Before we proceed, I want to clarify that this is my personal guide, one that I followed to learn French from scratch. I hope it helps you benefit from my experiences and learn from the mistakes I made along the way.
Learning French from scratch can feel confusing at first. You might be asking yourself: Where do I start? What should I learn first? Is French really that difficult? The truth is, French is much easier when you follow the right roadmap, especially at the A1 beginner level.
A1 is the foundation of the French language. At this stage, you don’t need advanced grammar or perfect pronunciation. You only need a clear plan, the right learning order, and consistent practice. With the right approach, anyone can reach A1 in French even if you have zero background.
In this guide, you’ll find a step-by-step A1 French roadmap designed especially for beginners. This article will show you what to learn, how to learn, and in what order, so you don’t waste time or feel overwhelmed. Whether your goal is travel, exams like DELF A1 or TEF, or simply learning a new language, this roadmap will help you start confidently and correctly.
What Does A1 Level Mean in French?
The A1 level is the starting point of learning French. It is part of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), an international system used to measure language ability. At A1, you are considered a complete beginner.
At this level, you learn how to understand and use very basic French. You can introduce yourself, ask simple questions, talk about everyday topics like food, family, and routine, and understand slow and clear speech. You don’t need complex sentences simple and correct communication is the goal.
A1 is not about speaking fluently. It’s about building a strong foundation. Once you complete A1, you’ll feel more confident, understand how French works, and be ready to move toward A2 without fear.
In short, A1 is where your French journey truly begins step by step, without pressure.
Before You Start Learning French (Beginner Setup)
Before you begin learning French, it’s important to prepare yourself the right way. A good setup will save you time and help you stay consistent.
First, focus on your mindset. You don’t need to be perfect, and you don’t need to learn everything at once. Making mistakes is part of learning French, especially at the A1 level. Consistency matters more than speed.
Next, keep your learning tools simple. A notebook (or Google Docs) for vocabulary and grammar, a reliable French dictionary, and one audio source for listening practice are enough. Avoid using too many apps or resources in the beginning it often leads to confusion.
Finally, decide how much time you can study daily. Even 30 to 60 minutes a day is enough to reach A1 if you study regularly. Small daily efforts will bring better results than long, irregular study sessions.
Once your mindset, tools, and schedule are ready, you can start learning French with confidence.
Step-by-Step A1 French Learning Roadmap
Learning French becomes much easier when you follow a clear order. This A1 roadmap focuses on what to learn first and why, so beginners don’t feel lost or overwhelmed.
Step 1: Learn French Alphabet and Pronunciation
Start with French sounds and pronunciation. Learn how letters are pronounced, understand silent letters, and get familiar with nasal sounds. Good pronunciation from the beginning will make listening and speaking much easier later.
Step 2: Build Basic French Vocabulary
Focus on common and useful words, such as greetings, numbers, days, family, food, and everyday actions. Learn vocabulary in short phrases, not single words, to remember and use them naturally.
Step 3: Learn Essential A1 Grammar
At A1, grammar should be simple. Learn subject pronouns, basic present tense verbs, être and avoir, articles, and simple negation. The goal is to make correct basic sentences, not perfect ones.
Step 4: Practice Listening Daily
Listening is key at the beginner level. Listen to slow and clear French audio every day, even if you don’t understand everything. Focus on recognizing familiar words and sounds.
Step 5: Start Speaking from Day One
Don’t wait to speak. Practice introducing yourself, talking about your routine, and asking simple questions. Speaking early helps build confidence and improves pronunciation.
Step 6: Read and Write Simple French
Read short texts, dialogues, and notices. Practice writing simple sentences, short paragraphs, and basic emails. Reading and writing help reinforce vocabulary and grammar.
By following this roadmap step by step, you’ll build a strong A1 foundation in French without stress.
Daily Study Plan for French A1
A daily routine is essential to make steady progress in French. Even 30–60 minutes a day can take you to A1 in a few months if done consistently. Here’s a simple, balanced plan:
Pronunciation (10 minutes)
- Practice alphabet, vowels, and tricky sounds
- Repeat words and short phrases aloud
Vocabulary (15 minutes)
- Learn 5–10 new words daily in context
- Focus on common topics: greetings, numbers, food, family, days, and time
Grammar (15 minutes)
- Practice basic sentence structures
- Learn subject pronouns, present tense, être, avoir, and negation
- Make small sentences to apply rules immediately
Listening (10 minutes)
- Listen to slow French audio or dialogues
- Identify familiar words and simple phrases
- Repeat sentences to improve comprehension
Speaking (10 minutes)
- Introduce yourself and talk about daily routines
- Ask simple questions
- Record yourself and compare with native pronunciation
Optional Reading & Writing (5–10 minutes)
- Read short texts, menus, or dialogues
- Write a few sentences about yourself or your day
Tip: Consistency is more important than long sessions. Even a small daily habit is powerful for reaching A1.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Learning French can be fun, but beginners often make simple mistakes that slow progress. Knowing these pitfalls helps you stay on track:
- Trying to Learn Everything at Once
- Mistake: Memorizing hundreds of words or grammar rules in one go
- Fix: Focus on small, daily goals build gradually
- Ignoring Pronunciation
- Mistake: Learning words but pronouncing them incorrectly
- Fix: Practice sounds and vowels from day one
- Memorizing Without Context
- Mistake: Learning isolated words without sentences
- Fix: Learn phrases and short sentences to use in real conversations
- Not Speaking Early
- Mistake: Waiting until you “know enough” to talk
- Fix: Start speaking from day one, even if it’s simple sentences
- Skipping Listening Practice
- Mistake: Only reading and writing
- Fix: Listen to slow French audio daily to train your ear
Pro Tip: Mistakes are part of learning. The key is to practice consistently and correct them quickly.
How Long Does It Take to Reach A1 in French?
Reaching A1 in French depends on your study consistency, practice, and exposure. On average:
- Daily 30–60 minutes’ practice: 2–3 months
- Intensive study (1–2 hours/day): 6–8 weeks
- Irregular study: May take 4–6 months
Factors that affect speed:
- Consistency: Daily short sessions are more effective than long, irregular ones.
- Practice variety: Listening, speaking, reading, and writing all matter.
- Motivation & exposure: Using French in real life or online boosts learning.
Remember: A1 is about basic communication, not fluency. Focus on understanding and using simple sentences confidently.
Is A1 Enough? What Comes After A1?
A1 is a foundation, not the end of your French journey. At this level, you can handle simple conversations, introduce yourself, and understand basic phrases. But you won’t yet:
- Hold long conversations
- Understand fast or complex speech
- Write detailed texts
After A1, the next step is A2, where you start:
- Talking about daily life with more confidence
- Understanding simple instructions and messages
- Writing short paragraphs and emails
Think of A1 as learning to walk in French, while A2 is starting to run. Once you’re comfortable with A1, progressing to A2 becomes easier and more natural.
Tip: Don’t rush. Mastering A1 well will make learning A2 much faster and smoother.
Learning French from scratch may seem challenging at first, but with a clear A1 roadmap, the right mindset, and daily practice, it becomes achievable and even enjoyable. By focusing on pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, reading, and writing step by step, beginners can build a strong foundation in just a few months.
Remember: consistency beats intensity, mistakes are part of learning, and small daily efforts lead to big results. Start your journey today, follow this roadmap, and watch your confidence in French grow every day.
Ready to take the next step? Bookmark this guide, practice daily, and get ready to move from A1 to A2 with ease.
