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What is laïcité?
Model-written, not yet read by a native reader.
Correct answer: A principle that separates the State and religions. Laïcité separates the State from religious organisations. It guarantees freedom of conscience: everyone is free to have a religion or not. It is a principle of the Constitution. Source: the Ministry of the Interior sheet “La définition de la laïcité (1/2)” (in French).
Sources: Sheet “La définition de la laïcité (1/2)” (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 ban on practising a religion in publicL'interdiction de pratiquer une religion en publicLaïcité guarantees the freedom to practise a religion.
- ✓ A principle that separates the State and religionsUn principe qui sépare l'État et les religionsCorrect answer. Laïcité separates the State from religious organisations. It guarantees freedom of conscience: everyone is free to have a religion or not. It is a principle of the Constitution.
- ✗ An opinion against all religionsUne opinion contre toutes les religionsLaïcité is not an opinion: it is a principle of the Constitution.
- ✗ A religion decided by the StateUne religion décidée par l'ÉtatThe State recognises no religion.
What the source says
« Le principe de laïcité implique la séparation entre l’État et les organisations religieuses »
Sentence copied word for word from the source, in French, read on 21 October 2026.
How it reads on exam day
The exam is in French, so this is the question you will see: « Qu'est-ce que la laïcité ? ». Learn the English idea above and the French words in the options.
This question is on the official list for the multi-year residence card (CSP) and on the naturalisation list (PDF read on 14 October 2026). The Ministry's wording: “Qu'est-ce que la laïcité ?”.
Where the Ministry explains it
Sheet “La définition de la laïcité (1/2)” (French).
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