Learn French: Compte tenu de ce problème, l'arrêté est prolongé. - Given this problem, the decree is extended.

Compte tenu de ce problème, l'arrêté est prolongé.

Given this problem, the decree is extended.

Breakdown of Compte tenu de ce problème, l'arrêté est prolongé.

Questions & Answers about Compte tenu de ce problème, l'arrêté est prolongé.

Why use compte tenu de here instead of en raison de?

While both are formal ways to state an objective cause, compte tenu de specifically translates to "taking into account" or "given." It implies that the problem was a factor heavily considered when making the decision to extend the decree. On the other hand, en raison de simply means "because of" or "due to."

Does the word tenu in compte tenu de ever need to agree with the noun that follows it?

No, it is completely invariable. Even if the noun following it is feminine or plural, the phrase remains exactly compte tenu de. It functions as a fixed compound preposition here, not as a participle modifying a noun.

What is the difference between un arrêté and un arrêt?

In administrative and legal French, un arrêté is an order or decree issued by an administrative authority, like a mayor or a minister. Un arrêt typically refers to a ruling by a high court, or more commonly in everyday French, a physical stop like a bus stop.

Why is it est prolongé (present tense) if the decree has already been extended?

This is the passive voice used to describe a current state. Saying l'arrêté est prolongé means the decree is currently in an extended state. If you wanted to emphasize the specific past action of the authorities extending it, you would use the passé composé and say l'arrêté a été prolongé.