Use of Cette année, rather than Cet an

Einar V.C1Kwiziq community member

Use of Cette année, rather than Cet an

Hello - I do not understand why Cette année is used, and not Cet an. We are not referring to a whole period, rather to a specific event at the end of a year. 

Asked 1 year ago
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Einar - it is just the way it is ! When talking about this (the current) year - cette année. ‘Cet an’ can be used for the equivalent of ‘that year’. 

See link under sub- heading 3 - demonstrative adjectives : 

https://www.lawlessfrench.com/vocabulary/an-jour-matin-soir-vs-annee-journee-matinee-soiree/

Einar V.C1Kwiziq community member

Merci Maarten, et cela était une bonne réponse. And since I saw your answer I have come across one or two uses of cet an as “that year”. Donc, bien joué ! - Einar

Christopher J.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

In English I understand it as the difference between a specific  like "that year (1999) was eventual". vs "that year (a whole year) I suffered one accident after another).  You can google "difference between an and année" and find so many explanations one will make sense.  Good luck.

Use of Cette année, rather than Cet an

Hello - I do not understand why Cette année is used, and not Cet an. We are not referring to a whole period, rather to a specific event at the end of a year. 

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