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What is La Marseillaise?
Model-written, not yet read by a native reader.
Correct answer: The national anthem of France. It is the national anthem of France. The song was composed in 1792 to support soldiers during a war. It became the national anthem in 1879. Source: the Ministry of the Interior sheet “L'hymne français” (in French).
Sources: Sheet “L'hymne français” (French), read on 21 October 2026. Answer written by Hexaciv from this source. Hexaciv is an independent preparation tool. It is not an official website, is not linked to any government body and does not give legal advice. The authoritative source is the Ministry of the Interior's, cited on this page.
The four choices and why
- ✗ A religious song from the city of MarseilleUn chant religieux de la ville de MarseilleIt is a song of the Revolution, not a religious song.
- ✗ The name of the Republic's mottoLe nom de la devise de la RépubliqueLa Marseillaise is not the name of the motto: it is the national anthem of France.
- ✗ A law of the RevolutionUne loi de la RévolutionIt is a song, not a law.
- ✓ The national anthem of FranceL'hymne national de la FranceCorrect answer. It is the national anthem of France. The song was composed in 1792 to support soldiers during a war. It became the national anthem in 1879.
How it reads on exam day
The exam is in French, so this is the question you will see: « La Marseillaise, qu'est-ce que c'est ? ». Learn the English idea above and the French words in the options.
This question is on the official list for the resident card (CR) and for the multi-year residence card (CSP). The Ministry's wording: “Qu'est-ce que la Marseillaise ?”.
Where the Ministry explains it
Sheet “L'hymne français” (French).
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