Civic glossary

The birth certificate is the official document proving a person's birth. It is issued by the town hall and is used in many administrative procedures, such as a residence permit or naturalisation application.

Legal aid is state financial support that covers, wholly or partly, court and lawyer costs for people on modest incomes. It guarantees equal access to justice.

Exam accommodations are adaptations granted, notably in cases of disability or health problems, to allow the exam to be taken in good conditions (extra time, adapted equipment). They rest on a medical certificate.

A fine is a sum of money you must pay as a penalty when you commit an offence (for example speeding or illegal dumping). It is the typical penalty for contraventions.

A stateless person is someone whom no state recognises as its national: they hold no country's nationality. In France, stateless status is recognised by OFPRA and grants special protection.

An armistice is an agreement that stops the fighting between two armies. The armistice of 11 November 1918 ended the fighting of the First World War; this date is a public holiday in France.

The National Assembly is the lower chamber of Parliament. It has 577 deputies, elected by direct universal suffrage for five years. It votes the law and can bring down the government.

An association is a group of people who freely come together for a common non-profit goal (sport, culture, mutual help, etc.). In France, the freedom to create an association is guaranteed by the 1901 law.

Health insurance is the part of Social Security that reimburses healthcare costs (doctor, medicines, hospital). It rests on solidarity: everyone contributes and everyone can get care. The Vitale card is used to benefit from it.

Parental authority is the set of parents' rights and duties to protect their child and see to their health, safety and education. It is exercised in the child's interest until they come of age.

A lawyer is a legal professional who advises and defends people before the courts. Everyone has the right to be defended; if they cannot afford a lawyer, they can apply for legal aid.

The Phrygian cap is a soft red hat worn by Marianne. Since the French Revolution it has been a symbol of liberty and of the Republic.

Brexit refers to the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union, which took effect in 2020. It is the first time a country has left the Union. The word comes from English "Britain" and "exit".

The resident card (CR) is a long-term residence permit, generally valid for ten years and renewable. Since 1 January 2026, a first application requires French level B1 and passing the civic exam, unless exempt.

The multi-year residence permit (CSP) is a residence permit valid for several years, issued to a foreigner already settled in France. Since 1 January 2026, a first application requires French level A2 and passing the civic exam, unless exempt.

The Vitale card is the health insurance card. It proves a person's rights to health cover and enables automatic reimbursement of medical costs.

European citizenship is granted to anyone holding the nationality of an EU country. It is added to national citizenship and grants rights, such as moving and residing freely within the EU or voting in European and municipal elections.

The commune is France's smallest territorial authority (a town or a village). It is run by a municipal council and led by the mayor. The commune handles daily life: civil registry, schools, planning, cleanliness.

The municipal council is the assembly of a commune's elected members, chosen by the residents in the municipal elections. It votes the commune's budget, decides on local projects and elects the mayor from among its members.

The Constitution is the most important text in French law: it organises the powers (president, government, Parliament, justice) and guarantees fundamental rights. No law may contradict it. The current Constitution dates from 1958 and founded the Fifth Republic.

A contravention is the least serious offence, punished mainly by a fine (for example a minor speeding offence or illegal parking). It is judged by the police court.

The assize court is the court that judges crimes, the most serious offences. It brings together professional judges and, traditionally, citizen jurors drawn by lot.

A crime is the most serious offence (for example murder or rape). It is judged by the assize court or the criminal court and can be punished by long prison sentences.

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen was adopted in 1789, during the French Revolution. It proclaims that men are born free and equal in rights and sets out fundamental freedoms (liberty, property, security). It still has legal force today, as part of the constitutional framework.

The Defender of Rights is an independent authority that protects people's rights before the administration and fights discrimination. Anyone who feels wronged by a public service can refer their case to it free of charge.

A délit is an offence of medium seriousness, more serious than a contravention but less than a crime (for example theft or drink-driving). It is judged by the correctional court and can be punished by a fine or imprisonment.

The department is a territorial authority and an administrative division, larger than the commune and smaller than the region. It handles social action and lower secondary schools in particular. France has 101 departments.

Illegal dumping means abandoning waste in nature or on public roads, outside the designated places. It is forbidden and punished by a fine, because it harms the environment and cleanliness.

Deputies are the members of the National Assembly. They are elected by citizens through direct universal suffrage for five years. They vote the law, examine the budget and oversee the government's action.

The motto of the French Republic is "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity". It is a short phrase summarising the country's core values. It appears on town halls, schools and official documents.

A civic duty is an obligation of the citizen towards society: obeying the law, paying taxes, voting, serving on a jury, respecting others and shared goods. Rights of the citizen come with duties.

Defamation means publicly asserting a false fact that harms a person's honour or reputation. It is a limit on freedom of expression: defamation is punished by law.

Discrimination means treating a person worse than another because of their origin, sex, religion, disability or another criterion forbidden by law. Discrimination is an offence punished by law; equality between people is a principle of the Republic.

Divorce is the legal ending of a marriage. It ends the obligations between spouses and organises the consequences (children, property). It can be pronounced by a judge or, in some cases, by mutual agreement before a notary.

The tricolour flag is France's flag: three vertical bands of blue, white and red. It was born during the French Revolution. It is a national symbol found on public buildings.

The right to strike is the right of employees to collectively stop work to defend their professional demands. It is a right recognised by the Constitution. It is exercised within rules, particularly for public services.

The right to vote lets you choose your representatives in elections. In France it is open to French citizens of voting age (18) registered on the electoral rolls. EU citizens may vote in municipal and European elections.

Civic rights are the rights that allow participation in political life, such as voting, being elected or serving as a juror. They are reserved for citizens and may be removed by a court decision in the event of a serious conviction.

Fundamental rights are the essential rights guaranteed to every person, such as liberty, equality, security and dignity. They are protected by the Constitution and by texts such as the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.

The state school is the school run by the state. It is free, secular and open to all. It passes on knowledge and the values of the Republic, while respecting neutrality and pupils' freedom of conscience.

Equality is a fundamental principle: all people have the same rights and the same dignity, regardless of origin, sex, religion or wealth. The law is the same for everyone. It is the second word of the Republic's motto.

The European elections let citizens of EU countries elect their members of the European Parliament. In France, citizens of other EU countries who live there can also vote in these elections.

Slavery is treating human beings as goods that are owned, bought and sold. France abolished it definitively in 1848. Today slavery is forbidden and contrary to human dignity and equality.

Civil status refers to a person's official situation: birth, marriage, death. These events are recorded by the town hall, which issues the corresponding certificates (birth certificate, marriage certificate).

The rule of law is a system in which everyone, including the state, is subject to the law. The rules are known, the same for all, and independent judges enforce them. The rule of law protects citizens against arbitrary power.

The euro is the currency shared by many EU countries, including France. The euro has been the single European currency since 1999; euro coins and banknotes have circulated since 2002.

The civic exam is a test of knowledge about France, its values, its institutions and life in society. Since 1 January 2026 it is compulsory for a first multi-year residence permit, a first resident card and naturalisation, unless exempt.

France's national holiday is 14 July. It commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789, a key event of the French Revolution. The day is a public holiday marked by a military parade and fireworks.

Metropolitan France is the part of France located in Europe. It has 13 regions. With the five overseas regions, France has 18 regions in total.

France Travail is the public employment service in France (formerly Pôle emploi). It helps people find work, supports jobseekers and may pay unemployment benefits.

Fraternity is the third word of the Republic's motto. It is the idea of solidarity between all members of society: helping one another, respecting others and contributing to the common good. It inspires social protection and the duty to help a person in danger.

The gendarmerie is a security force ensuring the protection of people and property, especially in rural areas and small towns. It has military status and carries out missions similar to those of the police.

The government is the team led by the Prime Minister and made up of the ministers. It runs the nation's policy, prepares laws and applies those passed by Parliament. It is part of the executive power.

The national anthem is a country's official song, played at ceremonies and official events. France's is La Marseillaise.

Taxes are the sums residents pay to the state and local authorities to fund public services (schools, hospitals, roads, safety). Paying one's taxes is a civic duty.

Incitement to hatred means publicly urging violence against or rejection of a person or group because of their origin, religion, sex or orientation. It is a limit on freedom of expression: the law forbids and punishes it.

"Indivisible" describes the Republic: territory and sovereignty form a whole that cannot be divided. There is only one law, one citizenship and one people across the entire territory, in mainland France and overseas alike.

An offence is an act forbidden by law and punished by it. In French law, offences fall into three levels of seriousness: the contravention (least serious), the délit, and the crime (most serious).

Education is compulsory in France for all children aged 3 to 16. Parents must ensure their child's education, at school or, under conditions, at home. It is a duty and a guarantee of equal opportunity.

The general interest is what benefits society as a whole, beyond private interests. The action of the state and public services aims at the general interest: for example education, health or safety for all.

A juror is a citizen drawn by lot to judge crimes alongside professional judges, at the assize court. Being a juror is a civic duty: the citizen takes part directly in their country's justice.

Justice is the institution responsible for applying the law, settling disputes and punishing offences. In France it is delivered in the name of the French people by independent judges, which guarantees fair treatment.

La Marseillaise is France's national anthem. Composed in 1792 by Rouget de Lisle, it became the Republic's official song. It is sung at official ceremonies and on the national holiday of 14 July.

Laïcité (secularism) is a principle guaranteeing the freedom to believe or not to believe, and separating the state from religions. The state is neutral: it neither favours nor fights any religion, and it protects everyone's freedom of conscience. In return, religions organise themselves freely within respect for public order.

"Laïque" (secular) is the adjective of laïcité: neutral towards religions. We say the Republic is secular, the state school is secular, or a space is secular when the state favours no religion there and guarantees everyone's freedom of conscience.

The Constitution states that "the language of the Republic is French" (article 2). French is the official language: the language of laws, administration, justice and state schools. This is also why proof of French level is required for certain residence permits and for naturalisation.

Liberty is the right to think, express oneself and act as one wishes, while respecting the law and the freedoms of others. It is the first word of the Republic's motto. It covers many specific freedoms: conscience, expression, association, movement, and so on.

Freedom of association is the right to create an association or join one freely, without prior authorisation. An association brings people together around a common goal without seeking profit. This freedom is guaranteed by the 1901 law.

Freedom of expression is the right to say, write and publish one's opinions. It is a fundamental freedom of democracy. It has limits set by law: it does not allow incitement to hatred, defamation or insult.

Freedom of conscience is the right to believe or not to believe, and to choose one's religion or convictions. It is protected by laïcité: the state stays neutral and cannot impose any belief.

The electoral rolls are the registers listing the people who have the right to vote. You must be registered on them to vote. Registration is usually done at the town hall.

A law is a general rule voted by Parliament that applies to everyone. Each person must obey it. A law must comply with the Constitution, which is the highest norm.

The 1905 law is the law separating churches and state. It establishes laïcité: the state recognises and funds no religion, and it guarantees freedom of conscience and the free practice of religions. It is the reference text for French secularism.

The mayor is the elected official who runs the commune. They are chosen by the municipal council, itself elected by the residents. The mayor manages the commune, performs civil marriages and represents the state for the civil registry.

The town hall is the building and service that administer the commune. The mayor and their services are based there. It is where many procedures are done: civil registry, registration on the electoral rolls, identity cards.

A person of legal age is someone who has reached the age of majority, set at 18 in France. On reaching majority, one becomes fully responsible and can exercise rights such as voting.

A mandate is the mission entrusted by voters to an elected person, for a set period. For example, deputies' term is five years. At the end of the mandate a new election is needed.

Civil marriage is the only marriage recognised by French law. It is performed at the town hall by the mayor or a deputy. Any religious marriage can only take place after the civil marriage.

A forced marriage is a marriage imposed on a person without their free consent. In France it is forbidden and punished by law: marriage requires the free consent of both spouses.

Marianne is the figure who personifies the French Republic. Depicted as a woman wearing a Phrygian cap, she symbolises liberty and the Republic's values. Her bust stands in town halls and her image appears on stamps and coins.

Metropolitan France refers to the part of France located in Europe, as opposed to the overseas territories. It is bordered by several seas and the Atlantic Ocean.

Montesquieu (1689-1755) is a French Enlightenment philosopher. He is famous for formulating the principle of the separation of powers, which still inspires how democracies are organised, in his work The Spirit of the Laws.

French nationality is the legal bond linking a person to France. It can be held by birth, by descent, or acquired, notably through naturalisation. It grants the rights and duties of the citizen, such as the right to vote.

Naturalisation is the procedure by which a foreign person becomes French by decision of the state. It requires conditions (residence, integration, French level B2) and, since 1 January 2026, passing the civic exam, unless exempt.

Neutrality is the duty of the state and its officials not to take sides on religion or opinion. A public official must treat all users the same way, without displaying their beliefs. Neutrality is a pillar of laïcité.

State neutrality means the state neither favours nor fights any religion or opinion. It is a direct consequence of laïcité: the state guarantees everyone equal treatment, whatever their beliefs.

Failure to help a person in danger is not coming to the aid of someone in peril when you could do so without risk to yourself. It is an offence punished by law: you must at least alert the emergency services.

An emergency number is a free phone number to call in case of danger: 15 for the SAMU (medical emergencies), 17 for the police, 18 for the fire brigade, and 112 across the whole European Union.

Public order refers to the safety, peace and public health the state must guarantee so that life in society runs in good conditions. Freedoms are exercised while respecting public order: the law may limit them to protect it.

Overseas France refers to French territories located outside Europe, for example Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Réunion and Mayotte. Their inhabitants are full French citizens.

Parliament is the institution that votes the law and oversees the government. In France it has two chambers: the National Assembly and the Senate. It exercises the legislative power.

The European Parliament is the assembly of the representatives of EU citizens. Its members, the members of the European Parliament, are elected by direct universal suffrage in the European elections. It votes European laws together with the Council.

The death penalty is a sentence of death. In France it was abolished in 1981: it can no longer be handed down. Its abolition is now written into the Constitution.

The police is a security force responsible for enforcing the law, protecting people and property and maintaining public order, especially in towns. You can call it on 17 in an emergency.

To help someone in danger means coming to the aid of a person in peril, for example by calling the emergency services or acting if you can do so safely. It is a civic duty: failing to do so can be punished.

The executive power applies the laws and runs the country's policy. In France it is exercised by the President of the Republic and by the government, led by the Prime Minister.

The judicial power is responsible for delivering justice: applying the law, settling disputes and punishing offences. In France it is exercised by independent judges, which guarantees a fair trial.

The legislative power makes the law and oversees the government. In France it is exercised by Parliament, made up of the National Assembly and the Senate.

The prefecture is the state's service in the department, headed by the prefect. It is often where procedures relating to foreigners' residence (residence permits) and certain official documents are handled.

The prefect is the state's representative in a department or region. Appointed by the government, they ensure respect for the laws, public order and the application of state policies across the territory.

The Prime Minister is the head of government. Appointed by the President of the Republic, they lead the government's action, carry out the chosen policy and are accountable to the National Assembly.

The First World War took place from 1914 to 1918. It set many countries against each other and caused millions of deaths. It ended with the armistice of 11 November 1918, commemorated each year in France.

The President of the Republic is France's head of state. They are elected by direct universal suffrage for five years (the quinquennat). They ensure respect for the Constitution, appoint the Prime Minister and are commander of the armed forces.

The language proof is the evidence of the French level required for a procedure: A2 for the multi-year residence permit, B1 for the resident card, B2 for naturalisation. It can be provided by a diploma, a certification or a test.

The storming of the Bastille took place on 14 July 1789: the people of Paris seized the Bastille, a prison-fortress symbolising the king's absolute power. It is a defining moment of the French Revolution, commemorated each year on the national holiday.

The quinquennat is the length of the President of the Republic's term: five years. Since 2000 the president is elected for five years, compared with seven before (the septennat).

Recycling means sorting your waste so it can be transformed and reused instead of thrown away. It is a civic and ecological act that helps protect the environment.

A referendum is a vote in which citizens answer directly yes or no to a question, often a law or a major reform. It is a form of direct democracy.

The region is France's largest territorial authority. It handles upper secondary schools, regional transport and economic development in particular. France has 18 regions: 13 in mainland France and 5 overseas.

The Republic is the form of the French state: power belongs to no one person, it comes from the people and is exercised through elected representatives. France is an "indivisible, secular, democratic and social" Republic (article 1 of the Constitution). Its motto is "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity".

The Resistance refers to all the people who fought against the German occupation of France during the Second World War. It acted in many ways (sabotage, intelligence, underground press) for the country's freedom.

The French Revolution began in 1789. It ended absolute monarchy and proclaimed the sovereignty of the people. It produced the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen and founded the values of liberty, equality and fraternity that still inspire the Republic.

The SAMU is the urgent medical aid service. You call it on 15 in the event of a serious health emergency: it sends medical help and gives advice by phone.

The Second World War took place from 1939 to 1945. France was occupied by Nazi Germany, but the Resistance and Free France fought for liberation. Victory in Europe is commemorated on 8 May.

The Senate is the upper chamber of Parliament. It has 348 senators, elected by indirect universal suffrage (by grand electors) for six years, and renewed by half every three years. It notably represents the territorial authorities.

Senators are the members of the Senate. They are elected by indirect universal suffrage, by grand electors, for six years. They vote the law and represent the territorial authorities.

The separation of powers divides power between three branches: the executive (president and government), the legislative (Parliament) and the judiciary (justice). None dominates the others, which protects liberty. This principle was theorised by Montesquieu.

Public services are the activities provided or organised by the state and local authorities to meet everyone's needs: education, health, transport, justice, police. They aim at the general interest and rest on equal access.

The SMIC is the legal minimum wage in France: the lowest hourly wage an employer is allowed to pay. It protects employees and guarantees a minimum pay for work.

Solidarity is mutual help between members of society, especially towards the most vulnerable. It inspires French social protection (health insurance, benefits, pensions), funded by contributions and taxes. It is a concrete expression of fraternity.

Direct universal suffrage is a voting method where citizens themselves vote, directly, to choose their representatives. This is how the President of the Republic and the deputies are elected.

Indirect universal suffrage is a voting method where citizens first elect grand electors, who then vote to choose the representatives. This is how senators are elected.

A residence permit is the official document authorising a foreigner to live in France lawfully for a set period. There are several types, including the multi-year residence permit and the resident card.

The Maastricht Treaty, signed in 1992, creates the European Union, establishes European citizenship and prepares the single currency, the euro. It is a major step in European integration.

The Treaty of Rome, signed in 1957, creates the European Economic Community (EEC), the ancestor of the European Union. France is one of the six founding countries. It launches the common market between these countries.

The European Union (EU) is a union of European countries cooperating economically and politically. France is a founding member. The EU has 27 member states and many of them share a common currency, the euro.

The Fifth Republic is France's political system since 1958. It is based on the 1958 Constitution, championed by Charles de Gaulle, which gives a strong role to the President of the Republic. Since 1962 the president has been elected by direct universal suffrage.

To vote is to express one's choice in an election or a referendum. Voting is secret and personal. It is both a right and a civic duty of the citizen.