Let’s break it down. An A1 course is the foundation of your French "house." If you skip this level, everything else will collapse. This course is designed for vrais débutants (true beginners).

Whether you are planning a trip to Paris, immigrating to a French-speaking country, or simply want to impress your friends with a romantic language, everyone starts at the same place:

And survival is the first step toward thriving.

At A1, you cannot have a deep philosophical conversation. You will not understand a fast French movie. However, you will survive. You can order your croissant, ask for directions, and tell a taxi driver where to go.

But what exactly does a entail? How long does it take, and how do you know when you’ve mastered it?

In the world of language learning, A1 is the "Discovery" stage. According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), an A1 level means you can understand and use very basic phrases to introduce yourself, ask simple questions, and interact in a concrete way—provided the other person speaks slowly.

Have you recently finished an A1 course? What was the hardest part for you—masculine vs. feminine nouns or the pronunciation of "rue"? Drop a comment below!