Pension vs. retraite
The French terms 'pension' and 'retraite' both relate to financial support provided after an individual has stopped working due to age. However, the two words have nuances in their usage and context. This article will delineate these differences through definitions and examples.
Pension
In a general sense, ‘pension’ refers to the money one receives periodically after retiring from work. The term is broad and can also refer to payments made as part of a disability or widow's pension.
Il reçoit sa pension chaque mois après avoir travaillé pendant 40 ans.
(He receives his pension every month after having worked for 40 years.)
La veuve touche une pension depuis le décès de son époux.
(The widow has been receiving a pension since the death of her spouse.)
Après son accident, il a dû prendre une pension d'invalidité.
(After his accident, he had to take a disability pension.)
Retraite
The word ‘retraite’ specifically refers to retirement and the period or state of being retired from one's profession or job, as well as the funds received during this phase of life. It is more specific to age-related cessation of work and the associated income.
Elle planifie de partir en retraite à l'âge de 65 ans.
(She plans to retire at the age of 65.)
La somme que je cotise pour ma retraite augmentera l’année prochaine.
(The amount that I contribute to my retirement fund will increase next year.)
En France, l'âge légal de la retraite est actuellement fixé à 62 ans.
(In France, the legal retirement age is currently set at 62 years old.)
Summary
While both 'pension' and 'retraite' involve financial aspects post-employment, 'pension' is a broader term which may also include other types of pensions such as disability or survivor's pensions, whereas 'retraite' is more specifically centered on age-related retirement from professional life and the subsequent income received during that period. Understanding the context is key to distinguishing between these two terms in French financial lexicon.