French courses & resources for all

French Beginner Level (A1)

Build the Foundations of French

Stages 1-5 of the Languistique French Learning Path

Through five stages, you will learn how to introduce yourself, talk about familiar topics and communicate in simple French.

Is Beginner Level (A1) Right for You?

This level may be suitable if you:

  • have little or no previous knowledge of French
  • are returning to French after a long break
  • want to follow a structured French learning path from beginner to advanced
  • need practical French for travel, work or personal interest
  • prefer learning at your own pace

CEFR A1 (Beginner) is the first level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), an international standard for measuring language proficiency.

CEFR Levels:
A1 Beginner → A2 Elementary → B1 Intermediate → B2 Upper Intermediate → C1 Advanced → C2 Proficient

The Languistique French Beginner Level corresponds to CEFR A1 (Beginner) and covers Stages 1-5 of the Learning Path.

What Can You Do By the End of Beginner (A1) Level?

  • Introduce yourself and exchange personal information
  • Talk about family, interests and everyday routines
  • Describe people, places, food and accommodation
  • Express likes, dislikes and simple opinions
  • Ask and answer basic questions
  • Order food and drinks
  • Shop for everyday items
  • Make simple travel arrangements
  • Understand simple written and spoken French
  • Participate in short everyday conversations

Vocabulary

Throughout Stages 1-5, you will build vocabulary related to:

  • personal information, family, countries and nationalities
  • jobs, physical descriptions and everyday life
  • sports, leisure activities, seasons and weather
  • food, markets, quantities and recipes
  • clothing, colours, sizes and accommodation
  • dates, time, days, months and travel arrangements
  • café and restaurant interactions

Grammar and Verbs

Develop confidence with:

  • the verbs être, avoir, aller, faire, venir and prendre
  • regular -er verbs and common everyday verbs
  • asking and answering simple questions
  • affirmative and negative sentences
  • expressing opinions, preferences and quantities
  • making simple comparisons
  • giving instructions using the imperative
  • common prepositions and position words
  • useful expressions for everyday communication

Reading and Listening

Improve your ability to:

  • understand simple conversations and everyday interactions
  • follow basic instructions and practical information
  • identify key details in short written and spoken texts
  • understand descriptions of people, places and activities
  • follow simple recipes, menus and advertisements

Speaking

Develop confidence in:

  • introducing yourself and exchanging information
  • asking and answering simple questions
  • participating in short conversations
  • describing everyday situations
  • expressing preferences and opinions
  • communicating with increasing confidence

Stage 1: Your First French Conversations

Greetings, introductions, simple questions and essential everyday French.

Stage 2: Weather, Leisure and Holidays

Talking about activities, hobbies, weather, seasons and travel.

Stage 3: Food, Markets and Recipes

Food vocabulary, shopping, recipes and everyday transactions.

Stage 4: Shopping and Rentals

Clothing, accommodation and practical everyday situations.

Stage 5: Restaurants and Planning

Dining out, making reservations and discussing future plans.

Online Tutorials

Follow structured lessons, audio activities and practice exercises at your own pace.

Explore the Online Learning Path

Learner Packs

Download companion PDFs, transcripts, grammar summaries and vocabulary reviews.

View Learner Packs

Live Lessons

Receive personalised support, feedback and guidance from Françoise.

Contact Françoise About Lessons

Choose the learning option that best fits your goals, schedule and learning style.

Can I start if I know no French at all?

Yes. The A1 level is designed for complete beginners.

Do I need a tutor?

No. The online courses and learner packs can be used independently. Live lessons are available if you would like additional support.

How long does it take to complete A1?

This depends on your study schedule and learning goals. Many learners complete the level over several months of regular study.

What comes after A1?

After completing A1, learners typically progress to the Beginner Plus (A2) level.

Can I learn A1 French online?

Yes. You can study independently through the Languistique Online Learning Path or combine online learning with learner packs and live lessons.

Where Does Beginner (A1) Fit in the Learning Path?

Beginner (A1) → Beginner Plus (A2) → Intermediate (B1) → Intermediate Plus (B2) → Advanced (C1)

The Beginner Level develops the essential vocabulary, grammar and skills needed for success at every later level of the Languistique Learning Path.

Learn About Beginner Plus (A2)

What Can You Do By the End of Beginner (A1) Level?

  • Introduce yourself and exchange personal information
  • Talk about family, interests and everyday routines
  • Describe people, places, food and accommodation
  • Express likes, dislikes and simple opinions
  • Ask and answer basic questions
  • Order food and drinks
  • Shop for everyday items
  • Make simple travel arrangements
  • Understand simple written and spoken French
  • Participate in short everyday conversations

Vocabulary

Throughout Stages 1-5, you will build vocabulary related to:

  • personal information, family, countries and nationalities
  • jobs, physical descriptions and everyday life
  • sports, leisure activities, seasons and weather
  • food, markets, quantities and recipes
  • clothing, colours, sizes and accommodation
  • dates, time, days, months and travel arrangements
  • café and restaurant interactions

Grammar and Verbs

Develop confidence with:

  • the verbs être, avoir, aller, faire, venir and prendre
  • regular -er verbs and common everyday verbs
  • asking and answering simple questions
  • affirmative and negative sentences
  • expressing opinions, preferences and quantities
  • making simple comparisons
  • giving instructions using the imperative
  • common prepositions and position words
  • useful expressions for everyday communication

Reading and Listening

Improve your ability to:

  • understand simple conversations and everyday interactions
  • follow basic instructions and practical information
  • identify key details in short written and spoken texts
  • understand descriptions of people, places and activities
  • follow simple recipes, menus and advertisements

Speaking

Develop confidence in:

  • introducing yourself and exchanging information
  • asking and answering simple questions
  • participating in short conversations
  • describing everyday situations
  • expressing preferences and opinions
  • communicating with increasing confidence

Stage 1: Your First French Conversations

Greetings, introductions, simple questions and essential everyday French.

Stage 2: Weather, Leisure and Holidays

Talking about activities, hobbies, weather, seasons and travel.

Stage 3: Food, Markets and Recipes

Food vocabulary, shopping, recipes and everyday transactions.

Stage 4: Shopping and Rentals

Clothing, accommodation and practical everyday situations.

Stage 5: Restaurants and Planning

Dining out, making reservations and discussing future plans.

Online Tutorials

Follow structured lessons, audio activities and practice exercises at your own pace.

Explore the Online Learning Path

Learner Packs

Download companion PDFs, transcripts, grammar summaries and vocabulary reviews.

View Learner Packs

Live Lessons

Receive personalised support, feedback and guidance from Françoise.

Contact Françoise About Lessons

Can I start if I know no French at all?

Yes. The A1 level is designed for complete beginners.

Do I need a tutor?

No. The online courses and learner packs can be used independently. Live lessons are available if you would like additional support.

How long does it take to complete A1?

This depends on your study schedule and learning goals. Many learners complete the level over several months of regular study.

What comes after A1?

After completing A1, learners typically progress to the Beginner Plus (A2) level.

Can I learn A1 French online?

Yes. You can study independently through the Languistique Online Learning Path or combine online learning with learner packs and live lessons.

Where Does Beginner (A1) Fit in the Learning Path?

Beginner (A1) → Beginner Plus (A2) → Intermediate (B1) → Intermediate Plus (B2) → Advanced (C1)

The Beginner Level develops the essential vocabulary, grammar and skills needed for success at every later level of the Languistique Learning Path.

Learn About Beginner Plus (A2)

Not Sure Where to Start?

Take the free French Level Test to identify the best starting point on the Languistique French Learning Path.