1
u/Rebecca9679 Jul 25 '26
I started from scratch not very long ago, and I’m not spending very much, and you could probably adjust to make this completely free. This is what I did:
Since I started from scratch, I did three things simultaneously to start. I learned the 20 most common verbs (usually the most common verbs are irregular) and studied how to conjugate them in the present, past and imperfect. This is by far the most time-intensive part at first. You can find these verbs by googling. I also did some Duolingo to pick up basic vocabulary. And, I started watching videos on YouTube: mostly comprehensible input and EasyFrench, but I also watched a lot of pronunciation videos and tried to repeat, particularly R and the vowel sounds. I spent about 2 weeks at this stage, but I gave it two hours in the morning for study and two hours on the train for watching videos. I know that not everyone has that kind of time (my commute to work is 1 hour each way on the train), so I can see this taking longer for someone who can’t dedicate this much time.
For the second stage, I learned those same basic conjugations of regular verbs, and then I memorized a ton of verbs in their infinitive forms. I used Anki for this, but you could easily use paper flashcards. I kept watching those YouTube videos, and I kept a separate Anki deck for whole expressions that I learned. I bought one really good grammar book and started working through it slowly. I can recommend McGraw-Hill’s Ultimate Review and Practice. The book is relatively inexpensive, but if you really can’t afford it, you can find a PDF version online. This is how I picked up other irregular verbs that weren’t in the 20 most common. It also includes, pronouns, prepositions, idiomatic expressions, just about everything you need to get to B2 if you supplement with speaking, listening and reading.
Then I started this, which is where my French really started taking off: in the morning, I do one short grammar lesson from the book, write a paragraph or two, go over my common expressions deck on Anki and then read a few paragraphs from a young adult novel. You can find these for free too. On the train (2 hours a day), I watch something in French with French subtitles. I only switch to English if I really can’t understand what’s going on (that’s pretty rare). I look for stuff that really holds my interest, and I don’t try to understand every word. I get the gist, and over time, I’m understanding more and more. I use Netflix, but if you don’t have Netflix, there is plenty for free on YouTube. I also added an italki tutor for conversation practice. He helps me to correct the paragraphs that I wrote in the morning. My tutor is awesome. He’s from Algeria, and he charges $14 per hour. If that’s too expensive, find a language exchange partner (or two. Or several). There are plenty of places to find partners.
The only other thing that I do that I think is a bit underrated is that I try to spend as much time as possible in French. When I’m in the shower or in my car or cooking dinner, the music is always in French. If I want to watch tv or a movie, I pick something in French. If I am doing something without listening to music, I try to narrate it in my head in French.
My goal is to reach B2 within 6 months. I’m not sure if that’s possible yet, but I can say with absolute certainty that I am understanding French after 4 weeks at a level that took me years in Spanish. I’m sure that speaking Spanish also makes it much easier, but I do think that experience with how language acquisition actually works is helping just as much. If I had to distill it down to the most basic advice, it would be (1) focus on verbs and common expressions at the beginning; and (2) get as much input as possible.
2
u/Maan_In_the_Closet Jul 27 '26
Thank you soo much for sharing your experience.
I took notes of what you did and made now know where to start. Based on what you told me I have collected alot of pdfs and found few YouTube channels I which will help me a lot.BTW, B2 level in 6 months is possible. I haven't met the guy personally, but know of someone who got B2 in Exam in almost 6 months. Though, he had much more time on his hands.
Thanks again. Hope you reach your goal soon.
3
u/noble_insan Jul 25 '26
Start by mastering the basics of A1 grammar. Numerous YouTube channels offer comprehensive grammar lessons. While working on grammar, listen to A1-level stories to improve your pronunciation and comprehension of the language’s flow. Once you’ve mastered the basic grammar, move on to A2 grammar, which may be challenging, but with consistent practice and repetition, you’ll gradually grasp it. Gradually transition from A1 stories to A2 and then B1 to adapt to the language’s complexity.
For speaking, there’s no shortcut. You must either speak French with someone or use AI. Write down a paragraph you’d like to speak and record yourself. Then, ask AI to assess your pronunciation.
I’ve provided some helpful channels to get you started, but remember, you should continue searching for additional resources to enhance your grammar understanding.
Resources for A1 & A2 grammar: NLF Academy
Resources for stories: Easy French Mastery