Phrasebook
Candidature or demande: French phrases for applications and requests
Send a job application, ask about training or request a refund in French. Compare candidature and demande with ready-to-use exchanges and a short quiz.
- B1
- 9 phrases
- 3 situations
- Learn this in the B1 notebook →
In short
Use une candidature when putting yourself forward for a job or place on a programme. Use une demande for a request: information, an appointment or a refund. English “application” can translate as either, depending on what you are applying for.
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Send a job application
You have chosen a vacancy and are presenting yourself as a candidate.
Ask about a course before applying
At this stage you want details about the timetable.
Request a refund
The message concerns a damaged parcel.
| Purpose | Email subject |
|---|---|
| Apply for a job | Candidature au poste d’assistante |
| Ask for course information | Demande de renseignements sur la formation |
| Ask for money back | Demande de remboursement |
What is the difference between une candidature and une demande?
une candidaturean application as a candidate
Focus: putting yourself forward
Je dépose ma candidature en ligne.
I’m submitting my application online.
un formulaire de demandea request or application form
Focus: the form you fill in
Je remplis le formulaire de demande.
I’m filling in the application form.
un dossier de candidaturean application file
Focus: the set of application documents
Mon dossier contient mon CV et ma lettre de motivation.
My application file contains my CV and cover letter.
For admission, you may read une candidature à une formation or une demande d’admission. Keep the wording used by the programme. In a technology context, une application means an app: J’installe une application. That is a different meaning of English “application”.