What level of French is fluent?

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How do you define fluency? According to the Cambridge Dictionary, someone is fluent when ‘they can speak a language easily, well, and quickly’.

You don’t need a dictionary definition to recognise fluency. Someone who can speak French effortlessly with anyone and everyone - both native speakers and learners alike - can safely be defined as ‘fluent’. Someone who struggles to string a simple sentence together, on the other hand, probably isn’t fluent. But where do you draw the line between ‘fluent’ and ‘not fluent’?

While the answer to this is partly subjective, various frameworks have been devised to address the question. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, for example, or CEFR as it is often shortened to, measures a learner’s ability to speak French across six levels, from A1 to C2. While completion of A1 corresponds to a grasp of the basics of a language, the skills learned in C1 and C2 are considered enough to ‘express myself fluently’. Note that while the CEFR only uses the word ‘fluent’ in the context of speaking, those who are considered fluent in French are also expected to be able to read, write and understand spoken French at a similarly advanced level.

Our Complete French Course follows the structure of the CEFR, featuring 40 comprehensive video lessons across all six levels. Each lesson comes with helpful additional resources, including support guides, quizzes, access to exclusive monthly live lessons (including a back catalogue of over 200 past live lessons) and assessments for each module, which can be re-taken any time and won't affect the score you receive on your exam. At the end of each module you will have the opportunity to take an exam and receive a certificate if you pass. The course is designed to take you to proficiency and confidence in French at your own pace.

Of course, part of being able to speak fluently is being able to speak with confidence. Our Speaking Practice Sessions are designed to help with this, and you don’t need to be C1 or C2 level to join them. Keep an eye on the Speaking Practice Session page for upcoming sessions for different French levels. If you’re looking for a more relaxed, organic space to practise your speaking skills, on the other hand, look no further than our Conversation Club. In these sessions you’ll have the opportunity to speak French with fellow learners about all sorts of everyday conversations, with the helpful guidance of an expert French teacher.

One more thing you need in order to consider yourself fluent is a sizeable vocabulary of French words. The CEFR does not assess exactly how many words of French you know, but it is generally considered that a learner needs to know at least 5,000 words to be considered fluent. That may sound like a lot, but it’s easily achievable, and our vocabulary and verb lists are designed to help you expand your repertoire of French words so that you’re never at a loss for words. Each word is available in both written and audio format, and each list features a quiz to help solidify your revision.

If you’ve completed the Complete French Course but still want to go the extra mile, then you may want to sign up to our TEF Preparation Course. This course is designed to help learners secure the best result possible on the TEF exam, which assesses an applicant’s proficiency in French. It is often taken by those who want to strengthen their application to gain employment as a foreign worker in French-speaking countries such as France or Canada, but anyone is free to take the exam, and it is a useful way to determine your French level. The TEF Preparation Course is available as part of a bundle with the Complete French Course at a discounted price.

Of course, if you want to see what level of French you are on the CEFR, you can take our free placement test - it’s quick and simple!