Improve your French wherever you are in the world with our online courses

How long does it take to learn French?

This is a question that we often get asked by our students! And the answer is that it depends on several things….

First of all, you have to take your starting level into consideration. If you already speak French to a good level, then you will achieve fluency more quickly than a complete beginner. But with perseverance, everyone can get there!

Have you ever studied French before? Even if it seems like a long time ago, if you did French at school, then the chances are that it will come back quite quickly once you start French lessons again! Even all of those times you reluctantly practiced French with your French exchange partner or your French pen-pal or in the boulangerie during family holidays in France all count!

Of course once you start French lessons again, the frequency and intensity of the lessons makes a difference. If you take a French Intensive Course or a Super Intensive French Course, then you will progress more quickly than if you only study for one hour a week. By a French Intensive Course, we are talking about 15+ hours per week, which is not something that everyone has time to do; especially if you have a job and a family to consider. However, you could combine a French Intensive Course with a family holiday for example if you don’t already live in France.

The other thing to bear in mind is what you do outside of the classroom. Even if you take a French Intensive Course, you can’t rely on just your French lessons to make you progress as quickly as you may wish. It is also great to consolidate what you learn in the classroom in between lessons so that you can really assimilate what you have learned before the next lesson. You need to maximise every opportunity you have to speak French…. If you live in France, you can immerse yourself in the French culture, speak to neighbours, shopkeepers, chat to bar staff…. Even if you don’t live in France, there are certain things you can do in everyday life to keep French in your mind: write your shopping list in French, count in French, use French online learning resources or apps, sign up to Alpine French School’s facebook page to receive our Word of the Day in your newsfeed….

We also have a clever little tool on our website that tells you how long it will take to become fluent in French based on your current level. Then it will also tell you approximately how many weeks on a French Intensive Course it would take to become fluent! Click here to have a go!

//alpinefrenchschool.com/long-become-fluent-french/

September 8th, 2025
Chamonix Courses

🍂 New Autumn Language Courses – Starting Mid-September

As the leaves begin to change and the new season approaches, it’s the perfect time to invest in yourself and your language learning journey. This autumn, Alpine French School is offering a wide range of courses designed to suit every learner, every goal, and every lifestyle. Whether you’re preparing for…

April 22nd, 2025
Chamonix Courses

Prepare for the DELF B2 in Chamonix – 12th May

Are you getting ready to take the DELF B2 exam? Join our B2 preparation course with other locals in Chamonix on 12th May and boost your confidence and performance before your exam! This focused session will help you: Get to grips with the exam format Practise key skills with expert…

March 3rd, 2025
Courses

A Day in the Life at Alpine French School

Looking to learn French in France while immersing yourself in the stunning French Alps? At Alpine French School, we offer intensive French courses for adults, combining interactive morning lessons with afternoon activity recommendations to give you the best immersive experience. Here’s what a typical day in the life at Alpine…

February 8th, 2024
Activities Courses

The Best French Podcasts for Language Learners

Learning a new language can be both exciting and challenging, but with the right resources, you can make the journey enjoyable and effective. For French language learners, podcasts are an excellent tool to enhance your listening skills, expand your vocabulary, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the language.…