Learn French: J'aimerais travailler dans une administration. - I would like to work in public administration.

J'aimerais travailler dans une administration.

I would like to work in public administration.

Breakdown of J'aimerais travailler dans une administration.

Questions & Answers about J'aimerais travailler dans une administration.

Why do we use J'aimerais here instead of J'aime?

J'aimerais is the conditional form of the verb, meaning "I would like". It is used to express a wish, a dream, or a polite desire. If you used j'aime, it would mean "I like" (as a general, current fact), which changes the meaning completely.

Why is travailler not conjugated, and do I need a word like à or de before it?

When you have two verbs back-to-back expressing a single idea, the second verb (travailler) stays in its infinitive (dictionary) form. The verb aimer (and its conditional form aimerais) connects directly to the next verb, so you never use linking words like à or de between them.

Why use dans instead of à or en for "in"?

We use dans (in/inside) before a noun that has an article (like une here). It emphasizes working "inside" a specific type of organization, building, or sector.

Does une administration mean exactly the same thing as "an administration" in English?

It is a bit more specific! In French, une administration almost always refers to the civil service, government departments, or public authorities. If someone works in une administration, they are usually a government employee (a civil servant).