A good way to measure your abilities in the French language is the CEFR* framework which defines 7 levels (A0, A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2). Here is a summary of what each level represents:

*CEFR: Common European Framework of Reference (for languages)

A0 (Absolute Beginner)

• Listening: Understands a few words or expressions when spoken very slowly and clearly.
• Reading: Recognizes only basic words (e.g., "bonjour", "merci") or signs.
• Writing: Can maybe write their name and a few learned words.
• Speaking: Can say a few basic phrases (e.g., greetings) with help or repetition.

A1 (Beginner - Survival / basic conversation)

Can interact in a very simple way if the other person speaks slowly and clearly.

• Listening: Understands familiar words and very basic phrases about self, family, shopping, etc.
• Reading: Can read simple words and short sentences (e.g., forms, signs, short personal emails).
• Writing: Can write a postcard, fill in forms with personal details (name, nationality, etc.).
• Speaking: Can introduce themselves, ask and answer basic questions about personal topics.

Approx. Guided Learning Hours from Absolute Beginner: between 90 and 100 hours

A2 (Elementary - Everyday tasks, basic phrases)

Can handle short social exchanges and understand simple information.

• Listening: Understands simple phrases and common expressions related to everyday topics (e.g. studies, eating, work, etc.).
• Reading: Can understand short texts like menus, timetables, or simple letters.
• Writing: Can write short notes and messages (e.g., thanking someone, telling where they are).
• Speaking: Can participate in simple conversations, describe their background, and express immediate needs.

Approx. Guided Learning Hours from Absolute Beginner: between 180 and 200 hours

B1 (Intermediate - confident in most daily situations)

Can deal with most situations while traveling, and talk about familiar topics.

• Listening: Understands the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters (e.g., work, school, leisure).
• Reading: Can understand texts like articles on everyday topics or personal letters.
• Writing: Can write simple, connected text (e.g., describe experiences, give opinions).
• Speaking: Can describe events, explain opinions and plans, and maintain a conversation with some fluency.

Approx. Guided Learning Hours from Absolute Beginner: between 350 and 400 hours

B2 (Upper-Intermediate - Fluent in conversation, workplace ready)

Can interact with native speakers with a degree of fluency and spontaneity.

• Listening: Understands extended speech and lectures, even on abstract topics, if the language is standard.
• Reading: Can read and understand articles and reports, including arguments and opinions.
• Writing: Can write clear, detailed text on a range of subjects, including formal letters and essays.
• Speaking: Can give clear, detailed descriptions and arguments on various topics and actively participate in discussions.

Approx. Guided Learning Hours from Absolute Beginner: between 500 and 600 hours

C1 (Advanced - Near-native fluency in academic/pro contexts)

Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes.

• Listening: Understands long, complex speech and can pick up implied meaning.
• Reading: Can understand long, complex texts, including literary and abstract writings.
• Writing: Can write well-structured, detailed texts using appropriate style for different contexts.
• Speaking: Speaks fluently and spontaneously with little need to search for expressions.

Approx. Guided Learning Hours from Absolute Beginner: between 700 and 800 hours

C2 (Proficient/Native-like - Full mastery)

Can understand virtually everything heard or read with ease.

• Listening: Understands any kind of spoken language, even when delivered fast or with regional accents.
• Reading: Can read all forms of written language with ease, including specialized and literary texts.
• Writing: Can write complex letters, reports, or essays with precision and style.
• Speaking: Can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently, and precisely, even on nuanced topics.

Approx. Guided Learning Hours from Absolute Beginner: over 1000 hours

How many hours of learning French do I need to reach each level?

The table below summarises the average number of hours needed to reach each level starting from an absolute beginner. Keep in mind these figures are a guide only and different people will learn at different paces, and extra exposure to the French language alongside your lessons can make a big difference (see next sections for tips about this).

How to learn French more quickly?

Focusing on the oral aspect of French (speaking and listening) is often more effective, especially for beginners and intermediate learners.

Of course, it is entirely possible to reach a B1 or even B2 level more quickly if the learning is mainly focused on speaking and conversation rather than writing. It’s well known that writing is the most challenging aspect of learning French.

Here are some reasons why focusing on speaking can be a good way to accelerate your abilities in French:

1. Speaking is how we use language in real life

Most people learn a language to communicate—whether for travel, work, relationships, or social situations. Being able to understand and respond in conversation is far more immediately useful than writing an essay.

2. French pronunciation and rhythm are unique

French has many silent letters, liaisons, and nasal sounds that are not obvious when reading. By training your ear and mouth early on, you’ll build natural fluency and avoid bad pronunciation habits.

3. You build confidence faster

When you focus on speaking, you learn how to express yourself quickly and keep the conversation going, even with limited vocabulary. This builds confidence and makes learning more fun and practical.

4. Writing comes more easily later

Once you can speak and understand French, you’ll already know grammar patterns and sentence structures, which makes writing easier to learn later on. But starting with writing can slow you down and feel overwhelming.

5. Real-life situations are mostly spoken

Think about restaurants, reply to a phone call, asking for directions, working in teams, or making friends—all of these rely on spoken French. That’s why focusing on speaking early helps you use French in the real world much sooner.

You could therefore reach a B2 level in less than 500 hours if speaking is what you want to focus on, while having an A1–A2 level in writing.

All our courses are customised — your tutor will help you reach the goal you want to achieve.