At levels A1 and A2, you learn to get by: introduce yourself, ask a simple question, understand what is said to you when spoken slowly, do your shopping, order, ask for directions. This is the time when you build automatic responses — and where you either develop or fail to develop the habit of speaking.
What you work on at this level
- The present, the passé composé, and the near future, in sentences you will actually use.
- Everyday vocabulary: the home, meals, transport, work, leisure activities.
- The sounds of French that do not exist in your language — now is the time to master them, not in ten years (see pronunciation practice).
- Listening: understanding normal speech, not just textbook recordings.
Why immersion changes everything when you’re a beginner
At this level, the challenge isn’t understanding the rules — it’s daring to speak. An immersion stay leaves you no choice — you speak at breakfast, at the market, in the car, at the table. Morning classes provide the material, the rest of the day puts it into practice. And since there are no more than three students, no one can hide at the back of the classroom.
What about online learning?
Online courses are ideal for getting started: short, regular sessions with text, audio, and video files shared between meetings. Consistency matters more than duration when building foundations.
Preparing for the DELF A1 or A2
The first two DELF diplomas validate precisely these skills. Preparation revolves around the four exam sections, with practice tests rather than fill-in-the-blank exercises.
Not sure where you stand? The free level test gives an answer in minutes, and a quote can then be provided.