How long does it take to reach A1 and A2 level French?

If there’s one question I get asked more than any other by beginner French students, it’s this: how long does it take to learn A1 and A2 French?

I totally get it. Learning a language is a lengthy process that can feel daunting at the start. And knowing how much time you need to reach your goals can help you stay motivé. 

The Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR) estimates it takes between 60 and 100 hours to reach A1 French and a further 100 hours to reach A2. 

But, honestly, there is no one-size-fits-all answer because it depends on YOU!

Whichever level you hope to achieve, I’m here to help you figure it out. We’ll get to the calculations later, but first… 

Let’s explore the factors that determine how long it takes to achieve A1 or A2 level French.

#1 What language(s) do you speak?

Your mother tongue influences how long it takes to learn any language, and French is no different. 

If you already speak a Romance language—Spanish, Italian, Portuguese or Romanian—congrats! You’ve got a headstart. Because these languages share the same root as French, many words are similar. This was super helpful when I started learning Italian.

If you don’t speak a Latin language, don’t worry. Around 30% of English words come from French, so you also have an advantage.

#2 Have you learnt a language before? 

If so, you’ll be able to pick up basic French faster because you already know how to learn a foreign language. You've already developed the habits necessary to study grammar, memorise vocabulary and wrap your tongue around different sounds. 

But that’s not all. You’ve also programmed your brain to learn other languages by developing new neural pathways. How awesome is that!?

And if you haven’t learnt a language before? Think of it this way—learning French will make it easier to study your next one.

#3 Why are you learning French?

I’m not just being nosey, promise! Your reason for studying French impacts how fast you can reach A1 or A2. 

Say you want to master basic grammar and vocab living in Belgium. Being able to imagine yourself strolling up to Brussel’s iconic friterie, Maison Antoine, and effortlessly ordering une grande frite andalouse, sauce à part is what will keep you going when you hit a language-learning plateau. Which is inevitable, by the way.

The same applies even if you’re aiming for fluency. Breaking your journey into steps is important, but focusing on your end goal will motivate you to attend class even when Netflix is calling. 

#4 What method are you following?

Self-study, group courses, private courses, evening classes, apps… breath… there are so many ways to learn French nowadays, it can be a little overwhelming. 

While there’s no doubt that you can quickly work through basic French on your own, I don’t suggest you do. 

Learning a language takes time, patience and a lot of motivation—which is easy to lose without a clear structure to follow and someone to cheer you on. 

If you hope to quickly reach A1 or A2 in French, you can’t beat learning with a teacher.

And that raises the question…

#4 What type of classes are you taking? 

Private classes are naturally the fastest way to learn A1 or A2 French because you have the  teacher's undivided attention and get plenty of practice. 

However, if you’re happy to learn a little slower and build your confidence, group classes are a great option. Just check the course schedule because many schools drag the levels out across 120 hours, which is a long time for this stage. 

If you want to take A1 or A2 French classes and learn at your own pace, take a look at my flexible courses or book a free call to chat. 

#5 How much exposure do you have?

The beginner levels are all about laying the foundations and getting used to the sounds of French. The best way to do that? Immersing yourself. 

Although absorbing the language is impossible (we wish, right?), seeing and hearing it often will help you recognise patterns and pick words up more quickly. 

If you’re in a French-speaking country, spend time listening, reading and taking in your surroundings. And if you’re not? Try joining a conversation group, watching videos, listening to songs or reading simple texts. 

Alternatively, you could enrol in my classes and practice messaging with me over WhatsApp à tout moment.

#6 How much time can you commit to studying?

Like anything, the more you study French, the quicker you’ll improve. But it’s not easy to juggle study with a full-time work schedule, is it?

That’s why it’s important to consider how much time you can dedicate to learning when setting your goals. 

If you only have time for one class per week and ten minutes per day of self-study, that’s okay. Just remember to factor it in when calculating how long it will take you to reach the A1 or A2 level.

Now for the big question…

How long will it take YOU to reach A1 or A2 French?

As you’ve seen, the answer really depends on you. But I know that's not what you want to hear.

So, I’ve calculated roughly how long it will take you to reach A1 or A2 French based on how much time you spend studying each week…

*Based on a typical rate of €30/hour for a "classical online teacher" and my method, which includes supported self-study at €40 per 60-minute live session to help you reach your goals quickly AND effectively.

Now we’ve covered the main factors determining how quickly you can reach A1 or A2 French, let’s discuss what you can do to get there faster. 

A1/A2 French study tips

Learn vocabulary

Words are super important at these levels—you’ll need them to speak! Use flashcards to memorise vocabulary and try applying the new terms to basic sentences so they come to you naturally. 

Master basic grammar

The grammar you learn at A1 and A2 will form the basis of everything you learn later. Spend time getting it right now, and you’ll be grateful later!

Practice pronunciation

Pronunciation often trips learners up later in their journey, so make sure to master things like the notorious liaison. (Where consonants are linked to the following word to improve the sentence flow.)

Set goals

And break them into manageable milestones to keep your learning on track and your motivation high. Don’t forget to celebrate the small achievements along the way!

Create a routine

Most learners find A1 French easy and fly through it, feeling like nothing can stop them. It’s a lot of fun, but it won’t last forever. 

When you reach A2, you may find the momentum starts to slow. That’s why it’s so important to establish a solid study routine you can stick to no matter what.

Ready to start your journey to A1 or A2 French? 

Browse my group and private classes, or book your free call to chat about how fast we can help you reach your goals. 

Worried you’re too busy? My flexible online lessons were made for you. Choose a class time that fits your weekly schedule, and never worry about being tied to a fixed routine again.