French isn’t just a language—it’s a whole lifestyle! Whether you’re learning to study in Paris, work in Montreal, or just order croissants with perfect pronunciation, knowing French proficiency levels can make all the difference. Let’s dive into international standards, certification options, and, of course, some fun ways to bring French into your daily life.
How are French proficiency levels measured?
French follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages , which sorts learners into six levels. A1 and A2 learners can handle greetings, simple sentences, and ordering that café au lait. B1 and B2 learners engage in more natural conversations and can work or study in French. C1 and C2 speakers navigate fast-paced discussions and complex topics with ease, like a native speaker.
France or Quebec: Which culture suits you best?
French is spoken across the world, but the cultural experience can be quite different depending on where you go.
France offers historic cities, elegant cafés, and a deep appreciation for gastronomy, fashion, and philosophy—And let’s not forget the national debate on whether we say pain au chocolat or chocolatine!
Quebec, on the other hand, is known for its warm, welcoming vibe, thriving arts scene, and unique expressions (un chum means boyfriend, not a buddy!).
Both places offer a rich immersion into the language, so choosing between them depends on your lifestyle and professional goals.
Where is French spoken?
French is an official language in 29 countries and spoken by over 300 million people worldwide. You’ll hear it in Europe (France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Monaco), North America (Canada—mainly Quebec—and parts of the U.S. like Louisiana), Africa (Senegal, Ivory Coast, Morocco, DR Congo, and more), and the Caribbean (Haiti, Guadeloupe, Martinique). Fun fact: French is the only language, alongside English, spoken on all five continents!
Ever wondered how French can boost your career?
French is the second most commonly taught language in U.S. schools, and for good reason—it’s one of the top languages sought after by employers in industries like international business, government, tourism, and diplomacy. Companies with global connections, particularly in fashion, luxury goods, aviation, and finance, highly value bilingual employees who can communicate with French-speaking clients and partners. Let’s be honest, brands like Dior, Cartier, Yves Saint Laurent or even Airbus Aircraft are all either from France or based in France!
Additionally, French is a key language in global organizations like the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Bank. That’s right, if you’re considering a career in international relations, translation, or foreign services, fluency in French can not only significantly boost your professional prospects, but may even be a mandatory requirement for certain strategic positions.
As you can see, the influence of the French language extends beyond international careers. In the U.S., many states have strong historical ties to French culture, like Louisiana; while major cities like New York, Washington D.C., and Miami have significant French-speaking populations, making the language an asset for those working in customer service, hospitality, and even healthcare.
French certification: What are your options?
If you need an official French certification, your choice depends on your goals.
For work, study, or immigration to France, the DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) and DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) are the go-to options. DELF covers beginner to intermediate levels (A1-B2), while DALF certifies advanced French proficiency levels (C1-C2).
If you’re planning to move to Canada, particularly Quebec, the TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français) is often required for immigration and citizenship applications. This test evaluates listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills and is commonly used in professional and academic settings.
Why prepare with a native teacher?
Let’s be honest—French has its quirks. Silent letters, tricky verb conjugations, and vouvoiement (formal vs. informal speech) can trip up even the best students. Learning with a native teacher helps because you’ll practice real conversations, not just textbook exercises. You’ll also gain cultural insights, from slang to etiquette, and receive personalized feedback tailored to your learning needs.
At inlingua Utah, our one-on-one courses help you prepare for the DELF, the DALF, or the TEF with confidence.
How to immerse yourself in French (Without moving to Paris… just yet!)
French culture is dynamic, and there are plenty of ways to bring it into your daily life! Listen to podcasts (like “Inner French”-great for intermediate learners or “Français Authentique” for natural conversations). Binge-watch Netflix hits like Call My Agent! (Dix Pour Cent), Lupin, or La Mante. Create your car sing-along playlist with music from Stromae, Angèle, Bigflo & Oli, or more soulful artists like Ben l’Oncle Soul, Raphaël or even the great Edith Piaf—music is a great way to improve pronunciation! You can also switch your phone settings to French, follow French influencers on social media, or read Le Monde online to keep the language part of your daily routine.
Time to get certified!
French opens doors to exciting opportunities, and an official certification not only proves your skills, but give you a ticket to success.
At inlingua Utah, we offer private lessons with native instructors to get you where you want to be and to prep you for the exam of your choosing. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us and let’s get you mastering la langue de Molière!
