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Published:
April 21, 2025

French For Dummies

Overview

Learn to speak French with confidence—the easy way

French For Dummies gives you an immersive look into the foundations of the French language. The trusted Dummies language learning method is quick and practical, so you'll know what to say and do when traveling to a French-speaking country or interacting with French speakers in your community. You'll learn the basics of French grammar and pronunciation, and then you'll explore common phrases you'll need in everyday situations. Total beginners and those with some prior knowledge of français can get ready to study, work, or travel abroad—or integrate French into your everyday life—fast and easy. Make small talk, understand common expressions, navigate business settings, ask for directions, go to the doctor, and beyond, with this essential resource.

  • Learn how the French language works—grammar, pronunciation, and important constructions
  • Build your vocabulary and learn common expressions you’ll hear while abroad
  • Brush up your conversation skills with authentic dialogues, plus follow along with online audio
  • Get practice reading, writing, and speaking French, so you’re ready to communicate effectively

With French For Dummies, students, travelers, and business professionals can gain the confidence to converse in French.

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About The Author

Zoe Erotopoulos, PhD, holds an MA, MPhil, and PhD in French and Romance Philology from Columbia University in New York City.

Sample Chapters

french for dummies

CHEAT SHEET

Whether you’re planning a trip to France or to a French-speaking country or you just want to learn a little French, knowing a few helpful expressions can make you feel more comfortable with the language.In this handy Cheat Sheet, you'll find basic French expressions, questions for gathering information or asking for help, and phrases to use in a restaurant.

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Articles from
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Knowing how to ask a few basic questions in French can come in very handy when you travel to a French-speaking country and need to know the time or where something is located or just want to get some basic information, English French Pronunciation Do you speak English? Est-ce que vous parlez anglais? ehs-kuh vooh pahr-ley ahN-gleh?
Whether you’re planning a trip to France or to a French-speaking country or you just want to learn a little French, knowing a few helpful expressions can make you feel more comfortable with the language.In this handy Cheat Sheet, you'll find basic French expressions, questions for gathering information or asking for help, and phrases to use in a restaurant.
When traveling in a French-speaking country, you need to know numbers for shopping, dining, transportation, and exchanging money. With this list, you can start practicing numbers in French. 0 zéro (zey-roh) 17 dix-sept (dee-seht) 1 un (uhN) 18 dix-huit (deez-weet) 2 deux (duh) 19 dix-neuf (deez-nuhf) 3 trois
If you’re traveling in a French-speaking country and find yourself in an urgent situation, you can get the assistance you need by memorizing these important French phrases. English French Pronunciation Help! Au secours! oh skoohr! Police! Police! poh-lees! Fire! Au feu! Oh fuh! Get a doctor! Cherchez un médecin/un docteur!
If you go to a French restaurant, these expressions can come in very handy. Practice them first, so that you can relax and enjoy the dining experience. English French Pronunciation The menu, please. Le menu, s’il vous plaît. luh muh-new, seel vooh pleh. I’d like. . . . Je voudrais. . . . zhuh vooh-dreh. . . .
Getting to know the days and months of the French calendar helps you keep track of your travel plans, French holidays, and engagements. The following tables list the days of the week and months of the year in French. Days of the Week in French English French Pronunciaton Monday lundi luhN-dee Tuesday mardi
These French greetings and expressions will come in very handy when you travel to a French-speaking country. With these expressions, you can communicate politely when speaking to French natives. English French Pronunciation Hello/Good day! Bonjour! bohN-zhoohr! Good evening! Bon soir! bohN-swahr! Good-bye! Au revoir!
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