Discover the Joy of Learning French

French is one of the world's most widely spoken languages, opening doors to new cultures, travel opportunities, international careers, and meaningful connections. Our Beginner French course is designed for anyone with little or no previous knowledge of the language and provides a strong foundation for future learning.

Through engaging lessons, practical exercises, and interactive conversation practice, you'll begin developing the essential skills needed to communicate confidently in everyday situations. Our experienced instructors create a welcoming classroom environment where learning is enjoyable, encouraging, and focused on real-life communication.

From your first greetings to holding simple conversations, you'll gradually build your vocabulary, improve your pronunciation, and gain confidence speaking French in practical situations.

Whether your goal is to travel through France, prepare for future studies, expand your career opportunities, or simply challenge yourself by learning a new language, this course provides the perfect starting point.

Is This Course Right for You?

This course is ideal if you:

✔ Have no previous knowledge of French

✔ Want to learn French for travel or holidays

✔ Are interested in French culture and language

✔ Need French for future study or work

✔ Enjoy learning in a supportive group environment

✔ Want to build a strong foundation before progressing to higher levels

No prior experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to learn!

What You'll Learn

By the end of this course, you'll be able to communicate confidently in a range of everyday situations using simple French.

Speaking

Introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions, describe people and places, and participate in basic everyday conversations.

Listening

Understand familiar words, common expressions, and simple spoken French when people speak clearly and at a moderate pace.

Reading

Read short texts, signs, menus, emails, and simple documents commonly encountered in everyday life.

Writing

Write short messages, complete forms, introduce yourself in writing, and compose simple emails and notes.

Grammar & Vocabulary

Develop a solid understanding of essential grammar while building practical vocabulary that can be used immediately in everyday conversations.

Topics Covered

Each lesson combines speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities to help reinforce your learning and build confidence.
Throughout the course, you'll explore a wide variety of practical topics, including:

Greetings and introductions

The French alphabet and pronunciation

Numbers, dates, and telling the time

Family and relationships

Nationalities and languages

Daily routines

Food and dining

Shopping and money

Travel and transportation

Asking for directions

Weather and seasons

Hobbies and interests

Basic grammar and sentence structure

Present tense verbs

French customs and culture

CEFR Level A1 – Beginner

This course follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and corresponds to the A1 Beginner level.

Upon completing A1, learners are able to:

Understand and use familiar everyday expressions.
Introduce themselves and others.
Ask and answer simple personal questions.
Communicate in basic everyday situations.
Interact with others when conversations are clear and uncomplicated.

This course provides the essential foundation needed to continue progressing through the internationally recognised CEFR levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. This course is specifically designed for complete beginners and assumes no prior experience with the language.

Classes combine speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities with practical conversation exercises to help you use French confidently in everyday situations.

Course durations vary depending on the academic term and schedule. Please contact us for the latest timetable and course dates.

Students who successfully complete the course may receive proof of participation and can continue progressing through higher CEFR levels and internationally recognised French examinations.

After completing Beginner French (A1), you'll be ready to continue with our Elementary French (A2) course, where you'll expand your vocabulary, improve your fluency, and communicate with greater confidence.

Why Learn with Alliance Française?

Learn from Experienced Teachers

Our qualified instructors combine language expertise with practical, real-world teaching methods to help you communicate confidently in professional environments.

Internationally Recognised Programme

Courses are aligned with the CEFR framework, providing a structured pathway for developing your language skills.

Tailored to Your Business

Training can be customised to suit your organisation, industry, or professional goals, ensuring lessons are relevant and immediately applicable.

Flexible Learning Options

Courses are available for individuals or corporate groups, with scheduling options designed to fit around busy professional commitments.

Ready to Begin Speaking French?

Every language journey starts with a single step. Join our Beginner French (A1) course and discover the confidence, opportunities, and cultural experiences that come with learning one of the world's most widely spoken languages.

Whether you're learning for travel, work, study, or personal enrichment, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Take the first step towards speaking French with Alliance Française Potchefstroom.

Contact Us

Tel: +27 82 906 6054
Email: info@potch.alliance.org.za

Visit Us

Alliance Française de Potchefstroom

77A Molen street, Potchefstroom, 2531, South Africa

We currently do not have a reception or office hours – please contact us for information.

Beginner French (A1)