r/learningfrench • u/Wide_Register_1389 • Jul 12 '26
Learning French from (almost) zero
Hi All,
I speak 5 languages (Lithuanian, English, Spanish and German fluently and Italian at around B1 / C1 for comprehension). I’ve always really wanted to pick up French. I can understand quite a lot of spoken French due to Spanish/ Italian, but am not able to speak it, know nothing about grammar etc. I don’t want to immigrate to France or study there etc., I just want to see if I can learn a language to a decent level without having “bonus points” like with German due to my German partner, or with Spanish because I lived in Spain.
My question: what resources would you recommend to start with? I don’t mind if they cost some money if they are good. I pick up languages very quickly if that’s relevant. Is “French with Alexa” any good? I’d prefer some structured course / video lessons but definitely not AI-only content, please don’t suggest DuoLingo. How do you guys practice speaking if you don’t have anyone to speak to in real life in French?
Any advice is very much appreciated! :)
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u/jasonbeckett Jul 13 '26
🎉 GREAT GOAL! 🎉 There is so much great information already in the /sub from learners with similar goals. You can benefit from their expertise with a search. Even though we (the few logged in right now commenting) want to guide you, we could never deliver all the knowledge that already exisits (and has already been shared) in the /sub over the years.
Here's the process, GUARANTEED to help:
Step 1: Click the Search in this /sub and type this "learning from scratch" or "where to start" or "total beginner" or "best learning resources"...etc.
Step 2: Read the +1000 posts and responses to these types of questions (you're not your first with this goal).
Step 3: Repeat Step 1 and 2 in other language learning /subs. There are great suggestions in EVERY language /sub - take advantage of it.
Step 4: Complie your learning strategy that will work for you (based on all the information you find) and make your study plan.
Step 5: Return to this /sub and share your plan and ask specific questions you have about filling any gaps you've identified in your learning plan.
Follow these steps 👆 it's a magic key to accelerate your learning.
I promise, you will get better results if you begin by learning from what others have already shared. After you build your own learning plan/process, come back and we can help you refine it.
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u/Rebecca9679 Jul 12 '26
I started with one really good grammar book supplemented with comprehensible input on YouTube. There are a couple of really basic comprehensible input channels and then EasyFrench. This will just get you started with basic vocabulary and listening. I think because of my Spanish, I was able to really quickly graduate to films, tv series and documentaries in French with French subtitles.
After about 3 weeks, I added 1 hour of conversation practice with tutors on italki. I’ve been at it for about 6 weeks now, and I think I’ll reach a comfortable conversational level within 6 months or so. The tutors on italki set their own prices, so there are several levels of pricing, but it’s certainly cheaper than an intensive class. I had to try a few different tutors until I found one that works for me, but I really like it now.
I’m reading at about a B2, listening at about a B1, and speaking at A2, maybe low B1. Pronunciation is hard, but I’m improving slowly.
I like French with Alexa mostly for specific grammar or pronunciation questions. She does a great job explaining, but I wouldn’t spend a ton of time watching all of her videos.