French civic exam: trick questions, easy to confuse

Question 1 of 10

Qui nomme le Premier ministre ?

Who appoints the Prime Minister?

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The right answer: D. Le président de la République (The President of the Republic)

Trap: “Le président du Sénat”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui assure l'intérim du président de la République en cas de décès ? (Who stands in for the President of the Republic if the President dies?)

Under Article 8 of the Constitution, the President of the Republic appoints the Prime Minister.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 8

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Question 2 of 10

Qui est élu lors des élections présidentielles ?

Who is elected in the presidential election?

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The right answer: B. Le président de la République (The President of the Republic)

Trap: “Le Premier ministre”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui dirige l'action du Gouvernement ? (Who directs the Government’s action?)

Trap: “Le président du Sénat”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui assure l'intérim du président de la République en cas de décès ? (Who stands in for the President of the Republic if the President dies?)

The President of the Republic is elected directly by citizens, by direct universal suffrage.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 6

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Question 3 of 10

Qui réside au palais de l'Élysée ?

Who lives in the Élysée Palace?

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The right answer: C. Le président de la République (The President of the Republic)

Trap: “Le Premier ministre”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui dirige l'action du Gouvernement ? (Who directs the Government’s action?)

Trap: “Le président du Sénat”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui assure l'intérim du président de la République en cas de décès ? (Who stands in for the President of the Republic if the President dies?)

The Élysée Palace in Paris is the official residence and workplace of the President of the Republic.

Source: elysee.fr – Le palais de l'Élysée

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Question 4 of 10

Qui dirige l'action du Gouvernement ?

Who directs the Government’s action?

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The right answer: B. Le Premier ministre (The Prime Minister)

Trap: “Le président du Sénat”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui assure l'intérim du président de la République en cas de décès ? (Who stands in for the President of the Republic if the President dies?)

According to the Constitution, the Prime Minister directs the Government's action.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 21

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Question 5 of 10

Qui est le chef du Gouvernement ?

Who is the head of the Government?

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The right answer: D. Le Premier ministre (The Prime Minister)

Trap: “Le président du Sénat”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui assure l'intérim du président de la République en cas de décès ? (Who stands in for the President of the Republic if the President dies?)

The Prime Minister is the head of Government. He is appointed by the President of the Republic.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 21

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Question 6 of 10

Qui est élu lors des élections législatives ?

Who is elected in legislative elections?

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The right answer: A. Les députés (Members of the National Assembly (députés))

Trap: “Le président de la République”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui nomme le Premier ministre ? (Who appoints the Prime Minister?)

Legislative elections are used to elect the members of the National Assembly, by direct universal suffrage.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 24

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Question 7 of 10

Qui est élu lors des élections municipales ?

Who is elected in municipal elections?

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The right answer: D. Les conseillers municipaux, qui élisent ensuite le maire (Municipal councillors, who then elect the mayor)

Trap: “Les députés”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui est élu lors des élections législatives ? (Who is elected in legislative elections?)

In municipal elections, voters elect the municipal councillors. The council then elects the mayor from among its members.

Source: Code général des collectivités territoriales, article L2122-4

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Question 8 of 10

Qui élit les députés ?

Who elects the members of the National Assembly (députés)?

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The right answer: D. Les électeurs, au suffrage universel direct (Voters, by direct universal suffrage)

Trap: “Le président de la République”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui nomme le Premier ministre ? (Who appoints the Prime Minister?)

Deputies are elected directly by voters, by direct universal suffrage, for five years.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 24

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Question 9 of 10

Qui possède le pouvoir exécutif ?

Who holds executive power?

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The right answer: D. Le président de la République et le Gouvernement (The President of the Republic and the Government)

Trap: “Le Parlement”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui vote les lois ? (Who passes laws?)

Executive power is shared between the President of the Republic and the Government, led by the Prime Minister.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, articles 5, 20 et 21

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Question 10 of 10

Qui possède le pouvoir législatif ?

Who holds legislative power?

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The right answer: A. Le Parlement (Assemblée nationale et Sénat) (Parliament (National Assembly and Senate))

Trap: “Le président de la République”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui nomme le Premier ministre ? (Who appoints the Prime Minister?)

Legislative power belongs to Parliament, made up of the National Assembly and the Senate. Parliament votes on laws.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 24

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Question 11 of 10

Qui vote les lois ?

Who passes laws?

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The right answer: A. Le Parlement (Parliament)

Trap: “Le Premier ministre”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui dirige l'action du Gouvernement ? (Who directs the Government’s action?)

Parliament, that is the National Assembly and the Senate, votes on laws.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 24

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Question 12 of 10

Qu'est-ce que le pouvoir exécutif ? Le pouvoir :

What is executive power? The power:

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The right answer: C. de faire appliquer les lois et de diriger le pays (to enforce laws and run the country)

Trap: “de voter les lois”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qu'est-ce que le pouvoir législatif ? Le pouvoir : (What is legislative power? The power:)

Executive power applies the laws and runs the country’s policy. It is exercised by the President and the Government.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, articles 5, 20 et 21

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Question 13 of 10

Quel est le rôle de la police ?

What is the role of the police?

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The right answer: A. Protéger les personnes et les biens et faire respecter la loi (Protecting people and property and enforcing the law)

Trap: “Voter les lois”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qu'est-ce que le pouvoir législatif ? Le pouvoir : (What is legislative power? The power:)

The police protect people and property, maintain public order and enforce the law, mainly in cities.

Source: service-public.gouv.fr – Police et gendarmerie

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Question 14 of 10

À qui appartient la souveraineté nationale ?

To whom does national sovereignty belong?

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The right answer: B. Au peuple (The people)

Trap: “Au Président de la République”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui nomme le Premier ministre ? (Who appoints the Prime Minister?)

National sovereignty belongs to the people, who exercise it through their elected representatives and by referendum.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 3

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Question 15 of 10

Qui représente l'État dans un département ?

Who represents the State in a department?

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The right answer: B. Le préfet (The prefect (préfet))

Trap: “Le maire”. That’s the answer to a different question: Parmi ces autorités, laquelle est élue ? (Which of these authorities is elected?)

The prefect represents the State and the Government in the department. He or she is appointed by the President of the Republic.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 72

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Question 16 of 10

Parmi ces autorités, laquelle est élue ?

Which of these authorities is elected?

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The right answer: D. Le maire (The mayor)

Trap: “Le préfet”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui représente l'État dans un département ? (Who represents the State in a department?)

The mayor is elected by the municipal council, which is itself elected by the residents. The prefect, the rector and the police superintendent are appointed.

Source: Code général des collectivités territoriales, article L2122-4

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Question 17 of 10

Qui gère les écoles primaires et maternelles publiques ?

Who manages state primary and nursery schools?

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The right answer: D. La commune (The municipality)

Trap: “La région”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle collectivité territoriale est responsable des transports régionaux ? (Which local authority is responsible for regional transport?)

Trap: “Le département”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui gère les collèges publics ? (Who manages state collèges (lower secondary schools)?)

The municipality is responsible for public nursery and primary schools: it builds, maintains and equips them.

Source: Code de l'éducation, article L212-4

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Question 18 of 10

Qui gère les collèges publics ?

Who manages state collèges (lower secondary schools)?

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The right answer: A. Le département (The department)

Trap: “La commune”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui gère les écoles primaires et maternelles publiques ? (Who manages state primary and nursery schools?)

Trap: “La région”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle collectivité territoriale est responsable des transports régionaux ? (Which local authority is responsible for regional transport?)

The department is responsible for lower secondary schools: it builds, maintains and equips them. The State recruits and pays the teachers.

Source: Code de l'éducation, article L213-2

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Question 19 of 10

Quelle collectivité territoriale est responsable des transports régionaux ?

Which local authority is responsible for regional transport?

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The right answer: C. La région (The region)

Trap: “La commune”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui gère les écoles primaires et maternelles publiques ? (Who manages state primary and nursery schools?)

Trap: “Le département”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui gère les collèges publics ? (Who manages state collèges (lower secondary schools)?)

The region organises regional transport, such as TER trains and coaches linking towns.

Source: Loi n° 2015-991 du 7 août 2015 portant nouvelle organisation territoriale de la République (loi NOTRe)

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Question 20 of 10

Où est le siège du Parlement européen ?

Where is the seat of the European Parliament?

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The right answer: C. À Strasbourg (In Strasbourg)

Trap: “À Bruxelles”. That’s the answer to a different question: Où est le siège de la Commission européenne ? (Where is the seat of the European Commission?)

The official seat of the European Parliament is in Strasbourg, France. Some meetings also take place in Brussels.

Source: Traités de l'Union européenne, protocole n° 6 sur la fixation des sièges des institutions

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Question 21 of 10

Où est le siège de la Commission européenne ?

Where is the seat of the European Commission?

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The right answer: B. À Bruxelles (In Brussels)

Trap: “À Strasbourg”. That’s the answer to a different question: Où est le siège du Parlement européen ? (Where is the seat of the European Parliament?)

The European Commission has its seat in Brussels, Belgium.

Source: Traités de l'Union européenne, protocole n° 6 sur la fixation des sièges des institutions

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Question 22 of 10

Où est le siège de la Banque centrale européenne ?

Where is the headquarters of the European Central Bank?

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The right answer: C. À Francfort (In Frankfurt)

Trap: “À Bruxelles”. That’s the answer to a different question: Où est le siège de la Commission européenne ? (Where is the seat of the European Commission?)

Trap: “À Strasbourg”. That’s the answer to a different question: Où est le siège du Parlement européen ? (Where is the seat of the European Parliament?)

The European Central Bank, which manages the single currency, the euro, has its headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany.

Source: ecb.europa.eu – Banque centrale européenne

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Question 23 of 10

Quel pays est un pays fondateur de l'Union européenne ?

Which country is a founding country of the European Union?

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The right answer: C. L'Italie (Italy)

Trap: “Le Royaume-Uni”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quel État a quitté l'Union européenne en 2020 ? (Which state left the European Union in 2020?)

The six founding countries are France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

Source: Traité de Rome du 25 mars 1957

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Question 24 of 10

Lequel de ces pays est un pays fondateur de l'Union Européenne ?

Which of these countries is a founding country of the European Union?

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The right answer: C. L’Italie (Italy)

Trap: “Le Royaume-Uni”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quel État a quitté l'Union européenne en 2020 ? (Which state left the European Union in 2020?)

The six founding countries are France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Spain and Sweden joined later.

Source: Traité de Rome du 25 mars 1957

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Question 25 of 10

Quelle est la devise de l’Union européenne ?

What is the motto of the European Union?

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The right answer: B. « Unie dans la diversité » (“United in diversity”)

Trap: “« Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité »”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle est la devise de la République française ? (What is the motto of the French Republic?)

The EU motto is "United in diversity". "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" is the motto of France.

Source: europa.eu – Les symboles de l'UE

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Question 26 of 10

Quel est l'hymne de l'Union européenne ?

What is the anthem of the European Union?

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The right answer: A. L'Ode à la joie de Beethoven (Beethoven’s Ode to Joy)

Trap: “La Marseillaise”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quel est le nom de l'hymne national ? (What is the name of the national anthem?)

The European anthem is the Ode to Joy, from Beethoven's 9th Symphony. La Marseillaise is the anthem of France.

Source: europa.eu – Les symboles de l'UE

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Question 27 of 10

Quel texte a été adopté pendant la Révolution française ?

Which text was adopted during the French Revolution?

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The right answer: A. La Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen (The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen)

Trap: “La Constitution de la Ve République”. That’s the answer to a different question: Comment s’appelle la Constitution actuelle de la France ? (What is France’s current Constitution called?)

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen was adopted in August 1789, at the start of the French Revolution.

Source: Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen de 1789

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Question 28 of 10

Parmi ces textes, lequel a été adopté sous Napoléon Ier ?

Which of these texts was adopted under Napoleon I?

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The right answer: A. Le Code civil (The Civil Code)

Trap: “La Déclaration des droits de l’homme et du citoyen”. That’s the answer to a different question: Comment s'appelle le texte qui énonce les droits et devoirs des personnes résidant en France ? (What is the name of the text that sets out the rights and duties of people living in France?)

Trap: “La Constitution de la Ve République”. That’s the answer to a different question: Comment s’appelle la Constitution actuelle de la France ? (What is France’s current Constitution called?)

The Civil Code was enacted in 1804 under Napoleon Bonaparte. It still governs civil life today: family, marriage and property.

Source: Code civil (promulgué le 21 mars 1804)

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Question 29 of 10

Laquelle de ces citations est inscrite dans la Déclaration des Droits de l'homme et du Citoyen de 1789 ?

Which of these quotations appears in the 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen?

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The right answer: C. « Les hommes naissent et demeurent libres et égaux en droits » (“Men are born and remain free and equal in rights”)

Trap: “« Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité »”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle est la devise de la République française ? (What is the motto of the French Republic?)

Trap: “« Unie dans la diversité »”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle est la devise de l’Union européenne ? (What is the motto of the European Union?)

Article 1 of the 1789 Declaration states: "Men are born and remain free and equal in rights."

Source: Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen de 1789, article 1er

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Question 30 of 10

Complétez ces paroles de la Marseillaise : "Aux armes […] ! Formez vos bataillons"

Complete these words of La Marseillaise: “Aux armes […] ! Formez vos bataillons” (“To arms […]! Form your battalions”)

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The right answer: C. citoyens (citoyens (citizens))

The chorus of La Marseillaise begins: “To arms, citizens! Form your battalions!”

Source: La Marseillaise (Rouget de Lisle, 1792) – Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 2

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Question 31 of 10

Quel symbole de la République française est tricolore ?

Which symbol of the French Republic is tricolour?

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The right answer: D. Le drapeau (The flag)

Trap: “La Marseillaise”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quel est le nom de l'hymne national ? (What is the name of the national anthem?)

Trap: “Le coq gaulois”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quel symbole de la République peut-on voir sur les maillots de l'équipe de France de football ? (Which symbol of the Republic can be seen on the shirts of the French national football team?)

The French flag has three colours: blue, white and red. That is why it is called “tricolour”.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 2

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Question 32 of 10

Quelle île française se trouve dans l'océan Indien ?

Which French island is in the Indian Ocean?

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The right answer: A. La Réunion (Réunion)

Trap: “La Martinique”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle île fait partie des Antilles françaises ? (Which island is part of the French Antilles?)

Trap: “La Guadeloupe”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle île est un département d'outre-mer français ? (Which island is a French overseas department?)

Trap: “La Corse”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle île est française ? (Which island is French?)

Réunion is a French island in the Indian Ocean, like Mayotte. Martinique and Guadeloupe are in the Caribbean Sea, and Corsica is in the Mediterranean.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958, article 72-3

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Question 33 of 10

Quelle île française est située dans l'océan indien ?

Which French island is in the Indian Ocean?

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The right answer: B. La Réunion (Réunion)

Trap: “La Martinique”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle île fait partie des Antilles françaises ? (Which island is part of the French Antilles?)

Trap: “La Guadeloupe”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle île est un département d'outre-mer français ? (Which island is a French overseas department?)

Trap: “La Corse”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle île est française ? (Which island is French?)

Réunion is a French island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. Mayotte is also in this ocean.

Source: Ministère des Outre-mer – La Réunion

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Question 34 of 10

Quelle île française se trouve au sud-est du continent africain ?

Which French island lies to the south-east of the African continent?

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The right answer: B. La Réunion (Réunion)

Trap: “La Corse”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle île est française ? (Which island is French?)

Trap: “La Martinique”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle île fait partie des Antilles françaises ? (Which island is part of the French Antilles?)

Réunion is in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, so south-east of the African continent.

Source: Ministère des Outre-mer – La Réunion

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Question 35 of 10

Quelle île fait partie des Antilles françaises ?

Which island is part of the French Antilles?

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The right answer: C. La Martinique (Martinique)

Trap: “La Réunion”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle île française se trouve dans l'océan Indien ? (Which French island is in the Indian Ocean?)

Trap: “La Corse”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle île est française ? (Which island is French?)

Martinique and Guadeloupe are part of the French Antilles, in the Caribbean Sea, along with Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy. Réunion is in the Indian Ocean and Tahiti in the Pacific.

Source: Ministère des Outre-mer – Martinique

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Question 36 of 10

Quel département français a une frontière avec le Brésil ?

Which French department shares a border with Brazil?

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The right answer: D. La Guyane (French Guiana (la Guyane))

Trap: “La Martinique”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle île fait partie des Antilles françaises ? (Which island is part of the French Antilles?)

Trap: “La Guadeloupe”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle île est un département d'outre-mer français ? (Which island is a French overseas department?)

Trap: “Mayotte”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quel est le 101ème département français depuis 2011 ? (Which has been France’s 101st department since 2011?)

French Guiana is in South America. It borders Brazil to the east and south, and Suriname to the west.

Source: Ministère des Outre-mer – Guyane

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Question 37 of 10

Quelle région est la plus peuplée ?

Which region has the largest population?

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The right answer: C. L’Île-de-France (Île-de-France)

Trap: “La Corse”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle île est française ? (Which island is French?)

Île-de-France, around Paris, is the most populated region in France, with more than 12 million inhabitants.

Source: Insee – Estimations de population

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Question 38 of 10

Quelle région française est réputée pour ses stations de ski ?

Which French region is known for its ski resorts?

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The right answer: A. Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Trap: “Normandie”. That’s the answer to a different question: Où a eu lieu le débarquement en 1944 ? (Where did the 1944 landings take place?)

With the Northern Alps, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region has a great many ski resorts, such as Chamonix or Courchevel.

Source: Région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

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Question 39 of 10

Quelle est la mer au sud de la France métropolitaine ?

Which sea lies to the south of mainland France?

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The right answer: A. La mer Méditerranée (The Mediterranean Sea)

Trap: “La Manche”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle mer se situe entre la France et l'Angleterre ? (Which sea lies between France and England?)

The south of metropolitan France is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, with cities such as Marseille, Nice and Montpellier.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)

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Question 40 of 10

Quelle mer se situe entre la France et l'Angleterre ?

Which sea lies between France and England?

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The right answer: D. La Manche (The English Channel (la Manche))

Trap: “La mer Méditerranée”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle est la mer au sud de la France métropolitaine ? (Which sea lies to the south of mainland France?)

The English Channel separates north-western France from southern England. The Channel Tunnel links the two countries.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)

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Question 41 of 10

Quelle chaîne de montagnes est située entre la France et l'Italie ?

Which mountain range lies between France and Italy?

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The right answer: D. Les Alpes (The Alps)

Trap: “Les Pyrénées”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle chaîne de montagnes est située entre la France et l’Espagne ? (Which mountain range lies between France and Spain?)

The Alps separate France from Italy. Mont Blanc is located there. The Pyrenees are on the border with Spain.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)

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Question 42 of 10

Quelle chaîne de montagnes est située entre la France et l’Espagne ?

Which mountain range lies between France and Spain?

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The right answer: D. Les Pyrénées (The Pyrenees)

Trap: “Les Alpes”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle chaîne de montagnes est située entre la France et l'Italie ? (Which mountain range lies between France and Italy?)

The Pyrenees form a natural border between France and Spain in the south-west. The Alps and the Jura are in the east, the Vosges in the north-east.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)

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Question 43 of 10

Quelle ville est située au bord de la mer Méditerranée ?

Which city is on the Mediterranean coast?

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The right answer: A. Nice

Trap: “Bordeaux”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle ville française fait partie des 10 plus grandes métropoles du pays ? (Which French city is one of the country’s 10 largest metropolitan areas?)

Nice is on the Côte d'Azur, on the Mediterranean. Brest and Bordeaux are on the Atlantic side, and Lille is in the north, far from the sea.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)

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Question 44 of 10

Quel est le chef-lieu de la région Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur ?

What is the capital (chef-lieu) of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region?

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The right answer: C. Marseille

Trap: “Nice”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle ville est située au bord de la mer Méditerranée ? (Which city is on the Mediterranean coast?)

Marseille is the capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. It is also France’s second-largest city by population.

Source: Région Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

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Question 45 of 10

Quel est le chef-lieu de la région Bretagne ?

What is the capital (chef-lieu) of the Brittany (Bretagne) region?

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The right answer: A. Rennes

Trap: “Nantes”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quel était le principal port français impliqué dans la traite négrière au XVIIIe siècle ? (What was the main French port involved in the Atlantic slave trade in the 18th century?)

Rennes is the capital of the Brittany region. Nantes is the capital of the Pays de la Loire region.

Source: Région Bretagne

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Question 46 of 10

Quel était le principal port français impliqué dans la traite négrière au XVIIIe siècle ?

What was the main French port involved in the Atlantic slave trade in the 18th century?

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The right answer: D. Nantes

Trap: “Marseille”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle ville est un grand port maritime ? (Which city is a major seaport?)

In the 18th century, Nantes was France’s leading slave-trading port. Today the city is home to the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery.

Source: Château des ducs de Bretagne – Musée d’histoire de Nantes ; Mémorial de l’abolition de l’esclavage (Nantes)

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Question 47 of 10

Dans quelle ville les rois de France étaient-ils couronnés ?

In which city were the kings of France crowned?

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The right answer: B. Reims

Trap: “Lyon”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quel est le chef-lieu de la région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes ? (What is the capital (chef-lieu) of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region?)

Trap: “Bordeaux”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle ville française fait partie des 10 plus grandes métropoles du pays ? (Which French city is one of the country’s 10 largest metropolitan areas?)

Most kings of France were crowned in Reims Cathedral, where Clovis was baptised.

Source: Centre des monuments nationaux – Palais du Tau, Reims

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Question 48 of 10

De quelle ville française décolle la fusée Ariane ?

From which French town does the Ariane rocket take off?

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The right answer: B. Kourou

Trap: “Bordeaux”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle ville française fait partie des 10 plus grandes métropoles du pays ? (Which French city is one of the country’s 10 largest metropolitan areas?)

The Ariane rocket lifts off from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana. Its location near the equator makes launches easier.

Source: CNES – Centre spatial guyanais (Kourou)

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Question 49 of 10

Qui a rendu l’école gratuite, laïque et obligatoire ?

Who made school free, secular and compulsory?

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The right answer: A. Jules Ferry

Trap: “Victor Hugo”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quel écrivain est français ? (Which writer is French?)

Jules Ferry, Minister of Public Education, had the laws of 1881 and 1882 passed: public primary school became free, secular and compulsory.

Source: Loi du 16 juin 1881 et loi du 28 mars 1882

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Question 50 of 10

Qui a aboli l'esclavage en France ?

Who abolished slavery in France?

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The right answer: A. Victor Schœlcher

Trap: “Jules Ferry”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui a rendu l’école gratuite, laïque et obligatoire ? (Who made school free, secular and compulsory?)

Victor Schœlcher, Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, prepared the 1848 decree that definitively abolished slavery.

Source: Décret du 27 avril 1848 relatif à l’abolition de l’esclavage

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Question 51 of 10

Qui a fondé la Ve République ?

Who founded the Fifth Republic?

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The right answer: D. Charles de Gaulle

Trap: “François Mitterrand”. That’s the answer to a different question: Durant le mandat de quel président la peine de mort a-t-elle été abolie ? (During which president’s term was the death penalty abolished?)

Trap: “Jules Ferry”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui a rendu l’école gratuite, laïque et obligatoire ? (Who made school free, secular and compulsory?)

Back in power in 1958, Charles de Gaulle had a new Constitution adopted by referendum: this was the birth of the Fifth Republic.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958

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Question 52 of 10

Qui a été le premier Président élu sous la Ve République ?

Who was the first President elected under the Fifth Republic?

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The right answer: B. Charles de Gaulle

Trap: “Georges Pompidou”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui a été président de la Ve République ? (Who was a president of the Fifth Republic?)

Trap: “François Mitterrand”. That’s the answer to a different question: Durant le mandat de quel président la peine de mort a-t-elle été abolie ? (During which president’s term was the death penalty abolished?)

Charles de Gaulle was elected President of the Republic in December 1958. He was the first president of the Fifth Republic.

Source: Constitution du 4 octobre 1958

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Question 53 of 10

Durant le mandat de quel président la peine de mort a-t-elle été abolie ?

During which president’s term was the death penalty abolished?

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The right answer: A. François Mitterrand

Trap: “Charles de Gaulle”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui a été le premier Président élu sous la Ve République ? (Who was the first President elected under the Fifth Republic?)

The death penalty was abolished in 1981, under the presidency of François Mitterrand, through the law championed by Robert Badinter.

Source: Loi n° 81-908 du 9 octobre 1981 portant abolition de la peine de mort

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Question 54 of 10

Sous quel président a été abolie la peine de mort en France ?

Under which president was the death penalty abolished in France?

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The right answer: B. François Mitterrand

Trap: “Charles de Gaulle”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui a été le premier Président élu sous la Ve République ? (Who was the first President elected under the Fifth Republic?)

Trap: “Georges Pompidou”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui a été président de la Ve République ? (Who was a president of the Fifth Republic?)

The death penalty was abolished in 1981, under President François Mitterrand, through the law championed by Robert Badinter.

Source: Loi n° 81-908 du 9 octobre 1981 portant abolition de la peine de mort

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Question 55 of 10

Qui a peint "La liberté guidant le peuple" ?

Who painted “Liberty Leading the People” (La Liberté guidant le peuple)?

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The right answer: A. Eugène Delacroix

Trap: “Claude Monet”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quel peintre célèbre a peint les Nymphéas ? (Which famous painter painted the Water Lilies (les Nymphéas)?)

Eugène Delacroix painted ‘Liberty Leading the People’ in 1830, after the July Revolution. The painting is in the Louvre.

Source: Musée du Louvre – La Liberté guidant le peuple (1830)

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Question 56 of 10

Quel peintre célèbre a peint les Nymphéas ?

Which famous painter painted the Water Lilies (les Nymphéas)?

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The right answer: D. Claude Monet

Trap: “Eugène Delacroix”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui a peint "La liberté guidant le peuple" ? (Who painted “Liberty Leading the People” (La Liberté guidant le peuple)?)

Claude Monet, an Impressionist painter, painted the Water Lilies of his garden in Giverny. They can be seen at the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris.

Source: Musée de l’Orangerie – Les Nymphéas de Claude Monet

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Question 57 of 10

Qui était une écrivaine française célèbre ?

Who was a famous French woman writer?

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The right answer: A. Simone de Beauvoir

Trap: “Édith Piaf”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui était une chanteuse française célèbre ? (Who was a famous French singer?)

Simone de Beauvoir was a French writer and philosopher, author of “The Second Sex”. Piaf was a singer, Curie a scientist and Chanel a fashion designer.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)

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Question 58 of 10

Qui était un célèbre musicien français ?

Who was a famous French musician?

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The right answer: B. Claude Debussy

Trap: “Ludwig van Beethoven”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui a composé l'hymne de l'Union européenne ? (Who composed the anthem of the European Union?)

Claude Debussy (1862-1918) was a famous French composer, author of “Clair de lune”. Mozart was Austrian, Beethoven German and Verdi Italian.

Source: Livret du citoyen (ministère de l'Intérieur)

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Question 59 of 10

Qui était un célèbre compositeur français ?

Who was a famous French composer?

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The right answer: A. Claude Debussy

Trap: “Ludwig van Beethoven”. That’s the answer to a different question: Qui a composé l'hymne de l'Union européenne ? (Who composed the anthem of the European Union?)

Claude Debussy (1862–1918) is a great French composer. Mozart was Austrian, Beethoven German and Verdi Italian.

Source: Philharmonie de Paris – Claude Debussy

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Question 60 of 10

Quelle proposition représente un exemple de crime ?

Which of these is an example of a crime (crime, the most serious category of offence)?

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The right answer: B. Un meurtre (A murder)

Trap: “Un vol à l'étalage”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle proposition représente un exemple de délit ? (Which of these is an example of a misdemeanour (délit)?)

Crimes are the most serious offences. Murder is a crime punishable by 30 years' imprisonment and tried by the assize court.

Source: Code pénal, article 221-1

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Question 61 of 10

Quelle proposition représente un exemple de délit ?

Which of these is an example of a misdemeanour (délit)?

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The right answer: C. Un vol à l'étalage (Shoplifting)

Trap: “Un meurtre”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle proposition représente un exemple de crime ? (Which of these is an example of a crime (crime, the most serious category of offence)?)

Theft is a délit, tried by the criminal court and punishable by up to 3 years in prison. Murder and rape are crimes; illegal parking is a minor offence.

Source: Code pénal, article 311-3

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Question 62 of 10

Quel diplôme obtient-on à la fin du lycée ?

Which diploma do you get at the end of lycée (upper secondary school)?

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The right answer: D. Le baccalauréat (The baccalauréat)

Trap: “Le diplôme national du brevet”. That’s the answer to a different question: Comment s'appelle le diplôme passé par les élèves à la fin du collège ? (What is the name of the diploma pupils take at the end of collège (lower secondary school)?)

The baccalauréat, or “bac”, is the diploma taken at the end of lycée (upper secondary school). It gives access to higher education.

Source: Ministère de l'Éducation nationale – Le baccalauréat

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Question 63 of 10

Comment s'appelle le diplôme passé par les élèves à la fin du collège ?

What is the name of the diploma pupils take at the end of collège (lower secondary school)?

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The right answer: D. Le diplôme national du brevet (The diplôme national du brevet)

Trap: “Le baccalauréat”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quel diplôme obtient-on à la fin du lycée ? (Which diploma do you get at the end of lycée (upper secondary school)?)

At the end of troisième (the last year of collège), pupils take the diplôme national du brevet (DNB). The baccalauréat is taken at the end of lycée.

Source: Ministère de l'Éducation nationale – Le diplôme national du brevet

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Question 64 of 10

Quelle est l'une des conditions pour passer l'examen du permis de conduire ?

What is one of the conditions for taking the driving test?

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The right answer: A. Avoir réussi l’épreuve théorique du code de la route (Having passed the theory test on the highway code)

Trap: “Être de nationalité française”. That’s the answer to a different question: Pour obtenir une carte d'identité, il faut : (To obtain an identity card, you must:)

To take the practical car driving test, you must have passed the highway code test and be at least 17. Nationality is not required.

Source: service-public.gouv.fr – Permis de conduire B

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Question 65 of 10

Quelles sont les conditions pour toucher les allocations chômage ?

What are the conditions for receiving unemployment benefit?

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The right answer: B. Avoir perdu son emploi, avoir assez travaillé et être inscrit à France Travail (Having lost your job, having worked long enough and being registered with France Travail)

Trap: “Être de nationalité française”. That’s the answer to a different question: Pour obtenir une carte d'identité, il faut : (To obtain an identity card, you must:)

To receive unemployment benefit, you must have lost your job (usually not by choice), have worked at least 6 months and be registered with France Travail.

Source: service-public.gouv.fr – Allocation chômage (ARE)

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Question 66 of 10

Pour obtenir une carte d'identité, il faut :

To obtain an identity card, you must:

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The right answer: A. Être de nationalité française (Be of French nationality)

Trap: “Avoir au moins 18 ans”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle condition faut-il remplir pour être candidat aux élections municipales ? (Which condition must be met to stand in municipal elections?)

Trap: “Être inscrit sur les listes électorales”. That’s the answer to a different question: Quelle condition est nécessaire pour voter aux élections ? (Which condition must be met to vote in elections?)

The national identity card is only for French nationals. A French minor can also have one.

Source: service-public.gouv.fr – Carte d’identité

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Question 67 of 10

Auprès de quel organisme faut-il demander le remboursement des frais de santé ?

Which body do you ask to reimburse your health costs?

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The right answer: B. L’Assurance maladie (CPAM) (National health insurance (Assurance maladie, CPAM))

Trap: “La mairie de sa commune”. That’s the answer to a different question: Une personne, n'ayant pas d'accès à internet, veut s'inscrire sur les listes électorales pour pouvoir voter aux prochaines élections politiques. Où peut-elle s'inscrire ? (A person without internet access wants to register on the electoral rolls so they can vote in the next political elections. Where can they register?)

The local health insurance fund (CPAM) reimburses part of health costs. The Carte Vitale often allows automatic reimbursement.

Source: service-public.gouv.fr – Remboursement des soins

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Question 68 of 10

En cas de problème de santé non urgent, à qui faut-il s’adresser en premier ?

For a non-urgent health problem, who should you go to first?

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The right answer: B. À son médecin traitant (Your regular doctor (médecin traitant))

Trap: “À la mairie de sa commune”. That’s the answer to a different question: Une personne, n'ayant pas d'accès à internet, veut s'inscrire sur les listes électorales pour pouvoir voter aux prochaines élections politiques. Où peut-elle s'inscrire ? (A person without internet access wants to register on the electoral rolls so they can vote in the next political elections. Where can they register?)

For a non-urgent health problem, you should first see your regular doctor (médecin traitant). A&E and 18 are for serious situations.

Source: service-public.gouv.fr – Médecin traitant

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President or Prime Minister: who does what?

AThe President of the Republicelected in the presidential election, lives in the Élysée, appoints the Prime MinisterB or The Prime Ministerhead of the Government, directs its actionC or The President of the Senatestands in if the President dies

ADéputéselected in legislative elections, by votersB or Municipal councillorselected in municipal elections; they elect the mayorC or The President of the Republicelected in the presidential election

AParliamentlegislative power: it passes lawsB or The President and the Governmentexecutive power: they enforce the laws

AThe peoplenational sovereignty belongs to themB or The President of the Republicelected in the presidential election

AThe prefect (préfet)represents the State in the departmentB or The mayorelected by the town council

Commune, département or région: who runs what?

AThe municipality (commune)nursery and primary schoolsB or The departmentcollèges (lower secondary schools)C or The regionregional transport

Strasbourg or Brussels: which city, which country, which symbol?

AStrasbourgEuropean ParliamentB or BrusselsEuropean CommissionC or FrankfurtEuropean Central Bank

AItalyfounding country of the European UnionB or The United Kingdomleft the European Union in 2020

A“United in diversity” · Ode to Joymotto and anthem of the European UnionB or “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” · La Marseillaisemotto and anthem of France

Declaration, Civil Code, Marseillaise: texts and symbols

AThe Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizenadopted during the RevolutionB or The Civil Codeadopted under Napoleon IC or The Constitution of the Fifth Republicthe current Constitution

A“Men are born and remain free and equal in rights”1789 DeclarationB or “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”motto of the RepublicC or “United in diversity”motto of the European Union

A“citoyens” (citizens)“Aux armes, citoyens !”B or “Français”not in that line

AThe flagtricolour: blue, white, redB or La Marseillaisethe national anthemC or The Gallic roosteran emblem, on French team shirts

Réunion or Martinique? Overseas France and regions

ARéunionIndian Ocean, south-east of AfricaB or MartiniqueFrench Antilles

AFrench Guiana (la Guyane)borders BrazilB or Mayotte101st department since 2011

AÎle-de-Francethe most populous regionB or Corsicaa French island

AAuvergne-Rhône-Alpesski resortsB or Normandythe 1944 D-Day beaches

Alps or Pyrenees? Cities, seas and mountains

AThe Mediterranean Seasouth of mainland FranceB or The English Channel (la Manche)between France and England

AThe Alpsbetween France and ItalyB or The Pyreneesbetween France and Spain

ANiceon the MediterraneanB or Marseillecapital of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’AzurC or Bordeauxone of the 10 largest metropolitan areas

ARennescapital of BrittanyB or Nantesmain slave-trade port in the 18th century

AReimswhere the kings of France were crownedB or Lyoncapital of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

AKourouwhere the Ariane rocket takes offB or Bordeauxone of the 10 largest metropolitan areas

Delacroix or Monet, de Gaulle or Mitterrand?

AJules Ferryfree, secular, compulsory schoolB or Victor Schœlcherthe abolition of slaveryC or Victor HugoFrench writer

ACharles de Gaullefounded the Fifth Republic, its first elected PresidentB or François Mitterranddeath penalty abolished during his termC or Georges Pompidoua President of the Fifth Republic

AEugène DelacroixLiberty Leading the PeopleB or Claude Monetthe Water Lilies

ASimone de BeauvoirwriterB or Édith Piafsinger

AClaude DebussyFrench composerB or Ludwig van Beethoventhe Ode to Joy, the EU anthem

Crime or délit, brevet or bac? Law and daily life

ACrimemurderB or Misdemeanour (délit)shoplifting

AThe brevetend of collègeB or The baccalauréatend of lycée

ABeing a French nationalrequired for an identity cardB or Driving test, unemployment benefitnationality is not the right answer

ANational health insurance, your regular doctorreimbursement, health problemsB or The town hallregistering on the electoral roll

Test yourself: 10 trick questions

Qui nomme le Premier ministre ?

Qui est élu lors des élections présidentielles ?

Qui réside au palais de l'Élysée ?

Qui dirige l'action du Gouvernement ?

Qui est le chef du Gouvernement ?

Qui est élu lors des élections législatives ?

Qui est élu lors des élections municipales ?

Qui élit les députés ?

Qui possède le pouvoir exécutif ?

Qui possède le pouvoir législatif ?

Qui vote les lois ?

Qu'est-ce que le pouvoir exécutif ? Le pouvoir :

Quel est le rôle de la police ?

À qui appartient la souveraineté nationale ?

Qui représente l'État dans un département ?

Parmi ces autorités, laquelle est élue ?

Qui gère les écoles primaires et maternelles publiques ?

Qui gère les collèges publics ?

Quelle collectivité territoriale est responsable des transports régionaux ?

Où est le siège du Parlement européen ?

Où est le siège de la Commission européenne ?

Où est le siège de la Banque centrale européenne ?

Quel pays est un pays fondateur de l'Union européenne ?

Lequel de ces pays est un pays fondateur de l'Union Européenne ?

Quelle est la devise de l’Union européenne ?

Quel est l'hymne de l'Union européenne ?

Quel texte a été adopté pendant la Révolution française ?

Parmi ces textes, lequel a été adopté sous Napoléon Ier ?

Laquelle de ces citations est inscrite dans la Déclaration des Droits de l'homme et du Citoyen de 1789 ?

Complétez ces paroles de la Marseillaise : "Aux armes […] ! Formez vos bataillons"

Quel symbole de la République française est tricolore ?

Quelle île française se trouve dans l'océan Indien ?

Quelle île française est située dans l'océan indien ?

Quelle île française se trouve au sud-est du continent africain ?

Quelle île fait partie des Antilles françaises ?

Quel département français a une frontière avec le Brésil ?

Quelle région est la plus peuplée ?

Quelle région française est réputée pour ses stations de ski ?

Quelle est la mer au sud de la France métropolitaine ?

The President of the Republicelected in the presidential election, lives in the Élysée, appoints the Prime Minister or The Prime Ministerhead of the Government, directs its action or The President of the Senatestands in if the President dies

Députéselected in legislative elections, by voters or Municipal councillorselected in municipal elections; they elect the mayor or The President of the Republicelected in the presidential election

Parliamentlegislative power: it passes laws or The President and the Governmentexecutive power: they enforce the laws

The peoplenational sovereignty belongs to them or The President of the Republicelected in the presidential election

The prefect (préfet)represents the State in the department or The mayorelected by the town council

The municipality (commune)nursery and primary schools or The departmentcollèges (lower secondary schools) or The regionregional transport

StrasbourgEuropean Parliament or BrusselsEuropean Commission or FrankfurtEuropean Central Bank

Italyfounding country of the European Union or The United Kingdomleft the European Union in 2020

“United in diversity” · Ode to Joymotto and anthem of the European Union or “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” · La Marseillaisemotto and anthem of France

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizenadopted during the Revolution or The Civil Codeadopted under Napoleon I or The Constitution of the Fifth Republicthe current Constitution

“Men are born and remain free and equal in rights”1789 Declaration or “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”motto of the Republic or “United in diversity”motto of the European Union

“citoyens” (citizens)“Aux armes, citoyens !” or “Français”not in that line

The flagtricolour: blue, white, red or La Marseillaisethe national anthem or The Gallic roosteran emblem, on French team shirts

RéunionIndian Ocean, south-east of Africa or MartiniqueFrench Antilles

French Guiana (la Guyane)borders Brazil or Mayotte101st department since 2011

Île-de-Francethe most populous region or Corsicaa French island

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpesski resorts or Normandythe 1944 D-Day beaches

The Mediterranean Seasouth of mainland France or The English Channel (la Manche)between France and England

The Alpsbetween France and Italy or The Pyreneesbetween France and Spain

Niceon the Mediterranean or Marseillecapital of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur or Bordeauxone of the 10 largest metropolitan areas

Rennescapital of Brittany or Nantesmain slave-trade port in the 18th century

Reimswhere the kings of France were crowned or Lyoncapital of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Kourouwhere the Ariane rocket takes off or Bordeauxone of the 10 largest metropolitan areas

Jules Ferryfree, secular, compulsory school or Victor Schœlcherthe abolition of slavery or Victor HugoFrench writer

Charles de Gaullefounded the Fifth Republic, its first elected President or François Mitterranddeath penalty abolished during his term or Georges Pompidoua President of the Fifth Republic

Eugène DelacroixLiberty Leading the People or Claude Monetthe Water Lilies

Simone de Beauvoirwriter or Édith Piafsinger

Claude DebussyFrench composer or Ludwig van Beethoventhe Ode to Joy, the EU anthem

Crimemurder or Misdemeanour (délit)shoplifting

The brevetend of collège or The baccalauréatend of lycée

Being a French nationalrequired for an identity card or Driving test, unemployment benefitnationality is not the right answer

National health insurance, your regular doctorreimbursement, health problems or The town hallregistering on the electoral roll