Asking for Time Off
These phrases will help you navigate the process of requesting time off, explaining your absence, and managing your workload with your colleagues and managers.
Key Phrases
Je me demandais si je pouvais prendre mon vendredi la semaine prochaine pour me reposer.
casualI was wondering if I could take my Friday off next week to rest.
A natural way to soften a request using the imparfait with a colleague or familiar boss.
Est-ce que c'est possible de poser des jours de congé à la fin du mois ?
neutralIs it possible to request some days off at the end of the month?
"Poser des jours" is the standard office phrase for requesting days off in France.
Serait-il possible de prendre quelques jours de congé pendant la première semaine de juin ?
politeWould it be possible to take a few days off during the first week of June?
A very standard and respectful formulation for formal environments.
Il faut vraiment que j'aille à un mariage qui a lieu dans le sud.
casualI really have to go to a wedding that is taking place in the south.
Uses the subjunctive "que j'aille", which is extremely common in spoken French for obligations.
J'ai besoin de quelques jours pour régler des problèmes personnels qui sont assez urgents.
neutralI need a few days to sort out some personal issues that are quite urgent.
A good way to explain an absence without giving too many private details.
Ne t'inquiète pas, j'ai déjà demandé à Sophie de gérer mes dossiers urgents.
casualDon't worry, I already asked Sophie to handle my urgent files.
Reassures your manager that your work is covered by a trusted colleague.
Je m'assurerai que tous les projets importants soient terminés avant la date de mon départ.
politeI will make sure that all important projects are finished before my departure date.
A highly professional way to guarantee that your absence won't cause delays.
Je ne me sens pas très bien ce matin, donc je préfère rester chez moi.
casualI don't feel very well this morning, so I prefer to stay home.
Everyday language to use with a manager you have a close working relationship with.
Je vous appelle pour vous prévenir que je suis malade et que je ne pourrai pas venir.
politeI am calling to let you know that I am sick and won't be able to come.
Use this standard formulation when calling the HR department or a strict boss.
Je ne serai pas au bureau, mais tu pourras m'appeler si tu as un problème.
casualI won't be at the office, but you can call me if you have a problem.
Shows availability, but implies they should only call for important issues.
Bien que je sois en congé, vous pourrez me joindre par e-mail en cas d'urgence.
politeAlthough I will be on leave, you can reach me by email in case of emergency.
"Bien que" followed by the subjunctive is very professional and structures the sentence elegantly.
J'aimerais savoir combien de jours de congés payés il me reste pour cette année.
neutralI would like to know how many paid vacation days I have left for this year.
"Congés payés" is the standard term used for paid leave in French employment.
Est-ce qu'il faut que je remplisse un document spécifique pour valider ma demande de congés ?
neutralDo I need to fill out a specific document to validate my leave request?
Checks if there is a formal step required to finalize the time off.
J'ai eu un imprévu avec les enfants, donc je dois rester à la maison aujourd'hui.
casualI had an unexpected issue with the kids, so I have to stay home today.
"Un imprévu" is the perfect word for any unexpected life event that prevents you from working.