French language Q&A Forum

In "économiser beaucoup de l'argent", why is there a definite article after the "de"?

I know these lower level dictées are meant to be spoken slowly to suit beginners, but I find that with the over-enunciation, I often hear words that aren't there. Not sure whether this is a good thing or not?

For example:

-J'adore voyager

-C'est mon passe-temps favori

I hear :

-j'adore à voyager

-C'est mon passe au temps favori

I had a more difficult time than usual understanding some of the French in this particular exercise.  There were certain phrases or words that seemed to have a different rhythm or pronunciation to them.   Conversations between two French people are one of the most difficult things for me to understand so that may explain my problems!  However, I was curious to know if the men spoke with a regional French accent?  Thanks 

Consider...

1. "Paul should have left earlier."

As I understand it, both these sentences would be translated as "Paul aurait dû partir plus tôt", even though, in English, there is a difference in meaning. Is there a better way to translate #2 to convey the meaning that Paul was compelled to leave?