When French diplomats set out to translate the 250 most important words and phrases for rugby fans attending the World Cup in France next month, they demonstrated a sharp insight into the game.

The language survival kit issued by the Foreign Ministry includes such vital phrases as “It’s my round”, “I’ve got a hangover” and “I feel dizzy”.

Belying its reputation for elitism, the ministry has set aside the high-brow and concentrated on enabling supporters to get to stadiums, discuss the games and celebrate - or drown their sorrows - in the local tongue.

Le Kit de Survie en Français contains English and Spanish (for followers of Argentina) translations of the words and phrases that the ministry considers to be essential linguistic material.

There are the basics, such as 'Je suis Anglais' (I’m English), 'Je suis célibataire' (I’m single) and 'Où est le stade?' (Where is the stadium?). Then there are the terms vital for a conversation with a French supporter, such as 'On a gagné' (We won) or 'On a perdu' (We lost). Finally comes a section on what the French call 'la troisième mi-temps' (the third half), which begins with 'Allons boire un coup' (Let’s have a drink) and ends with 'J’ai mal à la tête' (I’ve got a headache). The kit also includes a glossary of rugby terms, such as 'une touche' (a lineout).

The initiative is part of a campaign to enhance the image of France abroad. Bernard Kouchner, the Foreign Minister, also hopes to boost the French language as Paris continues to fight a rearguard action against the spread of English. He said: “The World Cup is for us an occasion to highlight the diversity of French, a dynamic and living language adapted to today’s world and open to talents and influences from elsewhere.”

Le Kit will be distributed from tourist offices and at the entrances to stadiums at the World Cup, which starts on September 7. Organisers are expecting at least 350,000 foreign supporters. The competition is expected to generate €8 billion (£5.5 billion) for the economy.

President Sarkozy is also hoping that a French victory would signal an upswing in the national mood - as happened after France won football’s World Cup in 1998. According to a recent poll, 70 per cent of French people said that a Gallic triumph in the competition would lift their spirits.

Useful phrases

- 'Le coup d’envoi est à 15 heures' The kick-off is at 3pm

- 'Où en est le match?' What’s the score?

- 'On prend une bière?' How about a beer?

- 'C’est ma tournée' It’s my round

- 'J’ai la gueule de bois' I’ve got a hangover

- 'J’ai la tête qui tourne' I feel dizzy

- 'Au secours!' Help!

- 'L’arbitre' The referee

- 'Les joueurs' The players

- 'Un pilier' A prop

- 'Le talonneur' The hooker

- 'Le demi de mêlée' The scrum half

- 'Un ailier' A winger

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