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French A2 Level: What You Should Know Before Starting

If one has finished the basics of French, A1, and is ready for the next step, then the A2 French level is where you start to speak with a bit more confidence. At this stage, you understand basic expressions that are in everyday use, can conduct simple conversations, and apply the main structures of grammar in practical situations.

This French A2-level guide will help you understand what to expect, what skills you need, and how to study effectively.

What A2 Level Means (CEFR Overview)

The A2 level is the second stage of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

At A2, you become a beginner-plus or elementary French speaker. You can understand frequently used phrases related to daily life—shopping, family, travel, work basics, food, hobbies—and you can communicate simple ideas without stress.

In other words:

 

  • A1 = Can survive

 

  • A2 = Can manage common situations

 

You’ll understand predictable, short conversations and start building your vocabulary around everyday topics. The A2 French syllabus has a strong emphasis on practical communication rather than on advanced grammar.




Skills Required to Achieve A2 (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing)

  1. Reading Skills

At A2, you should be able to read and understand:

  • Short e-mails and messages
  • Non-technical articles on everyday life
  • Descriptions of people, places, and routines
  • Simple advertisements, timetables, and notices
  • Short stories designed for learners

Your reading goal is to recognise familiar vocabulary and guess meaning from context.

  1. Listening Skills

A2 French listening focuses on everyday spoken language.

Simple discussions in shops or restaurants

 Short dialogues from textbooks or apps

 Audio clips of slow routines, traveling, the weather, or hobbies

 Simple announcements: metro, station, hotel

You don’t have to understand every word, just main ideas and key details.

  1. Speaking Skills

A2 French speaking skills include:

Introduce yourself and ask simple questions

 To order food, book a room, or purchase something

Talking about your past week (using passé composé)

 Describing your city, job, hobbies, or family

Making simple plans with friends

You will still make mistakes, but you should be able to express yourself clearly in familiar situations.

  1. Writing Skills

At A2, you learn to write:

 Short paragraphs

 Simple emails

 Social media posts

 Personal descriptions

 Notes and messages

The emphasis is on clarity, correctness of basic tenses, and longer sentence building.

Grammar & Vocabulary Expected at A2

Essential A2 Grammar 

The A2 French syllabus comprises key grammar to help you communicate more freely:

  • Passé composé (most common past tense)
  • Imparfait (introduction—mostly recognition)
  • Futur proche (near future)
  • Comparatives & superlatives
  • Direct and indirect pronouns (le, la, lui, leur)
  • Reflexive verbs
  • Adverbs of frequency
  • More prepositions (dans, depuis, pendant, vers…)
  • Quantifiers (beaucoup de, assez de, un peu de…)
  • Simple conjunctions (parce que, quand, mais, donc)

You don’t have to have perfect grammar—but you do have to be able to communicate understandable sentences.

 

A2 Vocabulary

At A2, you further develop your vocabulary on aspects like:

  • Daily routine and personal life
  • Food, restaurants, grocery shopping
  • Travel, transportation, directions
  • Health and basic medical vocabulary
  • Weather and seasons
  • Clothes and shopping
  • Work and school life
  • Hobbies, sports and entertainment
  • Housing, furniture, and neighbourhood
  • Elementary social interactions

 

This vocabulary will help you handle most situations during travel or daily conversations.



A2 Study Plan (Daily/Weekly structure)

  • Here is a simple and effective study plan to help you reach A2 smoothly.


    Daily Routine (20–30 minutes per day)


    • Day 1: Vocabulary

    Learn 10-15 new words and revise the old ones.


    • Day 2: Listening

    Listen to a 5-minute slow French audio (YouTube, podcast, app).


    • Day 3: Grammar Practice

    Study 1 grammar rule and do 5–10 exercises.


    • Day 4: Speaking

    Record yourself speaking on a simple topic for 3–5 minutes.


    • Day 5: Reading

    Read a short A2 article or dialogue.

    • Day 6: Writing

    Write a small paragraph here, 50–100 words.


    • Day 7: Revision Day

    Review grammar, vocabulary, and corrections.


    Weekly Goals


    • Learn 70–100 new words
    • Complete 1 chapter from your textbook or app
    • Have one 10-minute conversation with a tutor or friend
    • Watch at least 2 short French videos
    • What matters most is consistency, not long study sessions.

Resources for A2 Learners

Here are some beginner-friendly tools that will help you progress:

Books

  • Alter Ego + A2
  • Édito A2
  • Taxi! 2
  • Practice Makes Perfect: Complete French Grammar (for grammar support)

Apps

  • Duolingo (vocabulary)
  • Babbel (structured lessons)
  • TV5MONDE Learn French (videos & exercises)
  • Linguee (word meanings & examples)
  • Video & Listening Resources
  • Easy French: street interviews
  • YouTube channels like Français Authentique – slow French

Conclusion

Reaching the French A2 level is a significant milestone that converts you from a basic learner into a confident communicator in everyday situations. With the right study plan, consistent practice, and the support of reliable resources, you will be able to master the essential skills in A2 French and lay a very solid foundation for B1 and beyond. Whether it’s for travel, taking exams, or personal improvement, A2 is the stage where your French actually starts to feel useful, hence an exciting and rewarding step in the process of learning the language.



Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to reach French A2?

Most learners require 2–4 months of regular study. 

What topics does A2 French cover?

Daily life, travel, food, shopping, routines, hobbies, work basics and simple past events 

Is A2 French enough for conversation?

Yes, A2 is sufficient for short, simple conversations about everyday subjects. 

Which books or apps are best for A2 preparation?

Other good options: Alter Ego + A2, Édito A2, Duolingo, Babbel, and TV5MONDE.

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