Pairs often confused
CDI or CDD in French?
A CDI has no end date, a CDD has one: they are not two ways of saying the same thing, but two contracts.
Why
The I says « indéterminée », the D says « déterminée », and everything follows. A CDI is stable: it ends by resignation or dismissal. A CDD is bounded: six months, a year, two renewals at most, then it stops or becomes a CDI. A landlord or a bank asks for the CDI; an advert saying « CDD renouvelable » promises a job, not stability.
CDI
Poste en CDI à pourvoir dès que possible.
Permanent position (CDI) to be filled as soon as possible.
CDD
CDD de 6 mois pour remplacement de congé maternité.
6-month fixed-term contract (CDD) to cover maternity leave.