English Translation
She holds a degree in literature.
détient is quite new to me, so I looked it up with Gemini, and it says:
However, the verb détient (from détenir) is very formal and slightly administrative. It sounds a bit like “She is in possession of a degree” or “She holds the record.”
Here are the more natural ways to say this depending on the context:
1. The Most Natural Way (Être diplômée)
Instead of saying she “has” a degree, French speakers often say she “is a graduate” in that field.
Elle est diplômée en littérature. (She is a literature graduate / She has a degree in literature.)
2. The Standard Way (Avoir)
In conversation, we simply use the verb “to have.”
Elle a un diplôme en littérature. (She has a degree in literature.)
3. The Professional/Resumé Way (Être titulaire)
If you are writing a CV or a bio and want to sound very official, use être titulaire de (to be the holder of).
Elle est titulaire d’un diplôme en littérature. (She holds a degree in literature.)
4. A Note on “Literature” (Lettres)
While littérature is correct, the specific name for this field of study in French universities is often just Lettres (Letters).
- Elle a une licence de lettres. (She has a BA in Literature).
- Elle a fait des études de lettres. (She studied literature).