French Phrase
Le distributeur est en panne.
Meaning
The sentence means ‘The vending machine is out of order.’ It indicates that the machine cannot be used because it is broken or not functioning.
When to use
Use this phrase when you encounter a broken vending machine, ticket dispenser, or any automatic device that is not working. It’s also handy when you need to explain why you can’t get a drink, snack, or ticket from the machine.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ledistributeurestenpanne
Definite article (Le)
Le is the masculine singular definite article used before a masculine noun like distributeur.
Noun gender (distributeur)
Distributeur is a masculine noun meaning 'vending machine' or 'dispenser'.
Verb être (est)
Est is the third‑person singular present of être, used to describe a state.
Expression ‘être en panne’
The fixed phrase ‘être en panne’ means ‘to be out of order / broken down’; en is a preposition that links the state to the noun panne.
Feminine noun (panne)
Panne is a feminine noun meaning ‘breakdown’; it does not affect the verb agreement because the subject is the masculine distributeur.
🗨In Conversation
Le distributeur est en panne, je ne peux pas acheter de boisson.
The vending machine is out of order, I can’t buy a drink.
Ah, d'accord, on ira au magasin à côté.
Ah, okay, we’ll go to the shop next door.
✕Common Mistakes
Le distributeur sont en panne.
The verb must agree with the singular subject; use ‘est’ not ‘sont’.
Le distributeur est panne.
The preposition ‘en’ is required in the fixed expression ‘être en panne’.
Le distributeur est cassé.
‘Cassé’ is used for objects that are physically broken; for machines we say ‘en panne’ or ‘hors service’.
↔Alternatives
Le distributeur ne fonctionne plus.
The vending machine no longer works.
Le distributeur est hors service.
The vending machine is out of service.
Le distributeur est cassé.
The vending machine is broken.
Cultural Tip
In France, you’ll often hear ‘être en panne’ for any device that stops working – from cars to coffee machines. For public equipment, ‘hors service’ sounds a bit more formal and is commonly used on signs. Avoid saying ‘cassé’ for machines; it sounds too literal and can sound rude.