How to Date a French Letter- A Comprehensive Guide to French Correspondence Etiquette

How to Date a Letter in French

Writing a letter in French can be a delightful way to express your thoughts and emotions. However, adding a date to the letter is an essential part of the process. Properly dating a letter in French not only shows respect for the recipient but also adds a touch of formality and elegance. In this article, we will guide you through the steps on how to date a letter in French.

Understanding the French Date Format

Before diving into the process, it is crucial to understand the French date format. Unlike the commonly used American format (MM/DD/YYYY), the French format is DD/MM/YYYY. This means that the day comes before the month, followed by the year. For example, January 15, 2023, would be written as 15/01/2023 in France.

Formatting the Date in a Letter

Now that you know the date format, let’s learn how to format it in a letter. The date should be placed at the top right corner of the letter, just below the recipient’s address. Here’s an example of how to write the date in a letter:

15/01/2023

Writing the Date in Words

In addition to writing the date in numbers, you can also choose to write it in words for a more formal touch. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Write the day in words, starting with the cardinal number (un, deux, trois, etc.) followed by the ordinal number (er, ème, ième, etc.). For example, “quatorze” for 14th.
2. Write the month in words, capitalized and followed by “du” (of the). For example, “janvier” for January.
3. Write the year in full.

Here’s an example of how to write the date in words:

14ème janvier 2023

Adding the Day of the Week

To make your letter even more personal, you can include the day of the week before the date. This is optional but adds a nice touch. Here’s how to do it:

– Write the day of the week in lowercase, followed by “le” (the).
– Write the date in numbers.
– Write the month in words, capitalized and followed by “du” (of the).
– Write the year in full.

For example:

jeudi 15/01/2023

Conclusion

Dating a letter in French is a simple yet important aspect of writing a formal letter. By following these steps, you can ensure that your letter is both respectful and elegant. Whether you choose to write the date in numbers or words, and whether you include the day of the week, the key is to maintain a consistent and formal tone. Happy writing!