French lessons for complete beginners (A0-A1)
Never learned any French? No problem: we really do start from zero. By video call, with a native, qualified teacher, you discover the sounds of French, everyday words and your first useful sentences, step by step. From the very first sessions, you'll dare to say hello, introduce yourself and ask simple questions.
What you'll be able to do
- Greet people, introduce yourself and say where you come from
- Spell your name, give your phone number, address and date of birth
- Understand very simple questions and instructions spoken slowly
- Talk about your family, your tastes and your day in short sentences
- Handle the essential situations: ordering, shopping, asking for a price or for directions
What's covered
Who is it for?
For you if you have no French at all, or almost none: never taken a class, at most a few words picked up on holiday. The teacher adapts to your pace and can lean on English at first if needed.
How long does it take?
Expect roughly 40–60 hours of lessons to reach A1, depending on your pace and exposure to the language. You can then consolidate your foundations at the elementary level (A1-A2).
Ready to progress?
Book a lesson with a native teacher, at your level and your pace.
Frequently asked questions
I don't speak a word of French: is this really for me?
Yes, that's exactly who this level is for. The first lesson starts with the absolute basics: sounds, greetings, introducing yourself. Your teacher can lean on English at first if it helps.
One-to-one lessons or a group class?
Both are available. With one-to-one lessons, you start whenever you like and the teacher follows your pace. Complete-beginner group classes run as sessions on set dates: the whole group starts from zero on the same day and progresses together. Open classes are listed on the group classes page.
How soon can I have a short conversation?
Within the first weeks, you'll exchange simple sentences: introducing yourself, asking, thanking. With regular lessons, A1 is usually reached within a few months.
What comes after A1?
You move on to the elementary level (A1-A2) to consolidate your foundations: the passé composé, the near future, everyday conversations. The free level test tells you where you stand.