French Phrase
La remise des diplômes, c'est quand ?
Meaning
Literally, “The graduation ceremony, when is it?” It is a casual way to ask for the date or time of the ceremony where diplomas are handed out.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal conversation with classmates, friends, or school staff when you need to know the schedule of the graduation ceremony. It’s common in spoken French and in written messages like emails or group chats.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Laremisedesdiplômes,c'estquand?
La (definite article)
Feminine singular definite article used before a noun that is known to the listener.
remise (noun)
A feminine noun meaning ‘hand‑over’ or ‘ceremony of handing out’. Here it refers to the graduation ceremony.
des (de + les)
The preposition ‘de’ combined with the plural definite article ‘les’, meaning ‘of the’. It links ‘remise’ with ‘diplômes’.
c'est (cela est)
Contraction of ‘cela est’; used to introduce a statement or question about something previously mentioned.
quand (interrogative adverb)
Means ‘when’. In spoken French it can follow ‘c’est’ to form a short, informal question.
🗨In Conversation
La remise des diplômes, c'est quand ?
When is the graduation ceremony?
Elle aura lieu le 12 juin à 14 h, au grand amphithéâtre.
It will take place on June 12 at 2 p.m., in the main auditorium.
✕Common Mistakes
La remise des diplômes, c’est quoi ?
‘c’est quoi’ asks ‘what is it’, not ‘when’. Use ‘c’est quand’ for a time‑related question.
La remise des diplômes, qu’est‑ce que ?
‘Qu’est‑ce que’ would need a noun after it (e.g., ‘Qu’est‑ce que la remise des diplômes ?’). It cannot replace ‘c’est quand’ in this context.
↔Alternatives
Quand aura lieu la remise des diplômes ?
When will the graduation ceremony take place?
C’est à quelle date la remise des diplômes ?
What date is the graduation ceremony?
À quel moment se déroule la remise des diplômes ?
At what time does the graduation ceremony happen?
Cultural Tip
In France, the remise des diplômes is often a formal event held at the end of the academic year, usually in June. Students typically wear a graduation gown (la toge) and a cap (le mortier). The ceremony can be university‑wide or specific to a department, and it’s common for families to attend. Knowing the exact date is important because many students plan travel or celebrations around it.