French has a musical quality and allure that draws people to it, and there are many products available that will help you teach yourself French. One quick search on the internet will come up with hundreds of websites telling you that they have the best program to learn French. Some are free, some are relatively cheap, and others can be quite expensive. How can you choose the best French language course among all these options?
Before even starting to read the many sales pitches for each product, examine your needs and preferences when it comes to learning French. Try to answer each of these questions:
- What will you be using French for? For example, do you need to learn French fast for a quick vacation, to eventually live or study abroad, for business, or just for fun?
- How much time can you invest in your learning? Do you need to learn in the next month, 3 months, or a year? Can you spend a week or two devoted to learning or do you only have an hour a day?
- Do you prefer to learn on the computer, through audio (CDs or MP3), or directly with a tutor or class (face-to-face or online)?
- Do you get frustrated and bored easily and need extra motivation to persevere in your learning?
Depending on your needs, there are many excellent programs available. Each of these programs has its pros and cons, but knowing your needs and preferences in advance will help you evaluate them. In addition, no matter which type of French language course you choose you should plan to supplement it with additional learning resources and practice.
Some examples of ways to supplement your French course are:
- Watch French movies
- Read easy French books
- Listen to French music
- Read French newspapers and magazines
- Talk out loud in French, whether someone is listening or not
- Find a French conversation partner online
You will be able to easily teach yourself French with any French language program if you have a strong desire to learn. With a little time and effort, you will develop a love of this beautiful language and will enjoy conversing with French people in their native tongue.
- Sharyn
P.S. Explore this site for additional advice and tips for learning French, as well as reviews of the best French Language Courses.
Listen to this introduction from Auralog, the makers of Tell Me More, to the Tell Me More method of language learning. It includes testimonials from people who have used it.
When you are ready to check out the free demo, click on one of the links below the video.
As I have been researching different French language courses, there are three that stand out above the rest as ideal for different needs and levels. I will be exploring these programs to learn French in more detail, but wanted to introduce them to you now. You might notice that there is one big brand name missing, which I can’t mention, but that is because I am still not convinced that it is worth the enormous price tag attached to it. I prefer value for my money, but I am looking forward to trying it at some point.
Take a look at each of these three programs and click through to their websites to get more information. You will see that I have listed them based on how in-depth your French language learning needs are. Tell Me More French offers the most comprehensive program and Fluenz French follows closely. Rocket French is more of a budget package, with mostly audio, but provides very good value for what they offer. I will write more detailed reviews as I experience each, but you can get a demo or trial version of each program by clicking through to their sites.
Best All Around Learn French Software: TELL ME MORE v10 French (5 Levels)
Includes 5 levels of language learning and over 10,000 exercises and lessons that incorporate video, vocabulary and grammar exercises to keep learning fresh and engaging. The most advanced speech recognition system on the market pinpoints mispronounced words allowing you to significantly improve your pronunciation. Exclusive Performance Tests evaluate your progress and 24/7 online advisers are available to answer your questions.
Best Learn French CD and DVD: Fluenz Version F2: French 1+2 (Win/Mac)
Includes software DVDs, audio CDs, podcasts, and Navigator. Learn French with the latest upgraded version.
Best Budget Way to Learn French Fast: Rocket French
This course has selected audio tracks, lessons and activities from the FULL Rocket French course and is FREE with absolutely no obligation whatsoever.
In the second video in the Learn French for Free series, you are introduced to the verb ‘être’, ‘to be’. You learn some basic French phrases using the different conjugations of être to describe feelings and emotions, as well as to describe other people. In addition, you learn how to use the verb ‘aimer’, meaning ‘to like’ or ‘to love’.
Practice saying each phrase out loud after the narrator of the video and go back and review the lesson again to make sure you remember it.
Ready to delve into the French language and advance your learning of French? Check out some of the best French language courses available.
A Bientôt!
Sharyn