In the Production ecrite section of DELF A1 and DELF A2 you may be asked to write an invitation to someone for a particular event. In this article we will be looking at how to write a message or email inviting someone in french.
In general for your french exam an invitation is usually for, however not limited to, :
- A wedding
- dinner
- vacation
- to see a movie
- A Christmas party
- an office party
- a party to celebrate an engagement
- a retirement party
- a party to celebrate the end of studies
- a baby shower or the birth of a baby
- a birthday party
Ensure that you are familiar with the vocabulary related to these events. In the DELF A1 You will be asked to write 40-50 words. While in the DELF A2 you will be asked to write 60-80 words.
When asked to write a letter or a message inviting someone, no matter the type, the structure is usually the same. Here are some basic steps to follow when writing an invitation:
Before you start
- Read the instruction and make sure it is a letter requesting that you write an invitation
- Determine to what you need to invite someone
- Who you should be inviting
- Determine if you should be writing a friendly invitation or a professional invitation
When you are writing:
- Use the right opening greetings, depending on the type of invitation
- Say what the invitation is for
- Say when and where the event will take place
- Give them a means to confirm or refuse the invitation
- Let them know you are looking forward to seeing them at the event
- Use the correct closing for your message
For the greeting for a professional letter use:
Cher Monsieur ……………………….,
Chère Madam…………………………..,
For the greeting for a friendly letter use:
Cher………………….,
Chère………………….,
Salut……………………..,
Bonjour…………………..,
Use the following expressions to start your invitation:
Je vous invite ………………. (au restaurant).
Je vous invite…………………(a diner a la maison).
Vous voulez aller diner au restaurant? Je vous invite.
Example of an invitation:
Context french:
Vous organisez un vin d’honneur pour votre mariage et vous voulez inviter vos collègues et amis.
Context english:
You organize a reception for your wedding and you want to invite your friends and colleagues.
Sample message:
Cher Jean,
Ca va bien? Pour notre mariage, Sandrine et moi organisons un vin d’honneur à Versailles. Nous espérons que tu seras des nôtres pour fêter avec nous notre bonheur. RSVP au : 06 87 45 67 00.
Amitiés.
Matthew
(Word Count: 42 words)
TIP! If you notice, based on the instruction that was given, I reused almost all the words that was given. I do not try to find words. This is extremely useful when you have limited vocabulary.
Now it is your turn:
Cher/Chère________ [use the first name if it is someone that you are familiar with or the last name if is someone you do not know very well ],
Pour notre mariage, nous organisons un vin d’honneur/ un cocktail à/dans ________ [precise the place where it will be held ]. Nous espérons que vous/tu seras des nôtres pour fêter avec nous notre bonheur. RSVP au : ________ [ You can write here your postal address, your telephone number or your email address].
Amitiés.
_______________________