Let’s start with a basic primary question – Why learn French?

French is the fifth most spoken language and the second most taught language after English across the globe. Apart from being one of the six official languages of the United Nations, French is also the official language of 29 countries spread across various continents. Thus, learning French gives you an opportunity to explore career, higher studies and travel options in many countries.

There are many options available to learn French these days. Most experts recommend immersion for learning a language. However, physical immersion may not always be possible for everyone. You can definitely immerse yourself into French using the various online options open to you.

Let us look at some of these options that help you learn French

You can choose to learn French for free or through a paid course. As a beginner if you are not sure you can try some of these free options available to you.

YouTube

YouTube is the go-to option for many when it comes to learning something new. You can find some very good French lessons on YouTube. These lessons can be extremely helpful in learning the basics and grammar.

Websites

There are many websites that offer you a detailed explanation of the French language as it is used in everyday conversations. You can go through these websites if you are interested in reading and browsing information online.

Apps

The number of language learning apps is on a continuous rise. You can find a good French learning app that allows you to learn and practice your French skills on the go. These apps also have simple games and quizzes which keep the learning fun and interesting.

Language Exchange programs

You can easily find an online language exchange program where someone can help you learn French. Your time is the investment here as you spend equal amounts of time teaching your language to the other person.

These free resources might have some limitations in terms of practising oral skills or quality of learning.

Thus, we also bring you a few very good online paid learning resources.

Alliance Francaise online courses

An official hub for French language and culture, Alliance Francaise has institutes spread across many countries and offers courses for both adults and kids.

You can choose to learn in a one on one or a group session and choose an intensive or a regular course based on your personal preference and learning ability.

Rocket French

Here you get to learn through audio lessons which further dives into a written section with grammar and cultural details.  

This can be your choice if you are looking for a structured and comprehensive course, however, the course material may sometimes get repetitive and less interesting.

French Uncovered

This could be your choice if you are above the beginner level. Once you are introduced to the vocabulary and grammar, you move to a story where you get to learn French as it is used in everyday life.

You also get to learn some trickier concepts through quizzes, tips and instructions.

Multibhashi

This is a language learning platform where you can book a session with a teacher and choose to learn French in a one-to-one or a group session. The lessons are designed in such a way that you get to use the French phrases and expressions from the beginning and thus can speak the language in a short span of time.

You also have access to the class recordings which allow you to review and revise later.

Every learning resource has its own pros and cons. You can choose to learn French for free or learn from a paid course depending on your budget, time that you can spend on learning and various other personal and professional commitments.

However, it is important to choose the right learning resource. This would primarily depend on your learning style. Some people find it easy to learn all by themselves, whereas others prefer to learn from a teacher.

Whether you learn by watching, listening or reading would also make a huge difference.

Equally important is to find a course or learning resource that allows you to practice reading, writing, speaking and listening to the maximum.