French Phrase
Je prends des cours de maths, de sciences et d'anglais.
Meaning
This phrase means 'I take math, science, and English classes.' It's a common way to describe one's academic schedule or subjects of study. The verb 'prendre' (to take) is used here in the sense of 'to attend' or 'to enroll in' classes.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to talk about the subjects you are studying or the classes you are attending. It's perfect for discussing your school schedule, academic interests, or even hobbies if they involve structured learning.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Jeprendsdes coursdemaths,desciencesetd'anglais.
Prendre (to take)
The verb 'prendre' is conjugated as 'je prends' for 'I take'. When combined with 'des cours', it forms the idiomatic expression 'prendre des cours' meaning 'to take classes' or 'to attend courses'.
Des cours (classes)
'Des' is a partitive article, meaning 'some' or 'of the'. Here, 'des cours' refers to 'some classes' or 'classes in general', not specific, definite classes. It's the correct article to use when talking about taking subjects.
De + Subject
When listing subjects after 'prendre des cours', you use 'de' (of) before each subject. If the subject starts with a vowel or a silent 'h', 'de' becomes 'd'' (e.g., 'd'anglais').
Et (and)
'Et' is the French word for 'and', used to connect the last item in a list. Note that in French, there is no comma before 'et' when listing items, unlike in English with the Oxford comma.
🗨In Conversation
Qu'est-ce que tu étudies cette année?
What are you studying this year?
Je prends des cours de maths, de sciences et d'anglais.
I take math, science, and English classes.
✕Common Mistakes
Je fais des cours de maths.
While 'faire' means 'to do' or 'to make', 'prendre des cours' is the standard idiom for 'to take classes' or 'to attend courses' in French. 'Faire des cours' would imply teaching them.
Je prends les cours de maths.
When referring to classes in general, use the partitive article 'des' (some/of the) rather than the definite article 'les' (the). 'Des cours' implies 'some classes' or 'classes in general'.
↔Alternatives
J'ai des cours de maths, de sciences et d'anglais.
I have math, science, and English classes.
Je suis des cours de maths, de sciences et d'anglais.
I am following math, science, and English classes.
Cultural Tip
In the French education system, subjects are often referred to directly, as seen here. 'Maths' is a common abbreviation for 'mathématiques'. The structure 'de + subject' is standard when listing multiple subjects after 'prendre des cours'. It's common for students to list their subjects this way when asked about their studies.