Les livres étalent leur savoir devant l'agenda et le répertoire

Christopher P.C1Kwiziq community member

Les livres étalent leur savoir devant l'agenda et le répertoire

Hi,

Can someone please explain what this means? Although I have known French for decades, it really didn't seem to make any sense. To be honest, I am very surprised this is level A1, as even I struggled with it and I got really confused when trying to complete the dictation, especially with this sentence.

Thanks

Asked 3 years ago
CécileKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Hi everyone, 

I believe the level of this dictation is under discussion but just a language point here -

étaler son savoir = to show off one's knowledge 

A little saying using 'étaler' in this way for you -

La culture c'est comme la confiture, moins on en a,  plus on l'étale Culture is like jam , the less one has, the more one spreads it 

Hope this helps!

 

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor
Les livres étalent leur savoir devant l'agenda et le répertoire. -- The books display their knowledge vis-a-vis the agenda and the directory.

I found the grammar quite simple and applicable to A1. It is maybe the point of view from which this exercise is told that might throw someone off at first.

Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

I don't think it is the grammar that is too hard, but that the 'story' is basically «n'importe quoi» - even when you understand the English words, the 'events' are 'nonsensical' in a funny, silly sort of way that kids might find amusing but I think is harder for adults to follow. 

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Yes, that's what I meant by "point of view". A beginner might question his understanding.

Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Agree Chris. That’s how I felt when I did it, way back when.

Erlene H.A1Kwiziq community member

I think the C1 contributors are looking at this from their perspective of a higher level.  I am considered A2 but have some grammar knowledge at the C1 level and this exercise was still difficult for me.  That’s okay because  that’s how I learn, but I can imagine someone being overwhelmed by the exercise.

CécileKwiziq team member

Hi Erlene, 

We have added a hint for the expression 'étaler son savoir' which should make this very poetic exercise more straightforward.

Thank you for your comment.

Bonne Continuation !

Les livres étalent leur savoir devant l'agenda et le répertoire

Hi,

Can someone please explain what this means? Although I have known French for decades, it really didn't seem to make any sense. To be honest, I am very surprised this is level A1, as even I struggled with it and I got really confused when trying to complete the dictation, especially with this sentence.

Thanks

Sign in to submit your answer

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
Getting that for you now...