French A1 Level: Resources and Preparation

As a French beginner, you may feel overwhelmed by the countless apps, courses, and websites. You may ask yourself: How do I start? What skills do I need to focus on? Where can I find reliable resources to learn the basics? And how do I prepare for my A1 exam?

If any of the following statements apply to you, beginning with the French A1 level is a great choice:

• You are completely new to learning French.
• You’ve taken a long break from studying French and want a refresher.
• You remember only a few French words or phrases from past learning.
• You need to take a French A1 exam for travel, visa, or residency requirements.

What to Expect at the French A1 Level

The A1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is designed for complete beginners. At this level, you’ll learn basic skills like introducing yourself, answering simple questions, understanding basic conversations, and writing short sentences. Once you reach A1, you can navigate daily interactions and understand fundamental vocabulary.

Key Areas Covered in a French A1 Exam

The French A1 exam assesses your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Let’s break down what this involves.

1) Simple Conversations and Introductions

The A1 level expects you to introduce yourself, greet others, and ask and answer simple questions about your family, hobbies, profession, and hometown. You’ll also learn basic vocabulary related to numbers, colors, days of the week, and food.

Want to master introducing yourself and pronouncing common introductory phrases? Don’t miss this video!

2) Understanding Basic Conversations

Listening comprehension is a critical part of the A1 level. You should be able to follow short, slowly spoken dialogues about everyday topics, like ordering at a café, asking for directions, or making small talk.

Are you looking to talk about your daily activities? This video offers helpful phrases and pronunciation tips to get you started!

3) Reading Basic Texts

A1 reading skills involve understanding simple texts, like signs, menus, short emails, or social media posts. You’ll practice reading for basic information, such as locating names, dates, or places.

This video with Alexa provides some excellent reading practice for beginners.

4) Writing Basic Sentences

You should be able to write short sentences or basic paragraphs, like filling out forms, introducing yourself in writing, or creating a simple email. Learning how to write basic introductions and describe daily activities will help you develop confidence in your writing.

Want some writing practice? Watch this video with Alexa, and you’ll make quick progress!

Where to Take the A1 Exam?

The French A1 exam can be taken through several recognized institutions:

• DELF A1 (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française): The DELF A1 exam is widely recognized and tests basic communication skills in French. It can be taken at certified centers globally.
• TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français): This exam includes an A1 level component and is accepted for specific visa and residency requirements, especially in Canada.

Recommended Resources for French A1

Learning French is an exciting journey, and choosing the right tools can make all the difference in how quickly and effectively you progress. In this guide, we’ll explore the best apps for 1:1 lessons, top language exchange platforms, and highly-rated resources for reading, writing, and listening practice. Additionally, we’ll highlight some of the best YouTube channels for learning French to help you stay motivated and engaged.

Best Apps for 1:1 Lessons

Several excellent platforms are available if you’re looking for personalized 1:1 lessons to fast-track your language learning. Apps like iTalki, Preply, and Verbling allow you to connect with experienced language tutors, many of whom have learned foreign languages themselves. These apps filter tutors by language, teaching style, and price range to help you choose a tutor you feel comfortable with and who can help you reach your language goals. Many tutors conduct lessons via Skype or Zoom, offering the flexibility to learn from the comfort of your home. During these calls, you can simulate real-life conversations in the target language. Additionally, scheduling is flexible so that you can fit lessons into your daily routine.

Best Resources for Practicing Reading, Writing, and Listening

Developing well-rounded language skills requires targeted reading, writing, and listening resources. With apps like LangCorrect and Journaly, writing practice can be enhanced, where native speakers review and correct your work. Listening resources such as lingoni French combine structured lessons with natural, real-world examples, helping you build comprehension at a steady pace. lingoni’s platform is particularly strong, offering interactive exercises and videos to strengthen all core skills. For more immersive listening, you can explore French podcasts like Coffee Break French or listen to French audiobooks on apps like Audible.

Best Language Exchange Apps

Language exchange apps provide a great way to practice conversational skills while helping someone else learn your native language. Apps like Tandem, HelloTalk, and Speaky connect you with language partners worldwide. These platforms let you exchange messages, voice recordings, and even video calls to improve your skills in a relaxed, peer-to-peer environment. For French learners, these exchanges can help master slang, colloquial expressions, and pronunciation. Many users find language exchanges less intimidating than formal lessons and a fun way to learn about different cultures. Set clear expectations with your partner about the balance of language used to make the most of your exchange.

Best YouTube Channels for Learning French

YouTube is a treasure trove of free language-learning content. You can find anything from grammar, tips to learn a language effectively, real-life conversation, and vocabulary practice. Channels like lingoni French stand out for their structured, comprehensive approach. Lessons cover beginner-level basics to advanced grammar, idioms, and useful phrases and vocabulary. You can start as a complete beginner at level A1 and work your way up through level B2. Other excellent channels include Français Authentique, which focuses on listening comprehension and everyday spoken French, and Learn French with Alexa, known for its engaging and entertaining lessons. For cultural immersion and advanced listening comprehension, try InnerFrench, which features podcasts and videos aimed at intermediate learners. Using YouTube to learn French is a great way to add variety and keep your learning journey exciting. Here is our list of favorite French YouTube channels on which to learn French: Top 10 YouTube Channels for Learning French.

Conclusion

Learning French can be so much fun, especially if you know where to look for the right resources. Combining reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities is essential to reach the first milestone in your language journey: the French A1 level. The resources in this article will get you started speaking and understanding French confidently. Some resources are more tailored to beginners, while others will be a source of motivation for intermediate and advanced speakers. We hope this guide has inspired you and set you on the path to a successful and enjoyable French learning journey.