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, C2.

CEFR Levels Overview

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)

• Listening: Understands familiar words and very basic phrases.
• Reading: Can read simple words and short sentences.
• Writing: Can write a postcard, fill in forms with personal details.
• Speaking: Can introduce themselves, ask and answer basic questions.
• Hours from A0: 90–100 hours

A2 (Elementary – Everyday Tasks)

• Listening: Understands simple phrases and common expressions.
• Reading: Can understand short texts like menus, timetables.
• Writing: Can write short notes and messages.
• Speaking: Can participate in simple conversations.
• Hours from A0: 180–200 hours

B1 (Intermediate – Confident in Most Daily Situations)

• Listening: Understands main points of clear standard speech.
• Reading: Can understand everyday articles and personal letters.
• Writing: Can write simple, connected text.
• Speaking: Can describe events, explain opinions and plans.
• Hours from A0: 350–400 hours

B2 (Upper-Intermediate – Fluent in Conversation)

• Listening: Understands extended speech and lectures.
• Reading: Can read and understand articles and reports.
• Writing: Can write clear, detailed text on various subjects.
• Speaking: Can participate actively in discussions.
• Hours from A0: 500–600 hours

C1 (Advanced – Near-Native Fluency)

• Listening: Understands long, complex speech and implied meaning.
• Reading: Can understand complex texts, including literary works.
• Writing: Can write well-structured, detailed texts.
• Speaking: Speaks fluently and spontaneously.
• Hours from A0: 700–800 hours

C2 (Proficient – Native-like Mastery)

• Listening: Understands any spoken language, even fast or accented.
• Reading: Can read all forms of written language with ease.
• Writing: Can write complex letters, reports, or essays.
• Speaking: Expresses themselves fluently and precisely.
• Hours from A0: 1000+ hours

Summary Table

How to Learn French More Quickly

Focusing on the 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.

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