Je vais au cinéma.
English: I am going to the cinema.
- Language
- French
- Level
- A1
- Unit
- Articles
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
In French, 'articles contractés' are special forms that are created when the prepositions 'à' (to/at) or 'de' (of/from) combine with the definite articles 'le' or 'les'. This combination forms a single word.
When to use it
You use these contracted articles when 'à' or 'de' comes before 'le' or 'les'. For example, when talking about going to a place (à + le) or talking about something belonging to someone (de + le).
Key forms
- à + le = au
- à + les = aux
- de + le = du
- de + les = des
Examples
Nous parlons du livre.
English: We are talking about the book.
Elle revient des vacances.
English: She is coming back from the holidays.
Tu joues aux cartes.
English: You play cards.
Tips
- Never use 'à le' or 'de les'—always contract them to 'au', 'aux', 'du', or 'des'.
- Do not contract when the article is 'la' or 'l’' (for feminine or vowel-starting words).
- Remember: contractions only happen with 'le' and 'les', not with 'la' or 'l’'.
Exceptions and edge cases
- No contraction with 'la' or 'l’'. For example: à la maison, de l’eau.