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.
Live Lessons
Receive personalised support, feedback and guidance from Françoise.
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.
What you will learn
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
Topics and Stages
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.
Study Options
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.
Live Lessons
Receive personalised support, feedback and guidance from Françoise.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Learning Path
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.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Take the free French Level Test to identify the best starting point on the Languistique French Learning Path.