French level A1

Attention: before starting, a placement test is mandatory to determine the most suitable path for your level during your registration or a consultation appointment.

According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR, level A1 is completed in*:

• Immersive course: 2 sessions
• Intensive course: 3 sessions
• Extensive course and French 360: 4 sessions

*Depending on the result of your placement test, these durations may vary.

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What is level A1?

Level A1, an introductory and discovery level, corresponds to the first step of the CEFR. It is intended for people discovering the French language.

It allows you to communicate in simple and predictable situations in a daily and effective way:

• Understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very simple sentences aimed at satisfying concrete needs
• Introduce yourself or introduce someone
• Ask questions to someone about themselves and answer the same type of questions
• Communicate simply if the interlocutor speaks slowly and clearly

Thus, level A1 represents a first step in the French learning journey.

What is the purpose of level A1?

By taking French courses at level A1, you will be able to:

• State your identity (name, first name) and nationality
• Describe your home
• Understand street signs
• Ask for directions
• Fill in a simple administrative form
• Say and ask about the day, time, and date
• Talk about the weather

With these skills, you will gain essential autonomy to handle everyday situations in France or in French-speaking environments.

What are the objectives of level A1?

The educational goal of level A1 is simple: develop learners’ ability to understand, express themselves, and interact in various everyday situations.

Concretely, at the end of the level, you will be able to:

• Understand simple sentences related to yourself, your family, or your hobbies
• Write a short text (message, postcard, simple email)
• Use essential grammatical structures (present, future, past tense)
• Ask and answer simple questions independently

Level A1 also prepares you for further French learning, with a smooth progression toward higher levels from A2 to C2.

What does the A1 French course include?

The program of French courses at level A1 is based on all communicative and linguistic skills defined by the common european framework.

It develops four main areas:

• Listening comprehension
• Speaking, both continuous and interactive
• Reading comprehension
• Writing

Each session at the Alliance Française de Lyon includes:

• A practical grammar point, adapted to beginner level
• Vocabulary, useful for daily life lexical enrichment
• Exercises on varied topics and content, including texts and writing activities
• Audio activities to improve oral fluency and pronunciation

Participate in the school’s cultural activities to fully experience the French language and improve your skills.

Method & Support at Our French School

At the Alliance Française de Lyon, learning French is above all a cultural immersion and a human experience. Our teachers are all qualified experts (Master 2) certified in FLE who use a communicative and action-oriented method. From day one, learners are encouraged to speak and interact to progress naturally in French.

The courses use the textbooks Défi actuel (A1-A2) and Défi (B1-B2), available in hybrid edition with videos, tutorials, and pronunciation exercises. The learning platform Apolearn centralizes materials, exercises, and videos for an interactive and complete experience.

Our experienced teachers ensure coherent progression with clear objectives and final tasks for each session. Learners develop skills they can use in their daily and professional life.

Learning French in Lyon with the Alliance Française de Lyon is much more than taking a course: it is living the language daily, progressing quickly, and discovering the richness of French culture.