French Phrase
La kermesse de l'école, c'est à quelle heure ?
Meaning
This phrase is used to inquire about the start time of a school fair or fete. A "kermesse" is a traditional outdoor fair, often organized by schools or churches, featuring games, food, and entertainment. The phrase literally translates to "The school fair, it is at what hour?"
When to use
You would use this phrase when you want to know the specific time an event, particularly a school fair, is scheduled to begin. It's a direct and common way to ask about the timing of an event, often used in casual conversation with friends, family, or other parents.
✦Grammar Breakdown
La kermessede l'écolec'està quelle heure?
La kermesse
"Kermesse" is a feminine noun, hence preceded by the definite article "la". It refers to a traditional fair, often organized by schools or churches, typically with games and food.
de l'école
"De" indicates possession or origin, meaning "of" or "from". "L'école" (the school) uses "l'" because "école" starts with a vowel, avoiding "de la école".
c'est
This is a very common impersonal construction meaning "it is" or "that is". It's frequently used to introduce questions about time, identity, or characteristics.
à quelle heure
This is the standard and most natural way to ask "at what time?" in French. "À" means "at", and "quelle heure" means "what hour/time".
🗨In Conversation
Tu vas à la kermesse de l'école ce week-end ?
Are you going to the school fair this weekend?
Oui, bien sûr ! La kermesse de l'école, c'est à quelle heure ?
Yes, of course! The school fair, what time is it?
✕Common Mistakes
La kermesse de l'école, quelle heure est-ce ?
While grammatically understandable, "c'est à quelle heure ?" is the much more natural and common phrasing for asking about the time of an event in French.
Quand est la kermesse de l'école ?
"Quand" asks for the day or date of an event, not specifically the time. To ask for the precise hour, "à quelle heure" is required.
↔Alternatives
À quelle heure commence la kermesse de l'école ?
What time does the school fair start?
C'est quand, la kermesse de l'école ?
When is the school fair? (Broader, could mean day/time)
Vous savez à quelle heure est la kermesse ?
Do you know what time the fair is? (More polite)
Cultural Tip
A "kermesse" in France (and some other French-speaking countries) is a beloved annual tradition, especially for primary schools. It's a festive event often held at the end of the school year, raising funds for school projects. Expect games like "pêche aux canards" (duck fishing), cake stalls, and sometimes a small show put on by the students. It's a community-focused event that brings families together.