French for Beginners: Lessons and Tips

Whether you're just beginning to learn French or picking it up again after a long absence, you'll find everything you need on Thoughtco.com. We have hundreds of pages written for anyone with little or no knowledge of French.

Below are French lessons categorized by type (grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, etc.). If you don't know where or how to start learning French, try the checklist. Lessons are organized in a logical study order so that you can start at the beginning and work your way up.

If you're taking a trip to France or another French-speaking country, you might want a special six-week email course on Travel French.

Not sure of your level? Try the French proficiency test.

Free French Lessons and Beginner's Resources

The links below include some additional resources to help you learn French, both online and off-line. Here are all kinds of lessons, tips, and tools to help you learn French.

Guided French Lessons

French study checklist
Start learning French basics and work your way up to a more advanced level.
"Beginning French" e-course
Learn French in 20 weeks.
"Travel French" e-course
Learn simple conversational French in a six-week course on greetings, transportation, food, and other essential practical vocabulary.
"Introduction to French" e-course
A basic introduction to the French language in one week

Categorized French Lessons

Alphabet
Learn the French alphabet all at once or one letter at a time.

Gestures
Get and look at yourself in a mirror as you pick up the unspoken language of French gestures.

Grammar
This is everything you need to know about French grammar in order to speak correctly.

Listening
This will help you work on your comprehension of spoken French. It's no so hard. Really.

Mistakes
Here are the common mistakes beginners make.

Pronunciation
Listen to an introduction to French pronunciation, with sound files.

Vocabulary
Read lists of essential French vocabulary and commit new words to memory. 

French Practice

Overcoming speaking anxiety
Beginners are often afraid they'll make stupid mistakes when they speak. Don't be nervous to speak; just start talking. You'll never speak well unless you practice.

Quizzes
French practice quizzes will reinforce your lessons.

Recess!
Fun and games will help you practice what you've learned.

Tips and Tools

Independent study
We want you to succeed. Here are some tips and tools to help you do just that.

Off-line tools
Dictionary, a grammar book, tapes/CDs, and more to reinforce your lessons.

Proficiency test
See how you've improved.

Proofreading
Learn the problem areas in French homework, papers, and translations.

Typing Accents
See how to type French accents on any computer.

Verb conjugator
Find conjugations for any verb.

Verb deconjugator
Find the verb for any conjugation.

French Info

French in English
How the French language has affected English.

What is French?
How many speakers? Where? Learn facts and figures about the French language.

What's the best way to learn French?
Choose the right method for you.