French Phrase
La levure est active ou morte ?
Meaning
The sentence asks whether the yeast is still alive (active) or has died. In culinary contexts, especially baking, knowing the state of the yeast determines whether the dough will rise properly.
When to use
Use this question when you are about to start a bread‑making or pastry project and need to verify that your yeast is still viable. It’s also handy in a laboratory or food‑science setting when testing yeast cultures.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lalevureestactiveoumorte?
La (definite article, fem.)
Used before a feminine singular noun to specify a particular item.
levure (noun, fem.)
Means “yeast”; a feminine noun, so adjectives must agree in gender and number.
est (être, 3rd pers. sing.)
The present tense of the verb “to be”; links the subject with a description.
active (adjective, fem.)
Describes something that is alive or functioning; must match the feminine noun “levure”.
ou (conjunction)
Means “or”, used to present two alternatives.
morte (adjective, fem.)
The feminine form of “mort”, meaning “dead”. It agrees with the noun “levure”.
🗨In Conversation
La levure est active ou morte ?
Is the yeast active or dead?
Elle est encore active, elle fait encore lever la pâte.
It’s still active, it’s still making the dough rise.
✕Common Mistakes
La levure est actif ou mort.
“Actif” is masculine; the noun “levure” is feminine, so the adjective must be “active”.
La levure est active ou mort.
Same gender agreement issue; use the feminine form “morte”.
Est‑ce que la levure active ou morte ?
Missing the verb “être” after “est‑ce que”. The correct form is “Est‑ce que la levure est active ou morte ?”.
↔Alternatives
La levure est‑elle vivante ou morte ?
Is the yeast alive or dead?
Est‑ce que la levure fonctionne encore ?
Is the yeast still working?
La levure est toujours active ?
Is the yeast still active?
Cultural Tip
In French bakeries, chefs often test yeast by dissolving a pinch in warm water with a little sugar; if it bubbles within 10 minutes, it’s active. Remember that “levure” is feminine, so adjectives must be in the feminine form (active, morte). In informal speech, you may hear “la levure, elle est vivante ou morte ?” which drops the verb “être”.