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👉 See also: Meilleur (better, best) »
Level A2 (Upper Beginner)
Published February 11, 2026 — Lesson written by French teacher David Issokson for students who want to learn French online, with native audio by Marie Assel Cambier, a voice artist from France.
The French Word of the Day is crème de la crème, meaning “the best of the best.” Ever wondered how the French describe the very finest products or elite groups of people? Today’s lesson shows you how to pronounce this expression correctly and use it naturally in everyday conversation.
📘 Crème de la crème meaning in French
Crème de la crème translates literally to “cream of the cream” and is a French expression meaning “the best of the best,” “cream of the crop” or “the very finest in a group.” It refers to the top tier — whether you are talking about people, products, or any elite category. The expression appeared in French in the 18th–19th centuries. It comes from the idea that cream rises to the top of milk — and the richest, thickest part of that cream is the very best part. The phrase is also used in English with the same meaning and nearly the same pronunciation.
🎧 Crème de la crème pronunciation in French
The pronunciation of crème de la crème is /kʁɛm də la kʁɛm/ (IPA), which sounds roughly like “krem duh lah kreme.“
📝 Crème de la crème usage examples
Je n’achète que la crème de la crème des produits.
I only buy the very best of the best products.
Ce chef fait partie de la crème de la crème.
This chef is part of the crème de la crème (the very best).
👉 See also: Faire conjugation chart (with audio + interactive quiz) »
Cette école attire la crème de la crème des étudiants.
This school attracts the very best students.
Ce vin est considéré comme la crème de la crème.
This wine is considered the best of the best.
The word meilleur has long caused confusion among students as it means both “better” and “best.”
👉 See also: Meilleur meaning and examples »
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🔗 Related words and expressions
- le meilleur — the best
- le gratin — high society, the elite
- l’élite (f.) — the elite
- le fleuron — the jewel, the pride (of something)
- le nec plus ultra — the ultimate, the very best
- haut de gamme — high-end
- le top — the best (informal)
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