Asking for a day off in French

1. 1
   congé/kɔ̃ʒe/

   day offnoun

   A day when you do not work.
2. 2
   demander/dəmɑ̃de/

   to ask forverb

   To say that you would like to get something.
3. 3
   accorder/akɔʁde/

   to grantverb

   To give someone what they ask for.
4. 4

   prévenirto let know

5. 5

   remplaçantstand-in

6. 6

   patronboss

7. 7

   planningschedule

8. 8

   déménagementmove

9. 9

   mariagewedding

10. 10

    absentabsent

The sentences3 of 10

1. Est-ce que je pourrais prendre un jour de congé ?

   Could I take a day off?

2. Je voulais vous demander un jour pour le mariage de ma sœur.

   I wanted to ask you for a day for my sister's wedding.

3. Je peux vous accorder ce jour sans problème.

   I can give you that day off, no problem.

Pronunciation

• congé/kɔ̃ʒe/

  The "on" is nasal, as in "bon": you do not hear the n.

Good to know

congés payés

Employees are entitled to paid leave, often five weeks a year. The dates are usually chosen together with the employer.

jour de RTT

Depending on the company, you may get RTT days on top of regular leave, tied to reduced working time. Check with your employer.

congé pour événement familial

A wedding in the family often entitles you to a few days off, but it depends on how closely you are related and on the company's agreement. It is best to ask early.

vouvoiement

People often use vous with their boss, even after years, especially in a formal request. Some companies use tu with each other, which varies.