Can someone explain the structure of this phrase: "j'ai cru à une blague de mes amis"? I would've thought the translation would be more like, "J'ai cru que c'était une blague de mes amis".
j'ai cru à une blague de mes amis
- « Back to Q&A Forum
- « Previous questionNext question »

Hi Tom,
Both versions are accepted in French and in this exercise.
It's just an idiomatic way of saying the same thing -
https://context.reverso.net/translation/french-english/ai+cru+%C3%A0+une+blague
Bonne Continuation !
Patricia A.Kwiziq community member
Could one also use "j'ai cru à" + une autre chose that is not "une blague", e.g. j'ai cru à entendre un bruit? Merci

CécileKwiziq Native French Teacher
Bonjour P. A.,
No, with verbs it would be -
J'ai cru entendre un bruit = I thought i heard a noise
When you use croire à quelque chose (to believe in something)-
Je crois à la justice = I believe in justice
Je crois aux miracles = I believe in miracles
Je crois au destin = I believe in destiny
Elle croit à ses rêves = She believes in her dreams
Hope this helps!
Don't have an account yet? Join today
Ask a question
Find your French level for FREE
Test your French to the CEFR standard
Find your French level