la demeure du Capitaine Haddock

Frank C.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

la demeure du Capitaine Haddock

Why 'du' in 'la demeur du Capitaine Haddock' instead of 'de' as in fan de Tintin and Château de Cheverny?  In general, when I interpret something as possessive, for example Tintin's fan or Cheverny's castle, I use 'de'.  So, I am puzzled about the use of 'du' for Captain Haddock's house.  I get this wrong a lot, so if you can point me to a grammar lesson or give me some guidance, I would greatly appreciate it.  Thanks, in advance.

Asked 2 years ago
Alan G.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

In French, you don't just say "Captain X", you have to say "le Capitaine X". 

So it's just the usual de + le -> du.

Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

la demeure du Capitaine Haddock

Why 'du' in 'la demeur du Capitaine Haddock' instead of 'de' as in fan de Tintin and Château de Cheverny?  In general, when I interpret something as possessive, for example Tintin's fan or Cheverny's castle, I use 'de'.  So, I am puzzled about the use of 'du' for Captain Haddock's house.  I get this wrong a lot, so if you can point me to a grammar lesson or give me some guidance, I would greatly appreciate it.  Thanks, in advance.

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