French Phrase
C'est combien, le dépôt minimum ?
Meaning
This sentence asks for the amount required as the minimum deposit. It is commonly used when opening a bank account, renting an apartment, or signing up for a service that requires an upfront guarantee.
When to use
Use this phrase in any situation where you need to know the smallest amount of money you must put down as a guarantee—e.g., at a bank, a real‑estate office, or when booking a vacation rental.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estcombien,ledépôtminimum?
C'est
Contraction of "ce est" meaning "it is"; used to introduce a question about a quantity.
combien
Interrogative adverb meaning "how much"; placed after the verb or copula.
le
Definite article that agrees with the masculine noun "dépôt".
dépôt
Masculine noun meaning "deposit"; often used in banking or rental contexts.
minimum
Adjective used as a noun modifier, meaning "minimum"; placed after the noun it qualifies.
Punctuation
A comma after "combien" signals a slight pause, making the question sound more natural.
🗨In Conversation
C'est combien, le dépôt minimum ?
How much is the minimum deposit?
Le dépôt minimum est de 500 euros.
The minimum deposit is 500 euros.
✕Common Mistakes
Combien est le dépôt minimum ?
The verb "être" should precede the interrogative adverb, not follow it.
C'est combien le dépôt minimum ?
Missing the comma makes the sentence sound rushed; the pause after "combien" is natural in spoken French.
Le dépôt minimum combien ?
Word order is incorrect; French places the interrogative adverb before the noun phrase.
↔Alternatives
Quel est le montant du dépôt minimum ?
What is the amount of the minimum deposit?
Combien faut‑il déposer au minimum ?
How much must one deposit at minimum?
Quel est le dépôt minimum requis ?
What is the required minimum deposit?
Cultural Tip
In France and other Francophone countries, the term "dépôt de garantie" is often used for rental deposits, while "dépôt minimum" is typical for bank accounts or service subscriptions. Politeness matters: you can preface the question with "Excusez‑moi" or "S’il vous plaît" for a more formal tone.