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Learn French
Français · 300+ million speakers worldwide
GrammarEasy
PronunciationMedium
Bonus tool
Open GuideTravel Phrase Guide
65 essential phrases for your next trip — with pronunciation and flashcards.
About French
French (français) descends from Vulgar Latin spoken in Gaul. Carried across the world by exploration, trade, and diplomacy, it remains a working language of the UN, the EU, the IOC, and the Red Cross — and the second-most studied language on earth.
Where it's spoken
France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada (Québec), and much of West and Central Africa
Interesting facts
- 1Around 30% of English vocabulary is of French origin, mostly via the Norman Conquest
- 2French was the language of European diplomacy for nearly three centuries
- 3The Académie française has been guarding French since 1635 — and still debates new words today
Why learn French?
Three reasons to make French your next language.
1
A global career edge
French opens doors in diplomacy, fashion, luxury goods, and Africa's rapidly growing economies.
2
Travel further, deeper
From Paris bistros to Marrakech medinas and Montréal cafés, French lets you slip past the tourist surface.
3
A massive vocabulary head start
Thousands of English words — government, restaurant, fiancée — are already French. You know more than you think.
Your learning path
The Languages Center French course follows the CEFR scale, from A1 (beginner) to C1 (advanced).
A1
Beginner
15 sections · 135 lessons
A2
Elementary
15 sections · 135 lessons
B1
Intermediate
15 sections · 135 lessons
B2
Upper-Intermediate
15 sections · 135 lessons
C1
Advanced
15 sections · 135 lessons
Read short articles
Short reads in French at every level — with full English translations side by side. Great for building reading confidence at your pace.
Podcasts
PremiumNative-speaker audio at every level. Listen anywhere.
A110 min
Conversational Starter — French
Podcast episode
Easy listening for beginners — slow and clear speech with study notes.
Premium content
Unlock podcasts, videos and more with a Languages Center subscription.
Upgrade to PremiumVideos
PremiumAnimated lessons, real-life scenes and documentary clips.
5 min
A1Video
First Words — French
Animated short videos covering essential beginner vocabulary.
Premium content
Unlock podcasts, videos and more with a Languages Center subscription.
Upgrade to Premium12 min
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