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Secularism (laïcité) and religion

Secularism (laïcité), the freedom to believe or not to believe, and the 1905 law: the official questions on the place of religion in France.

30 questions · Updated on 2026-10-28

In the exam, the questions are in French: the translation is an aid to help you understand.

Une personne peut-elle changer librement de religion ?

Can a person freely change religion?

  1. AnswerOui, c'est sa liberté de conscienceYes, it is their freedom of conscience
  2. Non, c'est interdit après 18 ansNo, it is forbidden after age 18
  3. Non, il faut garder la religion de ses parentsNo, you must keep your parents' religion
  4. Oui, mais seulement avec l'accord de la mairieYes, but only with the town hall's approval
Explanation Secularism guarantees freedom of conscience: everyone is free to have a religion, to have none, to change it or to give it up. No one can stop them.

Source : La définition de la laïcité (1/2) · Official lists: CSP

En quelle année la loi de séparation des Églises et de l'État a-t-elle été votée ?

In which year was the law separating the Churches and the State passed?

  1. 18821882
  2. 19581958
  3. 17891789
  4. Answer19051905
Explanation The law of 9 December 1905 separates the Churches and the State: the State is independent of religions and funds none of them. In 1882 state schools had already become neutral; 1958 is the date of the Constitution.

Source : Histoire de la laïcité · Official lists: CSP, Naturalisation

Que permet le principe de laïcité ?

What does the principle of secularism allow?

  1. D'interdire toutes les religions en FranceBanning all religions in France
  2. AnswerD'être libre de croire ou de ne pas croireBeing free to believe or not to believe
  3. De ne pas respecter la loi pour raison religieuseNot obeying the law for religious reasons
  4. D'imposer une religion officielleImposing an official religion
Explanation Secularism is not against religions: it guarantees everyone the freedom to believe or not and to practise their religion while respecting public order. The State remains neutral.

Source : La définition de la laïcité (1/2) · Official lists: CSP

Quel droit est garanti par la laïcité ?

Which right is guaranteed by secularism?

  1. AnswerLa liberté de conscienceFreedom of conscience
  2. Le droit au logementThe right to housing
  3. Le droit de grèveThe right to strike
  4. Le droit de voteThe right to vote
Explanation Secularism guarantees freedom of conscience: everyone can have a religion, have none or change it. The right to strike, the right to vote and the right to housing exist, but they do not come from secularism.

Source : La définition de la laïcité (1/2) · Official lists: CSP, CR

Pourquoi le principe de laïcité doit-il être respecté à l'école ?

Why must the principle of secularism be respected at school?

  1. Pour que les élèves apprennent une religion officielleSo that pupils learn an official religion
  2. AnswerPour que chaque élève puisse penser librement et soit traité à égalitéSo that every pupil can think freely and is treated equally
  3. Pour que l'école soit dirigée par les ÉglisesSo that the school is run by the Churches
  4. Pour interdire aux élèves de parler de religion entre eux, même en récréationTo forbid pupils from talking about religion among themselves, even at break
Explanation State schools are neutral: this lets each pupil form their own opinions freely and guarantees equal treatment. Pupils may talk about religion among themselves, but proselytising is forbidden.

Source : La laïcité à l'école (2/2) · Official lists: CSP, CR

Qu'est-ce que la laïcité ?

What is secularism?

  1. Le financement des religions par l'ÉtatThe State funding religions
  2. L'obligation de ne croire en aucun dieuThe obligation to believe in no god
  3. L'interdiction de pratiquer ou de montrer une religion dans l'espace publicBanning the practice or display of religion in public spaces
  4. AnswerLa séparation des religions et de l'État, qui reste neutreThe separation of religions and the State, which remains neutral
Explanation Secularism (la laïcité) is the separation of the State and religions: the State recognises and funds no religion and stays neutral. It guarantees everyone the freedom to believe or not. You may wear a religious sign in the street.

Source : La définition de la laïcité (1/2) · Official lists: CSP, Naturalisation

Un enfant peut-il refuser d’aller à l’école pour une raison religieuse ?

Can a child refuse to go to school for a religious reason?

  1. Oui, pour les cours de sportYes, for sports lessons
  2. Oui, pendant toutes les fêtes religieusesYes, during all religious holidays
  3. AnswerNon, ce n'est pas possibleNo, that is not possible
  4. Oui, si ses parents sont d'accordYes, if the parents agree
Explanation At school, you cannot refuse, for a religious reason, a lesson on the curriculum (sport, school trip…) or a school rule. This is set out in the charter of secularism at school.

Source : La laïcité à l'école (2/2) · Official lists: CSP

Une personne a-t-elle le droit de ne pas croire en une religion ?

Does a person have the right not to believe in a religion?

  1. AnswerOui, c'est un droit garanti par la laïcitéYes, it is a right guaranteed by secularism
  2. Non, sauf s'il est de nationalité françaiseNo, unless they have French nationality
  3. Oui, mais il doit le déclarer à la mairieYes, but they must declare it at the town hall
  4. Non, chacun doit avoir une religionNo, everyone must have a religion
Explanation Having no religion, or choosing to give it up, is a right. In France, many people say they have no religion. No one can be forced to follow the rules of a religion.

Source : La définition de la laïcité (2/2) · Official lists: CSP, CR

Concernant la pratique de la religion, quelle proposition est correcte ?

Regarding religious practice, which statement is correct?

  1. Il faut déclarer sa religion à la mairieYou must declare your religion at the town hall
  2. L'État choisit les religions autoriséesThe State chooses which religions are allowed
  3. Une religion peut imposer ses règles à tout le monde, même aux non-croyantsA religion can impose its rules on everyone, even non-believers
  4. AnswerChacun peut pratiquer sa religion, dans le respect de l'ordre publicEveryone can practise their religion while respecting public order
Explanation Freedom of conscience allows you to practise a religion without disturbing public order (no noise at night, no gatherings blocking the street…). No one can be forced to follow the rules of a religion.

Source : La définition de la laïcité (1/2) · Official lists: CR

La répudiation de sa femme est :

Repudiating one's wife is:

  1. Autorisée avec l'accord du maireAllowed with the mayor's approval
  2. Possible si le mariage a eu lieu à l'étrangerPossible if the marriage took place abroad
  3. AnswerInterdite en FranceForbidden in France
  4. Autorisée si le mari le décideAllowed if the husband decides so
Explanation Repudiation (a husband ending the marriage on his own) goes against equality between women and men. In France, spouses have the same rights and divorce follows a procedure set by law.

Source : L'égalité (2/3) · Official lists: CR

En quelle année la loi de séparation des Églises et de l'Etat a-t-elle été votée ?

In which year was the law separating the Churches and the State passed?

  1. 19441944
  2. 18481848
  3. Answer19051905
  4. 18011801
Explanation The 1905 law separates the Churches and the State: the State funds no religion. Before that, the 1801 Concordat organised relations between the State and the Catholic Church.

Source : Histoire de la laïcité · Official lists: CR

À l'école publique, qui peut porter des signes religieux très visibles ?

At a state school, who can wear very visible religious signs?

  1. Seulement les enseignantsOnly the teachers
  2. Tout le monde, au nom de la liberté religieuseEveryone, in the name of religious freedom
  3. Seulement les élèves de plus de 16 ansOnly pupils over 16
  4. AnswerNi les élèves ni le personnel de l'écoleNeither the pupils nor the school staff
Explanation Since the 2004 law, pupils may not wear conspicuous religious signs at state schools. Teachers and staff have a duty of strict neutrality.

Source : La laïcité à l'école (1/2) · Official lists: CR

Selon le principe de laïcité, que signifie la neutralité de l’État ?

Under the principle of secularism, what does State neutrality mean?

  1. L'État interdit toutes les religionsThe State bans all religions
  2. AnswerL'État ne favorise aucune religionThe State favours no religion
  3. L'État soutient la religion la plus pratiquéeThe State supports the most practised religion
  4. L'État choisit les responsables religieuxThe State chooses religious leaders
Explanation The State recognises no religion, pays or subsidises no religious group and takes no part in how they run. Local authorities and public services are also neutral.

Source : La définition de la laïcité (1/2) · Official lists: CR

Qui doit respecter le principe de neutralité religieuse dans une préfecture ?

Who must respect the principle of religious neutrality in a prefecture?

  1. Personne, car la préfecture n'est pas une écoleNo one, because a prefecture is not a school
  2. Les usagers qui viennent faire une démarcheThe users who come to complete a procedure
  3. Seulement les personnes étrangèresOnly foreign nationals
  4. AnswerLes agents qui y travaillentThe officials who work there
Explanation People who work in a public service, such as a prefecture (préfecture), must not show any religious, political or philosophical belief. This ensures all users are treated the same way.

Source : La laïcité dans les services publics · Official lists: CR

La laïcité impose-t-elle aux agents publics d'être neutres vis-à-vis des usagers ?

Does secularism require public officials to be neutral towards users?

  1. Non, ils peuvent porter tous les signes religieuxNo, they may wear any religious sign
  2. Oui, mais seulement avec les usagers étrangersYes, but only with foreign users
  3. AnswerOui, ils doivent rester neutres au travailYes, they must stay neutral at work
  4. Non, cela ne concerne que les enseignantsNo, it only applies to teachers
Explanation A public official is free to have a religion, but at work wears no religious sign and does not proselytise. In the private sector it is different: an employee can generally express their religion.

Source : La laïcité au travail · Official lists: CR

Que garantit le principe de laïcité ?

What does the principle of secularism guarantee?

  1. L'interdiction de toute pratique religieuseA ban on all religious practice
  2. AnswerLa liberté de conscience pour tousFreedom of conscience for all
  3. La supériorité d'une religion sur les autresThe superiority of one religion over others
  4. Le financement des cultes par l'ÉtatState funding of religions
Explanation Secularism guarantees everyone the freedom to have a religion or not, to change it or give it up. It also ensures that everyone is equal before the law, whatever their religion.

Source : La définition de la laïcité (1/2) · Official lists: CR, Naturalisation

A-t-on le droit de changer de religion ?

Do you have the right to change religion?

  1. Seulement avant l'âge de 18 ansOnly before the age of 18
  2. Non, jamaisNo, never
  3. Oui, avec une autorisation de la préfectureYes, with permission from the prefecture
  4. AnswerOui, c'est un droitYes, it is a right
Explanation Everyone is free to have a religion, to have none, to change it or to give it up: this is freedom of conscience, guaranteed by secularism. Religious diversity can exist even within one family.

Source : La définition de la laïcité (2/2) · Official lists: CR

Que représente la laïcité ?

What does secularism represent?

  1. Une religion d'ÉtatA State religion
  2. AnswerUn principe inscrit dans la ConstitutionA principle written into the Constitution
  3. Une simple opinion personnelleJust a personal opinion
  4. Un parti politiqueA political party
Explanation Secularism is not an opinion: it is a constitutional principle. Article 1 of the 1958 Constitution says France is an "indivisible, secular, democratic and social" Republic.

Source : La définition de la laïcité (1/2) · Official lists: CR

Qu'est ce qui est interdit par la Charte de la laïcité à l'école ?

What is forbidden by the charter of secularism at school?

  1. Parler de religion entre élèvesPupils talking about religion together
  2. Avoir une religionHaving a religion
  3. AnswerContester un cours au nom de sa religionChallenging a lesson on religious grounds
  4. Étudier l'histoire des religionsStudying the history of religions
Explanation Under the charter, no pupil may invoke a religious belief to challenge a lesson on the curriculum or refuse a school rule. Pupils may still talk about religion among themselves.

Source : La laïcité à l'école (2/2) · Official lists: CR

Une personne peut-elle changer librement de religion en France ?

Can a person freely change religion in France?

  1. Non, la religion est inscrite sur la carte d'identitéNo, religion is written on the identity card
  2. Oui, mais seulement une fois dans sa vieYes, but only once in their life
  3. Non, sauf avec l'accord de sa familleNo, except with their family's consent
  4. AnswerOui, c'est sa liberté de conscienceYes, it is their freedom of conscience
Explanation Secularism guarantees freedom of conscience: everyone can have a religion, have none, change it or give it up. Religion does not appear on any official document.

Source : La définition de la laïcité (1/2) · Official lists: Naturalisation

Que dit la loi de 1905 ?

What does the 1905 law say?

  1. AnswerElle sépare les Églises et l'ÉtatIt separates the Churches and the State
  2. Elle interdit toutes les religions en FranceIt bans all religions in France
  3. Elle crée la Sécurité socialeIt creates Social Security
  4. Elle rend l'école obligatoireIt makes school compulsory
Explanation The 1905 law separates the Churches and the State: the State is independent of religions and funds none, and religions organise themselves freely within the law. Compulsory schooling dates from 1882.

Source : Histoire de la laïcité · Official lists: Naturalisation

Quel jour célèbre-t-on officiellement la laïcité en France ?

On which day is secularism officially celebrated in France?

  1. Le 1er janvier1 January
  2. AnswerLe 9 décembre9 December
  3. Le 8 mars8 March
  4. Le 14 juillet14 July
Explanation Secularism Day is held on 9 December, the anniversary of the law of 9 December 1905 separating the Churches and the State. 14 July is the national holiday.

Source : Histoire de la laïcité · Official lists: Naturalisation

Quel texte est considéré comme le texte fondateur de la laïcité ?

Which text is considered the founding text of secularism?

  1. La loi de 1901 sur les associationsThe 1901 law on associations
  2. Le Code civil de 1804The Civil Code of 1804
  3. AnswerLa loi de 1905 de séparation des Églises et de l'ÉtatThe 1905 law separating the Churches and the State
  4. Le Concordat de 1801The Concordat of 1801
Explanation The 1905 law organises the separation of the Churches and the State: it is the key text of secularism. Its principle comes from the 1789 Declaration (freedom of conscience). The 1801 Concordat tied the State to the Church.

Source : Histoire de la laïcité · Official lists: Naturalisation

Quelle institution française doit rester neutre en matière de religion ?

Which French institution must remain neutral in religious matters?

  1. Un journal privéA private newspaper
  2. Un parti politiqueA political party
  3. Une association religieuseA religious association
  4. AnswerLa mairieThe town hall
Explanation The town hall (mairie) is a public service: its staff and premises must stay neutral, with no religious sign on display. Associations, parties and private newspapers, on the other hand, may defend beliefs.

Source : La laïcité dans les services publics · Official lists: Naturalisation

À l'école, la charte de la laïcité permet de :

At school, the charter of secularism makes it possible to:

  1. Choisir la religion enseignée en classeChoose the religion taught in class
  2. Organiser des prières à l'écoleOrganise prayers at school
  3. AnswerRappeler à tous les règles de la laïcité à l'écoleRemind everyone of the rules of secularism at school
  4. Dispenser certains élèves des cours qui ne leur plaisent pasExempt some pupils from lessons they do not like
Explanation The charter of secularism at school lists the rules of secularism. It is aimed at teachers, pupils and parents, and recalls that secularism protects each pupil's freedom and equality.

Source : La laïcité à l'école (2/2) · Official lists: Naturalisation

Qui doit respecter et veiller à la neutralité religieuse dans les services publics ?

Who must respect and ensure religious neutrality in public services?

  1. AnswerLes agents des services publicsPublic-service officials
  2. Les touristesTourists
  3. Les usagersUsers
  4. Les responsables religieuxReligious leaders
Explanation Neutrality applies to people working in public services, and in bodies carrying out a public-service mission. Users (usagers), on the other hand, may wear a religious sign.

Source : La laïcité dans les services publics · Official lists: Naturalisation

Une personne déclare ne croire en aucun dieu. On peut dire :

A person says they believe in no god. We can say:

  1. Qu'elle est pratiquanteThat they are practising
  2. AnswerQu'elle est athéeThat they are an atheist
  3. Qu'elle est laïqueThat they are secular (laïque)
  4. Qu'elle est croyanteThat they are a believer
Explanation An atheist (athée) believes in no god; that is their right. "Laïque" does not describe a belief: it describes the State and public services, which are neutral towards religions.

Source : La définition de la laïcité (2/2) · Official lists: Naturalisation

Quelle liberté permet à une personne de ne pas avoir de religion ?

Which freedom allows a person to have no religion?

  1. La liberté d'entreprendreFreedom of enterprise
  2. La liberté de la presseFreedom of the press
  3. La liberté de circulationFreedom of movement
  4. AnswerLa liberté de conscienceFreedom of conscience
Explanation In France, everyone is free to have a religion, change it or have none. The 1789 Declaration (Article 10) protects opinions, "even religious ones".

Source : La liberté · Official lists: CSP

Quelle liberté permet à une personne de croire en la religion de son choix ?

Which freedom allows a person to believe in the religion of their choice?

  1. La liberté de circulationFreedom of movement
  2. La liberté d'entreprendreFreedom of enterprise
  3. AnswerLa liberté de religionFreedom of religion
  4. La liberté de la presseFreedom of the press
Explanation Freedom of worship or religion comes from the principle of liberty. Article 10 of the 1789 Declaration: no one may be troubled for their opinions, "even religious ones", if they do not disturb public order.

Source : Les droits liés à la personne humaine · Official lists: CR

Tous les citoyens français ont-ils une religion ?

Do all French citizens have a religion?

  1. Oui, il faut déclarer sa religion à la mairieYes, you must declare your religion at the town hall
  2. AnswerNon, chacun est libre d'en avoir une ou nonNo, everyone is free to have one or not
  3. Oui, on doit choisir une religion à 18 ansYes, you must choose a religion at 18
  4. Oui, ils doivent tous être catholiquesYes, they must all be Catholic
Explanation In France, you can have a religion or not: this is freedom of conscience. The State is secular (laïque): it recognises no official religion and respects all beliefs.

Source : La liberté · Official lists: Naturalisation

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