Beginner French · A1

Start your French journey

The perfect first step for complete beginners. Learn to speak, understand and connect in French — no prior experience needed, just curiosity.

Introduction

Discover the joy of learning French

French is spoken on five continents by over 300 million people — a language of culture, diplomacy, travel and opportunity. This course opens that world to you.

From your first lesson you'll build real, usable communication skills in a supportive, unhurried environment, guided by teachers who love watching beginners find their voice.

Is this course right for you?

Made for absolute beginners

You have little or no previous French
You're planning travel or a holiday in a French-speaking country
You're curious about French culture, film and food
You want a new challenge and a fresh skill
You need French for study or future work
You simply love learning languages

No prior experience is required — just curiosity and a willingness to learn.

What you'll learn

Four skills, built together

Every lesson blends the four core language skills with the grammar and vocabulary that hold them together.

Speaking

Introduce yourself, hold simple conversations and describe people and places.

Listening

Recognise familiar words and common expressions in everyday speech.

Reading

Understand short texts, signs, menus and simple emails with confidence.

Writing

Write short messages, fill in forms and send simple, correct emails.

Alongside these, you'll lay a solid foundation of grammar and everyday vocabulary — the building blocks that make real communication possible.

Topics covered

From bonjour to real conversation

Lessons are structured around practical, everyday themes so what you learn is what you'll actually use.

Greetings & introductions
The alphabet & spelling
Numbers & dates
Family & friends
Food & dining
Shopping
Travel & directions
The weather
Hobbies & free time
Daily routines
Basic grammar
Common verbs
Telling the time
Describing people
French culture

CEFR Level A1 · Beginner

Aligned to an international standard

This course follows the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). By the end of A1 you'll be able to:

Understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases
Introduce yourself and others, and ask and answer personal questions
Ask people about themselves — where they live, people they know, things they have
Interact simply when the other person talks slowly and clearly
Handle basic, practical exchanges in shops, cafés and on the street

When you're ready to go further, Elementary French (A2) picks up exactly where this course leaves off.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Do I need any prior knowledge of French?

None at all. This course is designed for complete beginners — you'll start right from the very first words.

How is the course taught?

We combine all four skills — speaking, listening, reading and writing — with plenty of friendly conversation practice, so you're using French from day one.

How long does the course take?

Course length varies with the schedule and pace of your group. Get in touch and we'll share current dates and options.

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes — proof of participation is available, and you can go on to sit the internationally recognised DELF A1 diploma at our centre.

What comes after this course?

Elementary French (A2) is the natural next step, building directly on everything you learn here.

How do I enrol?

Simply get in touch and we'll help you pick a class and reserve your place. We're happy to answer any questions first.

Why us

Why learn with Alliance Française?

Experienced teachers

Native and near-native educators who make beginners feel instantly at ease.

Recognised worldwide

Part of the global Alliance Française network, present in over 130 countries.

For work & study

Practical French that opens doors to jobs, universities and travel abroad.

Flexible learning

Daytime and evening classes that fit around real, busy lives.

Ready to begin speaking French?

The hardest part is starting — and we make that easy. Take the first step today and we'll be beside you the whole way.