Un Cours vs. Une Classe

French learners often confuse un cours vs. une classe because in English, “class” can mean both the subject/lesson and the group of students. In French, you need two different words. You can download a free PDF of this lesson guide in my private French Grammar Library.

Un cours (masculine)

The lesson, subject, instruction, or teaching itself.

It’s about what you are studying, attending, or teaching.

Examples:

J’ai un cours de français à 10h.
I have a French class at 10 a.m. (the actual lesson).
Ce cours est très intéressant.
This course is very interesting (the subject, the instruction).
Elle donne un cours de yoga.
She teaches a yoga class (focus on the act of teaching).
Il suit un cours de cuisine.
He is taking a cooking class (he’s enrolled in the instruction).

Tip to remember:
If you can replace “class” with lesson, subject, or course, use un cours.

Une classe (feminine)

The group of students, the school level, or the physical classroom.

It’s about the people or the space.

Examples:

Ma classe est bruyante aujourd’hui.
My class is noisy today (the group of students).
Elle enseigne une classe de CE2.
She teaches a third-grade class (a level in school).
Il y a 25 élèves dans la classe.
There are 25 students in the class (the classroom group).

Tip to remember:
If you can replace “class” with students, group, grade, or classroom, use une classe.

Comparing Un Cours vs. Une Classe

J’ai un cours de français à 10h.
You’re talking about the lesson.
Ma classe de français est très motivée.
You’re talking about the group of students.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incorrect: J’ai une classe de français à 10h.
Correct: J’ai un cours de français à 10h.

Incorrect: Le cours est bruyant.
Correct: La classe est bruyante.

Rule of Thumb