How to learn French in 4 months (Daily lessons from A1 to A2)

This article is part of our How to learn French series, where we detail how you can go from one level to another in weeks. This is part 2, and so if you want to read part 1, check out this post: How to learn French in 60 days (From A0 to A1).

Also, check out How learn French in 6 months .

Going from A1 to A2 in months 3 and 4: Learn how to speak and converse using native speaker-level structures

Here, you’re going to learn the nitty gritty of the French language. You’ll learn how to form negations, use irregular verbs, and use nuanced prepositions. 

The next two months are going to be a little different in that you’ll learn technical stuff, and you need to stay consistent and determined. 

After these two months, you’ll basically be able to watch movies, and YouTube videos that are longer, and interact with native speakers.

Month 3: Expanding your French knowledge and exposing yourself to intermediate grammar rules

This month, your French learning activities will focus on how to add subtle nuances to the way you form sentences, use some words — and basically things that’ll make you sound like someone who knows French.

Week 9: Negation and question formation

• Day 1: Forming negative sentences using "ne...pas"

"La négation en français avec 'ne...pas'" by Français avec Pierre and Learn French With Alexa are excellent videos for you to learn how to form negative sentences in French using the structure "ne...pas".

• Day 2 : Understanding other negative structures (ne...jamais, ne...plus, ne...rien)

Français avec Pierre’s "Autres structures négatives en français" is a great video to learn the other common negative structures in French like "ne...jamais" (never), "ne...plus" (not anymore), and "ne...rien" (nothing).

After watching the video, try using these negative structures in sentences and focus on their proper placement within the sentence.

• Day 3: Forming questions using "est-ce que" and inversion

We recommend you watch the videos “Poser des questions en français avec 'est-ce que'” and "Poser des questions en Français avec l'inversion" by Learn French With Alexa and Onparle.net to learn how to form questions in French using the structures "est-ce que" and inversion.

• Day 4: Forming tag questions using "n'est-ce pas"

You can watch the video "Poser des questions en français avec 'n'est-ce pas'" by Français avec Pierre to learn how to form tag questions in French using "n'est-ce pas".

Practice forming tag questions using "n'est-ce pas" and focus on their proper placement within the sentence. 

• Day 5 : Review and practice

Review the negation and question formation structures learned throughout the week. Practice using them in context and focus on the correct placement of each structure within the sentence.

Assignment: Write a short story (150-200 words) about a character's day, incorporating negative sentences and questions using the structures learned this week (ne...pas, ne...jamais, ne...plus, ne...rien, est-ce que, inversion, and n'est-ce pas). 

Share your story with your study partner or language exchange group for feedback.

Week 10: Irregular verbs and imperative mood

• Day 1: Irregular verbs "aller" and "faire"

Watch "Le verbe irrégulier 'aller' en français" and "Le verbe irrégulier 'faire' en français" by Maprofde FLE to learn the conjugation and usage of the irregular verbs "aller" (to go) and "faire" (to do/make).

Practice conjugating "aller" and "faire" in the present tense and using them in sentences.

• Day 2: Irregular verbs "venir" and "pouvoir"

Watch the videos "Le verbe irrégulier 'venir' en français" and "Le verbe irrégulier 'pouvoir' en français" by J'apprends la conjugaison to learn the conjugation and usage of the irregular verbs "venir" (to come) and "pouvoir" (to be able to).

• Day 3: Irregular verb "vouloir"

Watch the video "Le verbe irrégulier 'vouloir' en français" by Nova 2000 to learn the conjugation and usage of the irregular verb "vouloir" (to want).

• Day 4: Understanding the imperative mood

"Le mode impératif en français" by Parlez-vous FRENCH : Learn French Online is a great video to help you learn the imperative mood in French and how to form commands and instructions.

• Day 5: Using irregular verbs in the imperative mood

Patrice Coique’s "Les verbes irréguliers au mode impératif en français" video will teach you how to use irregular verbs in the imperative mood.

Week 11: Reflexive verbs and pronouns

• Day 1 : Introduction to reflexive verbs

"Les verbes réfléchis en français" by Français avec Pierre is a great video to learn about reflexive verbs in French and how they differ from non-reflexive verbs.

• Day 2 : Conjugating reflexive verbs in the present tense

Watch Flemotion : Apprendre Le Français’s video on "Conjugaison des verbes réfléchis au présent en français" to learn how to conjugate reflexive verbs in the present tense.

• Day 3: Using reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nous, vous, se)

Read the document "Les pronoms réfléchis en français" by Lingolia Français to learn about reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nous, vous, se) and how to use them with reflexive verbs.

Les pronoms réfléchis en français

• Day 4 : Daily routine vocabulary

Watch the video "Vocabulaire de la routine quotidienne en français" by Améliore ton français to learn vocabulary related to daily routines in French.

• Day 5: Reflexive verbs in the context of daily routines

La prof Elisabeth’s "Les verbes réfléchis dans le contexte de la routine quotidienne en français" YouTube video is a great option for this.

Week 12: Prepositions and conjunctions

• Day 1: Prepositions "à" and "de"

Watch the videos "La préposition 'à' en français" and "La préposition 'de' en français" by Français avec Pierre to learn about the prepositions "à" (to, at) and "de" (of, from) and their various uses.

• Day 2: Prepositions "dans", "sur", and "sous"

Watch the videos "La préposition 'dans' en français", "La préposition 'sur' en français", and "La préposition 'sous' en français" by Français avec Pierre, PLANÈTE FRANÇAIS TV avec Elsa Kenza and Bien écrire - Katia Nugnes to learn about the prepositions "dans" (in), "sur" (on), and "sous" (under) and their uses.

• Day 3 : Practice with common prepositions

Review the prepositions learned on Days 1 and 2 ("à", "de", "dans", "sur", and "sous") and practice using them in context.

• Day 4 : Common conjunctions

"Les conjonctions courantes en français" by Grammaire Français will help you learn about common conjunctions in French, such as "et" (and), "ou" (or), "mais" (but), "parce que" (because), and "quand" (when).

• Day 5: Combining sentences using prepositions and conjunctions

Practice combining sentences using the prepositions and conjunctions learned throughout the week.

Assessment 3: Evaluate progress through a mock A2 exam and assignments

It’s the end of the third month, and it’s time to assess your progress and determine whether you have reached the A2 level in French. 

This assessment will help you identify your strengths and areas that need improvement as you continue your French learning journey.

Mock A2 Exam

Take a mock A2 exam that covers the topics and skills you've learned during the first three months. The exam should include the following sections:

1. Listening comprehension

2. Reading comprehension

3. Writing

4. Speaking

5. Grammar and vocabulary

You can find mock A2 exams online or in French learning textbooks. Some recommended resources for A2 exams include:

• DELF A2 Sample Papers with Answers | DELF Past Exam Papers PDF

• The DELF A2 Exam: What to expect & How to practise with Kwiziq French   

Assignments

In addition to the mock exam, complete the following assignments to demonstrate your A2-level French skills:

1. Write a 200-word email to a French-speaking friend, describing a recent trip or experience you had. Use the passé composé and imparfait to describe past events and provide descriptive details.

2. Record a 4-minute video of yourself speaking in French about your goals and plans for the future. Use the futur proche and futur simple to discuss your short-term and long-term goals.

3. Read this A2-level French article or short story (250-300 words) and write a summary and personal response in French (120-150 words).

Lucie est une jeune femme de 28 ans qui travaille comme infirmière dans un grand hôpital de Marseille. Elle adore son métier, car elle aime aider les gens et prendre soin d'eux. Cependant, son travail peut être très stressant et fatigant, surtout pendant les longues gardes de nuit.

Malgré son emploi du temps chargé, Lucie essaie de maintenir une vie équilibrée. Elle fait attention à son alimentation et essaie de manger des repas sains et variés. Elle pratique aussi régulièrement du yoga pour se détendre et rester en forme.

Pendant ses jours de congé, Lucie aime passer du temps avec sa famille et ses amis. Elle a deux frères plus âgés qu'elle, qui vivent dans d'autres villes de France. Ils se réunissent souvent pour les fêtes et les anniversaires. Lucie apprécie particulièrement ces moments de retrouvailles.

Lucie est passionnée par les voyages et rêve de découvrir de nouveaux pays. Elle a déjà visité plusieurs villes européennes comme Barcelone, Rome et Berlin, mais elle aimerait explorer des destinations plus lointaines. Elle envisage de partir en Asie l'année prochaine, si elle arrive à poser suffisamment de jours de congé.

En attendant son prochain voyage, Lucie se concentre sur son travail et sur ses projets personnels. Elle apprend l'espagnol depuis quelques mois et espère pouvoir le parler couramment d'ici quelques années.

Questions de compréhension :

• Quel est le métier de Lucie et où travaille-t-elle ?

• Pourquoi aime-t-elle son métier ?

• Quels aspects de son travail peuvent être difficiles ?

• Comment Lucie essaie-t-elle de maintenir un équilibre dans sa vie malgré son emploi du temps chargé ?

• Que fait-elle pour rester en forme et se détendre ?

• Avec qui Lucie aime-t-elle passer son temps libre ?

• Pourquoi les réunions de famille sont-elles importantes pour Lucie ?

• Quelle est la passion de Lucie ?

• Quelles villes européennes a-t-elle déjà visitées ?

• Quel continent aimerait-elle explorer à l'avenir ?

• Que doit-elle faire pour réaliser ce projet de voyage ?

• Sur quoi Lucie se concentre-t-elle en attendant son prochain voyage ?

• Quelle langue apprend-elle actuellement ?

• Quel est son objectif linguistique à long terme ?

• D'après vous, quelles qualités personnelles et professionnelles peut-on deviner chez Lucie à partir de ce texte ?

1. Listen to this A2-level French podcast or dialogue (3-4 minutes) and write a brief report in French (80-100 words) about the main topic and key points discussed.

2. Create a presentation (6-8 minutes) in French about a famous French-speaking person or a French cultural tradition. Use appropriate vocabulary, grammar structures, and transitional phrases to organize your presentation.

Evaluation and Reflection

After completing the mock exam and assignments, evaluate your performance and reflect on your progress. Consider the following questions:

1. Did you achieve the A2 level in French based on your exam results and assignment performance?

2. Which areas did you excel in, and which areas still need improvement?

3. How has your French language ability improved since the beginning of the third month?

4. What strategies and resources have been most effective in helping you learn French during this period?

5. What are your goals for the next stage of your French learning journey?

Based on your evaluation and reflection, celebrate your achievements and set new goals for the upcoming months. If you feel that you have not yet reached the A2 level, adjust your learning plan and continue practicing and reviewing the A1 and A2 content until you feel confident in your abilities.

Month 4: Strengthening A2 skills and becoming a more confident French speaker

This month, you’ll learn how to tell longer, more complex stories in a way that sounds effortless. 

From connecting past events to talking about things that happened no so long ago, the French learning activities of this month will help you become a storytelling genius.

Week 13: Past tense (Passé composé) with avoir

• Day 1: Introduction to the passé composé with “avoir”

“Le passé composé avec 'avoir' en français" by La prof Elisabeth is a great video here. You’ll learn about the structure of the passé composé with the auxiliary verb "avoir".

Practice identifying the components of the passé composé (subject + auxiliary verb "avoir" + past participle) and forming sentences using this structure.

• Day 2 : Conjugating regular verbs in the passé composé

Watch the video "Conjugaison des verbes réguliers au passé composé avec 'avoir'" by Mme Nguyen to learn how to conjugate regular verbs in the passé composé using the auxiliary verb "avoir".

• Day 3: Practice with regular verbs in the passé composé

Continue practicing the passé composé with "avoir" and regular verbs through various exercises and activities.

• Day 4: Conjugating irregular verbs in the passé composé

Watch the video "Conjugaison des verbes irréguliers au passé composé avec 'avoir'" by Parler, lire, écrire le français A1A2 FLE FLS Cris to learn how to conjugate irregular verbs in the passé composé using the auxiliary verb "avoir".

• Day 5: Practicing the passé composé with different pronouns

Practice using the passé composé with "avoir" and various subject pronouns, including je, tu, il/elle/on, nous, vous, and ils/elles.

Week 14: Past tense (Passé composé) with être

• Day 1: Introduction to the passé composé with être

Watch Coucou La France"Le passé composé avec 'être' en français" to learn about the passé composé using the auxiliary verb "être" and when to use it instead of "avoir".

Practice identifying verbs that use "être" as an auxiliary verb in the passé composé and understanding the agreement rules for the past participle.

• Day 2 : Conjugating verbs with “être” in the passé composé

"Conjugaison des verbes avec 'être' au passé composé" by La classe de Mallory is perfect for learning how to conjugate verbs using "être" in the passé composé.

Practice conjugating verbs with "être" in the passé composé and applying the agreement rules for the past participle.

• Day 3: Practice with verbs using être in the passé composé

Continue practicing the passé composé with "être" with different exercises and activities. 

• Day 4: Combining passé composé with avoir and être

Practice using both "avoir" and "être" as auxiliary verbs in the passé composé within the same text or conversation.

• Day 5: Passé composé review and practice

Review the key concepts and rules for the passé composé with both "avoir" and "être". Practice using the passé composé through various exercises, such as fill-in-the-blank, sentence transformation, and text correction.

Week 15: Indirect object pronouns and pronoun placement

• Day 1: Introduction to indirect object pronouns

Watch “Les pronoms objets indirects en français” by French School TV to learn about indirect object pronouns (me, te, lui, nous, vous, leur) and their usage.

• Day 2: Placing indirect object pronouns in sentences

"La place des pronoms objets indirects dans la phrase" by PLANÈTE FRANÇAIS TV avec Elsa Kenza will help you learn about the placement of indirect object pronouns in sentences.

• Day 3: Practice with indirect object pronouns

Continue practicing the use and placement of indirect object pronouns through various exercises and activities.

• Day 4 : Understanding the order of direct and indirect object pronouns

We recommend Parlez-vous FRENCH : Learn French Online’s "L’ordre des pronoms objets directs et indirects" to learn about the correct order of direct and indirect object pronouns when they appear together in a sentence.

• Day 5: Practicing sentences with combined object pronouns

Continue practicing the use and placement of combined direct and indirect object pronouns through various exercises and activities.

Week 16: Listening and speaking skills

• Day 1: Introducing authentic listening materials

Learn about the importance of listening to authentic French materials, such as podcasts, radio shows, and YouTube videos, to improve your listening comprehension skills.

• Day 2: Active listening strategies

Learn about active listening strategies, such as taking notes, identifying keywords, and focusing on context, to improve your comprehension of authentic French materials.

Day 3: Practicing listening comprehension

Continue practicing your listening comprehension skills using authentic French materials and applying active listening strategies.

• Day 4: Role-plays and conversations

Learn about the importance of practicing speaking skills through role-plays and conversations. Common everyday situations ordering food at a restaurant, asking for directions, or making small talk with a friend are best for this.

• Day 5 : Circumlocution and paraphrasing strategies

Learn about circumlocution and paraphrasing strategies, which involve describing or explaining a concept using simpler terms or alternative phrases when you don't know the exact word or expression.

• Days 6-7 : Putting it all together

Spend the last two days of the week reviewing the listening and speaking skills you've practiced and applying them in more extended contexts.

Assessment 4:  Evaluate progress through a comprehensive A2 exam and assignments

It’s the end of the fourth month, it's crucial to assess your progress and determine whether you have achieved a solid A2 level in French. 

This assessment will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and prepare you for the next stage of your French learning journey.

Comprehensive A2 Exam

Take a comprehensive A2 exam that covers all the topics and skills you've learned during the first four months. The exam should include the following sections:

1. Listening comprehension

2. Reading comprehension

3. Writing

4. Speaking

5. Grammar and vocabulary

You can find comprehensive A2 exams online or in French learning textbooks. Some recommended resources for A2 exams include:

• Alliance Francaise Vancouver - DELF level A2 exam preparation guide for adults

• Delf and Dalf | PDF | Francophonie | Tests   

Assignments

In addition to the comprehensive exam, complete the following assignments to demonstrate your A2-level French skills:

1. Write a 250-word letter to a French-speaking friend, describing your daily routine, hobbies, and recent experiences. Use a variety of verb tenses (present, passé composé, imparfait, and futur proche) and include both regular and irregular verbs.

2. Record a 5-minute video of yourself speaking in French about a memorable vacation or trip you took. Use the passé composé and imparfait to describe your experiences, and include your opinions and feelings about the trip.

3. Read this A2-level French short story or article (300-350 words) and write a summary and personal response in French (150-200 words). Include your thoughts on the characters, plot, or main ideas, and use a variety of linking words and expressions to organize your response.

Lucas, 35 ans, est un entrepreneur passionné qui a créé sa propre entreprise de développement web il y a quelques années. Basée à Nantes, son entreprise connaît un succès croissant grâce à son équipe talentueuse et son approche innovante.

Avant de se lancer dans l'entrepreneuriat, Lucas a travaillé dans plusieurs grandes entreprises technologiques. Ces expériences lui ont permis d'acquérir des compétences solides en gestion de projet et en leadership. Cependant, il a toujours rêvé de créer quelque chose qui lui appartienne et qui reflète ses valeurs.

Le parcours de Lucas n'a pas été sans défis. Au début, il a dû jongler entre de longues heures de travail et sa vie personnelle. Il a également dû apprendre à gérer le stress lié à la prise de décisions importantes pour son entreprise. Malgré cela, Lucas est resté déterminé et concentré sur ses objectifs.

Pour maintenir un équilibre, Lucas s'assure de prendre du temps pour lui et ses proches. Il est marié depuis cinq ans et a une petite fille de deux ans. Les week-ends, ils aiment se promener dans les parcs de la ville ou partir en excursion dans la région. Lucas pratique également la course à pied pour se vider l'esprit et se maintenir en forme.

Grâce à son travail acharné et à sa vision entrepreneuriale, l'entreprise de Lucas est devenue un acteur majeur dans le domaine du développement web. Il est fier de contribuer à la croissance économique de sa région et de créer des emplois. Dans le futur, Lucas souhaite continuer à innover et à faire évoluer son entreprise, tout en préservant l'équilibre qu'il a réussi à trouver entre sa vie professionnelle et personnelle.

Questions de compréhension :

• Quel est le métier de Lucas et où se trouve son entreprise ?

• Qu'est-ce qui explique le succès de l'entreprise de Lucas ?

• Quelles expériences professionnelles ont aidé Lucas à acquérir des compétences clés avant de créer son entreprise ?

• Pourquoi Lucas a-t-il décidé de se lancer dans l'entrepreneuriat ?

• Quels ont été les principaux défis auxquels Lucas a dû faire face au début de son aventure entrepreneuriale ?

• Comment Lucas a-t-il réussi à surmonter ces défis ?

• Quelles mesures Lucas prend-il pour maintenir un équilibre entre sa vie professionnelle et personnelle ?

• Depuis combien de temps Lucas est-il marié et quel âge a sa fille ?

• Que font Lucas et sa famille pendant leurs week-ends ?

• Quel loisir Lucas pratique-t-il pour se détendre et rester en forme ?

• Comment l'entreprise de Lucas contribue-t-elle à l'économie locale ?

• Quelles sont les aspirations de Lucas pour l'avenir de son entreprise ?

• Que souhaite-t-il préserver dans sa vie tout en faisant évoluer son entreprise ?

• Selon vous, quelles qualités personnelles ont aidé Lucas à réussir en tant qu'entrepreneur ?

• D'après le texte, quelles leçons peut-on tirer du parcours de Lucas pour réussir dans la vie professionnelle et personnelle ?

1. Listen to an A2-level French podcast or dialogue (4-5 minutes) about a current event or social issue and answer comprehension questions about the main ideas, specific details, and speakers' opinions. Write a short essay (120-150 words) expressing your own views on the topic, using appropriate vocabulary and grammar structures.

2. Create a presentation (8-10 minutes) in French comparing two French-speaking countries or regions, including information about their geography, culture, and famous landmarks or attractions. Use a variety of descriptive adjectives, adverbs, and idiomatic expressions to make your presentation engaging and informative.

Evaluation and Reflection

After completing the comprehensive exam and assignments, evaluate your performance and reflect on your progress. Consider the following questions:

1. Did you achieve a solid A2 level in French based on your exam results and assignment performance?

2. Which areas have you mastered, and which areas still require improvement?

3. How has your French language proficiency developed since the beginning of your learning journey?

4. What learning strategies and resources have been most effective for you during the past four months?

5. What are your goals and priorities for the next stage of your French learning journey (B1 level)?

Use your evaluation and reflection to celebrate your achievements, set new goals, and adjust your learning plan for the upcoming months. If you feel that you need more practice in certain areas, dedicate additional time and resources to addressing those weaknesses.

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