Kultur - German civilization and culture, seen derogatory as racist, authoritarian, militaristic, et.

kulturkampf- the conflict in nineteenth-century Germany between the civil and ecclesiastical authorities, especially as regards the control of schools

lacrimae rerum - the tragedy of life

laissez-aller- unconstrained freedom

laissez-passer – a permit allowing the holder to pass

langue de chat - a very thin finger-shaped biscuit or piece of chocolate

lapsus calami ~ a slip of the pen

lapsus linguae - a slip of the tongue

lebensraum - the territory which a state or nation believes is needed for its natural development

lese-majeste - treason, or presumptuous insult to a ruler

lex talionis - the law by which a punishment resembles the offence in kind and degree

locus classicus - the best-known or most authoritative passage on a subject

locus stand! - a recognized (especially legal) status

longueur - a tedious passage in a book etc; a tedious stretch of time

loquitur - (he or she) speaks (with the speaker’s name following, as a stage direction or to inform the reader).

luftwaffe - the former German Air Force

lusus naturae - a freak of nature

lycee - a state secondary school in France

machtpolitik - power politics

magnum opus - a great work; the major work of an artist, writer, et

mat de mer- seasickness

manana - in the indefinite future (especially to indicate procrastination)

maquillage - make-up; cosmetics

marriage de convenance - a marriage for financial or political reasons

matelote - a dish of fist etc. with a sauce of wine and onions

materiel- available means, especially materials and equipment in warfare.

mauvais quart d’heure - a short but nasty experience

mea culpa - ‘My fault’, acknowledging an error

memento mori - a reminder of death

menage a trios - a household of three people

mensch - a person of integrity and honor

misalliance - a marriage with someone of a lower social position

messeigneurs - pl. of monsignor

metier-one’s trade, profession, or department of activity; one’s strong point

millefeuille - a rich confection’ of puff pastry split and filled with jam, cream, etc.

mirabile dictum - astonishing to relate

mirepoix - sautéed chopped vegetables, used in sauces etc.

‘mise en scene – the scenery and properties of a play; the setting of an event

modus operand - the way in which a task is performed or a thing works.

modus vivendi- a compromise by which parties of differing interests can carry on.

monseigneur - a title given to an eminent Frenchman, especially a prince, cardinal, or bishop

mot - a witty saying

mot juste - the most appropriate expression

multum in parvo - a great deal in a small space

mutatis mutandis - with the necessary alterations having been made