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Certified graduate with 20 years of experience. – An individual approach is developed, an individual program for each student taking into account their wishes and study goals (for work, negotiations, transfer abroad, for communication with English-speaking partners, exam preparation, etc. ), for studying grammar and vocabulary, for my part an in a system that has proven itself in practice and an active approach to spoken and spoken language.
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153 reviews
Certified teacher of foreign languages – I am a professional English and German teacher with certificates (CAE, CPE, BEC, TKT, TOEFL, IELTS, Goethe-Zertifikat, DELF, DELE) and I specialize in English and German (all levels and aspects) (French and Spanish for starters only).
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Experienced language teacher – Hello! My name is Zoriana and I teach English, French, Danish and Ukrainian. I have been interested in languages since I was a child. I believe that learning a language is a natural and one of the most exciting studies. During my career, I have taught dozens of students of different ages and various nationalities.
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What our French students say
What our French students say
Abdessamad
5
Aug 3, 2022
Ingrid is a very good teacher. I have been having lessons with her and my French has really improved so fast. She is always friendly and makes her lessons interesting because she always encourages you to speak French with her. Her lessons are easy to understand and I not only learn French, but the culture from other parts of the world.
Roberto
5
Aug 3, 2022
Sylvian is an excellent french professor. My son is taking French lessons with him and is having a great experience. He really knows how to teach kids, has patience and different skills to teach.
Mattia
5
Aug 3, 2022
The lessons have a very enjoyable pace, Blandine is really pleasant to conversate with and displays padronance of other languages useful to communicate besides french. As a beginner, each lesson left me a good impression of having learnt much more than what I had started with, while also giving me confidence and more motivation for the next one. Truly recommended.
Zel
5
Aug 3, 2022
Estelle has been a great French tutor, who encourages students to express themselves as fully as possible in French. She has an excellent knowledge of grammar, which she explains very effectively, and is patient with students.
Ania
5
Aug 3, 2022
Florian is a fantastic teacher and a lovely person! Lessons with him are really fascinating and I am always looking forward to the next one. Our chats are very interesting as he has great knowledge about French culture and politics and listens carefully to the student to provide tips for improvement.
Learn French with Preply
Whether you're a complete beginner eager to dive into the fascinating world of the French language or an experienced French speaker seeking a refresher course, Preply is your ultimate destination for mastering French online. Learn the French language the most effective way possible and accelerate your language goals with private French lessons or online French classes from the comfort of your own home!
Learn French
Table of contents
Why learn French? Unlocking a World of Opportunities
Picture yourself strolling along the charming streets of Paris, effortlessly conversing with locals, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture, and savoring the world-renowned cuisine. The allure of the French language extends far beyond its melodic sound; it opens doors to a myriad of personal and professional possibilities. Learning French isn't just about mastering words; it's about embracing a whole new world. If you're wondering why you should embark on this linguistic journey, let's delve into the captivating realm of "Why Learn French?"
Benefits of Learning French
"Learn French" isn't just a phrase; it's an invitation to join a global community of over 275 million speakers across five continents. Whether you're exploring bustling markets in Montreal or relaxing on the beaches of the French Riviera, knowing French enriches your travel experiences. It's a passport to connect with people, share stories, and build lasting connections. Imagine the joy of effortlessly navigating diverse cultures, all while speaking the language of diplomacy.
More than just a mode of communication, French serves as a gateway to a treasure trove of art, literature, and history. Dive into the pages of Victor Hugo's masterpieces, indulge in the cinematic wonders of the Cannes Film Festival, and immerse yourself in the elegance of French fashion. Learning French is like acquiring a cultural decoder, granting you access to a world of creativity and beauty.
Professional Advantages
In the realm of careers, "Learn French" echoes with promise. French is not only one of the six official languages of the United Nations but also a key language of international business. From multinational corporations to international organizations, fluency in French can set you apart in a competitive job market. Your linguistic prowess can be the bridge that connects you to global opportunities, making you an asset in an interconnected world.
Consider the industries where French fluency is invaluable. From international law and diplomacy to hospitality and tourism, the ability to communicate with French-speaking clients and colleagues is a valuable asset. It's not just about the language; it's about fostering relationships and breaking down cultural barriers, propelling your career to new heights.
Cultural Enrichment
Learning French is like opening a window to the past while embracing the present. The language carries with it centuries of history, philosophy, and artistic achievements. Delve into the works of philosophers like Descartes and existentialists like Camus, and uncover the wisdom that has shaped the world. Whether you're marveling at the intricate architecture of the Louvre or sipping café au lait at a quaint Parisian bistro, French culture seamlessly weaves the old and the new.
But the beauty of "Learn French" doesn't stop at museums and monuments. It extends to the everyday joys of life. Tune in to French films that transport you to different worlds, groove to the rhythm of French music that touches the soul, and savor the delicate flavors of French cuisine that ignite the senses. Learning French isn't just about words; it's about indulging in life's exquisite offerings.
Overcoming Challenges
Perhaps the thought of conjugating verbs or mastering pronunciation feels daunting. But fear not, for the journey of learning French is a voyage of self-discovery and growth. Embrace the challenges as stepping stones to success. With a plethora of online resources, language apps, and interactive classes, the path to fluency is more accessible than ever. Remember, every effort you invest brings you closer to a world of rewards.
"Learn French" isn't just a suggestion; it's an invitation to broaden your horizons, seize new opportunities, and embrace a rich cultural tapestry. As you embark on this adventure, remember that each word you learn, each sentence you speak, is a step towards personal and professional transformation. So, why learn French? Because it's not just about learning a language; it's about embarking on a journey of a lifetime, where every "bonjour" is a gateway to a world waiting to be explored. Seize the opportunity, and let "Learn French" be the key that unlocks a universe of possibilities.
Beginner's Guide to the French Language: Learn French for Novices
Embark on a fascinating journey to explore the enchanting French language, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and its affiliation with the Romance language family, alongside Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese. Originating from Latin and evolving over centuries, French shares a lineage with other Romance languages, lending it a sense of familiarity.
A captivating facet of the French language is its diverse lexicon, heavily influenced by Latin and Germanic languages. This influence arises from historical events, such as the migration of Germanic tribes into the Roman Empire, which led to the blending of linguistic elements. Notably, French boasts a vocabulary rich with words derived from Latin, alongside its own uniquely elegant expressions.
For those starting their journey in learning French, initial challenges might arise, but with practice, they become more manageable. For instance, mastering the nasal vowels (such as "on" and "an") can pose difficulties for non-French speakers. These distinctive sounds require air to be expelled through the nose, creating a unique resonance. Additionally, navigating the intricacies of liaisons, where silent consonants are pronounced when followed by a vowel, adds depth to pronunciation.
French pronunciation offers a blend of allure and complexity, with certain letters and letter combinations producing unexpected sounds. For instance, the letter "h" is always silent, and "j" is pronounced like the "s" in the French word "measure." Furthermore, French employs a relatively phonetic writing system, where words are usually pronounced as they are written, facilitating pronunciation for learners.
French adheres to specific stress and intonation patterns. French is considered a syllable-timed language, where syllables are given roughly equal duration when spoken. Grasping these stress patterns is pivotal for achieving a natural flow while speaking and effectively conveying your thoughts.
To communicate fluently in French, it's essential to begin with essential conversational phrases. Greet others with the warm "Bonjour" (hello) for any time of the day, or the informal "Salut" (hi). Fundamental phrases like "Comment ça va?" (How are you?) and "Comment vous appelez-vous?" (What's your name?) are indispensable for initiating conversations. When introducing yourself, use "Je m'appelle X" (My name is X), and inquire about their name with "Comment vous appelez-vous?" To discuss your origin, employ "Je viens de X" (I come from X), and to inquire about someone's origin, ask "D'où venez-vous?"
For farewells, "Au revoir" (goodbye) is commonly used, while "À bientôt" (see you soon) and "À plus tard" (see you later) offer alternative options. As you progress in your French learning journey, you'll encounter a wealth of useful phrases, expressions, and words that will enrich your conversational skills and enable you to interact fluidly with native French speakers. From polite expressions like "s'il vous plaît" (please) and "merci" (thank you) to "Excusez-moi" (excuse me) and "Je suis désolé(e)" (I'm sorry), mastering these phrases will deepen your language experience and cultural immersion.
Embarking on French lessons for beginners is a rewarding endeavor that opens doors to French culture, history, and connections with millions of speakers worldwide. As you delve deeper into this melodious language, you'll be captivated by its subtleties, expressing yourself with eloquence, and embracing the rich cultural tapestry it offers.
Explore French Verb Conjugations: Proficiency in French Verbs
Verbs stand as the cornerstone of any French sentence, allowing you to convey actions and states with precision. French verbs undergo conjugation, wherein their form alters according to the subject executing the action. Unlike German, French verbs rely more on inflections and sentence structure to convey tense and mood.
French verbs exhibit various forms, including the infinitive form (e.g., "parler" - to speak, "faire" - to do, "être" - to be), the present tense (e.g., "parle" - I speak, "fais" - you do, "est" - he/she/it is), the past tense (e.g., "parlai" - I spoke, "fit" - he/she/it did, "fut" - he/she/it was), and the future tense (e.g., "parlerai" - I will speak, "feras" - you will do, "sera" - he/she/it will be).
To employ French verbs accurately, comprehending their conjugation patterns and how they change based on the subject and tense is crucial. For instance, in the present tense, the verb "parler" changes to "je parle," "tu parles," "il/elle parle," "nous parlons," "vous parlez," and "ils/elles parlent." In the past tense, it transforms to "j'ai parlé," "tu as parlé," "il/elle a parlé," "nous avons parlé," "vous avez parlé," and "ils/elles ont parlé."
Mastery of French verb conjugations is essential for effective communication in French, and a substantial portion of your learning journey will revolve around grasping the grammar of French verbs. As you gain proficiency in this realm, you'll unlock the true potential of the French language and progress towards fluency. With each conjugation mastered, you'll express yourself confidently and participate in meaningful dialogues with native French speakers, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture and heritage that accompanies this exquisite language.
French Nouns and Gender: Grasping Gender in the French Language
French nouns exhibit grammatical gender, introducing a distinctive layer to the language. In French, each noun is assigned a gender—masculine or feminine—dictating the usage of articles, adjectives, and pronouns in relation to them. The gender of a French noun isn't linked to biological gender but rather a grammatical classification.
For non-native speakers, learning the gender of French nouns can pose a challenge, as there aren't universal rules governing the gender of every word. However, certain patterns and cues can assist in comprehending gender assignments. For example, most nouns denoting male beings (e.g., professions like "le médecin" - the doctor, "le professeur" - the teacher) are masculine. Nouns referring to female beings (e.g., "la femme" - the woman, "la professeure" - the female teacher) are feminine. Additionally, diminutives generally adopt the neuter gender (e.g., "le petit chien" - the little dog).
The definite articles "le" (masculine), "la" (feminine), and "l'" (used before nouns starting with a vowel sound) are linked with French nouns. These articles alter based on gender and case. For instance, "le chien" (the dog) is masculine in the nominative case, while in the accusative case, it becomes "le chien." Similarly, "la chatte" (the cat) is feminine in the nominative case, and in the accusative case, it remains "la chatte." Neuter nouns, like "l'oiseau" (the bird), maintain the same form in both nominative and accusative cases.
Adjectives in French also undergo changes according to the gender and case of the noun they modify, a concept termed adjective declension. Adjectives acquire distinct endings contingent upon whether they are associated with masculine, feminine, or neuter nouns and the noun's case: nominative, accusative, dative, or genitive. For example, "le grand arbre" (the tall tree) presents the adjective "grand" agreeing with the masculine noun "arbre" in the nominative case. In the accusative case, it becomes "le grand arbre."
Mastery of gender in French is vital for precise grammar and effective communication. Though initially daunting, consistent practice and exposure to the language will gradually acclimate you to the gender of common nouns. As you advance in your French learning journey, a firm grasp of gender will facilitate accurate expression and smooth navigation through the intricacies of this captivating language. Embrace the challenge, and soon you'll confidently utilize French nouns and their corresponding genders across various contexts.
What's the Quickest and Easiest Way to Learn the French Language?
What's the most effective and straightforward approach to learn French? There's no single answer when it comes to acquiring a new language. With a multitude of options at your disposal, it's no wonder that choosing a learning method or strategy can feel overwhelming. The swiftest and most convenient path to mastering French is the one that minimizes challenges. If you find reading textbooks monotonous or if flashcards fail to hold your interest, opting for a more engaging and captivating method might be the way to go. Recognizing your own preferences is key to achieving success.
Among the millions of non-native French speakers and learners worldwide, you'll encounter individuals who have harnessed diverse resources to grasp the language. Some resources are free, while others come at a nominal cost or require a more substantial financial commitment. There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, and it's up to you to identify the methods that resonate most with you. Here are a few strategies to rapidly learn French:
Online French Courses, Classes, Software, or Apps
Leverage online resources, websites, and platforms that offer both paid and free options for learning French, such as courses, classes, software, or applications.
Learning French in a Classroom Setting
French is widely taught in schools and universities across the globe. Classroom-based French learning is a popular choice for learners of all ages, offering interactive sessions led by instructors who can correct errors and provide feedback. Furthermore, engaging with fellow learners facilitates practice in conversational skills.
Learning French with a Private Tutor
Private tutoring provides personalized learning experiences akin to traditional classrooms. Having a skilled tutor at your side can help enhance your pronunciation and concentrate on areas where you might face challenges. Many tutoring sessions occur through virtual video calls, eliminating the need for in-person meetings. While finding a top-quality tutor at an affordable rate can be daunting, there's no need to worry: Preply's lessons are much more budget-friendly compared to conventional in-person French classes.
How Can I Learn French on My Own? — Valuable Resources for Learning French
In cases where attending French classes, having access to teachers, or interacting with native speakers isn't feasible, there remains a wealth of French media resources to support your journey toward fluency. Many of these resources are available for free on the internet or at a nominal cost through subscriptions to platforms like Netflix or Spotify.
Books for Learning French
If you find joy in reading, a diverse collection of French literature awaits you to aid in mastering the language. French books cater to all levels of proficiency, ranging from beginner-level short story compilations to advanced works of fiction and non-fiction. Engaging with books in French enables you to advance at your own pace and expand your vocabulary. Reading aloud can also offer valuable speaking and pronunciation practice.
Learning French through Podcasts, Songs, and Audio Resources
French podcasts offer a natural means of listening to the language spoken by native speakers. From grammar-oriented podcasts suitable for beginners to advanced storytelling podcasts, a multitude of options is at your disposal, with many being freely available. Listening to French songs also facilitates language acquisition, especially when coupled with reading the lyrics and utilizing them for further practice.
Learning with French TV Shows and Movies
Watching French films and TV shows offers an immersive way to connect with the language. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime present an array of content suitable for varying levels of proficiency. Subtitles can be employed to enhance reading comprehension, and pausing to investigate unfamiliar words further aids learning. Dividing the content into manageable segments helps prevent overwhelm.
Free Online French Classes, Software, and Apps
The internet hosts a plethora of free French resources, encompassing online courses, forums, and mobile apps. However, it's important to note that free offerings sometimes compromise on quality and may lack opportunities for listening and speaking practice. Interactive lessons might be rudimentary, poorly structured, and interspersed with advertisements. Thus, it's essential to complement such resources with supplementary materials.
French Flashcards and Phrasebooks
French flashcards are portable tools that enable practice wherever you go. Similarly, French phrasebooks equip you with practical expressions for real-life situations, like ordering at restaurants or seeking directions. Carrying a pocket-sized phrasebook while traveling proves convenient. Nonetheless, remember that while flashcards and phrasebooks are valuable aids, they can't fully prepare you for spontaneous language use in conversations. To achieve that, engagement in authentic French dialogues is necessary.
Learning French With Preply
Preply is an online platform that connects students with language tutors from all over the world. It is a great way to learn French for a number of reasons:
• You can learn at your own pace. With Preply, you can schedule lessons with your tutor whenever you want, so you can fit your learning into your busy schedule.
• You can choose a tutor who is a native French speaker. This is important for getting the most accurate pronunciation and grammar instruction.
• You can get personalized attention. Your tutor will be able to focus on your specific needs and help you improve your French at your own pace.
• It is affordable. Preply lessons are much more affordable than traditional in-person French classes.
If you are interested in learning French with Preply, here are the steps you need to take:
• Create a free account on Preply.
• Search for French tutors in your area or in a specific country.
• Filter your search results by criteria such as price, experience, and teaching style.
• Read the tutor profiles and watch their video introductions to learn more about them.
• Book a trial lesson with a tutor to see if they are a good fit for you.
If you are happy with the trial lesson, you can then book regular lessons with your tutor. We offer a variety of payment options, so you can find a plan that fits your budget.
Frequently asked questions
There are lots of free resources online you can use to help you learn French, but they work best when they're paired with classes and conversations. Working 1-on-1 with a native French speaker means you get the chance to practice speaking with someone who will correct your mistakes and work with you on speaking more naturally and fluently. It also gives you someone to ask questions - and you know you'll get a reliable answer! Apps and language forums can be great learning aids but they'll only get you so far on their own.
Learning French at home has never been easier! You can get all the benefits of private French classes delivered directly to your living room thanks to online tutoring, allowing you to connect with native speakers for regular conversational classes. You can tailor lessons to suit your needs and improve your French in the areas you struggle with without ever having to leave your house. You can also access resources and learning materials online to help supplement your classes and provide easy reference points for you to look back on.
There are a number of websites that can help when you're learning to speak French, but be wary of unfamiliar or unverified sites. The best way to ensure the advice you're getting is accurate is to speak to a native or professional tutor who can answer your questions directly. When searching for an online French tutor, look for sites that give you the chance to compare different profiles (and prices) so you can find a good match. Preply lists a wide range of French tutors with different areas of expertise and hourly rates to allow you to take control of your learning.