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TipsMarch 15, 2023

Why Learning French Is a Great Idea

BlogTips
Why Learning French Is a Great Idea

I’ll admit it - mastering French is a real challenge. Nevertheless, it is probably one of the best decisions you can make, for a variety of reasons.

Is French an easy language to learn? 🙋🏻‍♂️

It’s hard to answer "yes" or "no" to this question, because it all depends on your situation!

As a general rule, Spanish or Italian speakers find it easier to learn French. This is partly due to the similarities between French and other Latin-based languages.

You only need to glance at or listen to Italian or Spanish to notice the many common features in terms of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. For example, regular verbs are similar and often share the same roots, which makes learning French easier.

For English speakers, however, it’s a different story 😅

French can be a bit more difficult due to significant differences in pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. English speakers often struggle to pronounce certain French words because some sounds simply don’t exist in their language. French grammar can also be quite challenging for them.

But don’t worry - even if you’re an English speaker, there’s no need to panic. French is an approachable language, and with perseverance, dedication (and a few French lessons), you’ll find that the challenge is very much doable!

You’ll join a community of over 300 million people 🥳

That’s right - 300 million people across more than 50 countries around the world speak French! This includes France, Canada, Switzerland, Belgium, Haiti, many African nations, and plenty of others.

On top of that, French is an official language of many international organizations such as the UN, UNESCO, NATO, the International Red Cross, and the International Court of Justice.

As you can see, learning French can open the door to professional and educational opportunities all over the world.

France is a popular destination. As you probably know, France is a tourist destination loved by travelers from around the globe. In 2019, nearly 90 million foreign tourists visited France (source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

Learning French can make your stay in France even more enjoyable, as you’ll be able to chat with locals and have a less stressful experience.

Learning French is good for your brain!

Whether it’s French or another language, it has been scientifically proven that learning a foreign language has numerous health benefits.

Research has also shown that learning a new language can delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as it stimulates the brain and improves neural connectivity.

Learning a new language can be an excellent way to reduce stress and anxiety, as it helps you focus on a relaxing yet stimulating activity.

As you can see, you have everything to gain by learning to speak French 🇫🇷

Elisabeth
Written by
Elisabeth

French as a foreign language teacher · Maison de la Francité Prize 2021 · Creator of the HelloFrench YouTube channel (325K subscribers)

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  1. 01A few questions
  2. 02Three sentences to read aloud
  3. 03A quick conversation with Jean

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In their words

They found their voice in French

“C'est la meilleure chaîne, avec la meilleure méthode, pour apprendre le français.”
John
YouTube review
“Votre méthode d'enseignement est magnifique, c'est rare de trouver des leçons de courtoisie et politesse. Extraordinaire travail, je vous remercie infiniment professeur.”
Abdelkader
YouTube review · 328 likes
DON'T SAY "JE VEUX" IN FRENCH
“I've experienced enormous progress in my ability to express myself and understand others in French.”
Daniel
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“I don't even know a word of French. I'm just a beginner and such videos are hugely effective and useful for listening practice. Thanks Elizabeth.”
Mirza M.
YouTube review · 249 likes
La France en guerre ? - Learn French with News #23
“J'ai beaucoup aimé toutes les activités. J'apprends plein de nouveaux mots et je progresse !”
Maria Helena
Student review
“Quand je suis arrivé en France en 2002, je ne connaissais pas un mot de français. J'ai obtenu le diplôme de français niveau A2. Je vous écoute attentivement. Vous écouter contribue grandement au développement de ma langue.”
Aciksoz
YouTube review · 117 likes
Learn French With News #7 : Macron and Brigitte love story
“Ces leçons améliorent mes qualités d'écoute. Si j'écoute des francophones, je comprends beaucoup mieux.”
James
Verified purchase
“Ce format est excellent, mes compliments, la meilleure façon d'apprendre le français, fais-en plus et merci !”
Stefano T.
YouTube review · 109 likes
Learn French With News #3 : The Crime Story Of Jean-Claude Romand
“Elisabeth's lessons are engaging, high quality, and tailored to my level. I have experienced dramatic growth in my French.”
Troy
Verified purchase
“C'est une excellente approche pédagogique pour mieux comprendre le français réel, pas la version des manuels. Merci beaucoup, Elisabeth.”
Slow Learner
YouTube review · 50 likes
La France en guerre ? - Learn French with News #23
“J'adore l'amélioration du cours ! Le parcours guidé et Jean m'aident à travailler mon français.”
Annette
Verified email
“Je viens de réaliser que je comprends mieux si je ne traduis pas en anglais pendant que j'écoute. Ce n'est pas facile mais cela aide vraiment.”
Gregg
Student review
“Ouf ! C'est long et difficile, mais en même temps, très utile pour apprendre, pour écouter la vraie langue.”
James H
Student review
“Wow, c'était très difficile mais exactement ce que j'ai besoin de maîtriser. Merci Mathieu et Elisabeth !”
Rich
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“Depuis que j'ai amélioré mon français avec ce cours, je ne sous-titre plus les films et séries !”
Tina
Verified purchase
“C'est la meilleure chaîne, avec la meilleure méthode, pour apprendre le français.”
John
YouTube review
“Votre méthode d'enseignement est magnifique, c'est rare de trouver des leçons de courtoisie et politesse. Extraordinaire travail, je vous remercie infiniment professeur.”
Abdelkader
YouTube review · 328 likes
DON'T SAY "JE VEUX" IN FRENCH
“I've experienced enormous progress in my ability to express myself and understand others in French.”
Daniel
Verified purchase
“I don't even know a word of French. I'm just a beginner and such videos are hugely effective and useful for listening practice. Thanks Elizabeth.”
Mirza M.
YouTube review · 249 likes
La France en guerre ? - Learn French with News #23
“J'ai beaucoup aimé toutes les activités. J'apprends plein de nouveaux mots et je progresse !”
Maria Helena
Student review
“Quand je suis arrivé en France en 2002, je ne connaissais pas un mot de français. J'ai obtenu le diplôme de français niveau A2. Je vous écoute attentivement. Vous écouter contribue grandement au développement de ma langue.”
Aciksoz
YouTube review · 117 likes
Learn French With News #7 : Macron and Brigitte love story
“Ces leçons améliorent mes qualités d'écoute. Si j'écoute des francophones, je comprends beaucoup mieux.”
James
Verified purchase
“Ce format est excellent, mes compliments, la meilleure façon d'apprendre le français, fais-en plus et merci !”
Stefano T.
YouTube review · 109 likes
Learn French With News #3 : The Crime Story Of Jean-Claude Romand
“Elisabeth's lessons are engaging, high quality, and tailored to my level. I have experienced dramatic growth in my French.”
Troy
Verified purchase
“C'est une excellente approche pédagogique pour mieux comprendre le français réel, pas la version des manuels. Merci beaucoup, Elisabeth.”
Slow Learner
YouTube review · 50 likes
La France en guerre ? - Learn French with News #23
“J'adore l'amélioration du cours ! Le parcours guidé et Jean m'aident à travailler mon français.”
Annette
Verified email
“Je viens de réaliser que je comprends mieux si je ne traduis pas en anglais pendant que j'écoute. Ce n'est pas facile mais cela aide vraiment.”
Gregg
Student review
“Ouf ! C'est long et difficile, mais en même temps, très utile pour apprendre, pour écouter la vraie langue.”
James H
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“Wow, c'était très difficile mais exactement ce que j'ai besoin de maîtriser. Merci Mathieu et Elisabeth !”
Rich
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“Depuis que j'ai amélioré mon français avec ce cours, je ne sous-titre plus les films et séries !”
Tina
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“I read and understand better than I did as a young man in France. Elisabeth and Mathieu are my heroes!”
Wade
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“J'ai adoré cette conversation, merci beaucoup pour nous partager ! J'en voudrais plus.”
Thefitty
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“Hyper authentique, donc difficile, mais enrichissant ! J'apprécie ce contenu.”
Sangmin
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“There is nothing more valuable for language learners than to hear real speech that is accessible and relatable. I'll be traveling to Paris in six months — it's been 30 years since I studied French. This video has helped me reopen my ear to this beautiful language. Merci beaucoup !”
Andrea L.
YouTube review · 83 likes
1 hour REAL French conversations (with subtitles)
“Ces conversations sont hyper-réalistes. Tellement bon d'entendre une vraie conversation !”
Rich
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“I've been trying to learn French on Duolingo for years with limited success. Your video was interesting and really helpful: topical, relevant, FR and EN subtitles, and you can slow the speed to 75%. Please do more like this!”
James C.
YouTube review · 57 likes
Riots in France after police kill teen - News in Slow French #1
“Les sessions sont toujours ludiques, sans stress, et parfaitement adaptées à mon niveau. C'est au top !”
Elizabeth P
Verified purchase
“Please keep doing these videos, you always help me improve my French. You are the only one on YouTube I can learn from.”
H. A.
YouTube review · 44 likes
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“"360 French Immersion" est le meilleur rapport qualité-prix que j'ai eu pour apprendre le français.”
Nicholas
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“Votre cours est génial pour moi. J'apprends beaucoup - ça ne pourrait pas être mieux.”
Horst
Verified email
“Les cours de conversation portent l'apprentissage du français à un niveau supérieur.”
Wolfgang
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“The new product is amazing for training my ear in French. The new features greatly enhance my learning.”
Lee
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“Ce discours est formidable ! Quand je suis en France, c'est les mots de nourriture qui me posent le plus de problèmes.”
Andy Brown
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“I am loving the course! You have put together an amazing product. Thank you!”
Lee
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“I read and understand better than I did as a young man in France. Elisabeth and Mathieu are my heroes!”
Wade
Verified email
“J'ai adoré cette conversation, merci beaucoup pour nous partager ! J'en voudrais plus.”
Thefitty
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REAL French Conversation with subtitles - Eat Breakfast with us
“Hyper authentique, donc difficile, mais enrichissant ! J'apprécie ce contenu.”
Sangmin
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“There is nothing more valuable for language learners than to hear real speech that is accessible and relatable. I'll be traveling to Paris in six months — it's been 30 years since I studied French. This video has helped me reopen my ear to this beautiful language. Merci beaucoup !”
Andrea L.
YouTube review · 83 likes
1 hour REAL French conversations (with subtitles)
“Ces conversations sont hyper-réalistes. Tellement bon d'entendre une vraie conversation !”
Rich
Student review
“I've been trying to learn French on Duolingo for years with limited success. Your video was interesting and really helpful: topical, relevant, FR and EN subtitles, and you can slow the speed to 75%. Please do more like this!”
James C.
YouTube review · 57 likes
Riots in France after police kill teen - News in Slow French #1
“Les sessions sont toujours ludiques, sans stress, et parfaitement adaptées à mon niveau. C'est au top !”
Elizabeth P
Verified purchase
“Please keep doing these videos, you always help me improve my French. You are the only one on YouTube I can learn from.”
H. A.
YouTube review · 44 likes
Real French conversation: our dream house, moving to South of France
“"360 French Immersion" est le meilleur rapport qualité-prix que j'ai eu pour apprendre le français.”
Nicholas
Student review
“Votre cours est génial pour moi. J'apprends beaucoup - ça ne pourrait pas être mieux.”
Horst
Verified email
“Les cours de conversation portent l'apprentissage du français à un niveau supérieur.”
Wolfgang
Verified purchase
“The new product is amazing for training my ear in French. The new features greatly enhance my learning.”
Lee
Verified email
“Ce discours est formidable ! Quand je suis en France, c'est les mots de nourriture qui me posent le plus de problèmes.”
Andy Brown
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“I am loving the course! You have put together an amazing product. Thank you!”
Lee
Verified email