Learn French with a podcast snippet! This clip is is from Vivons Heureux avant le fin de le monde podcast Numéro 1. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here. The above audio sample and transcription is from Vivons Heureux avant le fin de le monde podcast Numéro 1. We do…
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Learn French with a podcast snippet! This clip is is from Vivons Heureux avant le fin de le monde podcast Numéro 1. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here.
The above audio sample and transcription is from Vivons Heureux avant le fin de le monde podcast Numéro 1. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here.
you need
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The snippet in English
Find a translation of this snippet here, how much of this did you hear?
C’est comme ça qu’on a réussi à relancer même la vente d’automobiles déjà dès les années vingt quand sa menace est de s’engorger si en imaginant le marketing social c’est-à-dire vous avez peut-être une voiture, mais pour être mieux que le voisin il en faut une deuxième.
That’s how we managed to revive even car sales as far back as the 1920s, when they were threatened with bottlenecks if we imagined social marketing, i.e. you may have a car, but to be better than your neighbor you need a second one.
The above translation from Deepl
What does “a réussi à relancer” mean?
A réussi à relancer means managed to restart, revive, or boost again—describing a successful effort to bring something back into motion, attention, or growth.
Elle a réussi à relancer sa carrière après une longue pause (She managed to restart her career after a long break).
It’s neutral and slightly formal, often used in business, media, or public affairs. In France, it’s common in economic or political reporting (relancer l’économie – revive the economy); in Quebec, usage is the same, though sometimes replaced with redémarrer in tech or casual contexts.
What does “même” mean?
Même can mean even in French when expressing surprise, emphasis, or inclusion beyond expectations.
Même les enfants ont compris ce problème compliqué (Even the children understood this complicated problem).
It’s neutral and very common, used in both spoken and written French. In France, it’s essential for emphasis and often paired with contrast (même lui n’a rien dit – even he said nothing).
What does “s’engorger” mean?
S’engorger means to become clogged, congested, or blocked—used for traffic, pipes, systems, or anything that can be overwhelmed by excess.
Les routes s’engorgent chaque matin à l’heure de pointe (The roads get congested every morning at rush hour).
It’s neutral and slightly formal, found in news, infrastructure reports, or technical speech. In France, it’s common in urban contexts (un hôpital s’engorge – a hospital is overwhelmed).
What does “il en faut” mean?
Il en faut means you need some or it takes some—used to express that a certain amount of something is necessary, with en replacing the thing needed.
Du courage ? Oui, il en faut pour faire ça (Courage? Yes, you need some to do that).
It’s neutral and common, especially in speech when talking about effort, qualities, or quantities. In France, it often carries a tone of realism or understatement (il en faut pour supporter ça – it takes some to put up with that)
This clip is from the “Vivons Heureux” podcast
“Vivons heureux avant la fin du monde” is an intriguing French podcast that delves into themes of happiness and existentialism in the face of life’s transience. Find all clips from this podcast here.
Produced with a blend of humor and depth, the podcast explores the idea of living joyfully and meaningfully, even with the awareness of life’s inevitable end. Each episode features discussions, interviews, and stories that examine different aspects of happiness and human experience, encouraging listeners to embrace the present moment. Its thoughtful and often lighthearted approach makes it an excellent listen for those interested in personal growth, philosophy, and living a fulfilled life.
For French learners, it offers a rich resource to improve comprehension skills while engaging with contemporary and thought-provoking topics.
Looking for more? Discover other challenging podcasts here.
Improving your French Listening Comprehension with Podcasts
On this site, fast spoken French is finally accessible to all levels. The tool break podcasts into short clips each set to transcription fill-in-the-blank practice. My favorite practice in class is always dictées. While they can seem overwhelming at first, the confidence boost and skills payoff for doing the work pays off. They’re perfect for anyone at any level, from advanced students to those just starting.
We use podcasts and our practice exercises to make it possible for anyone, anywhere to immerse in French with fun and ease. Join us and enjoy French, one short clip at a time. Let’s learn together!
Make the most of the site:
- Daily Podcast Listening: Start your day with a French podcast from our collection. Choose episodes that align with your interests to keep it engaging.
- Active Listening Practice: As you listen, try to pick out key phrases and vocabulary. Use our daily quizzes to test your understanding and reinforce learning.
- Repeat and Shadow: Listen to the same podcast segment multiple times. Try to mimic the pronunciation and intonation to improve your spoken French.
- Note-taking: Jot down new words or phrases you encounter. Review these notes regularly to enhance vocabulary retention.
- Reflect and Respond: After each episode, summarize the main points in French, either in writing or aloud. This helps in consolidating your learning and improving your expressive skills.
- Read More:
- True Beginner or A1 Learners: discover tips learning with podcasts at an introductory level.
- Discover all the podcast clips on FrenchIRL organized by level.
- Top Tips: Here’s how I make the most of my own site.
I created the French In Real Life project because I wanted to understand more than just my teacher and youtubers who cater to learners. I wanted to understand the French I hear in France. I hope you can benefit as much as I have. Become a supporting member for access to all clips.
What’s opening up for you?
Comment below with what’s opening up for you with this clip. What do you love about this? What was challenging? What was easy? Share your learning progress below!
Learn French with a podcast snippet! This clip is is from Vivons Heureux avant le fin de le monde podcast Numéro 1. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here. The above audio sample and transcription is from Vivons Heureux avant le fin de le monde podcast Numéro 1. We do…
Take the quiz, join the conversation.
Did you find this one challenging or easy? Did you hear something diffferent? What surprised you? What levels did you complete? Comment below and share what’s opening up for you with this quiz.
