What's your current level in French ?

To help you identify your current level in French, below is a summary of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). It provides a practical explanation of what each level means in terms of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This framework is widely used in Europe and around the world for language learning.

Please note DFC can provide C1 and C2 classes only on demand.

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Level A1 – Beginner

• Listening: can understand familiar words, simple phrases, and very basic sentences related to everyday needs (introductions, shopping, directions).

• Speaking: can introduce themselves, ask and answer simple questions, and interact if the other person speaks slowly and clearly.

• Writing: Can write short sentences, fill out simple forms, or write a basic postcard.

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With 4 to 8 lessons of French per week over 8 weeks (our extensive course), as a Complete Beginner you will gain the basics to start communicating in everyday situations. You’ll learn simple greetings, introduce themself and others, give personal information, understand numbers and dates, talk about the weather, order food, and navigate basic shopping or travel interactions.

This course will also train your ear to the sounds, rhythms, and tones of French, helping you feel more comfortable understanding spoken French, a huge rewarding step toward confident communication.

By the end, you’ll have the confidence to use French in simple conversations and build a strong foundation for further learning.

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Level A2 – Elementary

• Listening: can grasp the main idea in short, clear messages, announcements, or simple conversations about daily life (family, work, shopping).

• Speaking: can take part in simple exchanges and describe aspects of their life, habits, or immediate environment.

• Writing: can write short messages, simple emails, or brief descriptions (hobbies, routines, surroundings).

Our 8 week course will help you expand your vocabulary, improve sentence structure, and gain confidence in speaking and understanding spoken French. You’ll also train your ear to recognise common expressions and faster speech, making conversations feel more natural and rewarding.

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Level B1 – Intermediate

• Listening: can understand the main points of clear speech on work, leisure, or daily topics. Can follow the thread of TV or radio programmes if spoken slowly and clearly.

• Speaking: can manage most situations while traveling in a French-speaking region. Can explain opinions, tell stories, and describe events.

• Writing: can write coherent texts on familiar subjects, simple reports, or personal letters describing experiences.

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At B1 level, learners can already manage most everyday situations and express opinions on familiar topics. Over a 8 week course, you’ll strengthen your grammar and expand your vocabulary to speak with greater ease and accuracy. You’ll also improve your listening and pronunciation skills, helping you follow conversations with native speakers more confidently. The course will guide you toward more natural communication, expressing ideas, sharing experiences, and understanding the nuances of everyday French.

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Level B2 – Upper Intermediate

• Listening: can understand the main ideas of complex texts, discussions, or reports, even on abstract subjects.

• Speaking: can interact with native speakers with a good degree of fluency and spontaneity. Can debate, explain viewpoints, and discuss advantages/disadvantages.

• Writing: can write clear, detailed texts, essays, or reports, and adapt their style to different contexts.

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At B2 level, you already have a solid grasp of French and can communicate with confidence in most situations. During a 8 week course, you’ll refine your fluency, accuracy, and spontaneity in both spoken and written French. You’ll work on expressing opinions with nuance, developing richer vocabulary, and understanding complex texts and conversations. This course will help you sound more natural and persuasive — whether in social, academic, or professional contexts.

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Level C 1 - Advanced 

At this level, a learner can:

• Understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning.

• Express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much searching for words.

• Use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes.

• Produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns and cohesive devices.

The learner is independent and comfortable using French in almost any situation, even complex or nuanced ones.

C2 – Proficient

At this level, a learner can:

• Understand virtually everything heard or read with ease.

• Summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation.

• Express themselves spontaneously, very fluently, and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

The learner has near-native command of French, capable of understanding subtle humour, idioms, and cultural references effortlessly.

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