At the A1 level, you only need to know 'fondue' as a famous French food. It is a noun, and it is feminine (la fondue). You might see it on a menu or in a picture of the French Alps. At this stage, focus on simple sentences like 'J'aime la fondue' (I like fondue) or 'C'est une fondue' (It is a fondue). Think of it as a 'cheese soup' that you eat with bread. It is important to remember that it is a social meal, usually eaten with friends or family. You don't need to know the complex recipes or regional types yet. Just remember: it's cheese, it's melted, and it's delicious! You might also learn that it is a 'plat typique' (typical dish) of France and Switzerland. When you see the word, imagine a warm pot of yellow cheese in the middle of a wooden table in a snowy mountain cabin. This visual will help you remember the word easily.
At the A2 level, you can start to use 'fondue' in more practical contexts, such as ordering at a restaurant or talking about your preferences. You should know that 'fondue' is usually shared, so you will often hear it with the verb 'partager' (to share). For example: 'Nous partageons une fondue' (We are sharing a fondue). You should also be able to distinguish between a few basic types: 'fondue au fromage' (cheese fondue) and 'fondue au chocolat' (chocolate fondue). At this level, you can also use simple adjectives to describe it, like 'chaude' (hot), 'délicieuse' (delicious), or 'savoyarde' (from the Savoie region). You might also learn the word 'pain' (bread) because that is what you dip into the cheese. A typical A2 sentence would be: 'Est-ce que vous voulez manger une fondue ce soir ?' (Do you want to eat a fondue tonight?). You are beginning to understand that it's a winter dish, often associated with holidays and the mountains.
At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the cultural significance and the basic preparation of fondue. You should know that 'fondue' comes from the verb 'fondre' (to melt). You can now describe the process: 'On fait fondre le fromage avec du vin blanc' (We melt the cheese with white wine). You should also be familiar with the 'fondue savoyarde' as the classic version using Comté and Beaufort cheeses. At this level, you might encounter the technical culinary use of the word, such as 'fondue de poireaux' (leek fondue), where the vegetable is cooked until it is very soft. You should also be aware of the social rules, like the 'gage' (penalty) if you lose your bread in the pot. You can use the word in more complex sentences involving conditions or opinions: 'Si nous allons au ski, nous devrions absolument manger une fondue.' (If we go skiing, we should definitely eat a fondue). You are also starting to notice that 'fondue' is feminine, while the adjective 'fondu' (melted) changes based on the noun it describes.
At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'fondue' in various contexts. You can discuss regional variations in detail, such as the difference between a 'fondue savoyarde' (French) and a 'fondue moitié-moitié' (Swiss, usually Gruyère and Vacherin). You understand the specific vocabulary of the dish, such as the 'caquelon' (the pot) and 'la religieuse' (the crusty cheese at the bottom). You can also use the word in metaphorical or professional contexts. For instance, in cinema, you understand 'un fondu enchaîné' as a cross-dissolve transition. You can debate the merits of different cheese blends and explain why certain wines pair better with the dish. Your vocabulary includes related terms like 'onctueux' (creamy/smooth) and 'homogène' (homogeneous). You might also read articles about the history of fondue or its status as a national dish. A B2 speaker can explain the chemistry of the dish: 'Il faut ajouter un peu de fécule pour que la fondue reste bien liée.' (You need to add a little starch so the fondue stays well-emulsified).
At the C1 level, you possess a deep cultural and linguistic mastery of the word 'fondue'. You can appreciate the word's use in literature, film theory, and complex culinary discussions. You understand the subtle shift from 'la fondue' (the dish) to 'le fondu' (the visual effect) and can use both correctly in professional settings. You might explore the sociological aspects of fondue—how it was promoted as a Swiss national dish in the 1930s for economic reasons. You can use the term in highly descriptive ways, such as 'une fondue de couleurs' to describe a sunset where the colors bleed into one another perfectly. Your understanding of 'fondue de légumes' is professional, recognizing it as a technique of slow reduction without browning. You can handle complex idiomatic expressions and regional slang related to melting and blending. You are also capable of discussing the environmental and economic impact of the 'fondue industry' in the Alps, using sophisticated vocabulary like 'terroir', 'appellation d'origine protégée (AOP)', and 'pastoralisme'.
At the C2 level, 'fondue' is a word you can manipulate with total precision and creative flair. You understand its etymological roots in Latin 'fundere' and how it branched into various Romance languages. You can analyze the use of 'fondu' in high-level cinematography critiques, discussing how a director uses a 'fondu au noir' to signify the passage of time or a psychological shift. In the culinary arts, you can discuss the molecular gastronomy of cheese emulsification—the role of proteins and fats in creating the perfect 'fondue'. You might use the word in abstract philosophical contexts, referring to the 'fondue des identités' in a globalized world. Your command of the language allows you to use 'fondue' as a metaphor for any process of merging, softening, or transitioning. You are equally comfortable discussing a rustic mountain meal as you are a technical manual for digital video editing. The word is no longer just a label for a dish, but a versatile tool for expressing the concept of fluidity and integration across multiple disciplines.

fondue em 30 segundos

  • A communal dish of melted cheese or chocolate used for dipping.
  • Comes from the verb 'fondre' (to melt); a winter social staple.
  • Can also mean slow-cooked, softened vegetables like leeks or onions.
  • In technical terms, refers to visual or audio fades in media.

The word fondue is a feminine noun in French that refers primarily to a communal dish where small pieces of food are dipped into a shared pot of hot liquid, most traditionally melted cheese. Originating from the French verb fondre (to melt), the term carries with it a deep sense of social cohesion and alpine tradition. While the cheese version is the most iconic, the term has expanded to include variations like fondue bourguignonne (meat in hot oil) and fondue au chocolat (fruit in melted chocolate). In a broader culinary sense, it can also refer to vegetables cooked slowly until they reach a meltingly soft consistency, such as a fondue de poireaux (leek fondue).

The Social Ritual
In French culture, eating a fondue is never just about the food; it is a collaborative event. It is almost exclusively served in the winter, especially in mountainous regions like the Alps or the Jura. It is the quintessential 'après-ski' meal, designed to warm the body and the spirit after a day in the cold. The ritual involves a 'caquelon' (the heavy pot) placed over a 'réchaud' (portable stove) in the center of the table.

Pour réussir une bonne fondue savoyarde, il faut mélanger au moins trois types de fromages différents.

Beyond the kitchen, the word appears in technical fields. In cinematography, a fondue enchaînée refers to a cross-dissolve or a fade-out, where one image 'melts' into another. This linguistic connection highlights the core concept of the word: the transition from a solid, distinct state into a fluid, unified one. Whether you are discussing a dinner party or a film editing technique, the essence remains the same—a blending of elements into a single, harmonious flow.

Regional Variations
While the Savoyarde (French Alps) version uses Comté, Beaufort, and Emmental, the Swiss Fribourgeoise version uses Vacherin and Gruyère. Each region is fiercely proud of its specific cheese blend and the ratio of white wine added to the pot.

Nous avons partagé une fondue au chocolat pour le dessert de la Saint-Valentin.

Culinary Metaphor
The term is also used to describe vegetables that have been cooked so slowly in butter or oil that they have lost their structure. A 'fondue de tomates' is not a dip, but a thick, concentrated sauce where the tomatoes have essentially melted away.

La fondue de poireaux accompagne parfaitement le saumon grillé.

Using the word fondue correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical gender (feminine) and the specific verbs that usually accompany it. Because it is a dish meant for sharing, it often appears in the plural or within collective contexts. The most common verb used with fondue is faire (to make/do) or préparer (to prepare). However, when discussing the act of eating it, French speakers often use partager (to share) or déguster (to savor/taste).

Basic Usage
In its simplest form, you treat it like any other food item. 'Je commande une fondue' (I am ordering a fondue). Note that even if four people are eating from the same pot, you often refer to the dish in the singular as a concept: 'On fait une fondue ce soir ?' (Shall we have a fondue tonight?).

Après une longue journée de ski, rien de tel qu'une bonne fondue savoyarde bien chaude.

When you want to specify the type of fondue, you use the preposition à or au. For cheese, it is often regional: fondue savoyarde or fondue jurassienne. For other liquids, use the ingredient: fondue au chocolat, fondue à la viande (though usually called bourguignonne). If you are referring to the vegetable preparation, the construction is fondue de [vegetable].

Technical Contexts
In cinematography or video editing, you might use the term 'fondue' as part of a compound noun. 'Un fondue au noir' is a fade-to-black. 'Un fondue enchaîné' is a cross-dissolve. In these cases, interestingly, 'fondu' is often used as a masculine noun (le fondu), which can be confusing for learners.

La fondue de poireaux est un accompagnement classique pour les poissons blancs.

In metaphorical speech, though less common, 'une fondue' can describe something that has lost its sharp edges or has blended together. However, French speakers are more likely to use the adjective fondu (melted/blended) for this purpose. For example, 'des couleurs fondues' (blended colors). Always remember that 'la fondue' as a noun almost always brings the image of a pot of cheese to a French person's mind first.

Grammar Tip: Countability
'Fondue' is a countable noun. You can have 'une fondue' or 'plusieurs fondues'. However, it is often used with the partitive article 'de la' when referring to the substance itself: 'Voulez-vous encore de la fondue ?' (Do you want more fondue?).

Le réalisateur a choisi un fondu au noir pour terminer la scène d'ouverture.

If you are in France or Switzerland during the winter months, the word fondue will be everywhere. From restaurant chalkboards to supermarket aisles, it is a seasonal staple. In the mountains, specifically the Savoie, Haute-Savoie, and Swiss cantons like Valais or Fribourg, the word is almost sacred. You will hear it in the context of 'fondueries'—restaurants that specialize exclusively in various types of fondue.

At the Restaurant
When you enter a traditional 'chalet' restaurant, the waiter might ask, 'Une fondue pour combien de personnes ?' (A fondue for how many people?). Because it is a communal dish, restaurants usually require a minimum of two people to order it. You will also hear specific vocabulary regarding the leftovers, like 'la religieuse'—the crusty, toasted layer of cheese at the bottom of the pot that is considered a delicacy.

Regarde l'ardoise, ils proposent une fondue aux cèpes, ça doit être délicieux !

In a domestic setting, the word is associated with warmth and friendship. A French person might say, 'On se fait une petite fondue ?' to suggest a low-effort but highly social dinner. In supermarkets, especially starting in October, you will see 'mélanges pour fondue' (fondue mixes), which are pre-grated combinations of cheeses like Comté, Emmental, and Gruyère ready to be melted with wine.

Professional Kitchens
In culinary school or high-end kitchens, you will hear 'fondue' used as a technique. A chef might instruct a commis to 'préparer une fondue de poireaux' as a base for a dish. Here, the word describes the state of the vegetable—melted down through slow cooking—rather than the cheese dish itself.

À la fin de la cuisson, la fondue d'oignons doit être translucide et légèrement sucrée.

Finally, in the arts, particularly film and photography, you will hear the term 'fondu'. While it shares the same root, in this context, it is usually used as a masculine noun: 'le fondu'. You will hear editors talk about 'un fondu au blanc' (fade to white) or 'un fondu sonore' (audio fade). It’s a great example of how a culinary term for melting has permeated technical language to describe visual and auditory transitions.

Regional Slang
In some regional dialects, particularly in the east of France, 'être fondu de quelque chose' can informally mean to be 'crazy about' or 'melted by' something, though 'être mordu' or 'être fou de' is more common nationally.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using the word fondue is confusing the noun with the adjective. In French, la fondue is the name of the dish (the noun), while fondu is the past participle of the verb fondre (to melt), which functions as an adjective. This distinction is crucial because they have different genders and roles in a sentence.

Noun vs. Adjective
Correct: 'J'adore la fondue' (I love fondue - noun). Correct: 'Le fromage est fondu' (The cheese is melted - adjective). Incorrect: 'J'adore le fondu' (unless you are talking about a cinematic fade-out) or 'La fondue fromage' (you must use the regional name or 'au fromage').

Attention : on dit une fondue (nom féminin) mais le chocolat est fondu (adjectif masculin).

Another mistake is the misuse of prepositions. Many learners try to translate 'cheese fondue' literally as fondue fromage. In French, you must use a qualifier. If it’s the traditional alpine dish, it’s a fondue savoyarde. If you want to describe a fondue made with cheese in general, you would say une fondue au fromage. For meat, it is une fondue à la viande or, more commonly, une fondue bourguignonne.

Gender Confusion
Because many English speakers associate the word with 'the pot' or 'the meal', they sometimes mistakenly use the masculine 'le fondue'. Remember that 'fondue' comes from the feminine past participle 'fondue', agreeing with the implied feminine noun 'viande' or just the general feminine nature of the dish's origin.

Ne confondez pas la fondue (le plat) avec le fondu (l'effet visuel au cinéma).

Finally, learners often forget the 'social' verbs. You don't just 'eat' a fondue in French; you 'share' it. Using the verb manger is grammatically correct but culturally thin. To sound more like a native, use se faire une fondue or partager une fondue. This emphasizes the communal aspect that is essential to the French understanding of the word.

The 'Religieuse' Error
When talking about the burnt cheese at the bottom, don't call it 'fromage brûlé'. In the context of a fondue, this is specifically called 'la religieuse'. Using this term correctly shows a high level of cultural and linguistic fluency.

While fondue is a unique culinary concept, it belongs to a family of 'winter comfort foods' often found in the French and Swiss Alps. Understanding the alternatives helps you navigate a French menu and understand the nuances of melted cheese culture. The most common 'competitors' to fondue are raclette and tartiflette.

Fondue vs. Raclette
The main difference is the method. In a fondue, the cheese is melted in a pot with wine and you dip bread into it. In a raclette, individual slices of cheese are melted and then scraped onto potatoes, charcuterie, and pickles. Raclette is often considered slightly 'easier' to digest than fondue.

Si vous n'aimez pas tremper le pain, vous préférerez peut-être une raclette à une fondue.

Another alternative is the tartiflette. Unlike fondue, which is prepared at the table, a tartiflette is a gratin-style dish made in the oven with potatoes, reblochon cheese, lardons (bacon bits), and onions. It is a complete, pre-made meal, whereas fondue is an interactive experience. If you are looking for something similar to the 'melted vegetable' sense of fondue, you might use the word compotée (like a compote, but for savory items) or mousseline (for a smoother purée).

The 'Mont d'Or' Alternative
A 'Mont d'Or chaud' (also called 'boîte chaude') is very similar to fondue. A specific type of cheese is melted inside its wooden box with a splash of white wine and garlic, then eaten like a mini-fondue. It is often served for smaller groups where a full fondue pot would be too much.

Le Mont d'Or au four est une excellente alternative à la fondue traditionnelle.

In technical terms, if you are looking for synonyms for the cinematic 'fondu', you might hear transition, balayage (wipe), or cut (cut). However, 'fondu' remains the standard term for a gradual dissolve. In the world of colors and painting, a synonym for 'fondu' (the adjective) would be estompé (blurred or softened) or dégradé (gradient).

Summary Table
Fondue: Dipping into a pot. Raclette: Scraping melted cheese onto food. Tartiflette: Baked potato and cheese casserole. Fondue de légumes: Slow-cooked, softened vegetables.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Nous vous prions de bien vouloir déguster cette fondue de poireaux."

Neutro

"J'ai mangé une fondue hier soir."

Informal

"On se fait une petite fondue ?"

Child friendly

"Fais attention, la fondue au chocolat est un peu chaude !"

Gíria

"Il est trop fondu de cette bagnole."

Curiosidade

Fondue was promoted as a Swiss national dish by the Swiss Cheese Union in the 1930s as a way to increase cheese consumption during a period of surplus.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /fɒnˈduː/
US /fɑnˈdu/
The stress is on the second syllable: fon-DUE.
Rima com
tendue vendue perdue rendue mordue tordue étendue attendue
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing the final 'e' (it's silent).
  • Using an English 'u' sound instead of the French /y/.
  • Over-nasalizing the 'on' so it sounds like 'fan'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize because it is a loanword in English.

Escrita 3/5

Requires remembering the feminine 'e' and the 'u' spelling.

Expressão oral 3/5

The French 'u' sound can be tricky for English speakers.

Audição 2/5

Distinctive sound, usually clear in context.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

fromage pain fondre chaud partager

Aprenda a seguir

raclette tartiflette caquelon onctueux gratin

Avançado

émulsion rhéologie terroir alpage fermentation

Gramática essencial

Feminine nouns ending in -ue

La fondue, la rue, la vue.

Partitive articles with food

Je mange de la fondue.

Prepositions for ingredients (à/au)

Une fondue au fromage, une fondue à la tomate.

Adjective agreement (fondu/fondue)

Le fromage est fondu. La glace est fondue.

Impersonal 'il faut' for recipes

Il faut du vin blanc pour la fondue.

Exemplos por nível

1

J'aime la fondue.

I love fondue.

Subject + Verb + Direct Object (feminine noun).

2

C'est une fondue au fromage.

It is a cheese fondue.

Use 'au' (à + le) for masculine ingredients like 'le fromage'.

3

Où est la fondue ?

Where is the fondue?

Interrogative sentence with 'où'.

4

La fondue est chaude.

The fondue is hot.

Adjective 'chaude' agrees with feminine noun 'fondue'.

5

Elle mange de la fondue.

She is eating some fondue.

Partitive article 'de la' for an unspecified amount.

6

La fondue est sur la table.

The fondue is on the table.

Preposition 'sur' indicates location.

7

Voici une fondue au chocolat.

Here is a chocolate fondue.

Presentative 'voici'.

8

Nous aimons la fondue.

We like fondue.

First person plural verb 'aimons'.

1

Nous voulons partager une fondue savoyarde.

We want to share a Savoyarde fondue.

Infinitive 'partager' after the conjugated verb 'voulons'.

2

Tu as déjà mangé une fondue ?

Have you already eaten a fondue?

Passé composé with 'avoir' and past participle 'mangé'.

3

Je préfère la fondue à la raclette.

I prefer fondue over raclette.

Verb 'préférer' followed by 'à' to show preference.

4

Il faut beaucoup de pain pour la fondue.

You need a lot of bread for the fondue.

Impersonal expression 'il faut' + quantity 'beaucoup de'.

5

Ma mère prépare une fondue ce soir.

My mother is preparing a fondue tonight.

Present tense of 'préparer'.

6

On boit du vin blanc avec la fondue.

We drink white wine with fondue.

Partitive article 'du' with masculine 'vin'.

7

Cette fondue est très délicieuse.

This fondue is very delicious.

Demonstrative adjective 'cette' for feminine singular.

8

Voulez-vous une fondue au chocolat pour le dessert ?

Do you want a chocolate fondue for dessert?

Inversion used for formal question.

1

Pour faire une fondue, il faut frotter le caquelon avec de l'ail.

To make a fondue, you must rub the pot with garlic.

Use of 'pour' + infinitive to express purpose.

2

Si tu perds ton pain dans la fondue, tu as un gage !

If you lose your bread in the fondue, you have a penalty!

Conditional 'si' clause (present + present).

3

La fondue de poireaux accompagne souvent le poisson.

Leek fondue often accompanies fish.

Technical culinary use of 'fondue de [vegetable]'.

4

J'ai acheté un mélange de fromages spécial pour la fondue.

I bought a special cheese mix for the fondue.

Noun 'mélange' followed by 'de' and then the purpose.

5

Il est important que la fondue reste bien onctueuse.

It is important that the fondue remains very creamy.

Subjunctive mood after 'il est important que'.

6

Nous avons mangé une fondue bourguignonne avec plusieurs sauces.

We ate a Burgundy fondue with several sauces.

Adjective 'bourguignonne' refers to the meat/oil style.

7

La fondue est un plat très convivial en hiver.

Fondue is a very convivial dish in winter.

Adjective 'convivial' describes the social atmosphere.

8

Elle a préparé une fondue de tomates pour ses pâtes.

She prepared a tomato fondue for her pasta.

Distinction between a dip and a slow-cooked vegetable reduction.

1

La véritable fondue savoyarde utilise du Beaufort et du Comté.

True Savoyarde fondue uses Beaufort and Comté.

Use of 'véritable' to emphasize authenticity.

2

Le secret d'une fondue réussie réside dans l'émulsion du fromage et du vin.

The secret of a successful fondue lies in the emulsion of cheese and wine.

Verb 'résider dans' used to explain a cause or secret.

3

Bien que ce soit lourd, la fondue est irrésistible après le ski.

Although it is heavy, fondue is irresistible after skiing.

Conjunction 'bien que' followed by the subjunctive 'soit'.

4

On appelle 'la religieuse' la croûte de fromage au fond du plat.

The cheese crust at the bottom of the dish is called 'the nun'.

Specific cultural term 'la religieuse' in quotes.

5

Ce film utilise un fondu enchaîné pour marquer la transition temporelle.

This film uses a cross-dissolve to mark the temporal transition.

Masculine 'le fondu' used in technical cinematic context.

6

Il ne faut pas confondre la fondue avec la raclette, car la technique diffère.

One must not confuse fondue with raclette, as the technique differs.

Verb 'confondre... avec' to show distinction.

7

La fondue fribourgeoise se distingue par l'utilisation exclusive de Vacherin.

Fribourg fondue is distinguished by the exclusive use of Vacherin.

Pronominal verb 'se distinguer par'.

8

Le kirsch est souvent ajouté à la fondue pour relever le goût.

Kirsch is often added to fondue to enhance the flavor.

Passive voice 'est ajouté' + 'pour' + infinitive.

1

La fondue a été érigée en plat national suisse pour des raisons marketing.

Fondue was established as a Swiss national dish for marketing reasons.

Passive construction 'a été érigée en' (established as).

2

Le réalisateur privilégie les fondus au noir pour accentuer la solitude du héros.

The director favors fades-to-black to emphasize the hero's solitude.

Plural masculine 'fondus' in a technical sense.

3

Cette fondue de poireaux, réduite à l'extrême, offre une concentration de saveurs.

This leek fondue, extremely reduced, offers a concentration of flavors.

Appositive phrase 'réduite à l'extrême' providing detail.

4

L'onctuosité de la fondue dépend de la qualité des ferments lactiques du fromage.

The creaminess of the fondue depends on the quality of the cheese's lactic ferments.

Abstract noun 'l'onctuosité' as the subject.

5

Il s'agit d'une fondue de cultures où les traditions se mélangent harmonieusement.

It is a melting pot of cultures where traditions blend harmoniously.

Metaphorical use of 'fondue' to mean 'melting pot'.

6

Le chef propose une fondue déstructurée, revisitant les classiques alpins.

The chef offers a deconstructed fondue, revisiting Alpine classics.

Adjective 'déstructurée' used in modern culinary context.

7

Malgré sa simplicité apparente, la fondue exige une maîtrise précise de la température.

Despite its apparent simplicity, fondue requires precise temperature control.

Conjunction 'malgré' followed by a noun phrase.

8

La 'fondue chinoise' est une variante asiatique qui a gagné en popularité en Europe.

'Chinese fondue' (hot pot) is an Asian variant that has gained popularity in Europe.

Use of 'gagner en' to describe an increase in a quality.

1

L'analyse organoleptique de cette fondue révèle une complexité aromatique surprenante.

The organoleptic analysis of this fondue reveals a surprising aromatic complexity.

Highly academic vocabulary 'organoleptique'.

2

Le fondu enchaîné, pilier du langage cinématographique, permet une fluidité narrative.

The cross-dissolve, a pillar of cinematic language, allows for narrative fluidity.

Appositive clause providing a definition within a sentence.

3

On assiste à une véritable fondue des frontières linguistiques dans cette région frontalière.

We are witnessing a true melting away of linguistic borders in this border region.

Abstract metaphorical use of 'fondue' for 'dissolving'.

4

La rhéologie de la fondue est influencée par le rapport entre les caséines et les lipides.

The rheology of the fondue is influenced by the ratio between caseins and lipids.

Scientific term 'rhéologie' (the study of flow).

5

Cette œuvre picturale se caractérise par des fondus de couleurs d'une grande subtilité.

This pictorial work is characterized by very subtle color blends.

Plural masculine 'fondus' referring to artistic blending.

6

L'institutionnalisation de la fondue comme emblème national relève d'une ingénierie culturelle.

The institutionalization of fondue as a national emblem is a matter of cultural engineering.

Complex noun-heavy sentence structure.

7

Le chef sublime la fondue de poireaux en y incorporant des zestes de yuzu.

The chef elevates the leek fondue by incorporating yuzu zest into it.

Use of 'sublimer' (to elevate/sublime) and the adverbial pronoun 'y'.

8

La pérennité de la tradition de la fondue témoigne de son ancrage dans l'imaginaire collectif.

The longevity of the fondue tradition testifies to its rooting in the collective imagination.

Abstract subject 'la pérennité' (longevity/durability).

Colocações comuns

fondue savoyarde
fondue bourguignonne
fondue au chocolat
fondue de poireaux
partager une fondue
mélange pour fondue
caquelon à fondue
fondu au noir
fondu enchaîné
faire une fondue

Frases Comuns

On se fait une fondue ?

— A casual way to suggest having fondue for dinner.

On se fait une fondue ce soir ?

Perdre son pain.

— To drop one's bread in the pot, usually resulting in a penalty.

Attention à ne pas perdre ton pain !

La religieuse de la fondue.

— The delicious crust at the bottom of the pot.

Qui veut manger la religieuse ?

Fondue moitié-moitié.

— A Swiss version using half Gruyère and half Vacherin.

La fondue moitié-moitié est très crémeuse.

Tremper dans la fondue.

— The action of dipping something into the pot.

On trempe le pain dans la fondue.

Frotter à l'ail.

— Rubbing the pot with garlic before adding cheese.

N'oublie pas de frotter le caquelon à l'ail.

Un gage de fondue.

— A penalty for dropping bread.

Tu as perdu ton pain, c'est un gage !

Fondue aux cèpes.

— Fondue with porcini mushrooms.

La fondue aux cèpes a un goût boisé.

Fondue à la tomate.

— A variation where tomato is added to the cheese.

La fondue à la tomate est une spécialité du Valais.

Le réchaud à fondue.

— The burner that keeps the pot hot.

Allume le réchaud à fondue.

Frequentemente confundido com

fondue vs le fondu

Masculine noun used for cinematic transitions or a person who is an enthusiast.

fondue vs fondu

The past participle/adjective meaning 'melted'. It must agree with the subject.

fondue vs la fontaine

Sounds slightly similar but means 'fountain' (like a chocolate fountain, which is different from fondue).

Expressões idiomáticas

"Être fondu de..."

— To be crazy about something or someone (slang).

Il est fondu de cette actrice.

informal
"Tomber en fondue."

— To collapse or melt down (rare/regional).

Le gâteau est tombé en fondue à la sortie du four.

informal
"Faire un fondu."

— In cinema, to create a fade transition.

Le monteur doit faire un fondu entre ces deux plans.

technical
"La religieuse."

— The 'nun' - referring to the cheese crust at the bottom.

C'est moi qui gratte la religieuse !

culinary
"Fondre comme neige au soleil."

— To melt away like snow in the sun (related to the verb 'fondre').

Ses économies ont fondu comme neige au soleil.

neutral
"Un fondu de..."

— A person who is a 'buff' or enthusiast of something.

C'est un fondu de jazz.

informal
"Couleurs fondues."

— Blended colors where you can't see the edges.

Le ciel avait des couleurs fondues magnifiques.

artistic
"Fondre en larmes."

— To burst into tears (related to the verb 'fondre').

Elle a fondu en larmes en entendant la nouvelle.

neutral
"Avoir un gage."

— To have a penalty (specifically used in the context of fondue).

Tu as perdu ton pain, tu as un gage !

social
"Tourner la fondue."

— The specific motion of stirring the cheese in a figure-eight.

Il faut toujours tourner la fondue en faisant un huit.

culinary

Fácil de confundir

fondue vs fondu

Same pronunciation and root.

Fondue is the dish (noun); fondu is the state of being melted (adjective).

Le fromage fondu est dans la fondue.

fondue vs fendu

Only one vowel difference.

Fendu means 'split' or 'cracked'.

Le caquelon est fendu, on ne peut pas l'utiliser.

fondue vs fondre

The verb form.

Fondre is the action; fondue is the result.

Il faut faire fondre le fromage.

fondue vs fondant

Related culinary term.

Fondant is an adjective for 'meltingly soft' or a type of cake/candy.

Ce gâteau au chocolat est très fondant.

fondue vs fond

Same starting letters.

Fond means 'bottom' or 'background'.

Au fond du caquelon, il y a la religieuse.

Padrões de frases

A1

C'est une [nom].

C'est une fondue.

A2

Je voudrais manger une [nom].

Je voudrais manger une fondue.

B1

Pour faire [nom], il faut [verbe].

Pour faire une fondue, il faut frotter l'ail.

B2

Bien que ce soit [adjectif], j'aime [nom].

Bien que ce soit lourd, j'aime la fondue.

C1

L'aspect le plus [adjectif] de [nom] est...

L'aspect le plus convivial de la fondue est le partage.

C2

L'ancrage de [nom] dans [concept] est...

L'ancrage de la fondue dans l'imaginaire collectif est fort.

A2

On partage une [nom] ?

On partage une fondue ?

B1

Si tu [verbe], tu as un [nom].

Si tu perds ton pain, tu as un gage.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

Verbos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

Como usar

frequency

High in winter, very low in summer (unless in tourist areas).

Erros comuns
  • Le fondue La fondue

    The noun for the dish is always feminine.

  • Fondue fromage Fondue au fromage

    You need the preposition 'au' (à + le) to link the dish to its main ingredient.

  • Pronouncing the 'e' /fɔ̃dy/

    The final 'e' is silent in French.

  • Using 'fondue' for a movie fade Un fondu

    In the technical cinematic sense, the noun is masculine and spelled 'fondu'.

  • Using 'fondu' as a noun for the dish Une fondue

    'Fondu' is an adjective or a masculine technical noun, not the meal.

Dicas

Respect the Eight

When stirring the fondue, always move your fork or spoon in a figure-eight pattern. This ensures the cheese and wine stay perfectly emulsified.

The Starch Secret

Mix a little cornstarch (maïzena) with your wine or kirsch before adding it. This prevents the cheese from separating into oil and clumps.

Tea vs. Wine

If you don't want wine, drink hot black tea. It's a traditional Swiss alternative that helps digestion more than cold water.

Gender Check

Always remember 'LA fondue'. Even though it's a heavy meal, the word itself is feminine.

Cinematic Fade

If you're studying film, 'le fondu' is your go-to word for transitions. Don't add the 'e' there!

Root Word

Connect it to 'fondre'. If you know 'fondre' (to melt), you will never forget what a 'fondue' is.

Silent E

The final 'e' is just a decoration for your eyes. Stop at the 'u' sound: /fɔ̃dy/.

Ready-made Mixes

Look for 'mélange pour fondue' in the cheese aisle. It's the easiest way to start your fondue journey.

Double Dipping

In a communal pot, double-dipping is generally frowned upon. Dip once, eat, and use a new piece of bread.

Soak it Cold

To clean a cheese pot, soak it in COLD water first. Hot water can make the remaining cheese even stickier.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'Fondue' as 'Fun-Do'. It's a FUN thing to DO with friends around a pot of cheese.

Associação visual

Imagine a snowy mountain chalet with a glowing pot of gold (melted cheese) in the center of the table.

Word Web

cheese wine melt pot bread winter Alps social

Desafio

Try to describe a fondue recipe to a friend using only French verbs like 'couper', 'frotter', 'fondre', and 'mélanger'.

Origem da palavra

From the French verb 'fondre' (to melt), which comes from the Latin 'fundere' meaning 'to pour, to melt, to cast'.

Significado original: The feminine past participle 'fondue' literally means 'melted'.

Romance (Indo-European).

Contexto cultural

None, though vegetarians should note that some traditional cheeses use animal rennet.

In the US and UK, fondue is often seen as a retro 1970s party food, whereas in France/Switzerland, it is a timeless regional staple.

Astérix chez les Helvètes (Comic) Les Bronzés font du ski (Film) The Swiss Cheese Union marketing campaigns

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

At a ski resort

  • Une fondue pour deux, s'il vous plaît.
  • Quel fromage utilisez-vous ?
  • Est-ce que le vin est inclus ?
  • On peut avoir plus de pain ?

Cooking at home

  • Où est le caquelon ?
  • Il faut râper le fromage.
  • Ajoute un peu de kirsch.
  • La fondue est trop liquide.

In a cinema class

  • Le fondu enchaîné est réussi.
  • Fais un fondu au noir ici.
  • La transition est un fondu.
  • Évite les fondus trop longs.

At a dinner party

  • La religieuse est prête.
  • Qui a perdu son pain ?
  • C'est une fondue aux cèpes.
  • Elle est délicieuse, cette fondue.

Gourmet cooking

  • Préparez une fondue de poireaux.
  • Faites réduire à feu doux.
  • La fondue doit être fondante.
  • Servez avec un Saint-Pierre.

Iniciadores de conversa

"Tu préfères la fondue savoyarde ou la fondue bourguignonne ?"

"Connais-tu la tradition du gage quand on perd son pain dans la fondue ?"

"Quel est ton fromage préféré pour faire une fondue à la maison ?"

"Est-ce que tu as déjà goûté une fondue au chocolat avec des fruits exotiques ?"

"Penses-tu que la fondue est un plat trop lourd pour le dîner ?"

Temas para diário

Décris ta soirée idéale dans un chalet à la montagne. Quel rôle joue la fondue ?

Imagine que tu dois expliquer la recette de la fondue à quelqu'un qui n'en a jamais mangé.

Est-ce que le concept de 'plat convivial' existe dans ta culture ? Compare avec la fondue.

Raconte une anecdote drôle qui s'est passée pendant un repas partagé.

Pourquoi penses-tu que la fondue est devenue un symbole national pour la Suisse ?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

C'est les deux ! Elle est originaire des régions alpines qui couvrent la Suisse et la France (Savoie). Chaque pays a ses propres versions et traditions.

Traditionnellement, on boit un vin blanc sec de la même région, comme un vin de Savoie (Apremont, Roussette) ou un Fendant suisse.

Oui, il est possible de remplacer le vin blanc par du bouillon de légumes ou du jus de pomme non sucré avec un peu de jus de citron.

C'est la croûte de fromage grillée qui se forme au fond du caquelon à la fin du repas. Les amateurs la considèrent comme la meilleure partie.

Cela donne un goût subtil au fromage sans que l'ail ne soit trop fort. C'est une étape essentielle de la recette traditionnelle.

Si vous faites tomber votre morceau de pain dans le fromage, vous devez subir une petite punition amusante décidée par les autres convives.

C'est rare car c'est un plat très chaud et lourd. Les Français la mangent généralement quand il fait froid, de novembre à mars.

La savoyarde est au fromage. La bourguignonne utilise de l'huile chaude pour cuire des morceaux de viande rouge.

Non, il est préférable d'utiliser du pain de la veille (rassis) car il tient mieux sur la fourchette et ne se désagrège pas dans le fromage.

Non, c'est une invention plus récente (années 60) mais elle est devenue très populaire pour les goûters et les desserts.

Teste-se 98 perguntas

writing

Write a sentence: I like cheese fondue.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence: We are sharing a fondue tonight.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say: 'J'aimerais commander une fondue pour deux personnes.'

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen and identify the type of fondue mentioned: [Audio: fondue savoyarde]

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:

/ 98 correct

Perfect score!

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