Learning French: the origins and meaning of une auberge espagnole
This diverse, multi-use phrase is also the title of a popular French film
The origins of this phrase can be traced to the Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle pilgrimage route
Alexandre Rotenberg / Shutterstock
This peculiar phrase expresses the idea that everyone interprets things in their own way, but suggests this sometimes leads to shambolic situations.
We look at why Spanish hostels are at the centre of this metaphor and how the title of Klapisch’s 2002 film blends both the literal and figurative meaning of auberge espagnole.
What does une auberge espagnole mean?
It literally translates as: a Spanish hostel.
This expression can describe a meeting place or event where people bring their own food or, more broadly, where everybody is welcome and can do as they please.
It is typically used to refer to a diverse group of people with a range of viewpoints who cannot see eye to eye. In English you might say: every man for himself, or each to their own.
More generally, it can describe a badly organised or chaotic situation.
Read also: Exploring French drinking traditions: from apéros to digestifs
What are the origins of une auberge espagnole?
It dates back to the 18th Century, referring to literal Spanish 'auberges' on the Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle pilgrimage route.
These inns were typically free but extremely simple, with walkers having to provide their own food and refreshments.
This led to the food-related interpretation of this phrase, which can still be used today although it is becoming less common.
If an apéro invitation ever refers to auberge espagnole, be sure to bring an edible contribution. You can expect a potluck spread with many different dishes on offer.
The expression gradually evolved to adopt a figurative meaning, describing the idea that each unique person has their own perspectives and independent experiences.
Read also: Art historian’s guide to walking the Chemin de Compostela from France
When do you say une auberge espagnole?
You can use it to refer to a situation when people are only concerned by their best interests or only wish to interpret things in their own way:
It can also be used as a tongue-in-cheek description of a generally chaotic environment:
It can be said to describe contributing food to a soirée or apéro:
To whom do you say une auberge espagnole?
It is mostly considered informal, colloquial language which can be used with friends and family in lighthearted situations.
This phrase could cause offence in certain contexts as it can sometimes give off negative connotations.
Une auberge espagnole in popular culture
L’auberge Espagnole (translated as Pot Luck), is a 2002 French romantic comedy written and directed by Cédric Klapisch. It features several well-known French actors such as Romain Duris, Audrey Tautou and Cécile de France.
The film tells the story of a group of international students sharing the same apartment during a wild Erasmus year abroad in Spain. It offers an interesting commentary on coming-of-age experiences and navigating cultural differences.
The title of the film is therefore a perfect fit, blending both the literal and figurative meanings of auberge espagnole.
This film won several awards and is also part of a trilogy which continues to follow the post-Erasmus evolution of the characters' lives. The dialogue is mostly in French but also features the likes of English, Spanish, Danish and German.
Learn French with Movies - L'auberge espagnole
