previousnext

13.2 dans and en

13.2.1 dans and en with expressions of time

There are subtle differences between dans and en.

I will do it in five minutes.

This phrase can have two meanings. Either I start to do it in five minutes or I am able to do it within five minutes (no matter, when I start).

There is a difference in French
	Je vais le faire dans cinq minutes.
	I will do it in five minutes. / I will start to do it in five minutes.
	Je vais le faire en cinq minutes.
	I will do it within five minutes.

With months, seasons and years en is used
	Nous allons partir en août.
	We leave in August.
	En hiver il fait froid.
	In winter it is cold.
	Il est mort en 1972.
	He died in 1972.

previousnext

contact privacy statement imprint