French Vocabulary And Phrases For Military Personnel

Whether you’re serving or just interested in French wartime literature, learning military French is useful.

Which French vocabulary and words linked to the military (and war) should you learn?

I’ve listed the most important terms in this guide.

NOTE: If you need info on the salary perks in the military for learning French, see this guide on DLAB and DLPT.

French vocabulary for military ranks

The table below contains essential French vocabulary for military ranks.

To use these ranks correctly, remember to use the feminine or masculine article that matches the gender of the French noun and the article l’ when the article precedes a vowel.

French weapon vocabulary

The list below contains French weapon vocab.

You may have heard some of these terms before, or at least recognise them (they’re very close to their English equivalents).

Other French phrases related to weaponry

You may also hear other French phrases linked to weapons when watching news coverage of war or military personnel.

The following examples are common French phrases related to weaponry to help you listen for those words.

• Abattre quelqu’un - to kill a person with a weapon
• Tirer sur quelqu’un - to shoot at a person
• Tuer quelqu’un - to kill a person
• Blesser quelqu’un - to wound a person
• Se faire tirer dessus - to be fired upon or shot at

French imperative verbs used in military contexts

If you’ve watched films related to the military or seen some documentaries on the French Foreign Legion for example, you would have noticed that they use many French imperatives (commands).

Check the examples listed in this table to learn what the main imperatives are.

Division names

The terms for 3 main divisions of the military (army, navy and air force) are in the table below.

French army-specific terms

Here are a few army-specific terms you should learn.

French wartime vocabulary and expressions

Here are some more important terms you should learn (general wartime terms and expressions).

Example sentences

If you’re not sure how the French war vocabulary above is used, look at the example sentences below.

Le conflit armé s’est aggravé.

The armed conflict has worsened.

Touts les pays veulent négocier et accepter un traité de paix.

All countries hope to negotiate and agree to a peace treaty.

L’alliance négocie avec l’ennemi pour mettre fin à la guerre.

The alliance is negotiating with the enemy to end the war.

Les deux parties ne veulent pas se rendre, mais elles peuvent négocier.

Both sides do not want to surrender, but they may negotiate.

L’invasion était attendue, mais les deux pays espèrent convenir d’un cessez-le-feu.

The invasion was expected, but both countries hope to agree to a ceasefire.

De nombreux pays veulent éviter une déclaration de guerre.

Many countries hope to avoid a declaration of war.

Les soldats veulent la fin de la guerre.

The soldiers want the war to end.

La situation est difficile sur le champ de bataille.

The situation is difficult on the battlefield.

Other war-related French vocabulary

There are a few other words we can add to the list of war-related French vocabulary above.

I’ve included a handful of other words and phrases in the table here to help you understand more about the military and conflicts.

Wartime reporting in French (examples)

If you’re wondering how French reporters use the phrases above, consider the sample sentences here.

Le pays était menace par l’artillerie.

The country was threatened by the artillery.

Les troupes se sont retirées du danger.

The tropos retreated from the danger.

Protéger les civils et les garder en sécurité.

Protect the civilians and keep them safe.

Notre stratégie de guerre n’a pas à se produire. Nous pouvons négocier.

Our war strategy doesn't have to happen. We can negotiate.

Emmenez les soldats blessés à la base.

Take the wounded soldiers to the base.

The vocab and expressions above are a useful starting point for active servicemen (or anyone interested in French wartime literature).

The example dialogues will help you identify some common structures and themes.

If there’s anything I missed or should add, let me know.

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