Overview of French

DELF Certification Overview

What is DELF?

The Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française (DELF) is an official certification awarded by the French Ministry of Education to individuals who demonstrate proficiency in the French language.

DELF A1 - Breakthrough

This is the beginner's level, assessing basic language skills.

DELF A2 - Waystage

A step above A1, this level tests the ability to communicate in simple everyday situations.

DELF B1 - Threshold

At this intermediate level, candidates should be able to handle most common situations encountered while traveling in a French-speaking region.

DELF B2 - Vantage

This level focuses on more complex language skills and the ability to express oneself clearly and in detail.

Examination Structure

The DELF examinations assess candidates on their ability to communicate in real-life situations across four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

International Recognition

The DELF certification is recognized internationally and is often required for various purposes, such as academic admission, job applications, or immigration.

Benefits of Learning French

1. Cultural Enrichment

Learning French opens the door to a rich cultural heritage, including literature, art, cinema, and music. Dive into the works of French masters like Victor Hugo and experience the beauty of French cinema.

2. Global Opportunities

French is spoken on five continents. Learning it can enhance your global opportunities, whether you're interested in travel, international business, or diplomatic relations.

3. Academic Advantages

Many prestigious universities and academic programs require or prefer students with proficiency in French. Boost your academic and career prospects by mastering this widely spoken language.

4. Professional Edge

French proficiency is an asset in various industries, especially in sectors like hospitality, fashion, culinary arts, and international organizations. It can give you a competitive edge in the job market.

French-Speaking People

French is spoken by over 220 million people worldwide. French speakers come from diverse cultures, and their language is a gateway to understanding different perspectives and making connections across the globe.

Introduction to french

Lesson 1.1: The French Alphabet and Pronunciation

Objectives:

• Learn the French alphabet.


• Understand basic French pronunciation rules.


• Familiarize with accent marks and their effects on pronunciation.

The French Alphabet

The French alphabet has the same 26 letters as the English alphabet, but the pronunciation of the letters can be different. Here’s a comparison of the French alphabet with English phonetic equivalents:

1. 
   Letter: A
   
   French Pronunciation: ah
   
   Example Word (French): ami
   
   Example Word (English): friend
   


2. 
   Letter: B
   
   French Pronunciation: bay
   
   Example Word (French): bon
   
   Example Word (English): good
   


3. 
   Letter: C
   
   French Pronunciation: say
   
   Example Word (French): chat
   
   Example Word (English): cat
   


4. 
   Letter: D
   
   French Pronunciation: day
   
   Example Word (French): doux
   
   Example Word (English): soft
   


5. 
   Letter: E
   
   French Pronunciation: uh
   
   Example Word (French): étoile
   
   Example Word (English): star
   


6. 
   Letter: F
   
   French Pronunciation: eff
   
   Example Word (French): faim
   
   Example Word (English): hunger
   


7. 
   Letter: G
   
   French Pronunciation: zhay
   
   Example Word (French): glace
   
   Example Word (English): ice cream
   


8. 
   Letter: H
   
   French Pronunciation: ahsh
   
   Example Word (French): homme
   
   Example Word (English): man
   


9. 
   Letter: I
   
   French Pronunciation: ee
   
   Example Word (French): île
   
   Example Word (English): island
   


10. 
    Letter: J
    
    French Pronunciation: zhee
    
    Example Word (French): jouer
    
    Example Word (English): to play
    


11. 
    Letter: K
    
    French Pronunciation: kah
    
    Example Word (French): kilomètre
    
    Example Word (English): kilometer
    


12. 
    Letter: L
    
    French Pronunciation: ell
    
    Example Word (French): livre
    
    Example Word (English): book
    


13. 
    Letter: M
    
    French Pronunciation: emm
    
    Example Word (French): maison
    
    Example Word (English): house
    


14. 
    Letter: N
    
    French Pronunciation: enn
    
    Example Word (French): nuit
    
    Example Word (English): night
    


15. 
    Letter: O
    
    French Pronunciation: oh
    
    Example Word (French): océan
    
    Example Word (English): ocean
    


16. 
    Letter: P
    
    French Pronunciation: pay
    
    Example Word (French): père
    
    Example Word (English): father
    


17. 
    Letter: Q
    
    French Pronunciation: koo
    
    Example Word (French): quinze
    
    Example Word (English): fifteen
    


18. 
    Letter: R
    
    French Pronunciation: air
    
    Example Word (French): rouge
    
    Example Word (English): red
    


19. 
    Letter: S
    
    French Pronunciation: ess
    
    Example Word (French): sœur
    
    Example Word (English): sister
    


20. 
    Letter: T
    
    French Pronunciation: tay
    
    Example Word (French): table
    
    Example Word (English): table
    


21. 
    Letter: U
    
    French Pronunciation: oo
    
    Example Word (French): unique
    
    Example Word (English): unique
    


22. 
    Letter: V
    
    French Pronunciation: vay
    
    Example Word (French): vite
    
    Example Word (English): fast
    


23. 
    Letter: W
    
    French Pronunciation: doo-bluh-vay
    
    Example Word (French): wagon
    
    Example Word (English): wagon
    


24. 
    Letter: X
    
    French Pronunciation: eeks
    
    Example Word (French): xylophone
    
    Example Word (English): xylophone
    


25. 
    Letter: Y
    
    French Pronunciation: ee-grek
    
    Example Word (French): yo-yo
    
    Example Word (English): yo-yo
    


26. 
    Letter: Z
    
    French Pronunciation: zed
    
    Example Word (French): zèbre
    
    Example Word (English): zebra
    

Pronunciation Rules

Vowels:

• A: Similar to "ah" in "father."


• E: Usually pronounced like "uh" in "her," but varies depending on context.


• I: Like "ee" in "see."


• O: Like "oh" in "no."


• U: Similar to "oo" but with rounded lips (unique sound).

Consonants:

• Most consonants are pronounced similarly to English, but with some differences:


• C: Before 'e', 'i', or 'y' sounds like "s" (e.g., "célèbre"), otherwise like "k" (e.g., "car").


• G: Before 'e', 'i', or 'y' sounds like "zh" (e.g., "girafe"), otherwise like "g" in "go" (e.g., "gare").


• H: Always silent (e.g., "heure").


• R: Pronounced from the back of the throat.

Accent Marks

French uses several accent marks that can change the pronunciation or meaning of a word:

• L'accent aigu (é): Pronounced like "ay" in "say" (e.g., "éléphant").


• L'accent grave (à, è, ù): Over 'e' it sounds like "eh" in "bet" (e.g., "mère"). Over 'a' and 'u', it usually doesn't change the sound but distinguishes between words (e.g., "où" vs "ou").


• L'accent circonflexe (â, ê, î, ô, û): Indicates a historical 's' that has been dropped (e.g., "forêt" from "forest"). Sometimes affects pronunciation slightly, making the vowel longer (e.g., "âge").


• La cédille (ç): Changes 'c' to an 's' sound before 'a', 'o', or 'u' (e.g., "garçon").


• Le tréma (ë, ï, ü): Indicates that two vowels are pronounced separately (e.g., "naïve").

Practice

1. Recite the Alphabet: Practice reciting the French alphabet aloud.


2. Pronounce Words: Practice with words for each letter of the alphabet.


3. Identify Accent Marks: Find and pronounce words with each type of accent mark.

Homework

1. Alphabet Practice: Write out the French alphabet and practice pronouncing each letter.


2. Accent Marks Exercise: Find five French words for each type of accent mark and practice pronouncing them.


3. Listening Exercise: Listen to French songs or watch French videos and try to identify the letters and sounds being pronounced.

Lesson 1.2: Basic Greetings and Introductions

Objectives:

• Learn essential greetings in French.


• Practice introducing yourself and others.


• Understand informal and formal forms of address.

Basic Greetings

In French culture, greetings are an important part of daily interaction. Here are some common greetings:

1. Bonjour - Good morning / Hello (used until the afternoon).


2. Bonsoir - Good evening (used from late afternoon to night).


3. Salut - Hi / Hello (informal greeting among friends).

Introducing Yourself

When introducing yourself in French, you typically use the phrase "Je m'appelle" (I am called/I call myself):

• Je m'appelle [Your Name] - My name is [Your Name].

Introducing Others

When introducing someone else, you can use phrases like:

• Voici [Name] - This is [Name] (informal).


• Je vous présente [Name] - Let me introduce you to [Name] (formal).

Informal vs. Formal Address

• Tu - Informal "you," used among friends, peers, and family.


• Vous - Formal "you," used with strangers, elders, or in professional settings.

Practice

1. Greetings Practice: Practice saying "Bonjour," "Bonsoir," and "Salut" with correct pronunciation.


2. Introductions Practice: Practice introducing yourself using "Je m'appelle" and introducing others using "Voici" or "Je vous présente."


3. Informal vs. Formal Practice: Understand when to use "tu" and "vous" in different contexts.

Homework

1. Greetings Review: Write down the times of day each greeting is used (e.g., "Bonjour" in the morning).


2. Introductions Exercise: Create a short dialogue where you introduce yourself and another person in French.


3. Formality Exercise: List situations where you would use "tu" and where you would use "vous."

Basic Grammar and Vocabulary

Lesson 2.1: Subject Pronouns in French

Objectives:

• Understand the use of subject pronouns in French.


• Learn how to use "je," "tu," "il," "elle," "on," "nous," "vous," "ils," and "elles."


• Practice conjugating verbs with different subject pronouns.

Subject Pronouns

In French, subject pronouns are used to replace nouns in sentences. Here are the subject pronouns in French and their English equivalents:

French	English	Example
je	I	Je suis étudiant.
tu	you (informal)	Tu parles français.
il	he / it	Il est sympa.
elle	she / it	Elle est belle.
on	one / we / they (informal)	On va au cinéma.
nous	we	Nous sommes amis.
vous	you (formal / plural)	Vous êtes professeurs.
ils	they (masculine)	Ils habitent à Paris.
elles	they (feminine)	Elles parlent espagnol.

Usage of Subject Pronouns

• Je: Used for "I" in singular first person.


• Tu: Used for "you" in singular informal second person.


• Il: Used for "he" or "it" in masculine singular third person.


• Elle: Used for "she" or "it" in feminine singular third person.


• On: Informal equivalent of "we," also used as "one" or "they."


• Nous: Formal or plural "we."


• Vous: Formal "you" (singular or plural).


• Ils: Masculine plural "they."


• Elles: Feminine plural "they."

Practice

1. Identify Pronouns: Match the correct French pronouns with their English equivalents.


2. Conjugation Practice: Practice conjugating verbs with different subject pronouns (e.g., "je parle," "tu danses," "nous mangeons").


3. Sentence Construction: Create sentences using different subject pronouns and verbs.

Homework

1. Pronoun Review: Write down three sentences for each subject pronoun.


2. Conjugation Exercise: Conjugate five verbs in the present tense with different subject pronouns.


3. Conversation Practice: Have a conversation with a partner, using subject pronouns and verbs you've learned.

Lesson 2.2: Basic Vocabulary and Phrases for Everyday Use

Objectives:

• Learn essential vocabulary for common objects, activities, and places.


• Practice using basic French phrases in everyday conversations.


• Expand your vocabulary for daily interactions.

Basic Vocabulary

Objects:

• La maison - The house


• La voiture - The car


• Le livre - The book


• Le stylo - The pen


• Le téléphone - The phone


• La table - The table


• La chaise - The chair


• L'ordinateur - The computer

Activities:

• Aller - To go


• Manger - To eat


• Boire - To drink


• Lire - To read


• Écrire - To write


• Parler - To speak


• Écouter - To listen


• Regarder - To watch

Places:

• La bibliothèque - The library


• Le restaurant - The restaurant


• L'école - The school


• Le parc - The park


• La plage - The beach


• Le magasin - The store


• Le bureau - The office


• La maison - The house

Basic Phrases

• Comment ça va ? - How are you?


• Ça va bien, merci. Et toi ? - I'm fine, thank you. And you?


• Qu'est-ce que c'est ? - What is this/that?


• Où est... ? - Where is...?


• Je ne comprends pas. - I don't understand.


• Pouvez-vous répéter, s'il vous plaît ? - Can you repeat, please?


• Je suis désolé(e). - I'm sorry.


• Merci beaucoup. - Thank you very much.


• De rien. - You're welcome.

Practice

1. Vocabulary Practice: Learn the pronunciation and meanings of each vocabulary word.


2. Phrase Practice: Practice using the basic phrases in conversations.


3. Scenario Practice: Create dialogues using the vocabulary and phrases in different scenarios (e.g., ordering food at a restaurant, asking for directions).

Homework

1. Flashcards: Create flashcards for the new vocabulary words and practice regularly.


2. Role-play Exercise: Perform a role-play with a partner using the basic phrases and vocabulary you've learned.


3. Write a Short Story: Write a short story using at least ten of the new vocabulary words and three of the basic phrases.

Lesson 2.2: The Verb "Être" (to be)

Conjugation and Usage

In French, the verb "être" is used to indicate existence, identity, and other essential qualities. Here are its conjugations:

Lesson 2.3: Articles and Gender

Definite and Indefinite Articles

In French, articles indicate the gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural) of nouns. Here are the definite and indefinite articles:

Gender of Nouns

Nouns in French have a gender (masculine or feminine) that is generally indicated by the article that precedes them.

Numbers and Dates and Time

Lesson 3.1: Numbers and Counting in French

Objectives:

• Learn how to count from 0 to 100 in French.


• Understand the rules for forming larger numbers.


• Practice using numbers in various contexts.

Counting from 0 to 20

• 0: zéro (zay-roh)


• 1: un (uh)


• 2: deux (duh)


• 3: trois (twah)


• 4: quatre (kah-truh)


• 5: cinq (sank)


• 6: six (sees)


• 7: sept (seht)


• 8: huit (weet)


• 9: neuf (nurf)


• 10: dix (dees)


• 11: onze (onz)


• 12: douze (dooz)


• 13: treize (trehz)


• 14: quatorze (kah-torz)


• 15: quinze (kahz)


• 16: seize (sez)


• 17: dix-sept (dees-set)


• 18: dix-huit (dees-weet)


• 19: dix-neuf (dees-nurf)


• 20: vingt (vahn)

Counting from 21 to 69

For numbers 21 to 69, the tens are combined with the units:

• 21: vingt et un (vahn ay uh)


• 22: vingt-deux (vahn-duh)


• 23: vingt-trois (vahn-twah)



• 30: trente (trahnt)



• 40: quarante (kah-rahnt)


• 50: cinquante (sank-ahnt)


• 60: soixante (swah-sahnt)

Counting from 70 to 100

Numbers from 70 to 100 have specific patterns:

• 70: soixante-dix (swa-sahnt-dees, sixty-ten)


• 71: soixante et onze (swa-sahnt ay onz, sixty and eleven)


• 72: soixante-douze (swa-sahnt dooz, sixty-twelve)



• 80: quatre-vingts (kah-truh vahn, four twenties)


• 81: quatre-vingt-un (kah-truh vahn uh, four twenties and one)



• 90: quatre-vingt-dix (kah-truh vahn-dees, four twenties and ten)


• 91: quatre-vingt-onze (kah-truh vahn onz, four twenties and eleven)


• 100: cent (sahn)

Practice

1. Number Recognition: Practice recognizing and saying numbers from 0 to 100 in French.


2. Writing Practice: Write out numbers in French and check pronunciation.


3. Conversation Practice: Use numbers in context, such as giving phone numbers, addresses, or discussing quantities.

Homework

1. Number Drill: Write down numbers randomly from 0 to 100 and practice saying them aloud.


2. Counting Exercise: Count objects around you in French, applying the rules you've learned.


3. Listening Exercise: Listen to French audio or videos and identify numbers spoken.

Countries and Rules

Using "La," "Le," and "Les" with Country Names in French

Rules for Using "La," "Le," and "Les" with Country Names

1. Feminine Countries → la

Rule: Most countries that end in "-e" are feminine and use "la".

Examples:

• La France (France)


• La Chine (China)


• La Russie (Russia)

Sentence Example: "Je visite la France." (I am visiting France.)

2. Masculine Countries → le

Rule: Most countries not ending in "-e" are masculine and use "le".

Examples:

• Le Canada (Canada)


• Le Japon (Japan)


• Le Brésil (Brazil)

Sentence Example: "Il habite au Japon." (He lives in Japan.)

3. Plural Countries → les

Rule: Countries that are plural use "les".

Examples:

• Les États-Unis (The United States)


• Les Pays-Bas (The Netherlands)

Sentence Example: "Je vais aux États-Unis." (I am going to the United States.)

4. Countries without an Article

Some small islands or city-states do not use an article.

Examples:

• Monaco (Monaco)


• Singapour (Singapore)

Sentence Example: "Nous voyageons à Monaco." (We are traveling to Monaco.)

1. Using "In/At/To" (en, au, aux, à)

The choice of preposition depends on:

• The gender of the country (masculine or feminine).


• The starting letter of the country (vowel or consonant).


• Whether the country is singular or plural.


• For cities, the preposition remains the same.

a) Masculine countries beginning with a vowel → en

Example: "Il habite en Iran." (He lives in Iran.)

Example: "Je vais en Irak." (I am going to Iraq.)

b) Masculine countries beginning with a consonant → au

Example: "Il travaille au Canada." (He works in Canada.)

Example: "Je vais au Japon." (I am going to Japan.)

c) Feminine countries (beginning with any letter) → en

Example: "Elle vit en France." (She lives in France.)

Example: "Nous partons en Italie." (We are leaving for Italy.)

d) Plural countries → aux

Example: "Je travaille aux États-Unis." (I work in the United States.)

Example: "Elle va aux Maldives." (She is going to the Maldives.)

e) Cities → à

Example: "J'habite à Paris." (I live in Paris.)

Example: "Il va à Tokyo." (He is going to Tokyo.)

2. Using "From" (de, du, des, d’)

The preposition used to indicate "from" changes based on:

• The gender of the country.


• Whether the country begins with a vowel.


• Whether the country is singular or plural.


• For cities, it depends on whether the city name starts with a vowel or a consonant.

a) Masculine countries beginning with a vowel → d’

Example: "Elle vient d’Iran." (She comes from Iran.)

Example: "Il revient d’Irak." (He returns from Iraq.)

b) Masculine countries beginning with a consonant → du

Example: "Il est originaire du Brésil." (He is from Brazil.)

Example: "Elle rentre du Japon." (She is coming back from Japan.)

c) Feminine countries (beginning with any letter) → de

Example: "Elle vient de France." (She comes from France.)

Example: "Ils arrivent d’Espagne." (They are arriving from Spain.)

d) Plural countries → des

Example: "Je viens des Philippines." (I come from the Philippines.)

Example: "Elle est originaire des Maldives." (She is from the Maldives.)

e) Cities

Cities beginning with a vowel → d’

Example: "Elle revient d’Athènes." (She is coming back from Athens.)

Example: "Ils viennent d’Orléans." (They are from Orléans.)

Cities beginning with a consonant → de

Example: "Il vient de Tokyo." (He is from Tokyo.)

Example: "Nous partons de Paris." (We are leaving from Paris.)

Reading Passage

French Learning

French Text

Aneesh et Manuel finissent les exercices. Ensuite, ils vont à la cafétéria. La cafétéria de l'école est grande. Il y a des gâteaux, des pains au chocolat, des bonbons, des tartines, des glaces, du jus de fruits etc. Caroline est déjà dans la cafétéria. Elle commande une limonade et des frites. Manuel choisit un pain au chocolat et un jus de fruits. Aneesh choisit une glace. Ils ne mangent pas beaucoup. Ils mangent plus volontiers à la maison pendant le dîner. Le serveur remplit les verres d'eau fraîche puis, il apporte des plats. Les élèves finissent le repas et ils rentrent à la classe.

English Pronunciation

Ah-neesh eh Mah-nwel fee-nee-suh lay eg-zair-see-suh. Oh(n)-swee, eel voh(n) ah lah ka-fay-teh-ree-ah. Lah ka-fay-teh-ree-ah duh lay-kohl eh grahnd. Eel yah day gah-toh, day pa(n) oh sho-koh-lah, day boh(n)-boh(n), day tar-teen, day glahs, doo joo duh frwee ehs-set-rah. Kah-roh-leen eh day-jah dah(n) lah ka-fay-teh-ree-ah. Ell koh(n)-mah(n)-d uh(n) lee-moh-nahd eh day freet. Mah-nwel shwah-zeet uh(n) pa(n) oh sho-koh-lah eh uh(n) joo duh frwee. Ah-neesh shwah-zeet uh(n) glahs. Eel nuh mah(n)-juh pah boh-koo. Eel mah(n)-juh ploo vol-ohn-tee-ay ah lah meh-zoh(n) poh(n)-dah(n) luh dee-nay. Luh sair-vur rah(n)-plee lay vair doh frehsh pwee, eel ah-port day plah. Lay zay-lev fee-nee suh luh ruh-pah eh eel rah(n)-trah(n) ah lah klas.

English Translation

Aneesh and Manuel finish the exercises. Then, they go to the cafeteria. The school's cafeteria is big. There are cakes, chocolate croissants, candies, toast, ice cream, fruit juice, etc. Caroline is already in the cafeteria. She orders a lemonade and fries. Manuel chooses a chocolate croissant and fruit juice. Aneesh chooses ice cream. They don't eat much. They prefer to eat more at home during dinner. The waiter fills the glasses with fresh water, then brings the dishes. The students finish the meal and go back to the classroom.

French Vocabulary

• finissent (fee-nee-suh): finish


• exercices (eg-zair-see-suh): exercises


• ensuite (oh(n)-swee-t): then


• cafétéria (ka-fay-teh-ree-ah): cafeteria


• grande (grahnd): big


• gâteaux (gah-toh): cakes


• pains au chocolat (pa(n) oh sho-koh-lah): chocolate croissants


• bonbons (boh(n)-boh(n)): candies


• tartines (tar-teen): toast


• glaces (glahs): ice cream


• jus de fruits (joo duh frwee): fruit juice


• déjà (day-jah): already


• commande (koh(n)-mah(n)-d): orders


• limonade (lee-moh-nahd): lemonade


• frites (freet): fries


• choisit (shwah-zeet): chooses


• mangent (mah(n)-juh): eat


• beaucoup (boh-koo): much


• volontiers (vol-ohn-tee-ay): willingly


• dîner (dee-nay): dinner


• serveur (sair-vur): waiter


• verres (vair): glasses


• eau fraîche (oh frehsh): fresh water


• apporte (ah-port): brings


• plats (plah): dishes


• élèves (ay-lev): students


• repas (ruh-pah): meal


• rentrent (rah(n)-trah(n)): go back


• classe (klas): classroom