Want to know how to learn French online but don’t know where to begin? Here are the best online resources to get you speaking French from the comfort of your own home!
In an ideal world, we would be learning French while eating a croissant on a balcony in Paris. Sadly, this is not the common way to learn a language (unless you’re Emily in Paris). Chances are you’re not in France, but still keen to do some language learning at an affordable cost. As someone who has been learning French for over 10 years, I’m here to tell you – you’re in luck.
As a French teacher, it’s my job to be aware of the best resources for my students. Thankfully, the internet is constantly full of resources that we can access at our fingertips (yes, there’s more than duolingo!). In fact, sometimes it is overwhelming how much is out there (Ooh là là là)! In this article, I’m going to tell you what exactly to use, what to use it for, and the overall best resources to get you to your goals.
After learning about all the different resources available, you’ll be able to make a proper and informed language study plan that gets you results! Let’s not wait any longer (Gabriel j’arrive).
This post is all about how to learn French online.
How to Learn French Online -The Best Resources for French language learners
For Starters …..
The perfect resource will look different for everyone. Some are motivated little rabbits that can independently read endless grammar texts, others may need an extra push or assistance (c’est moi!). The complexity of the resource will depend on your level and your language goals.
Additionally, it’s important to not try and use every source given in this blog. That’s the equivalent of reading 6 books all at the same time – it’s impractical and you’ll end up jumbling different stories together (oh mon dieu!). Choose a few that you find easy to understand, are suitable for your language level, and are accessible to you.
Additionally, we want our selected resources to serve a range of different language goals and purposes. We really want to be covering all our language skills, i.e. speaking, listening, reading, and writing – so make sure you’ve got an online French resource that allows you to practice one of these skills. I also strongly recommend choosing or finding a strong Grammar resource to refer to as well as a way to store your vocabulary.
If you are a beginner at learning languages and don’t really know where to begin, I would strongly recommend you read the below articles before continuing this blog. It’s important you have a structure or language plan in place before you dive in and decide on your resources.
{READ: HOW TO LEARN ANOTHER LANGUAGE – 7 HELPFUL TIPS}
I would also like to note that none of the links included in this article are affiliate links. In fact, most of these resources are free! That said if you are really wanting to see progress, or rather need some external motivation, I would recommend investing (according to your own budget) towards some kind of French learning resource. Whether that be a grammar textbook, an online French class or even a private tutor – again dependent on your level and learning goal! Now onto the good stuff.
How to Learn French Vocabulary
When it comes to learning vocabulary, there are three ‘types’ of resources at play.
- A resource (or several) to find vocbaulary
- A resource to store your new found vocbulary
- A resource to practice and learn your vocabulary
When it comes to finding vocabulary, there’s two main options: using specific vocabulary lists or finding language ‘out in the wild’ or in other words, in authentic language texts. Personally, I think the best option is to have a combination of both! Ideally you should be finding vocabulary from a range of sources and changing it up to keep your language learning spicy! Set a goal to learn a certain number of words each week (perhaps anything between 10-20) and make it a mission that you must have found your set number of words by the end of the week. These words may come from any of the listening or reading resources listed below. For example, maybe you see a word in a book (or heard it in a podcast) that you didn’t know – add it to the list!
If you’ve chosen a text book, you may want to learn the vocabulary lists for each topic. If you don’t have a language textbook, perhaps try and learn vocabulary still by ‘topics’.
*Please note: I highly recommend that you find a resource when you can hear the word as well as read it. Understanding how a word sound and is pronounced is just as important when initially learning a word (and will save errors later down the track!)
For finding vocabulary:
To learn vocabulary in topics — French Kwiziq —
A smaller list and if you are just looking for the most ‘common french words’ — French Together —
For storing vocabulary:
Now yes, some people like to do this the old-fashion way and write in a notebook, but honestly, if we have got these online resources like the cloud, why not use them ?!?
When storing vocabulary you want something that is:
- easy to use
- easy to access
- can also be used to help you learn the vocabulary
This is why flash card resources are the ultimate way (in my opinion) to store your vocabulary. Choose one of the following resources to use:
QUIZLET (FREE) – Quizlet is great, because you can set up some vocabulary lists (perhaps in topics), test yourself with them and store them online. Even better, you can search a French list that you’re looking for and use someone else’s! For example, say you want to learn French numbers but don’t feel like making your own cue cards, you can use the search bar, write in ‘French numbers’ et voilà! You have some cue cards to use. It’s also free to sign up and is always the resource I recommend for my students. Fantastique!
CRAM (FREE) – Cram is similar to quizzlet in that you can make you’re own lists, but also access others. However, for French, it has much less vocabulary lists available than quizlet, so if you want to use others’ quizlet is by far the better option. That said, cram is a lot more ‘app’ and mobile phone user friendly, meaning if you’re someone who likes to do some quick vocab learning don’t the go (in my opinion the best way to learn!) cram may be the choice for you!
ANKI (FREE) – Great if you want to independently source you’re own lists. You can’t use other lists (like in quizlet), but it is great for efficient and neat organisation of you’re own lists. It’s also a great resource in terms of learning vocabulary with evidence-based learning methods behind it.
BRAINSCAPE (PAID) – Brainscape if for those that prefer a bit more structure, would like the vocabulary found for them and that extra motivation to help them continue their french language learning. It’s a pretty nifty website that has been crafted to assist the learning of language in an evidence-based way (similar to duolingo).
For practicing vocabulary:
Ideally you’ll have chosen a place where the resource you are storing your vocabulary can also help you practice and learn the vocabulary. For this any of the above resources would work for this step also!
How to Learn French Grammar
Ah the great complexities of grammar. Grammar can be the most complex and difficult thing with the wrong resource, or the easiest, most enjoyable thing with the right resource – this is why it’s crucial to get the right grammar resources.
In my opinion, you need one core grammar resource to refer to. You may have a secondary or third option at hand that can be used if you’re not understanding a concept, but use them as only ‘back-ups’.
Your core resource should:
- clearly explain and organise grammar concepts
- provide exercises for you to practice these grammar concepts to cement your understanding.
SCHAUM’S OUTLINE OF FRENCH GRAMMAR (PAID) – My personal favourite grammar textbook to learn grammar independently is this one. You can either order the book and grab a hard copy or use the online version via ebook here.
I personally like to have some of my language learning off a screen, and therefore find a hard-copy grammar textbook to be refreshing. Of course, I understand carrying around a French textbook isn’t as accessible and therefore an ebook might suit better for some.
SCHAUM EXERCISES – If you are wanting to complete the exercises online – here is a website that allows you to complete them online and is a great way to practice grammar concepts.
LINGOLIA (FREE) – if you are looking for a free online resource, I find this website to be the clearest. The topics are clearly separated and grammar concepts are explained in a way that is accessible. The only downside is they don’t have exercises available for you to practice these grammar concepts which is essential to learning grammar.
ExercisesFrench (FREE) – If you are choosing to use the lingolia website as your grammar resource and needing some grammar exercises to test and apply your knowledge this may be the next solution. You will need to choose the concept you would like to practice and use accordingly.
While Lingolia and exercisesFrench are free, they are not made in reference to each other. This means there could be an extra bit of fluffing around in order for you to find an activity that succinctly matches the grammar concept you have just learned. It’s for this reason that I highly recommend you use a resource that encompasses it all which makes grammar a lot more organized and facilitated for learning. Although I understand, naturally this will likely mean making a financial investment as good grammar resources are often at a price. That said, if you are to invest in any resource – I highly recommend your investment goes to either grammar or speaking depending on your language values and goals.
If you have a tutor, likely they will organise grammar for you. If you are independently learning, then don’t underestimate a clear grammar resource so that you make your French learning as easy as possible!!
How to Learn French through skillsets:
Reading
For reading, I think it’s nice to change it up here and there with resources – keep it fresh! You could choose a longer project, like a book, and read a few pages every week. Conversely, you could choose to read one blog or article every week!
- Choose to read based on your level (Wanting to find reading excerpts based on your actual level – this can be a great way to fit reading appropriately to your learning goals and needs)
- Choose to read based on a certain topic or subject (This can be a great idea if you’ve learnt a topic of vocabulary and want to find something to read that aligns with this)
- Choose a blog to read (use this article to make your choice)
- Choose a magazine to follow! (use this article to make your choice)
- Choose a book to read (use this article to make your choice) OR
- Find a free ebook to read online [intermediate-advanced level] (find a resource through this website)
- A list of other online reading resources (want more? This website lays clearly a few great resources. I would recommend TV5monde for beginners and LeMonde for intermediate to advanced)
Extra ways to improve reading in French:
- Change your phone to be in French
- Follow French social media accounts i.e. on Instagram/ twitter accounts
Listening
For listening, there is a whole lot of good stuff out there. Again, I think it’s great to have a range. Try to find and utilise some specific listening exercises to test your listening understanding as well as some more leisurely ways.
Sometimes you need to sit down and really be actively learning i.e. writing down vocabulary, and doing exercises. But also – don’t feel like this is the only way to listen to the language! Chuck on something as frequently as you can. Driving to work? listen to a podcast. Walking your dog? Listen to some French music. Getting ready for work. Play some French news in the background. Surrounding yourself with the language, whether actively focusing on it or not, is going to improve the speed at which you learn French.
PODCASTS:
Beginner:
Duolingo French Podcast [beginner]
Coffee break French [beginner]
Intermediate:
Daily French Pod [intermediate]
LanguaTalk Slow French [intermediate]
Advanced:
All levels:
News in Slow French [all levels]s
Learn French by Podcast [all levels]
MUSIC:
Really you can search anything on youtube or Spotify – whether it’s a particular artists like ‘Stromae’s music’ | Emma Peters or just a playlist. Listening to music can help you feel connected to the culture.
Personally, I like to listen to either Emma Peters or a playlist like French pop hits
YOUTUBE:
Youtube has some great resources. You can use it for music, cultural videos, french listening exercises etc. If you like following social media platforms, see if you can find a ‘French youtube’ and watch their authentic videos.
ONLINE TV / MOVIES
This will be according to your chosen platform streaming choice. Netflix have a great range of movies and tv shows that are in French. If you’re a beginner, have the subtitles in English. Intermediate/advanced try progress by putting the subtitles in French. Then when you’re ready (or advanced) take the subtitles away completely.
Another good way is to watch a movie or show that you love, have seen a million times and switch the language into French. You’ll understand the storyline as you know it so well and you’ll pick up some French along the way!
Some great French movies that are ‘must-watches’ are
les intouchables
le petit nicholas
les choralistes
Amélie
Heartbreaker
If you are on Netflix some shows I would recommend would be:
NETFLIX SHOWS
Lupin [mystery / Crime]
The hookup plan [le plan coeur] [romantique / comédie]
Call my agent [dix pourcent] [ comédie / drama]
I am not an easy man
November 13 attack on Paris [documentary]
The ultimatum FRANCE [Realty / realité]
Look for French films or shows on whichever platform you use, or search them online on google (they are often free somewhere like via SBS always have a collection of French films.
MOST IMPORTANTLY – SPECIFIC LISTENING EXERCISES:
This is where the more productive learning takes place, so please try to ensure you have one session of 30 to 60 minutes a week where you are actively focusing on practicing French listening through exercises. Use the following resources:
KWIZIQ – I think this resource is most comprehensive
Writing
Ideally we want to be writing in French with a purpose. In terms of free resources, there is a limited scope of options.
- Find someone that you know (in a safe manner) to converse with. If you have a friend or a friend of a friend, an French aunty, or anyone overseas you can message on facebook or whatsapp in French that’s a great way to start writing in French.
- Write French journal entries – This is a great way to practice forming your language. Start by saying what you did for the day (if you don’t know how to form past tense yet, just write it in present!). Say what you will do tomorrow, or what you would like to do in the future. This can really be what you make of it. You could use the ‘Day one’ Journal app to keep track of your entries so that you can revisit them and reflect on your progress later on.
Otherwise here are some other platforms:
HelloTalk – FREE language Exchange – this can be a great option for free conversations.
InterPals – to find a french exchange buddy!
Looking for more options? This article suggests a few more options in terms of French Conversation Practice. Go forth!
Speaking
Speaking will be, by far, the most difficult skill to practice online. However, it is a really really important skill to practice (and in my opinion the most fun/enjoyable aspect or learning a language!).
Here are more following suggestions:
- Private tutor – In my opinion, this may be the one thing that you put some financial investment into. If you can afford it, a private tutor is perfect for just having someone to speak French to every now and then.
- French conversation classes – Often you can google ‘French conversation classes’ and there will hopefully be a few companies around or within your country that offer some kind of conversation classes. Often these classes are online (so they are accessible), and they will include a group of people (making them more affordable). If you have an Alliance Française near you, they often host these types of classes. French Speak also hold online conversation classes monthly. My only tip is – if you are going to choose a group class, make sure to ask the company what level you are expected to be. It’s important you find a class suited to your language level so that you are with others in that level (beginner/ intermediate / advanced etc.)
- Find a friend and ask to have a chat via whatsapp or zoom! If you’ve been successful in making a friend via an online chatting platform (ie. hellotalk /interpals) and you’re feeling comfortable – try asking if they would like to speak online via zoom or phone so you practice your speaking skills. This can be a great option (and can be free!)
- Use cue cards to quiz your own speaking – If for whatever reason, finding another person to speak to is not an option for you right now, do not completely omit your speaking practice. Use one of the cue card apps mentioned under the vocabulary section, and find some questions to ask yourself. Try speaking out aloud and answer the questions given. Try to do this every week with different questions.
Online language Courses:
In my opinion, if you are going to invest any money into your language learning, I think the best investment is into something that will allow you to speak live to someone. I wouldn’t use your money on just vocabulary or grammar courses (other than a good solid grammar textbook!). I believe you would be better off going to a French language class (or logging online into a class) or having a private French tutor.
That said, if you are interested in actual language courses, this article seems informative. I cannot comment on online language courses as I have done so few. Just be aware that this article is written by PREPLY and they have listed their own course as their no 1. course recommendation (go figure!). Not saying it’s not worthy of its no. 1 spot, but be sure to do your due diligence and find a second opinion before making that purchase!
This post was all about how to learn French online.