Register Mastery: Soutenu vs Courant vs Familier

Total Word Count: 1,800+ words

French is a class-conscious language. You use different vocabulary and grammar depending on who you are talking to. The difference isn't just politeness; it's a completely different dictionary.

TEF/TCF tests this explicitly:

• Reading Section A: Identifying the nature of a text (Friend letter vs Admin letter).
• Speaking Task A vs B: Switching registers instantly.
• Listening Section D: Recognizing slang.

There are 3 main registers: Soutenu (Formal), Courant (Standard), Familier (Slang/Informal).

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Level 1: Familier (Slang / Informal)

Context: Friends, Family, Teens, Text messages. Grammar: "Tu", dropping "Ne" in negation, Contractions, Slang words.

• "J'sais pas." (Instead of Je ne sais pas).
• "T'es là ?" (Tu es là ?).
• "C'est ouf." (C'est fou).

Level 2: Courant (Standard / Neutral)

Context: Work, Everyday transactions, Strangers, News. Grammar: Standard grammar. "Est-ce que...?", standard negation.

• "Je ne sais pas."
• "Tu es là ?" / "Vous êtes là ?"
• "C'est incroyable."

Level 3: Soutenu (Formal / Literary)

Context: Job interview, Letter to Mayor, Literature, Official speeches. Grammar: Inversion of subject ("Que voulez-vous ?"), Sophisticated synonyms, "Nous" instead of "On".

• "J'ignore la réponse." (Instead of Je ne sais pas).
• "Êtes-vous présent ?"
• "Cela est stupéfiant."

Comparison Table

Grammar Shifts per Register

1. Asking a Question:

• Familier: Tone only. "Tu viens ?"
• Courant: Est-ce que. "Est-ce que tu viens ?"
• Soutenu: Inversion. "Viens-tu ?"

Exam Strategy: Detect & Switch

Reading Section A: If the text says "Salut mec", the answer is "Lettre amicale". If the text says "Monsieur le Directeur", the answer is "Lettre formelle" or "Administrative".

Speaking Task A:

Conclusion

Passing C1 means Control. A native speaker knows "La bagnole" but never uses it in a job interview. An advanced learner often uses "Voiture" everywhere. To sound native, you must know when to say "C'est ouf" and when to say "C'est remarquable."