How Long Does It Take To Learn French? Here’s What You Need To Know
Learning a new language can be a difficult task, but with the right resources it can be done quite easily! In this article, we will be discussing how long it takes to learn French fluently, as well as what you need to know in order to start learning. So whether you’re looking to take your French skills up a notch or just want to brush up on your grammar, read on for the 411 on learning French!
What is French?
French is spoken by over 60 million people across the globe, making it one of the most commonly spoken languages. It’s a member of the Indo-European language family and is considered a “fluent” language – meaning that speakers are able to carry on fairly complex conversations without any difficulty. French also has its own set of grammar rules which can be challenging for non-native speakers to learn. Nevertheless, with the right emphasis and effort, learning French can be incredibly rewarding.
How Long Does It Take To Learn French?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question since everyone learns at different rates and after varying amounts of time. However, based on research conducted by The Royal Society for Arts and Letters, it typically takes around 220 hours (7 days) to achieve a rudimentary level in French. Beyond this point, additional learnings will require dedicated effort on your part – depending on your level of fluency, you may need up to 1,500 hours (21 days) of study per year to maintain a high level of proficiency. That said, don’t be discouraged if you find that learning French seems harder than it initially seems – with practice and perseverance, you will eventually achieve success!
How does French grammar work?
French grammar is much more complex than English grammar. This isn’t to say that French grammar is impossible to learn, but it will require some effort on your part. Like most languages, French has two types of sentences: statements and questions. Statements are usually translated as “I” or “you.” Questions are usually translated as “what,” “where,” or “when.”
French verb tenses can be quite confusing at first. The main thing to remember is that in French, the past tense is achieved by adding -ait to the root word of the verb (ex.: j’ai mangé becomes je mangeais). The future tense is achieved by adding -erais to the root word (ex.: je mangerais becomes je mangererais). There are also compound tenses, which are created by combining two verbs together (ex.: aller-venir = to go-come/to visit).
A question in French always starts with a capital letter and ends with a question mark. For example: Quelle heure est-il? (“What time is it?”)
What are the major French dialects?
There are several major French dialects, which can make conversation a bit more difficult. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ones:
• Parisian: spoken primarily in Paris, this dialect is formal and has many archaic words.
• Marseillaise: used in the south of France, this dialect is also formal but has a more relaxed tone.
• Quebecois: spoken in Quebec and other parts of north-east Canada, this dialect is colloquial and has fewer formal rules.
• Swiss French: spoken in Switzerland, this dialect has a heavy accent and varies depending on the region.
How do you learn French?
French is not a difficult language to learn, but it does take time. You can start by joining online French classes or even taking private lessons with a tutor. Once you have a strong foundation in the basics, you can move on to learning more specific vocabulary and phrases. It typically takes about six to eight months of consistent study to get conversational fluency in French.
What are some helpful resources for learning French?
If you’re considering learning French, there are plenty of resources out there to help you along the way. Whether you’re looking for a traditional course or want to explore on your own, these tools can help make the process easier.
First and foremost, if you’re serious about learning the language, it’s important to find a program that fits your needs. Programs vary in length, price range and level of difficulty, so it’s important to choose one that suits your desired outcome.
Another key resource for learning French is practicing with audio materials. This can be a great way to increase fluency and develop comprehension skills. If you don’t have access to audio materials, FluentU offers interactive flashcards that make learning fun and easy.
Still not sure where to start? Try some beginner vocabulary lists or learn about basic grammar rules. Once you understand the basics, it’s time for more challenging material! Practicing with real-world conversations will help solidify your fundamentals and give you an authentic French experience.
No matter what route you choose, using resources like these can make learning French a breeze!
