French Phrase
C'est un dîner de départ à la retraite.
Meaning
This sentence announces that a dinner is being held to celebrate someone's retirement. It emphasizes that the gathering is a farewell event marking the transition from work life to retirement.
When to use
Use this phrase when inviting friends or colleagues to a retirement farewell dinner, or when describing the event in conversation or on an invitation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estundînerdedépartàlaretraite
C'est
Contraction of "cela est"; used to identify or describe something.
un dîner
Indefinite article "un" + noun "dîner" (dinner).
de départ
A noun phrase meaning "of departure"; here it indicates the purpose of the dinner.
à la retraite
Prepositional phrase meaning "for retirement"; used after "départ" to specify the event.
🗨In Conversation
C'est un dîner de départ à la retraite.
It's a retirement farewell dinner.
Quel bel événement ! Qui part à la retraite ?
What a lovely event! Who is retiring?
✕Common Mistakes
C'est un dîner de départ retraite.
Missing the preposition "à la"; the correct phrase is "départ à la retraite".
C'est un dîner retraite.
You need "de départ" to indicate the purpose of the dinner.
C'est un dîner de la retraite.
The article "la" is unnecessary; the idiomatic expression is "départ à la retraite".
↔Alternatives
C'est un repas d'adieu pour la retraite.
It's a farewell meal for retirement.
Nous organisons un dîner pour célébrer la retraite de Jean.
We are organizing a dinner to celebrate Jean's retirement.
C'est une soirée de départ à la retraite.
It's a retirement send‑off evening.
Cultural Tip
In France, retirement parties (dîners de départ à la retraite) are common in both professional and personal circles. They often include speeches, a toast, and a cake with "Bonne retraite!" written on it. The tone is usually warm and slightly formal, especially if the event is organized by colleagues.