LingoLadder
French start here

French Level Self-Test (A1-C1 Guide)

Updated 26 Oct 2026 2 min read LingoLadder Editorial Team
Cover: Start French self-test — find your level from A1 to C1, with sample greetings: Bonjour, Merci, Comment ça va ?, Enchanté
Short answer

This free self-test uses the CEFR can-do scale (A1 to C1) to help you find your French level and choose the right lesson to start with — no sign-up, just honest self-assessment.

On this page7 sections · tap to jump
  1. 01How to use this self-test
  2. 02Can-do checklist: A1 to C1
  3. 03Try it: can you follow these?
  4. 04Where to begin
  5. 05Start now
  6. 06Practice: place yourself
  7. 07Quiz

Level: A1 and up — this self-test covers A1 to C1. You don’t need an account or a score to start learning French. This page helps you place yourself honestly so you open the right lesson first, instead of guessing.

How to use this self-test

Work through the can-do checklist below from the top. For each level, ask: could I really do this, right now, without preparing? Your level is the highest band where you can say “yes” to most statements. When you are unsure between two levels, choose the lower one — it is quicker to move up than to rebuild shaky foundations.

Can-do checklist: A1 to C1

Read each level’s statement and tick it only if you can do it comfortably, in real situations — not just recognise the words. Your level is the highest one where you can honestly say “yes” to most of it. These descriptors follow the Council of Europe’s CEFR global scale.

Level You can…
A1 (beginner) understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases; introduce yourself, and ask and answer simple questions about personal details.
A2 (elementary) understand frequently used expressions (shopping, local area, work); handle short, routine exchanges on familiar topics.
B1 (intermediate) deal with most situations while travelling; produce simple connected text on familiar topics; describe experiences and give brief reasons.
B2 (upper-intermediate) understand the main ideas of complex text; interact with some fluency and spontaneity; write clear, detailed text on a range of subjects.
C1 (advanced) understand demanding, longer texts and implicit meaning; express yourself fluently without obvious searching; use the language flexibly for work and study.

Try it: can you follow these?

Listen and read these graded samples. If the first feels easy and the later ones are a stretch, that gap is roughly your level.

  1. Bonjour, je m'appelle Anna.
    A1 — greetings and introductions
  2. Je voudrais un café, s'il vous plaît.
    A2 — simple everyday requests
  3. Pourriez-vous me dire où est la gare ?
    B1 — polite, connected questions

Where to begin

  • New or near-new (A1): start with the grammar backbone in order. Your first lesson is Definite Articles: le, la, les, l’.
  • Some French, want accuracy (A2-B1): go straight to the grammar points you are unsure of, and fill vocabulary gaps alongside.
  • Confident (B2-C1): use the lessons to tidy up specific weak spots, and practise with real French material (news, podcasts, books) for the rest.

Start now

Practice: place yourself

Practice

Find your level

Try each one, then press Check. No sign-up, nothing is sent anywhere — it all runs in your browser.

1 Match each ability to its CEFR level.

  • Introduce yourself with basic phrases
  • Handle routine shopping and travel talk
  • Describe experiences and give reasons
  • Follow the main ideas of complex texts
Show answer
  • Introduce yourself with basic phrases → A1
  • Handle routine shopping and travel talk → A2
  • Describe experiences and give reasons → B1
  • Follow the main ideas of complex texts → B2

A1 basics, A2 routine exchanges, B1 connected description, B2 complex texts.

2 You can order food, ask simple directions and chat about your day, but long articles are hard. You are roughly…
Show answer

A2-B1 — Coping with everyday situations but not complex text is around A2-B1.

3 Between two levels, which should you pick?
Show answer

the lower one, to keep foundations solid — Choose the lower band; it is easier to move up than to patch gaps.

Show answer

gate — Levels orient you; they don't lock the order.

Cheat-sheet card: CEFR levels A1 to B2 with a one-line ability for each

Where the CEFR levels sit at a glance.

Quiz

Check yourself

Placing your French level

8 questions · pick an answer and you'll see straight away if it's right.

0/8 0 answered
  1. 1What does this self-test measure?
    Show answer

    your rough CEFR can-do level — It places you on the A1-C1 can-do scale, not a precise score.

  2. 2Your level is…
    Show answer

    the highest band where you can do most things — Pick the highest band you can honestly act on, not just recognise.

  3. 3Which is an A1 ability?
    Show answer

    introduce yourself and ask simple personal questions — A1 is familiar everyday phrases and simple personal questions.

  4. 4Which is closest to B1?
    Show answer

    deal with most travel situations and describe experiences — B1 handles most travel situations and simple connected description.

  5. 5If a lesson feels far too easy, you should…
    Show answer

    move up to a higher point — Too-easy material means you can place yourself higher.

  6. 6For an official certificate, you should…
    Show answer

    sit the DELF/DALF exam — Formal proof comes from the official exam, not a self-test.

  7. 7How often is it worth re-checking your level?
    Show answer

    every few weeks as you progress — Re-test every few weeks; your fitting level rises as you learn.

  8. Show answer

    study — Grammar backbone plus general study, run together.

Your French course

All French study topics

Vocabulary, pronunciation, phrases, practice and exam help, ordered by level. Pick a topic and go straight to it. New lessons go live every day, so topics marked Coming soon fill in over the next weeks.

Study topics

157 topics 2 ready now
Start here 6 topics · 2 ready
  1. 01 Start Learning French Here
  2. 02 French Level Self-Test (A1-C1 Guide) You are here
  3. 03 How to Use Flashcards for French Coming soon
  4. 04 Spaced Repetition Explained Coming soon
  5. 05 Top Mistakes French Learners Make Coming soon
  6. 06 Building a Daily French Habit Coming soon
Lessons 56 topics See the lessons page →
  1. 07 French: Greetings & Introductions Coming soon
  2. 08 French: Numbers 0 to 100 Coming soon
  3. 09 French: Introducing Yourself Coming soon
  4. 10 French: Days, Months & Dates Coming soon
  5. 11 French: Telling the Time Coming soon
  6. 12 French: Giving Personal Information Coming soon
  7. 13 French: Family Members Coming soon
  8. 14 French: Describing People Coming soon
  9. 15 French: Colours & Shapes Coming soon
  10. 16 French: Food & Drink Basics Coming soon
  11. 17 French: Ordering at a Cafe Coming soon
  12. 18 French: Shopping & Prices Coming soon
  13. 19 French: Clothing & Sizes Coming soon
  14. 20 French: Asking for Directions Coming soon
  15. 21 French: Using Public Transport Coming soon
  16. 22 French: At the Hotel Coming soon
  17. 23 French: Weather & Seasons Coming soon
  18. 24 French: Hobbies & Free Time Coming soon
  19. 25 French: Daily Routine Coming soon
  20. 26 French: Housing & Rooms Coming soon
  21. 27 French: Household Chores Coming soon
  22. 28 French: At the Doctor Coming soon
  23. 29 French: Parts of the Body Coming soon
  24. 30 French: Emotions & Feelings Coming soon
  25. 31 French: Making Appointments Coming soon
  26. 32 French: Making Plans & Invitations Coming soon
  27. 33 French: Phone & Messaging Coming soon
  28. 34 French: Expressing Opinions Coming soon
  29. 35 French: Talking About Past Experiences Coming soon
  30. 36 French: Future Plans & Goals Coming soon
  31. 37 French: School & Education Coming soon
  32. 38 French: Jobs & Professions Coming soon
  33. 39 French: At the Office Coming soon
  34. 40 French: The Job Interview Coming soon
  35. 41 French: Formal Writing & Emails Coming soon
  36. 42 French: Money & Banking Coming soon
  37. 43 French: Restaurant & Dining Out Coming soon
  38. 44 French: Supermarket & Groceries Coming soon
  39. 45 French: Travel & the Airport Coming soon
  40. 46 French: Sightseeing & Tourism Coming soon
  41. 47 French: Emergencies & Safety Coming soon
  42. 48 French: Technology & the Internet Coming soon
  43. 49 French: News & Current Affairs Coming soon
  44. 50 French: Environment & Nature Coming soon
  45. 51 French: Health & Lifestyle Coming soon
  46. 52 French: Culture & Traditions Coming soon
  47. 53 French: Describing Trends & Data Coming soon
  48. 54 French: Debating & Argumentation Coming soon
  49. 55 French: Idioms & Colloquialisms Coming soon
  50. 56 French: Formal vs Informal Register Coming soon
  51. 57 French: Storytelling & Narration Coming soon
  52. 58 French: Complaints & Solving Problems Coming soon
  53. 59 French: Giving a Short Presentation Coming soon
  54. 60 French: Small Talk & Networking Coming soon
  55. 61 Writing Formal Letters in French Coming soon
  56. 62 Quebec vs France French (Overview) Coming soon
Vocabulary 43 topics See the vocabulary page →
  1. 63 100 Most Common French Words Coming soon
  2. 64 French Words 101-250 (Frequency) Coming soon
  3. 65 French Words 251-500 (Frequency) Coming soon
  4. 66 French Words 501-1000 (Frequency) Coming soon
  5. 67 French Words 1001-1500 (Frequency) Coming soon
  6. 68 French Words 1501-2000 (Frequency) Coming soon
  7. 69 French Words 2001-3000 (Frequency) Coming soon
  8. 70 100 Essential French Verbs Coming soon
  9. 71 Common French Adjectives Coming soon
  10. 72 Everyday French Adverbs Coming soon
  11. 73 French Connectors & Linking Words Coming soon
  12. 74 French Question Words & Phrases Coming soon
  13. 75 French Time Expressions Coming soon
  14. 76 French Food & Cooking Vocabulary Coming soon
  15. 77 French Animals Vocabulary Coming soon
  16. 78 French Body & Health Vocabulary Coming soon
  17. 79 French Clothing Vocabulary Coming soon
  18. 80 French House & Furniture Vocabulary Coming soon
  19. 81 French Kitchen & Tableware Vocabulary Coming soon
  20. 82 French Transport & Travel Vocabulary Coming soon
  21. 83 French Places in Town Vocabulary Coming soon
  22. 84 French Nature & Geography Vocabulary Coming soon
  23. 85 French Weather Vocabulary Coming soon
  24. 86 French Jobs & Professions Vocabulary Coming soon
  25. 87 French Technology & Internet Vocabulary Coming soon
  26. 88 French Money & Shopping Vocabulary Coming soon
  27. 89 French Emotions & Feelings Vocabulary Coming soon
  28. 90 French Sports & Exercise Vocabulary Coming soon
  29. 91 French Education & School Vocabulary Coming soon
  30. 92 French Business & Work Vocabulary Coming soon
  31. 93 French Family & Relationships Vocabulary Coming soon
  32. 94 French Colours Vocabulary Coming soon
  33. 95 French Verbs of Motion Coming soon
  34. 96 French Opinion & Attitude Vocabulary Coming soon
  35. 97 French Academic Vocabulary Coming soon
  36. 98 French Medical & Pharmacy Vocabulary Coming soon
  37. 99 French Admin & Paperwork Vocabulary Coming soon
  38. 100 French Environment & Climate Vocabulary Coming soon
  39. 101 French Arts, Music & Film Vocabulary Coming soon
  40. 102 French-English False Friends (Faux Amis) Coming soon
  41. 103 French Numbers, Dates & Money Coming soon
  42. 104 French Noun Gender Patterns Coming soon
  43. 105 French Connectors for Writing Coming soon
Pronunciation & writing 10 topics See the pronunciation & writing page →
  1. 106 French Pronunciation Overview Coming soon
  2. 107 The French Alphabet Coming soon
  3. 108 French Vowel Sounds Coming soon
  4. 109 French Nasal Vowels Coming soon
  5. 110 French Silent Letters Coming soon
  6. 111 French Liaison Coming soon
  7. 112 French Accents & Diacritics Coming soon
  8. 113 French Elision (l', j', d') Coming soon
  9. 114 French H: Mute vs Aspirate Coming soon
  10. 115 French Intonation & Rhythm Coming soon
Practice 13 topics See the practice page →
  1. 116 Shadowing to Improve French Speaking Coming soon
  2. 117 How to Practise French Listening Coming soon
  3. 118 French Reading Practice: Beginner Coming soon
  4. 119 French Reading Practice: Elementary Coming soon
  5. 120 French Reading Practice: Intermediate Coming soon
  6. 121 French Reading Practice: Upper-Intermediate Coming soon
  7. 122 How to Practise French Writing Coming soon
  8. 123 French Verb Conjugation Drills Coming soon
  9. 124 Passe Compose vs Imparfait Practice Coming soon
  10. 125 French Subjunctive Practice Set Coming soon
  11. 126 French Liaison Practice Coming soon
  12. 127 French Object Pronoun Practice Coming soon
  13. 128 French Past Participle Agreement Practice Coming soon
Phrases 20 topics See the phrases page →
  1. 129 50 French Survival Phrases Coming soon
  2. 130 French Greetings & Goodbyes Coming soon
  3. 131 French Politeness & Please/Thank-You Coming soon
  4. 132 French Travel Phrases Coming soon
  5. 133 French Restaurant Phrases Coming soon
  6. 134 French Hotel Phrases Coming soon
  7. 135 French Shopping Phrases Coming soon
  8. 136 French Asking Directions Phrases Coming soon
  9. 137 French Emergency Phrases Coming soon
  10. 138 French Small Talk Phrases Coming soon
  11. 139 French Phone & Call Phrases Coming soon
  12. 140 French Business Meeting Phrases Coming soon
  13. 141 French Social & Making-Friends Phrases Coming soon
  14. 142 French Airport Phrases Coming soon
  15. 143 French Doctor & Pharmacy Phrases Coming soon
  16. 144 French Opinion & Discussion Phrases Coming soon
  17. 145 French Agreeing & Disagreeing Phrases Coming soon
  18. 146 French Texting & Chat Phrases Coming soon
  19. 147 French Classroom Phrases Coming soon
  20. 148 French Complaint & Problem Phrases Coming soon
Exams 9 topics See the exams page →
  1. 149 French Exams: Which One & How to Prepare Coming soon
  2. 150 DELF/DALF Exams Overview Coming soon
  3. 151 DELF A1: Format & Prep Coming soon
  4. 152 DELF A2: Format & Prep Coming soon
  5. 153 DELF B1: Format & Prep Coming soon
  6. 154 DELF B2: Format & Prep Coming soon
  7. 155 DALF C1: Format & Prep Coming soon
  8. 156 DALF C2: Format & Prep Coming soon
  9. 157 TCF Test Overview Coming soon