Why de France and not de la France? In which cases do you use the article before France?

Carolina I.C1Kwiziq community member

Why de France and not de la France? In which cases do you use the article before France?

Asked 2 years ago
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

 According to several sources on line, the rule is to NOT use the article with feminine country names when referring to the country as a specific place of origin (le fromage de France), or similar, but that the article IS used when referring to a feminine gender country as a political or economic entity, or in an abstract/general sense (la géographie de la France). 

This is not specific to France, but applies to all feminine gender countries. 

One link below which gives a number of examples of the rule in action : 

https://www.intermarkls.com/single-post/2015/07/11/the-french-they-never-taught-you-22-de-france-or-de-la-france

Why de France and not de la France? In which cases do you use the article before France?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Clever stuff happening!