt as president of the association).
Il va <strong>hériter</strong> du château familial. Il va <strong>succéder à</strong> son oncle à la mairie.
This noun is directly related to the concept of succession.
'Prédécesseur' is the noun for the person who held a position *before* the current one. 'Succéder' is the verb meaning to take over *from* that predecessor. You cannot 'prédécesseur' someone; you 'succéder à' them. 'Le président actuel a remercié son <strong>prédécesseur</strong>. Le nouveau président <strong>succédera au</strong> <strong>prédécesseur</strong>.'
Le <strong>prédécesseur</strong> du maire actuel était très populaire. Le nouveau maire <strong>succédera au</strong> <strong>prédécesseur</strong>.
Both terms are relevant in contexts of inheritance and succession, especially in royal or noble families.
'Lignage' refers to a line of descent or ancestry. 'Succéder' is the act of coming after someone in that lineage, particularly for a position or title. One follows a 'lignage' to 'succéder' to a throne. 'Le prince descend d'un <strong>lignage</strong> royal et est destiné à <strong>succéder</strong>.'
Il est fier de son <strong>lignage</strong> noble. Il <strong>succédera</strong> à son père.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + succède + à + Noun (Person/Role)
Le fils <strong>succède au</strong> père.
Subject + succède + à + Noun (Time/Event)
Le jour <strong>succède à</strong> la nuit.
Subject + va succéder à + Noun (Person/Role)
Le nouveau chef <strong>va succéder au</strong> directeur.
Subject + a succédé à + Noun (Person/Role)
Elle <strong>a succédé à</strong> son mentor.
Le/La successeur(e) de + Noun (Predecessor) + succède à + Noun (New Role)
Le successeur <strong>du</strong> roi succède <strong>au</strong> trône.
Subject + succéder à + Noun (Abstract period/concept)
La paix a succédé <strong>à</strong> la guerre.
Il est prévu que + Subject + succède à + Noun
Il est prévu que le prince <strong>succède au</strong> roi.
Subject + succéder à + Noun (with nuance of replacement)
La nouvelle technologie succède <strong>aux</strong> anciennes méthodes.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
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How to Use It
High, especially in formal and informative contexts.
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Forgetting the preposition 'à'.
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Always use 'succéder à quelqu'un/quelque chose'.
This is the most critical error. Forgetting 'à' makes the sentence grammatically incorrect and changes the meaning. For instance, 'Il succède son père' is wrong; it must be 'Il succède <strong>au</strong> père'.
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Using 'succéder' when 'suivre' is more appropriate.
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Use 'suivre' for simple temporal sequences without role transfer.
'Succéder' implies taking over a role or position, or a significant, often inevitable, sequence. For simple following, like 'The car follows the truck', use 'suivre'. 'La voiture suit le camion' is correct, not 'La voiture succède au camion'.
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Confusing 'succéder' with 'remplacer' for objects.
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Use 'remplacer' for general substitution of objects.
'Remplacer' means to substitute or take the place of, often used for inanimate objects. 'Succéder' is typically for roles, positions, or formal sequences. 'J'ai remplacé la pièce' (I replaced the part) is correct, not 'J'ai succédé à la pièce'.
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Incorrect conjugation.
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Conjugate 'succéder' as a regular -er verb.
Like any verb, errors can occur in conjugation. Ensure correct endings for different tenses and moods. For example, 'nous succédons' and 'ils succèdent' in the present tense.
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Using 'succéder' without the implication of a predecessor.
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Ensure there's a clear sense of someone or something coming before.
'Succéder' inherently implies following something or someone. If there's no clear predecessor or sequence, another verb might be more appropriate. For example, if someone starts a completely new initiative, they might 'lancer' or 'créer' rather than 'succéder'.
Tips
Don't Forget the 'à'!
The most crucial rule for 'succéder' is to always use the preposition 'à' before the person or thing being succeeded. Think of it as 'succeeding *to* someone' or 'succeeding *to* something'. For example, 'Il succède au directeur' (He succeeds the director).
Synonym Spotlight: Remplacer vs. Succéder
'Remplacer' means 'to replace' and is often used for objects or general substitutions. 'Succéder' is more specific to taking over a formal role, position, or property, implying a line of succession. Use 'remplacer' for 'The battery needs to be replaced' (La batterie doit être remplacée) and 'succéder' for 'The prince will succeed the king' (Le prince succédera au roi).
Visual Link: Relay Race
Imagine a relay race. The runner who receives the baton 'succeeds' the previous runner. This visual helps remember the idea of passing on a role or position. The baton represents the 'à' connection.
Stress the 'CE'
The primary stress in 'succéder' falls on the second syllable: suc-CE-der. Practicing this stress pattern will make your pronunciation sound more natural to native French speakers.
Sentence Building Challenge
Try to write five original sentences using 'succéder à' in different contexts: political, familial, natural, business, and historical. This active recall is a powerful learning tool.
Latin Roots
Remember that 'succéder' comes from the Latin 'succedere' (to come after). This connection to 'precede' and 'proceed' can help you remember its meaning of following or coming after in a sequence or role.
Avoid 'succéder' for simple following
Don't use 'succéder' for simple temporal sequences where no role is transferred. For example, 'Le repas succède au cocktail' is less natural than 'Le repas suit le cocktail'. Reserve 'succéder' for more formal transitions or established sequences.
Succession in French Culture
French culture places importance on tradition and lineage, especially in historical and familial contexts. 'Succéder' reflects this, often used for royal successions, inheritance, and the passing down of responsibilities. Understanding this cultural weight helps appreciate its usage.
Figurative Meanings
Beyond literal succession, 'succéder' can be used figuratively for the natural progression of things, like emotions ('La joie succède à la tristesse') or abstract concepts. Be aware of these less literal applications.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a king on a throne, handing a crown (a 'sceptre') to his son. The son 'succeeds' to the throne, holding the sceptre. The sound 'suc' can remind you of 'sceptre'. Remember the 'à' is crucial, like the king is handing it 'à' his son.
Visual Association
Picture a relay race where one runner hands a baton to the next runner. The second runner 'succeeds' the first runner in the race. The baton represents the position or role being passed on.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'succéder à' in at least three different sentences today, covering a person, a season, and a business context. For example: 'Le nouveau directeur succédera à M. Dubois.' 'L'été succède à le printemps.' 'Elle succédera à son mentor dans ce projet.' This repetition will help solidify the structure and meaning.
Word Origin
The French word 'succéder' originates from the Latin verb 'succedere'. This Latin verb is formed from 'sub-' (under, up to) and 'cedere' (to go, to yield, to withdraw). Therefore, the literal meaning combines the idea of 'going under' or 'coming up to' something that precedes it.
Original meaning: The original Latin meaning of 'succedere' was to come up under, to go to, to approach, to come after, to follow, to succeed to.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > FrenchCultural Context
When discussing succession, especially in relation to inheritance or political power, it's important to be aware of potential sensitivities. Topics like primogeniture, contested successions, or the displacement of previous leaders can be delicate. Using 'succéder' in these contexts should be done with an understanding of the historical and social weight it carries.
The English word 'succession' is a direct cognate and carries a very similar meaning, often referring to the act or an instance of following in order or sequence, especially the right to inherit a title, office, or property. This shared root makes it easier for English speakers to grasp the concept.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Political transitions and leadership changes.
- Le nouveau président succédera à l'ancien.
- Elle va succéder à la tête du parti.
- Le processus de succession est en cours.
Inheritance and property transfer.
- Il succédera à la maison familiale.
- Elle hérite et succède à ses parents.
- La succession des biens est complexe.
Historical accounts and dynasties.
- Le roi succéda à son père.
- Une nouvelle dynastie succéda à l'ancienne.
- La succession royale était bien établie.
Natural sequences (seasons, day/night).
- L'été succède au printemps.
- La nuit succède au jour.
- Le cycle des saisons succède à lui-même.
Business and corporate leadership changes.
- Le PDG actuel succédera à son mentor.
- Elle succédera à la direction du département.
- La passation de pouvoir est essentielle.
Conversation Starters
"Who do you think will succeed the current leader of your country?"
"If you could inherit any property, what would you want to succeed to?"
"Can you think of a historical figure who succeeded another in a significant way?"
"What natural sequence do you find most fascinating, like seasons succeeding each other?"
"In your field of work, who do you see as potential successors to current leaders?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time when you had to 'succeed' someone in a role or task. What were the challenges?
Imagine you are a monarch. Write about the responsibilities you would have if you were to succeed the throne.
Reflect on a natural phenomenon where one thing clearly succeeds another. How does this sequence make you feel?
Write a short story about a family business where the children are preparing to succeed their parents. What are their hopes and fears?
Consider a historical period. Who succeeded whom, and how did this succession change things?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe most frequent mistake is forgetting to use the preposition 'à' after 'succéder'. The correct structure is 'succéder à quelqu'un' or 'succéder à quelque chose'. For example, it should be 'Il succède à son père', not 'Il succède son père'. This preposition is crucial for indicating what or who is being succeeded.
'Suivre' means 'to follow' in a general sense of sequence or accompaniment. Use 'suivre' when there's no implication of taking over a role, position, or property. For instance, 'Le jour suit la nuit' (Day follows night) uses 'suivre' for a natural sequence. 'Succéder' implies a more formal or significant transition, like a leadership change ('Le président succède au précédent') or inheritance.
Yes, 'succéder' can be used for inanimate objects or concepts when they follow each other in a sequence or one replaces another in a role or function. For example, 'La période de prospérité a succédé à une longue crise économique' or 'Les nouvelles technologies succèdent aux anciennes.' However, for simple replacement of objects, 'remplacer' is often more common.
'Hériter' specifically means 'to inherit' property or titles, usually from someone who has passed away. 'Succéder' is broader; it can include inheritance but also refers to taking over a role, position, or a sequence of events or time periods. For example, one can 'succéder' to a throne without necessarily inheriting it directly, or one can 'succéder' to a position through promotion. 'Elle hérite de la maison de sa grand-mère' (inheritance of property), but 'Elle succède à son mentor comme directrice' (taking over a role).
'Succéder' is a regular -er verb. Its conjugation follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -er in most tenses. For example, in the present tense: je succède, tu succèdes, il/elle/on succède, nous succédons, vous succédez, ils/elles succèdent. Pay attention to the spelling in certain tenses, like the future simple (je succéderai) and the subjunctive (que je succède).
'Le successeur' is the noun form and means 'the successor' – the person who takes over a position, role, or property from someone else. For example, 'Le successeur du président a été élu.' (The successor to the president has been elected.)
Yes, 'succéder' can be used figuratively to describe one thing following another in a natural or logical sequence, often related to emotions or abstract concepts. For example, 'La joie succède souvent à la tristesse' (Joy often succeeds sadness).
The word 'succéder' comes from the Latin verb 'succedere', which is a combination of 'sub-' (under, up to) and 'cedere' (to go, to yield). Its original meaning involved coming after or following something.
'Succéder' is typically used as a transitive verb with the preposition 'à'. The structure is 'succéder à quelqu'un/quelque chose'. While it takes an object (introduced by 'à'), it's not directly transitive like 'manger' (to eat). The 'à' is essential.
Common collocations include 'succéder à quelqu'un' (to succeed someone), 'succéder à quelque chose' (to succeed something, e.g., a season), 'succéder à la tête de' (to succeed at the head of), and 'succéder à un poste' (to succeed to a position).
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Summary
The verb 'succéder' means to take over a position, role, or property from someone or something that came before. It is frequently used in contexts of inheritance, leadership changes, and historical sequences, and it is typically followed by the preposition 'à'. For example, 'Le fils succédera à son père.' (The son will succeed his father.)
- To take over a role, position, or property.
- Implies a formal transfer or a natural sequence.
- Often used with 'à' (e.g., succéder à quelqu'un).
- Synonymous with succession, inheritance, or following.
Don't Forget the 'à'!
The most crucial rule for 'succéder' is to always use the preposition 'à' before the person or thing being succeeded. Think of it as 'succeeding *to* someone' or 'succeeding *to* something'. For example, 'Il succède au directeur' (He succeeds the director).
Synonym Spotlight: Remplacer vs. Succéder
'Remplacer' means 'to replace' and is often used for objects or general substitutions. 'Succéder' is more specific to taking over a formal role, position, or property, implying a line of succession. Use 'remplacer' for 'The battery needs to be replaced' (La batterie doit être remplacée) and 'succéder' for 'The prince will succeed the king' (Le prince succédera au roi).
Context is Key
The meaning of 'succéder' can vary slightly based on context. In historical or political contexts, it implies a formal transfer of power. In natural contexts, it signifies a predictable sequence. In business, it refers to leadership transitions. Always consider the context to fully grasp the nuance.
Visual Link: Relay Race
Imagine a relay race. The runner who receives the baton 'succeeds' the previous runner. This visual helps remember the idea of passing on a role or position. The baton represents the 'à' connection.
Related Content
More family words
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).
