The 1789 Declaration: 4 sentences to recognise

This explanation was written with the help of AI and checked against the public sources below.

The theme "Droits et devoirs" often returns to the 1789 Declaration (source). Learn these four sentences and you will recognise them in the exam.

Article 1: equal in rights

"Les hommes naissent et demeurent libres et égaux en droits" (source). People are born free and equal in rights.

Article 4: what freedom means

"La liberté consiste à pouvoir faire tout ce qui ne nuit pas à autrui" (source). Freedom ends where it harms others. The text adds that only the law can set the limits.

Article 10: opinions

"Nul ne doit être inquiété pour ses opinions, même religieuses" (source). Nobody should be troubled for their opinions, even religious ones, as long as expressing them does not disturb the public order set by law.

Article 11: free speech

"La libre communication des pensées et des opinions est un des droits les plus précieux de l'homme" (source). Citizens may speak, write and print freely, and answer for abuse in cases set by law.

Keep going

Read the full theme page: Rights and duties. Previous blog: Who runs France?. Or go back to the French civic exam.

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