Levels at French à la Carte | French à la Carte

At French à la Carte, we are very proud to offer different options that can be tailored to your needs.

In small groups or one-on-one, join us in one of our fun and interactive classes and enjoy the best possible learning experience.

How our levels work

Our General French classes are split into 5 levels:

Beginner & Elementary (A1)
Elementary & Pre-intermediate (A2)
Intermediate & Upper-Intermediate (B1)
Advanced (B2)
Fluency (C1-C2)

These levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2) come from a standard called the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference).

Our classes also have « petits noms » (nicknames), representing French culture, ranging from famous French people such as Coco Chanel, Victor Hugo, Simone Veil, to French wines like Veuve Clicquot, Champagne or Rosé. This helps students remember what class they should enrol in from one term to the next!

A1 - Beginner
& Elementary

4 terms: A1.1 (Beginners), A1.2, A1.3, A1.4

These classes will help you communicate at an A1 level in French so that you:

- Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions.

- Can introduce yourself and others, ask and answer personal questions.

- Can interact in a simple conversation with a slow speaking conversation partner.

A2 - Elementary
& Pre-Intermediate

9 terms: A2.1 to A2.9

Pre-intermediate level classes will help you communicate at an A2 level in French so that you:

- Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to familiar topics.

- Can communicate in simple and routine tasks.

- Can describe in simple terms your background and immediate environment.

B1 - Intermediate

12 Terms: B1.1 to B1.12

These classes will help you communicate at an B1 level in French so that you:

- Understand the main points of clear texts on familiar topics in standard language

- Manage most situations on a trip to places where English is used

- Produce simple, organised texts about familiar topics

- Describe experiences, events, wishes and aspirations, and explain opinions and plans.

B2 - Advanced

4 Terms for each level: B2.1, B2.2, B2.3

Advanced level classes will help you communicate at a B2 level so that you:

- Can understand a complex text, both general and specific topics.

- Can interact with native speakers, easily understand them and express yourself without thinking about language.

- Can write clear, detailed text and explain viewpoints on a certain topic by giving pros and cons.

C1/C2 - Fluency Level

Fluency level classes will help you communicate at a C1/C2 level in French so that you:

- Can understand a wide range of longer texts and recognise implicit meaning.

- Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.

- Can express yourself spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CEFR & CONTENT PER LEVEL

Textbooks & Material

A1, A2 and B1 level classes use the textbooks Prêt-à-parler 1, 2 and 3. These textbooks provide a range of real-life dialogues and situations that you will actually encounter when you travel to France.

B2 levels and above don’t use a textbook, the teacher tailors the class to each group and provides handouts in class.