Why do we say l'emblématique fondue, and not la fondue emblématique

stephen n.C1Kwiziq community member

Why do we say l'emblématique fondue, and not la fondue emblématique

Asked 4 years ago
CélineNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Bonjour Stephen,

In French, there is indeed a list of adjectives that can be placed before or after nouns. As a result, their meaning change.

After the noun: literal / objective meaning - Before the noun: subjective / figurative meaning

Having looked at the content of the writing exercise, it is the correct way of placing the adjective here. It is also a stylistic choice in keeping with the other expressions from the text.

l’emblématique fondue = la fameuse fondue / la célèbre fondue

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée!

Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

movable-adjectives/

Possibly on the basis that this is a figurative/subjective use

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

If you consider an adjective to be tightly associated with the noun, to the point of almost being a part of the noun itself, then it moves in front of the noun. I don't know the context of the phrase you inquire about, but maybe it's a case of this?

J'ai vu pauvre Marie devant chez elle. -- I saw poor Marie in front of her house.

Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Pauvre changes meaning before/after verb (wretched,miserable/poor,of limited means - don't think that applies to moving emblématique. As far as I can determine correct (traditional) grammar  would be «la fondue emblématique», and I can't find an explanation at present why that would not be correct. Perhaps it is used differently in Switzerland however.  The only source that I have found at this stage that uses l'emblématique NOUN (noun = Tefal) - is a Tefal advertising brochure, not exactly guaranteed correct grammar.

Why do we say l'emblématique fondue, and not la fondue emblématique

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
Let me take a look at that...