Which French level should I choose?

Take our quick placement test or start with Beginner if you're new to French. Choose Intermediate if you know basics, Advanced for fluency practice, or Exam Preparation for GCSE/A-Level/Leaving Cert.

What's the difference between levels?

Each level focuses on different skills: Beginner covers basics and pronunciation, Intermediate builds conversation skills, Advanced perfects fluency, and Exam Preparation targets specific test requirements.

Can I switch levels later?

Yes! You can switch between levels anytime. We recommend starting with a level that feels comfortable and moving up as you progress.

How do I know if I need exam preparation?

Choose Exam Preparation if you're taking GCSE, A-Level, or Leaving Certificate French exams. These courses focus specifically on exam formats and marking criteria.

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Quick answers

French practice answers for learners

What can I practise on the French page?

This French hub explains LearnLingo.ai speaking practice for conversation, pronunciation, fluency, grammar, vocabulary, and learning journeys. It links learners towards AI speaking sessions and related exam-style preparation where available.

Is LearnLingo.ai an official French exam provider?

No. LearnLingo.ai provides preparation support and feedback. It does not award official credentials, guarantee results, provide official scores, or claim affiliation with exam boards, schools, governments, or test centres.

How much French speaking practice is free?

The free plan includes 10 minutes of speaking practice each week. Premium adds fair-use practice conversations up to 15 minutes and full mock exams up to 18 minutes where available.

Which French route should I use next?

Use this language hub for the overall learning route, the practice pages for speaking sessions, and exam pages when you need exam-style preparation. Check official sources for current exam rules, dates, fees, and marking requirements.

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Language practice

Language pages focus on general speaking practice, pronunciation, vocabulary, and fluency.

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Language exam hubExams

L1 to L2 Optimisation

LearnLingo.ai provides personalised learning paths optimised for your native language, addressing specific challenges and leveraging linguistic similarities.

Customised explanations based on your L1 grammar patterns

Targeted pronunciation guidance for your language background

Cognate recognition to accelerate vocabulary acquisition

Common interference patterns and how to avoid them

Transfer strategies from your native language

CEFR-Aligned Learning Path

A1

Beginner - Basic phrases and everyday expressions

80-100 hours of study

You will be able to:

Introduce yourself with correct pronunciation
Order in a café using polite forms
Understand and give simple directions

A2

Elementary - Simple conversations on familiar topics

180-200 hours of study

You will be able to:

Describe daily routines using reflexive verbs
Talk about past events with passé composé
Express likes and dislikes with proper agreements

B1

Intermediate - Handle most travel situations

350-400 hours of study

You will be able to:

Express opinions using subjonctif
Narrate stories using imparfait vs passé composé
Handle formal and informal registers

B2

Upper Intermediate - Professional communication

500-600 hours of study

You will be able to:

Participate in debates on abstract topics
Write formal letters and reports
Understand most French films without subtitles

C1

Advanced - Academic and professional fluency

700-800 hours of study

You will be able to:

Understand implicit meanings and humour
Use language flexibly in social and professional contexts
Write complex texts with proper style

C2

Proficiency - Near-native command

1000+ hours of study

You will be able to:

Understand all varieties of French effortlessly
Express fine shades of meaning precisely
Master literary and administrative language

Real-World Practice Scenarios

A1-A2

Navigating Paris public transport

Tasks you'll practice:

• Buy metro tickets at a machine or counter
• Ask for platform and connection information
• Understand announcements about delays
• Report a lost item to RATP staff

Language focus:

Transport vocabulary: ligne, correspondance, directionPolite questions with "Pourriez-vous..."Understanding numbers for lines and platformsTime expressions for schedules

B1-B2

Discussing a French film at a ciné-club

Tasks you'll practice:

• Summarise the plot and themes
• Express opinions about cinematography
• Compare with other films by the director
• Debate cultural elements and interpretations

Language focus:

Film vocabulary: réalisateur, mise en scène, planExpressing opinions with subjonctifMaking comparisons with plus/moins/aussi...queCultural references and idioms

Cultural Context & Etiquette

Greetings

• Always greet with "Bonjour" before any interaction
• "Bonsoir" after 6pm, "Bonne soirée" when leaving
• Cheek kisses (bises) vary by region: 1-4 kisses

Etiquette

• Wait for "Bon appétit" before eating
• Keep hands visible on the table while dining
• Tu/vous distinction is crucial - err on formal side

Business Culture

• Meetings often start with general conversation
• Intellectual debate is valued and expected
• Hierarchical structures are generally respected

Exam Preparation

Available Exams

• DELF/DALF (A1-C2) - Official French diplomas
• TCF - Test de Connaissance du Français
• TEF - Test d'Évaluation de Français
• AP French, GCSE French, A-Level French

Preparation Tips

• DELF/DALF are diplomas valid for life
• Practice formal letter writing for B2 and above
• Oral exams include monologue and interaction parts

Your Learning Toolkit

Balance formal grammar study with authentic French media exposure

Daily Practice

RFI Journal en français facile for news
Practice pronunciation with tongue twisters
Read one article from Le Monde or Libération
Shadow French podcasts to improve pronunciation

Immersion Tips

Watch French films with French subtitles
Listen to French music and study lyrics
Join Alliance Française conversation groups
Cook French recipes following French videos

Start Your French Journey Today

Practise French with AI-powered conversations tailored to your native language.

Try free (10 min/week)Try a Conversation

L1 to L2 Optimisation

LearnLingo.ai provides personalised learning paths optimised for your native language, addressing specific challenges and leveraging linguistic similarities.

Customised explanations based on your L1 grammar patterns

Targeted pronunciation guidance for your language background

Cognate recognition to accelerate vocabulary acquisition

Common interference patterns and how to avoid them

Transfer strategies from your native language

CEFR-Aligned Learning Path

A1

Beginner - Basic phrases and everyday expressions

80-100 hours of study

You will be able to:

Introduce yourself with correct pronunciation
Order in a café using polite forms
Understand and give simple directions

A2

Elementary - Simple conversations on familiar topics

180-200 hours of study

You will be able to:

Describe daily routines using reflexive verbs
Talk about past events with passé composé
Express likes and dislikes with proper agreements

B1

Intermediate - Handle most travel situations

350-400 hours of study

You will be able to:

Express opinions using subjonctif
Narrate stories using imparfait vs passé composé
Handle formal and informal registers

B2

Upper Intermediate - Professional communication

500-600 hours of study

You will be able to:

Participate in debates on abstract topics
Write formal letters and reports
Understand most French films without subtitles

C1

Advanced - Academic and professional fluency

700-800 hours of study

You will be able to:

Understand implicit meanings and humour
Use language flexibly in social and professional contexts
Write complex texts with proper style

C2

Proficiency - Near-native command

1000+ hours of study

You will be able to:

Understand all varieties of French effortlessly
Express fine shades of meaning precisely
Master literary and administrative language

Real-World Practice Scenarios

A1-A2

Navigating Paris public transport

Tasks you'll practice:

• Buy metro tickets at a machine or counter
• Ask for platform and connection information
• Understand announcements about delays
• Report a lost item to RATP staff

Language focus:

Transport vocabulary: ligne, correspondance, directionPolite questions with "Pourriez-vous..."Understanding numbers for lines and platformsTime expressions for schedules

B1-B2

Discussing a French film at a ciné-club

Tasks you'll practice:

• Summarise the plot and themes
• Express opinions about cinematography
• Compare with other films by the director
• Debate cultural elements and interpretations

Language focus:

Film vocabulary: réalisateur, mise en scène, planExpressing opinions with subjonctifMaking comparisons with plus/moins/aussi...queCultural references and idioms

Cultural Context & Etiquette

Greetings

• Always greet with "Bonjour" before any interaction
• "Bonsoir" after 6pm, "Bonne soirée" when leaving
• Cheek kisses (bises) vary by region: 1-4 kisses

Etiquette

• Wait for "Bon appétit" before eating
• Keep hands visible on the table while dining
• Tu/vous distinction is crucial - err on formal side

Business Culture

• Meetings often start with general conversation
• Intellectual debate is valued and expected
• Hierarchical structures are generally respected

Exam Preparation

Available Exams

• DELF/DALF (A1-C2) - Official French diplomas
• TCF - Test de Connaissance du Français
• TEF - Test d'Évaluation de Français
• AP French, GCSE French, A-Level French

Preparation Tips

• DELF/DALF are diplomas valid for life
• Practice formal letter writing for B2 and above
• Oral exams include monologue and interaction parts

Your Learning Toolkit

Balance formal grammar study with authentic French media exposure

Daily Practice

RFI Journal en français facile for news
Practice pronunciation with tongue twisters
Read one article from Le Monde or Libération
Shadow French podcasts to improve pronunciation

Immersion Tips

Watch French films with French subtitles
Listen to French music and study lyrics
Join Alliance Française conversation groups
Cook French recipes following French videos