Grammar Explanation: Être + Nationality

Question 1

T or F. You capitalize nationalities used as adjectives.

Answer 1

False.
You do NOT capitalize nationalities used as adjectives.

Question 2

Il est français.

Answer 2

He is French

Question 3

Mon amie américiane.

Answer 3

My American friend.

Question 4

In what situation do you capitalize nationalities?

Answer 4

You DO capitalize nationalities when they’re used as nouns AND referring to people.

Question 5

Le français est une langue difficile.

Answer 5

French is a hard language. (not a person, therefore, NO capitalization).

Question 6

Le Français là-bas est mon ami Pierre.

Answer 6

The French guy over there is my friend Pierre.
(Referring to a person, therefore, capitalize).

Question 7

Les Chinois aiment le poulet.

Answer 7

Chinese people like chicken.

Question 8

T or F. The verb “être” is used to express someone’s nationality.

Answer 8

True.

Question 9

Je suis américaine.

Answer 9

I am american.

Question 10

Tu es anglais.

Answer 10

You are english.

Question 11

Il est français.

Answer 11

he is French

Question 12

Erasmus est allemand.

Answer 12

Erasmus is german.

Question 13

Elle est congolaise.

Answer 13

She is congolese.

Question 14

What verb combination do you use to say you are “from” a place?

Answer 14

Venir + de (of, from)

Question 15

Je viens des États-Unis.

Answer 15

I live in the United States.

Question 16

Tu viens d’Angleterre.

Answer 16

You live in England.

Question 17

Il vient de France.

Answer 17

He lives in France.

Question 18

What do you use to say you “speak” the language?

Answer 18

Parler

Question 19

Je parle anglais.

Answer 19

I speak english.

Question 20

Tu parles anglais.

Answer 20

You speak english.

Question 21

Il parle français.

Answer 21

He speaks french.

Question 22

Il parle allemand.

Answer 22

He speaks German.

Question 23

De quelle origine?

Answer 23

From where originally?

Question 24

D’origine….

Answer 24

I am originally…