French civic exam: the symbols of the Republic
https://recitecitizen.com/fr/en/civic-exam-symbols/
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The symbolsScrollThe illustration follows your reading.
The official symbols
6 questionsRemember: The Constitution names the tricolour flag, La Marseillaise and the motto. The symbol of the Republic appears on official State websites ending in .gouv.fr.
Trap: The Eiffel Tower, the beret, the baguette, the fleur-de-lis, the royal crown and the imperial eagle are not symbols of the Republic.
- Which of these is one of the symbols of the French Republic?In French: Quel est l’un des symboles de la République française ?The blue, white and red flagIn French: Le drapeau bleu, blanc, rouge
- Which of these symbols officially represents the French Republic?In French: Lequel de ces symboles représente officiellement la République française ?The tricolour flagIn French: Le drapeau tricolore
- Which of these are official symbols of the French Republic?In French: Quels sont des symboles officiels de la République française ?The tricolour flag, La Marseillaise and the mottoIn French: Le drapeau tricolore, la Marseillaise et la devise
- On which websites can you find the symbol of the French Republic?In French: Sur quel site internet peut-on retrouver le symbole de la République française ?On official State websites ending in .gouv.frIn French: Sur les sites officiels de l’État, en .gouv.fr
- Which of these symbols represents the French Republic?In French: Lequel de ces symboles représente la République française ?The blue, white and red flagIn French: Le drapeau bleu, blanc, rouge
- Which are official symbols of the French Republic?In French: Lesquels sont des symboles officiels de la République française ?The tricolour flag, La Marseillaise and the motto of the RepublicIn French: Le drapeau tricolore, La Marseillaise et la devise de la République
The tricolour flag
3 questionsRemember: Blue, white, red: three colours, hence the name tricolour. Burning it in public to insult it is punishable by law.
- Which symbol of the French Republic is tricolour?In French: Quel symbole de la République française est tricolore ?The flagIn French: Le drapeau
- What are the colours of the French flag?In French: Quelles sont les couleurs du drapeau français ?Blue, white, redIn French: Bleu, blanc, rouge
- Can you publicly burn a French flag?In French: Peut-on brûler publiquement un drapeau français ?No, it is punishable by lawIn French: Non, c’est puni par la loi
La Marseillaise
5 questionsRemember: The national anthem, written in 1792 by Rouget de Lisle. “Allons enfants de la Patrie, le jour de gloire est arrivé !” and “Aux armes, citoyens ! Formez vos bataillons !”
Trap: La Marseillaise is the anthem of France. The European Union’s anthem is the Ode to Joy.
- What is the name of the national anthem?In French: Quel est le nom de l'hymne national ?La Marseillaise
- What is La Marseillaise?In French: Qu'est-ce que la Marseillaise ?The national anthem of FranceIn French: L’hymne national de la France
- Complete these words of La Marseillaise: “Aux armes […] ! Formez vos bataillons” (“To arms […]! Form your battalions”)In French: Complétez ces paroles de la Marseillaise : "Aux armes […] ! Formez vos bataillons"citoyens (citizens)In French: citoyens
- Complete the words of La Marseillaise: “Allons enfants de la patrie […]” (“Arise, children of the Fatherland […]”)In French: Complétez les paroles de la Marseillaise : "Allons enfants de la patrie […]"Le jour de gloire est arrivé ! (The day of glory has arrived!)In French: Le jour de gloire est arrivé !
- Who was Rouget de Lisle?In French: Qui était Monsieur Rouget de Lisle ?The author of La Marseillaise, the national anthemIn French: L’auteur de La Marseillaise, l’hymne national
The motto
6 questionsRemember: “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité”, written into the Constitution and on the front of town halls and state schools. Equality: the same rights and duties for all citizens. Fraternity: solidarity and mutual help.
Trap: Equality does not mean the same salary for everyone.
- “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” (Liberté, égalité, fraternité) is:In French: "Liberté, égalité, fraternité", c’est :the motto of the French RepublicIn French: la devise de la République française
- Where can you see the motto of the Republic?In French: Où peut-on voir la devise de la République ?On the front of town halls and state schoolsIn French: Sur le fronton des mairies et des écoles publiques
- What does the word “fraternity” mean in the French motto?In French: Que signifie le mot "fraternité" dans la devise française ?Solidarity and mutual help between peopleIn French: La solidarité et l’entraide entre les personnes
- What is the motto of the French Republic?In French: Quelle est la devise de la République française ?Liberty, Equality, FraternityIn French: Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité
- What is the motto of France?In French: Quelle est la devise de la France ?“Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”In French: « Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité »
- One of the values in the Republic’s motto is equality. What does this mean?In French: Une des valeurs de la devise républicaine est l'égalité. Qu'est-ce que cela signifie ?All citizens have the same rights and the same dutiesIn French: Tous les citoyens ont les mêmes droits et les mêmes devoirs
Marianne
6 questionsRemember: A female figure who represents the Republic. She wears a Phrygian cap, a symbol of liberty, and appears on postage stamps.
Trap: Marianne is not a queen: she wears a Phrygian cap, not a crown.
- Who is Marianne?In French: Qui est Marianne ?A female figure who represents the RepublicIn French: Une figure de femme qui représente la République
- What does Marianne represent?In French: Que représente Marianne ?The French RepublicIn French: La République française
- On which item can you see Marianne?In French: Sur quel document peut-on voir Marianne ?On French postage stampsIn French: Sur les timbres-poste français
- Which of these figures is linked to the French Republic?In French: Lequel de ces personnages a un lien avec la République française ?Marianne
- Which of these first names brings to mind a symbol of the Republic?In French: Lequel de ces prénoms évoque un symbole de la République ?Marianne
- What does Marianne wear on her head?In French: Que porte Marianne sur la tête ?A Phrygian capIn French: Un bonnet phrygien
The Gallic rooster
2 questionsRemember: The rooster is a symbol of France. It is on the French football team’s shirt.
- Which animal is a symbol of France?In French: Quel animal est un symbole de la France ?The roosterIn French: Le coq
- Which symbol of the Republic can be seen on the shirts of the French national football team?In French: Quel symbole de la République peut-on voir sur les maillots de l'équipe de France de football ?The Gallic roosterIn French: Le coq gaulois
14 July
7 questionsRemember: The national holiday since 1880, in memory of the storming of the Bastille (1789) and the Festival of the Federation (1790). A military parade takes place on the Champs-Élysées.
Trap: It is not the 1918 Armistice, Labour Day or the Allied victory in 1945.
- What does the date of 14 July correspond to?In French: À quoi correspond la date du 14 juillet ?The French national holidayIn French: À la fête nationale française
- What is the date of the French national holiday?In French: Quelle est la date de la fête nationale française ?14 JulyIn French: Le 14 juillet
- What is traditionally held on the Champs-Élysées on 14 July to celebrate the national holiday?In French: Qu'est ce qui est traditionnellement organisé sur les Champs Élysées le 14 juillet pour célébrer la fête nationale ?A military paradeIn French: Un défilé militaire
- What is celebrated on 14 July?In French: Que célèbre-t-on le 14 juillet ?The national holiday, in memory of the storming of the BastilleIn French: La fête nationale, en souvenir de la prise de la Bastille
- Which celebration is French?In French: Quelle fête est française ?The national holiday on 14 JulyIn French: La fête nationale du 14 juillet
- What does the national holiday commemorate?In French: Que commémore la fête nationale ?The storming of the Bastille (1789) and the Festival of the Federation (1790)In French: La prise de la Bastille (1789) et la fête de la Fédération (1790)
- What does the date of 14 July mean for the French?In French: Que signifie la date du 14 juillet pour les Français ?It is the national holiday, in memory of the storming of the BastilleIn French: C’est la fête nationale, en souvenir de la prise de la Bastille
The French language
1 questionRemember: French is the language of the Republic, written into the Constitution.
The symbols of the European Union
5 questionsRemember: Motto: “United in diversity”. Anthem: Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. Flag: a circle of 12 golden stars on a blue background.
Trap: 12 stars, not 27: the number 12 stands for unity, not the number of countries.
- What is the motto of the European Union?In French: Quelle est la devise de l’Union européenne ?“United in diversity”In French: « Unie dans la diversité »
- What is the anthem of the European Union?In French: Quel est l'hymne de l'Union européenne ?Beethoven’s Ode to JoyIn French: L'Ode à la joie de Beethoven
- What does the European flag consist of?In French: De quoi est composé le drapeau européen ?A circle of 12 golden stars on a blue backgroundIn French: Un cercle de 12 étoiles dorées sur fond bleu
- What colour is the European flag?In French: De quelle couleur est le drapeau européen ?Blue, with yellow (golden) starsIn French: Bleu, avec des étoiles jaunes (dorées)
- Who composed the anthem of the European Union?In French: Qui a composé l'hymne de l'Union européenne ?Ludwig van Beethoven
Don’t mix them up
France or the European Union?
| France | European Union | |
|---|---|---|
| Motto | Liberté, Égalité, FraternitéLiberty, Equality, Fraternity | « Unie dans la diversité »“United in diversity” |
| Anthem | La Marseillaise | L'Ode à la joie de BeethovenBeethoven’s Ode to Joy |
| Flag | Bleu, blanc, rougeBlue, white, red | Un cercle de 12 étoiles dorées sur fond bleuA circle of 12 golden stars on a blue background |
Symbol of the Republic, or not?
Official symbols
- Le drapeau tricoloreThe tricolour flag
- La Marseillaise
- Liberté, Égalité, FraternitéLiberty, Equality, Fraternity
Not symbols of the Republic
- La tour EiffelThe Eiffel Tower
- Le béret basqueThe Basque beret
- La baguette de painThe baguette
- La fleur de lysThe fleur-de-lis
- La couronne royaleThe royal crown
- L'aigle impérialThe imperial eagle
14 July, not another date
- 14 JulyÀ la fête nationale françaiseThe French national holiday
- 11 NovemberÀ l’anniversaire de l’armistice de 1918The anniversary of the 1918 Armistice
- 1 MayÀ la fête du TravailLabour Day
- 8 MayÀ la victoire des Alliés en 1945The Allied victory in 1945
Test yourself: 10 questions
Official questions drawn from every symbol. No repeats until you have seen them all.
Which of these is one of the symbols of the French Republic?
In French: Quel est l’un des symboles de la République française ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: The blue, white and red flag
Remember: The Constitution names the tricolour flag, La Marseillaise and the motto. The symbol of the Republic appears on official State websites ending in .gouv.fr.
See the official questionWhich of these symbols officially represents the French Republic?
In French: Lequel de ces symboles représente officiellement la République française ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: The tricolour flag
Remember: The Constitution names the tricolour flag, La Marseillaise and the motto. The symbol of the Republic appears on official State websites ending in .gouv.fr.
See the official questionWhich of these are official symbols of the French Republic?
In French: Quels sont des symboles officiels de la République française ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: The tricolour flag, La Marseillaise and the motto
Remember: The Constitution names the tricolour flag, La Marseillaise and the motto. The symbol of the Republic appears on official State websites ending in .gouv.fr.
See the official questionOn which websites can you find the symbol of the French Republic?
In French: Sur quel site internet peut-on retrouver le symbole de la République française ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: On official State websites ending in .gouv.fr
Remember: The Constitution names the tricolour flag, La Marseillaise and the motto. The symbol of the Republic appears on official State websites ending in .gouv.fr.
See the official questionWhich of these symbols represents the French Republic?
In French: Lequel de ces symboles représente la République française ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: The blue, white and red flag
Remember: The Constitution names the tricolour flag, La Marseillaise and the motto. The symbol of the Republic appears on official State websites ending in .gouv.fr.
See the official questionWhich are official symbols of the French Republic?
In French: Lesquels sont des symboles officiels de la République française ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: The tricolour flag, La Marseillaise and the motto of the Republic
Remember: The Constitution names the tricolour flag, La Marseillaise and the motto. The symbol of the Republic appears on official State websites ending in .gouv.fr.
See the official questionWhich symbol of the French Republic is tricolour?
In French: Quel symbole de la République française est tricolore ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: The flag
Remember: Blue, white, red: three colours, hence the name tricolour. Burning it in public to insult it is punishable by law.
See the official questionWhat are the colours of the French flag?
In French: Quelles sont les couleurs du drapeau français ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: Blue, white, red
Remember: Blue, white, red: three colours, hence the name tricolour. Burning it in public to insult it is punishable by law.
See the official questionCan you publicly burn a French flag?
In French: Peut-on brûler publiquement un drapeau français ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: No, it is punishable by law
Remember: Blue, white, red: three colours, hence the name tricolour. Burning it in public to insult it is punishable by law.
See the official questionWhat is the name of the national anthem?
In French: Quel est le nom de l'hymne national ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: La Marseillaise
Remember: The national anthem, written in 1792 by Rouget de Lisle. “Allons enfants de la Patrie, le jour de gloire est arrivé !” and “Aux armes, citoyens ! Formez vos bataillons !”
See the official questionWhat is La Marseillaise?
In French: Qu'est-ce que la Marseillaise ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: The national anthem of France
Remember: The national anthem, written in 1792 by Rouget de Lisle. “Allons enfants de la Patrie, le jour de gloire est arrivé !” and “Aux armes, citoyens ! Formez vos bataillons !”
See the official questionComplete these words of La Marseillaise: “Aux armes […] ! Formez vos bataillons” (“To arms […]! Form your battalions”)
In French: Complétez ces paroles de la Marseillaise : "Aux armes […] ! Formez vos bataillons"
Show the answer
The correct answer: citoyens (citizens)
Remember: The national anthem, written in 1792 by Rouget de Lisle. “Allons enfants de la Patrie, le jour de gloire est arrivé !” and “Aux armes, citoyens ! Formez vos bataillons !”
See the official questionComplete the words of La Marseillaise: “Allons enfants de la patrie […]” (“Arise, children of the Fatherland […]”)
In French: Complétez les paroles de la Marseillaise : "Allons enfants de la patrie […]"
Show the answer
The correct answer: Le jour de gloire est arrivé ! (The day of glory has arrived!)
Remember: The national anthem, written in 1792 by Rouget de Lisle. “Allons enfants de la Patrie, le jour de gloire est arrivé !” and “Aux armes, citoyens ! Formez vos bataillons !”
See the official questionWho was Rouget de Lisle?
In French: Qui était Monsieur Rouget de Lisle ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: The author of La Marseillaise, the national anthem
Remember: The national anthem, written in 1792 by Rouget de Lisle. “Allons enfants de la Patrie, le jour de gloire est arrivé !” and “Aux armes, citoyens ! Formez vos bataillons !”
See the official question“Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” (Liberté, égalité, fraternité) is:
In French: "Liberté, égalité, fraternité", c’est :
Show the answer
The correct answer: the motto of the French Republic
Remember: “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité”, written into the Constitution and on the front of town halls and state schools. Equality: the same rights and duties for all citizens. Fraternity: solidarity and mutual help.
See the official questionWhere can you see the motto of the Republic?
In French: Où peut-on voir la devise de la République ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: On the front of town halls and state schools
Remember: “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité”, written into the Constitution and on the front of town halls and state schools. Equality: the same rights and duties for all citizens. Fraternity: solidarity and mutual help.
See the official questionWhat does the word “fraternity” mean in the French motto?
In French: Que signifie le mot "fraternité" dans la devise française ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: Solidarity and mutual help between people
Remember: “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité”, written into the Constitution and on the front of town halls and state schools. Equality: the same rights and duties for all citizens. Fraternity: solidarity and mutual help.
See the official questionWhat is the motto of the French Republic?
In French: Quelle est la devise de la République française ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
Remember: “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité”, written into the Constitution and on the front of town halls and state schools. Equality: the same rights and duties for all citizens. Fraternity: solidarity and mutual help.
See the official questionWhat is the motto of France?
In French: Quelle est la devise de la France ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”
Remember: “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité”, written into the Constitution and on the front of town halls and state schools. Equality: the same rights and duties for all citizens. Fraternity: solidarity and mutual help.
See the official questionOne of the values in the Republic’s motto is equality. What does this mean?
In French: Une des valeurs de la devise républicaine est l'égalité. Qu'est-ce que cela signifie ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: All citizens have the same rights and the same duties
Remember: “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité”, written into the Constitution and on the front of town halls and state schools. Equality: the same rights and duties for all citizens. Fraternity: solidarity and mutual help.
See the official questionWho is Marianne?
In French: Qui est Marianne ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: A female figure who represents the Republic
Remember: A female figure who represents the Republic. She wears a Phrygian cap, a symbol of liberty, and appears on postage stamps.
See the official questionWhat does Marianne represent?
In French: Que représente Marianne ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: The French Republic
Remember: A female figure who represents the Republic. She wears a Phrygian cap, a symbol of liberty, and appears on postage stamps.
See the official questionOn which item can you see Marianne?
In French: Sur quel document peut-on voir Marianne ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: On French postage stamps
Remember: A female figure who represents the Republic. She wears a Phrygian cap, a symbol of liberty, and appears on postage stamps.
See the official questionWhich of these figures is linked to the French Republic?
In French: Lequel de ces personnages a un lien avec la République française ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: Marianne
Remember: A female figure who represents the Republic. She wears a Phrygian cap, a symbol of liberty, and appears on postage stamps.
See the official questionWhich of these first names brings to mind a symbol of the Republic?
In French: Lequel de ces prénoms évoque un symbole de la République ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: Marianne
Remember: A female figure who represents the Republic. She wears a Phrygian cap, a symbol of liberty, and appears on postage stamps.
See the official questionWhat does Marianne wear on her head?
In French: Que porte Marianne sur la tête ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: A Phrygian cap
Remember: A female figure who represents the Republic. She wears a Phrygian cap, a symbol of liberty, and appears on postage stamps.
See the official questionWhich animal is a symbol of France?
In French: Quel animal est un symbole de la France ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: The rooster
Remember: The rooster is a symbol of France. It is on the French football team’s shirt.
See the official questionWhich symbol of the Republic can be seen on the shirts of the French national football team?
In French: Quel symbole de la République peut-on voir sur les maillots de l'équipe de France de football ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: The Gallic rooster
Remember: The rooster is a symbol of France. It is on the French football team’s shirt.
See the official questionWhat does the date of 14 July correspond to?
In French: À quoi correspond la date du 14 juillet ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: The French national holiday
Remember: The national holiday since 1880, in memory of the storming of the Bastille (1789) and the Festival of the Federation (1790). A military parade takes place on the Champs-Élysées.
See the official questionWhat is the date of the French national holiday?
In French: Quelle est la date de la fête nationale française ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: 14 July
Remember: The national holiday since 1880, in memory of the storming of the Bastille (1789) and the Festival of the Federation (1790). A military parade takes place on the Champs-Élysées.
See the official questionWhat is traditionally held on the Champs-Élysées on 14 July to celebrate the national holiday?
In French: Qu'est ce qui est traditionnellement organisé sur les Champs Élysées le 14 juillet pour célébrer la fête nationale ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: A military parade
Remember: The national holiday since 1880, in memory of the storming of the Bastille (1789) and the Festival of the Federation (1790). A military parade takes place on the Champs-Élysées.
See the official questionWhat is celebrated on 14 July?
In French: Que célèbre-t-on le 14 juillet ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: The national holiday, in memory of the storming of the Bastille
Remember: The national holiday since 1880, in memory of the storming of the Bastille (1789) and the Festival of the Federation (1790). A military parade takes place on the Champs-Élysées.
See the official questionWhich celebration is French?
In French: Quelle fête est française ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: The national holiday on 14 July
Remember: The national holiday since 1880, in memory of the storming of the Bastille (1789) and the Festival of the Federation (1790). A military parade takes place on the Champs-Élysées.
See the official questionWhat does the national holiday commemorate?
In French: Que commémore la fête nationale ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: The storming of the Bastille (1789) and the Festival of the Federation (1790)
Remember: The national holiday since 1880, in memory of the storming of the Bastille (1789) and the Festival of the Federation (1790). A military parade takes place on the Champs-Élysées.
See the official questionWhat does the date of 14 July mean for the French?
In French: Que signifie la date du 14 juillet pour les Français ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: It is the national holiday, in memory of the storming of the Bastille
Remember: The national holiday since 1880, in memory of the storming of the Bastille (1789) and the Festival of the Federation (1790). A military parade takes place on the Champs-Élysées.
See the official questionWhat is the place of the French language in the Republic?
In French: Quelle est la place de la langue française dans la République ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: It is the language of the Republic, written into the Constitution
Remember: French is the language of the Republic, written into the Constitution.
See the official questionWhat is the motto of the European Union?
In French: Quelle est la devise de l’Union européenne ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: “United in diversity”
Remember: Motto: “United in diversity”. Anthem: Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. Flag: a circle of 12 golden stars on a blue background.
See the official questionWhat is the anthem of the European Union?
In French: Quel est l'hymne de l'Union européenne ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: Beethoven’s Ode to Joy
Remember: Motto: “United in diversity”. Anthem: Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. Flag: a circle of 12 golden stars on a blue background.
See the official questionWhat does the European flag consist of?
In French: De quoi est composé le drapeau européen ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: A circle of 12 golden stars on a blue background
Remember: Motto: “United in diversity”. Anthem: Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. Flag: a circle of 12 golden stars on a blue background.
See the official questionWhat colour is the European flag?
In French: De quelle couleur est le drapeau européen ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: Blue, with yellow (golden) stars
Remember: Motto: “United in diversity”. Anthem: Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. Flag: a circle of 12 golden stars on a blue background.
See the official questionWho composed the anthem of the European Union?
In French: Qui a composé l'hymne de l'Union européenne ?
Show the answer
The correct answer: Ludwig van Beethoven
Remember: Motto: “United in diversity”. Anthem: Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. Flag: a circle of 12 golden stars on a blue background.
See the official question
Sources
The questions come from the official lists of the French Ministry of the Interior (formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr and immigration.interieur.gouv.fr). The options, answers, explanations, translations and illustrations are written by Recite.
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