France is considered world round one of the most desirable places to work and live. It is among the top tourist destinations, and a hub of fashion, as well as academic and commercial activity.
It is therefore no wonder that learning French is drawing more and more interest. French is currently in second place according to the number of people learning it (right after English), while it is spoken by over 200 million people, either as a first or as a second language.
There are a number of reasons to take a French language course. First, in addition to the territory of France, this language is spoken in a large number of other countries:
Luxembourg,
Haiti,
Belgium,
Switzerland,
Monaco,
Quebec (Canada).
It is also a second language in the Maghreb countries (Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Libya, Mauritania and Western Sahara) and Lebanon. Given the historical circumstances, it is entirely understandable why this language can be used in some fifteen African countries, former French colonies.
If you have attended an English language course or perhaps studied it at school, you should take to French like the proverbial duck to water. Namely, these two languages have many similarities, and a large number of words in contemporary English are in fact derived from French.
Learning French is also important for business people, since French is the official language of some of the most important international institutions, such as:
the United Nations,
the World Trade Organization,
the European Union and others.
After all, this member of the Romance language family has always been a symbol of intellectualism and a subject of study for scholars and authors. It is precisely through learning the French language that it becomes possible to read Prévert or Baudelaire, understand the chansons by Édith Piaf or Jacques Brel, watch Godard’s masterpieces in the original language, or learn more about the life of Gauguin, Matisse and Monet, some of the greatest minds of the 19th and 20th centuries.
We have listed only some of the reasons why you should choose to learn French. Of course, if you would like to work or study in one of the French speaking countries, learning the language is necessary.
In principle, you can work in France just with the knowledge of English. However, a basic knowledge of French is necessary. The so-called English jobs are mostly in babysitting, seasonal, or as auxiliary staff at hotels and restaurants.
In addition to English, highly qualified individuals must also be well versed in the official language. This will facilitate obtaining a job contract and work permits from DIRECCTE, required for legal employment on the territory of this EU member.
When it comes to studying, most universities require a B2 level of the international classification. In some cases, even C1 is required. Learning French for this purpose is certainly worthwhile. Students enjoy an enviable status, no matter where they come from — from discounted public transport to museum visits and to favorable tuition fees. Tuition fees are partly subsidized by the state, and it is also possible to apply for one of many scholarships.
The Hi5 online educational platform offers preparatory lessons for enrollment at faculties where French is required. We also provide assistance to students of bilingual classes, and are at your disposal for any necessary preparation for competitions and taking international exams.
Seeing as how many people opt to study French for beginners or French at a somewhat more advanced level, it is no wonder that there are numerous tests which can be taken with a view to obtaining an internationally recognized diploma. The following options are available:
These are the official diplomas issued by the French Ministry of Education. The certificates correspond with the six levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, and have multiple advantages:
The certificates are permanently valid;
Each examination is independent. A candidate can take the exam level they want, without being required to pass lower levels first;
There are certain differences between these three exams intended for non-native speakers of French:
| Test | Title | Proficiency level | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| DILF | Initial diploma in French | A1.1 | Suitable for absolute beginners and immigrants into France |
| DELF | Diploma in French | A1, A2 (beginner level), B1, B2 (intermediate level) | No restrictions in terms of taking the test |
| DALF | Advanced diploma in French | C1, C2 (advanced level) | University education or professional engagement |
For each of the above levels we work together with you to come up with a suitable program that will fit your needs fully. For example, when it comes to the DELF examination, we distinguish between working with children aged 8-12 – DELF Prim, followed by DELF Junior and DELF scolaire for adolescents, as well as DELF Pro for those with the aim of professional development and progress.
This abbreviation refers to diplomas in professional French, issued by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIP). They are aimed at those who require a certificate of proficiency in French for a work environment and for business communication. You can take the exam if you are over 16, and can do so in one of the currently 40 authorized centers worldwide. You obtain a certificate corresponding with the standards of the international language proficiency classification (A1 – C2), and it will help you enhance your general competence at all levels of professional communication.
You can take this exam for several different fields:
business,
international relations,
law,
hotel industry,
tourism,
hospitality,
health care,
science and technology,
fashion.
This is a classic test of proficiency in French, which can be useful to prospective students in one of the French universities.
The French Ministry of Education issues these diplomas. They are intended for adults working in economy and business. We can distinguish between:
DCL FLE – conversational French – levels A2 to C1
DCL FP – professional French – levels A1 to A2
The French Institute enables everyone who is taking a French language course or studying French online to take a test of proficiency in the French language intended for non-native speakers of French.
The test is available on demand, is subject to a fee, and is valid for two years subsequently:
TCF DAP – taken in case the candidate wants to enroll in a French university or School of Architecture;
TCF ANF – diploma submitted with one’s application for French citizenship;
TCF QC – diploma of proficiency in French required if the candidate plans on settling in Quebec;
TCF TP – taken if the candidate wants an assessment of his or her proficiency, whether for personal or for professional reasons.
The Hi5 educational center offers preparation for this examination as well. You decide on the time and frequency of lessons in agreement with our tutors, and are provided with all the necessary learning materials. Here’s a bit more information about our French language courses.
Research suggests that by 2050 over 750 million people will speak French as their native language;
Anticonstitutionnellement(counter-constitutional) is the longest word in the French language. The French love this word so much they have dedicated a special website to it.
During the French Revolution in the 19th century, as many as two thirds of the French did not speak French at all.
French is not merely its grammar; it’s also the rational Pascal, the analytical Rousseau, but also the intoxicating Charles Aznavour and the lavender fields of Provence. Melodious and appealing, French is a language you are bound to enjoy learning.
This type of test is an ideal way to check your current level of proficiency in a language, and thus make sure you select a French language course appropriate for you to enroll in. The Hi5 online educational platform provides you instant access to your results, archived in our database. You can take the test multiple times, and can access the placement test free of charge.
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