The Associate (French: L'associé) is a 1979 comedy film directed by René Gainville and starring Michel Serrault, Claudine Auger and Catherine Alric. A co-production between France, Hungary and West Germany it is an adaptation of the 1928 novel The Partner by Jenaro Prieto. The film served as the inspiration for a 1996 American remake The Associate.
The film's sets were designed by the art director Sydney Bettex.