French Phrase
L'école commence à quelle heure aujourd'hui ?
Meaning
This sentence asks for the specific start time of school on the current day. It’s a polite, neutral‑register question you might use with classmates, teachers, or parents.
When to use
Use it when you need to confirm the day's schedule—e.g., before catching the bus, arranging a meeting, or simply checking if there’s a special timetable for a holiday.
✦Grammar Breakdown
L'écolecommenceàquelleheureaujourd'hui?
Elision (L')
The article "la" drops the vowel before a vowel sound, becoming "l'" (e.g., l'école).
Commencer (present)
"commence" is the 3rd‑person singular present of the verb *commencer* (to start).
Preposition à + time
Use "à" to indicate a point in time (e.g., à huit heures).
Quelle heure
"Quelle" agrees with the feminine noun "heure"; never say *quel heure*.
Aujourd'hui
The adverb meaning "today"; placed at the end of the question for natural flow.
🗨In Conversation
L'école commence à quelle heure aujourd'hui ?
What time does school start today?
Elle commence à huit heures trente.
It starts at eight thirty.
✕Common Mistakes
L'école commence à quel heure aujourd'hui ?
"Quel" must agree with the feminine noun "heure"; use "quelle".
L'école commencer à quelle heure aujourd'hui ?
In a question you need the conjugated form "commence", not the infinitive.
L'école commence à quelle heure aujourd'hui?
The question mark is separate; do not attach it to the word.
↔Alternatives
À quelle heure débute l'école aujourd'hui ?
At what time does school begin today?
Quel est l'horaire de début de l'école aujourd'hui ?
What is the school's start time today?
L'école ouvre à quelle heure aujourd'hui ?
What time does school open today?
Cultural Tip
In France, primary schools usually start between 8:30 am and 9:00 am, while collèges and lycées often begin at 8:00 am. Asking about the schedule is perfectly normal, but keep a polite tone; you might add "s'il vous plaît" if you’re speaking to a teacher.