-
Nearly 29% of US dictionary terms have French origins
New survey highlights France’s enduring influence on English vocabulary
-
Learning French: what does sécher les cours mean and when should it be used?
Finding the link between ink and bunking off school
-
Tac, euh, bah: French language tics you hear every day
Discover five words that French people use but that have no real meaning
Hyphens, no hyphens: what is correct spelling of French commune names?
The Association des Maires de France explains the official rules
Reader question: I sometimes see names of communes written with hyphens and sometimes without. What is correct? J.A.
The Association des Maires de France states that the official rules say when the name of a commune, or other local authority, is composed of several words, they should all be connected by hyphens. So, for example: Saint-Germain-en-Laye. One exception is the definite article at the start of a name, eg. Le Mans. There is also no hyphen after contractions such as d’ and l’.
The rule helps make it clear the name relates to an administrative area and nothing else. The association regrets, however, that some new communes get this wrong when registering their names.
Words must also be capitalised, apart from articles inside the name, and prepositions.
Related stories:
Why are private school fees in France usually cheaper than the UK?
French inheritance law: Can I override en tontine clause on my house?
Can I destroy my old will now I have a French one that elects UK law?
