Use of Cette année, rather than Cet an

Question

Hello - I do not understand why Cette année is used, and not Cet an. We are not referring to a whole period, rather to a specific event at the end of a year.

Accepted Answer

Einar - it is just the way it is ! When talking about this (the current) year - cette année. ‘Cet an’ can be used for the equivalent of ‘that year’. 
See link under sub- heading 3 - demonstrative adjectives : 
https://www.lawlessfrench.com/vocabulary/an-jour-matin-soir-vs-annee-journee-matinee-soiree/

Answer

Merci Maarten, et cela était une bonne réponse. And since I saw your answer I have come across one or two uses of cet an as “that year”. Donc, bien joué ! - Einar

Answer

In English I understand it as the difference between a specific  like "that year (1999) was eventual". vs "that year (a whole year) I suffered one accident after another).  You can google "difference between an and année" and find so many explanations one will make sense.  Good luck.