If you’re just starting to learn French, you might feel overwhelmed by the number of apps, courses, and methods out there. Some promise fluency in 30 days, while others ask you to memorize grammar tables until your brain melts.
Let’s cut through the noise.
Here’s what works when you’re starting from zero—based on real methods that help people actually learn.
1. Start Speaking from Day One
Yes—even if you only know bonjour. Speaking early is the most important thing. Language learning is like building muscle memory. You learn by using it—not just by reading or listening.
Here’s how to get started:
- Practice basic phrases daily: greetings, asking for directions, ordering food.
- Repeat them out loud—even when you’re alone. Say things like “Je veux un café” or “Il fait beau.”
- Use a speaking-first course like Pimsleur or Michel Thomas; pair it with Bunpo for grammar, drills, and structured practice.
- Forget perfection. Focus on being understood.
2. Build Your Vocabulary Fast
Vocabulary gives you the building blocks of the language. You don’t need 5,000 words to get started—just the right ones.
Try this:
- Learn the top 500 most commonly used French words (many are similar to English).
- Make flashcards with spaced repetition using Anki or Quizlet.
- Focus on real-life words—things you’d use when traveling, in daily life, or at work.
- Prioritize words you’ll actually use—not obscure grammar terms.
3. Immerse Yourself — Even at Home
You don’t have to live in Paris to surround yourself with French.
Here’s how to fake immersion:
- Change your phone language to French.
- Watch French shows with subtitles—Call My Agent! and Lupin are great starting points.
- Listen to French podcasts for learners, like Coffee Break French or InnerFrench.
Daily exposure to French helps your brain absorb the rhythm, pronunciation, and context.
4. Understand the Grammar — But Don’t Obsess
French grammar gets a bad rap—from gendered nouns to tricky conjugations and odd tenses. But don’t let that scare you.
Here’s the deal:
- Learn basic sentence structure: Subject + Verb + Object.
- Focus on the present tense first.
- Use apps like Bunpo to learn grammar naturally in context.
- Don’t try to memorize every rule—learn patterns by seeing and using them.
5. Use a Daily System—and Stick With It
Consistency beats cramming. 20 minutes a day is better than 3 hours once a week.
Build a simple routine:
- 10 minutes of vocab flashcards.
- 10 minutes of listening or speaking.
- One longer session per week for grammar or writing.
Track your progress. Celebrate small wins—like holding a short conversation, understanding song lyrics, or ordering a croissant in French.
