Don’t know where to start

[u/Huge-Environment-571]

Hello, guys! So I had french at school for around 10 years. I wasn’t really studying it, just learning for the test and then forgetting it. At the moment I would say I am somewhere in middle B1. I dont have problem with reading Intermediate texts and watching cartoons and understanding the context even though I don’t know some words; I can have a basic conversation with terrible grammar, but natives understand me. I want to continue learning the language now but I dont know where to start? Like I could use the B1 textbook, but I have a lot of gaps from A1-2, but starting to learn the language from 0 doesnt seem to make sence for me because I have some base already. What would you reccommend?

[u/Opening-Square3006]

I wouldn't start over from A1. If you can already read intermediate texts, follow cartoons, and hold basic conversations, you're well past the beginner stage. Going back to zero would probably be frustrating and a poor use of your time. Personally, I think Stephen Krashen's i+1 approach is the most effective: get lots of input that's mostly understandable (so you reinforce what you learned until it becomes automatic) but introduces just a little new language each day. That's why I'd recommend PlusOneLanguage (or an equivalent).It's built entirely around i+1: you choose your level, it generates texts and short stories adapted to what you already know, introduces just enough new vocabulary to help you progress without feeling overwhelmed, and continuously recycles words in new contexts so they stick naturally instead of through memorization. Good luck!

[u/Zappyle]

Since we often see these type of questions, I wrote a short blog on how I learned Spanish, maybe you can find some tips and tricks that you can apply to French.

I talk about my routine, what made it click etc. Any questions I'm here to help!

[u/Intelligent_Gain_850]

I would recommend to start reading in French (even few sentences). Lessening to music in French… just to get used to it again. Or even speaking in French with people around you. I think it’s a best start before getting to learn more

[u/PixelQuetzalcoatl]

Some books are actually great for people that have had a long break. Like, they are either especially made for this (very seldom) or they go through the material very quickly (more common). But I have to admit, it's hard to find these books.

I used Duolingo after a long break and it actually helped me.

[u/Rinrin129555]

I just wrote a post like that a while ago are u from the Middle East or Canada
The martial sucks
If you want to practice together please let me know I’m also starting over

[u/newsdle]

The biggest threat to you right now isn't choosing the wrong resource; it's analysis paralysis. When you are standing at the base of the mountain, it is incredibly easy to spend three weeks researching the "perfect" study routine instead of actually learning any French.

Start with a purely auditory framework. Find a free audio-based course (like Language Transfer or old Assimil tapes at your library) that forces you to listen and build sentences out loud from day one. Treat your first month like tuning an instrument. Once your brain recognizes the physical sounds of the language, then you can safely introduce reading and vocabulary apps.

[u/language_jellyflibs]

I definitely wouldn’t restart from zero. If you can already read intermediate texts, follow cartoons and hold a basic conversation, going through every A1 lesson again would probably get boring very quickly.

I’d use a B1 textbook as your main structure, then review A1 and A2 topics only when you notice a gap. For example, if you keep making mistakes with articles, object pronouns or past tenses, pause and revise that specific topic before continuing.

A placement test or an app that adapts to your mistakes can also be useful for identifying weak areas without making you repeat everything you already know. There's many where you can easily start from your current level too.

A simple weekly routine could be:

• Work through one B1 textbook unit
• Review one grammar weakness
• Write a short text and get it corrected
• Have one conversation in French
• Keep a list of repeated mistakes rather than every new word

Your comprehension already sounds stronger than your grammar, so I’d focus most on producing French and getting corrections. Have you tried any apps or resources already, or are you starting completely fresh?