French Language Course for Beginners : From Scratch to A1.1 Course Syllabus

Overview: This course is designed for absolute beginners and takes you from zero knowledge to the A1.1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). With a total duration of approximately 6 hours, the course is structured into six focused modules that build practical language skills step by step. Each module combines pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and real-life dialogues to ensure you can confidently communicate in everyday French situations such as introductions, shopping, dining, and asking for directions. Lessons are self-paced, with lifetime access and a certificate of completion available upon finishing the course.

Module 1: Introduction & Pronunciation Basics

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• The French alphabet and accents
• Key French pronunciation rules
• Linking sounds (liaison) in spoken French
• Understanding silent letters

Module 2: Greetings, Introductions & Politeness

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Saying hello and goodbye in French
• Introducing yourself and others
• Using formal vs. informal “you” (tu vs. vous)
• Common courtesy phrases: please, thank you, excuse me

Module 3: Essential Grammar: Articles & Nouns

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Definite and indefinite articles (le, la, les, un, une, des)
• Partitive articles (du, de la, des) for quantities
• Understanding gender of nouns (masculine vs. feminine)
• Forming plurals of common nouns

Module 4: Present-Tense Verbs & Negation

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Conjugating regular -er verbs in the present tense
• Key irregular verbs: être and avoir
• Forming negative sentences with ne…pas
• Using subject pronouns with verbs

Module 5: Describing People & Everyday Vocabulary

Estimated time: 1.25 hours

• Using adjectives: agreement in gender and number
• Describing people: size, color, appearance
• Vocabulary for family members and relationships
• Everyday food and daily activities vocabulary
• Asking and answering simple questions about routines

Module 6: Asking Questions & Basic Interrogatives

Estimated time: 1.5 hours

• Forming yes/no questions using est-ce que
• Using inversion for formal questions
• Question words: qui, quoi, où, quand, pourquoi, comment
• Practicing questions in real-life contexts
• Shopping & Ordering in French: phrases for buying items and asking prices
• Ordering food and drinks in a café or restaurant
• Travel & Directions: transportation vocabulary and asking for directions

Prerequisites

• No prior knowledge of French is required
• Basic English proficiency to follow instructions
• Access to a device with audio for pronunciation practice

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Pronounce French sounds accurately and apply basic phonetics
• Introduce yourself and engage in simple conversations
• Use essential grammar including articles, nouns, and present-tense verbs
• Build foundational vocabulary for food, travel, family, and daily life
• Understand and respond to common phrases in listening and reading exercises