Description
Learn French contracted articles (au, du, aux, des) with clear rules and examples. Master A1–A2 grammar and improve your TEF Canada score.
Introduction: What Are French Contracted Articles?
Today, you are going to learn French contracted articles, a very important grammar point for A1–A2 learners and TEF Canada.
If you want to:
- speak correctly in French
- avoid common grammar mistakes
- sound natural
you must understand how contractions work in French.
This lesson will help you:
- understand contracted articles
- use au, du, aux, des correctly
- build accurate sentences
- avoid beginner mistakes
1. What Are French Contracted Articles?
In French, some prepositions combine with articles.
This is called a contraction.
Basic Idea
- à + le → au
- à + les → aux
- de + le → du
- de + les → des
These forms are mandatory. You cannot separate them.
2. Rules for French Contracted Articles
With “à” (to / at)
- à + le → au
- à + les → aux
Examples:
- Je vais au cinéma
- Elle va aux magasins
With “de” (of / from)
- de + le → du
- de + les → des
Examples:
- Il habite près du métro
- Nous parlons des voisins
3. Summary Table (Important)
- au → à + le
- aux → à + les
- du → de + le
- des → de + les
4. Using French Contracted Articles in Sentences
Structure
Preposition + article → contracted form
Examples
- Je vais au travail
- Il habite près du parc
- Nous allons aux magasins
- Elle parle des voisins
These are very common in everyday French.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these errors:
- à le cinéma (incorrect)
- de le métro (incorrect)
- à les magasins (incorrect)
Correct forms:
- au cinéma (correct)
- du métro (correct)
- aux magasins (correct)
6. TEF Canada Strategy (Very Important)
In TEF Canada:
- contracted articles are tested often
- mistakes reduce your grammar score
You must:
- always use the correct contraction
- never separate à + le or de + le
High-Scoring Examples
- Je vais au travail
- Il habite près du métro
- Nous parlons des voisins
7. Practice Now (A1–A2 Level)
Complete with au / aux / du / des:
- Je vais ___ travail
- Il habite près ___ métro
- Nous parlons ___ voisins
- Elle va ___ magasins
8. Mini Speaking Task (TEF Style)
Answer:
Où allez-vous ?
Model:
- Je vais au travail
- Je vais au cinéma
- Je vais aux magasins
Continue Learning French
Now that you understand French contracted articles, continue with:
FAQ
What are French contracted articles?
They are combinations like au, du, aux, des formed from prepositions + articles.
Why do contractions exist in French?
To make pronunciation smoother and more natural.
Can you say “à le” in French?
No. You must say au.
Is this important for TEF Canada?
Yes. It is a very common grammar point.
Final Tip
If you master French contracted articles, you will:
- avoid common grammar mistakes
- sound more natural
- improve your TEF Canada performance
