A1 French for complete beginners
Start French with a clear first step: understand simple messages, handle everyday situations, and begin to interact in French more easily. No prior knowledge? That is exactly where A1 starts.
What A1 French looks like in real life
At A1 level, you begin to handle simple everyday situations in French. The CEFR describes this through six communication activities: listening, reading, speaking, writing, interaction, and mediation. Here is what that means in real life.
You understand key information in slow, clear speech
Concrete goals
- • catch a price, time, date, or phone number;
- • understand short instructions;
- • recognise simple questions about who you are and what you need.
Language tools you start to build
Numbers (0-100) Basic sentence patterns Questions (Où, Quand, Combien)Gare SNCF
Public announcement
“Le train numéro 452 à destination de Lyon…”
“…partira à 14 heures 30, voie B.”
You understand short, simple written messages
Concrete goals
- • read a menu, a sign, or a short notice;
- • pick out useful information in everyday documents;
- • understand a short message or invitation.
Language tools you start to build
Articles (Le, La, Un) Prepositions Food VocabularyLe Petit Bistro
Menu du Jour
You express simple information about yourself and your needs
Concrete goals
- • introduce yourself;
- • buy something or ask a price;
- • order in a café or restaurant.
Language tools you start to build
Être, Avoir Je voudrais… AdjectivesYou write short, simple messages
Concrete goals
- • fill in a basic form;
- • write a short text message;
- • send a simple postcard or everyday message.
Language tools you start to build
Connectors (Et, Mais) Agreement PolitenessYou manage short, simple exchanges
Concrete goals
- • ask and answer simple questions;
- • interact when the other person speaks slowly and helps;
- • give or ask for basic personal information.
Language tools you start to build
Question words Pouvez-vous répéter ?Administrative Form
You help make simple information understandable
Concrete goals
- • explain a short sign or notice;
- • show basic understanding and help someone follow simple information;
- • restate a very simple message using words, gestures, or context.
Language tools you start to build
Regarde ça C’est interdit C’est ouvert / ferméLIGNE 7 : TRAFIC INTERROMPU
You explain to your friend:
“Line 7 of the subway is disrupted.”
How we build these first A1 skills
A1 is built step by step: clear teaching, regular practice, structured review, and feedback that help you turn first lessons into usable French.
Course book and learning materials
The course follows a structured A1 progression based on L’Atelier+ A1. Learning materials are included, so you can start working from day one.
Digital follow-up between classes
Class notes, shared resources and guided digital practice help you review, consolidate and stay connected to the course between sessions.
An 8-week step-by-step progression
The course moves from first introductions to everyday communication: meeting people, getting around, handling daily situations, and expressing simple personal information clearly.
Feedback and end-of-session assessment
Your progress is monitored throughout the session and reviewed at the end through a DELF-style assessment. You receive feedback and a recommendation for your next step.
Is A1 the right starting point for you?
A1 is designed for complete beginners, or for learners who know only a few isolated words and expressions but cannot yet communicate in simple sentences.
A1 is right for you if you…
You may already be closer to A2 if you…
Not sure where to start? Contact us for placement advice.
How your A1 progression is built over 8 weeks
A1 is built progressively. You do not learn “all French” at once: you first learn to manage first contact, then everyday situations, then more personal topics such as work, family, health and simple opinions.
The progression follows the logic of real communication: first social exchanges, then city life and practical situations, then broader personal expression.
First contact and simple social exchanges
Objectives: introducing yourself, giving basic personal information, asking simple questions, talking about likes and suggesting an outing.
City life and everyday situations
Objectives: asking for directions, understanding places and transport, shopping for food, talking about routines and short-term plans.
Work, routines and first past events
Objectives: describing clothes and atmosphere, talking about your job and habits, and beginning to refer to simple past events.
Family, health and simple opinions
Objectives: talking about family and housing, describing how you feel, expressing a simple opinion, and consolidating your A1 skills before the end-of-session assessment.
Download the full A1 syllabus
Choose your language and download the full week-by-week program, including communication goals, language focus, pronunciation work and assessment logic.
- Week-by-week learning objectives
- Grammar & vocabulary breakdown per unit
- Pronunciation milestones
- Assessment criteria & DELF alignment
A professional learning environment at Paris La Défense
FTC Paris is based in Paris La Défense, in a modern learning environment designed for adult students: easy to access, comfortable, and adapted to focused language learning.
Right at La Défense
Close to Metro Line 1, RER A, Tram T2 and major bus connections — our training center is easy to reach from central and western Paris.
Shared learning spaces
Enjoy lounge areas, coffee, tea, and spaces where you can review your notes or speak with classmates before and after class.
Professional classrooms
Modern rooms with natural light and interactive screens. Designed for adult learners who need focus, comfort, and active practice.
Upcoming A1 sessions
Complete beginners should normally start in Week 1. Learners who already have some basics may be able to join later, after placement advice.
Choose the learning rhythm that fits you
Once A1 is your target, the next question is practical: which course format will help you build these first foundations in the best conditions?
Intensive Session
Best if you want a structured 8-week rhythm and strong immersion from the start.
See Intensive → Flexible RhythmEvening Session
Best if you work, study, or need after-hours classes while building your French steadily.
See Evening → Need Guidance?Talk to FTC Paris
We can help you choose the right starting point and the format that matches your schedule.
Contact us →Frequently Asked Questions
If you are a complete beginner, we strongly recommend starting in Week 1. If you already have some basics, entry during the session may be possible after a quick placement review.
Your progress is monitored throughout the session and reviewed at the end of the 8-week cycle. The final assessment follows a DELF-style logic and helps the team recommend your next step: move to A2, reinforce specific points, or consolidate your foundations first.
Yes. Textbooks and learning materials are included in the registration fees. The course is designed as a ready-to-start package.
Most learners continue to A2 to gain more independence in daily communication. You can also start exploring the DELF A1 format and keep practising with free resources between sessions.
What comes after A1?
Reaching A1 is your first real milestone. From there, FTC Paris can help you move forward in class, prepare for DELF, and keep practising between sessions with carefully selected free resources.
Continue to A2
Build on your first foundations and move toward more independence in daily French.
Explore A2 → Official PracticeTrain with a DELF A1 sample paper
See the official exam format, sample tasks, audio files, and evaluation criteria.
View sample paper →Keep learning between sessions
Use these free resources to keep French active in your daily routine.
Keep Reading
Discover the structure, tools, and teaching philosophy behind our sessions.
Read moreSee how FTC Paris is designed for adult learners in a structured environment.
Explore the schoolGet to know the people who guide your progression from first basics to real confidence.
Meet the teamReady to start your A1 course?
Join the next A1 session and start building your first real communication skills in French.