French Faster

CEFR A2 French tells us what a French language learner is able to do at the A2 (Upper Beginner) level. According to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference), an A2 level French language learner can do the following: 

• Understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).
• Communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
• Describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

• Read short, simple texts such as notices (No Smoking, No Parking, etc)
• Find specific, predictable information in simple, everyday material such as advertisements, prospectuses, menus and time tables.  
• In social and travel contexts: Read road signs, store guides, simple written directions, price labels, names on product labels, menu, bills, timetables, prospectuses, advertisements, hotel signs, basic information from adverts on accommodation, signs in banks and in post offices and on cash machines, and notices related to the use of emergency services. 
• In the workplace: Identify standard letters such as orders and enquiries, and derive information from factual texts within their own area of expertise. 

• Write short, simple notes and messages relating to matters in areas of immediate needs.
• Note down times, dates and places from notice boards. 
• Note down instructions and requests such as client orders and delivery dates.

• Understand phrases and highest frequency vocabulary related to areas of most immediate personal relevance (personal and family information, shopping. local area, employment).
• Catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements.

• Use a series of phrases and sentences to talk about the family, other people, living conditions, educational background and present or most recent job. 
• Communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics and activities.
• Handle very short social exchanges, although cannot understand enough to keep the conversation going. 
• Use appropriate forms of address and courtesy when meeting people, reply to questions on one's profession and leisure interests, invitations ...)
  
• In social and travel contexts: Ask for goods in a shop where goods are displayed; order a meal in a restaurant if dishes are either displayed or illustrated on the menu; book a hotel room (face to face); can ask for basic services in a post office or bank; indicate the nature of a medical problem to a doctor and supplement the explanation with gestures; make inquiries about a journey; use public transport (buses, trains and taxis), ask one's way and give directions, buy tickets. 
• In the workplace: State simple requirements within own job area and pass on simple messages.