French parents are not completely free to choose their child's first name - learn about some surprising restrictions in this bilingual audio article. After listening, click any phrase for the English translation and related grammar lessons.
Mercedes est refusée!! Est-ce que ce n’était pas le prénom de la petite amie d’Edmond Dante avant qu’il soit emprisonné sur l’Ile de Montecristo?
Hi Mark,
This is a strange one because the forename ‘Mercedes’ is very much in use in Spain and Portugal and I don’t see why it is banned in France but probably because of the association with the car maker!
It actually comes from the latin meaning grace apparently.
Bonjour Mark!
A l'époque de l'auteur du Comte de Monte-Cristo (A. Dumas), Mercedes et ses voitures n'existaient pas encore.
Bonne journée!
Mercedes est refusée!! Est-ce que ce n’était pas le prénom de la petite amie d’Edmond Dante avant qu’il soit emprisonné sur l’Ile de Montecristo?
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Je pense qu’il y a deux erreurs.
“...du 11 germinal de l’an XI..”
“..unique à l’aide..”
Bonjour Dragana !
Thanks you very much for letting us know! Indeed, the first one was a typo, now fixed.
As for the second one, the audio was at fault there, which has now been rectified as well :)
Merci encore et bonne journée !
Je pense qu’il y a deux erreurs.
“...du 11 germinal de l’an XI..”
“..unique à l’aide..”
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