Faqs

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We design our courses in such a way that each one can be completed in one month. The cost of a one-month course is 30 euros. The number of lessons in each course may vary depending on its topic, but it always includes at least 30 lessons. To reach a B1-B2 language level, you will need to complete approximately 25 courses. We do not require mandatory annual subscriptions: you can choose any course based on your current level, pay for it, and begin your studies. If you are satisfied with our teaching method, you can continue learning with us at your own pace, course by course. You can change instructors at any time, but the methodology of our lessons remains consistent and effective. We wish you the best of luck in your learning journey!

Here are some steps to start learning French: (This applies to all languages.)

1. Assess your level:
- If you already have some basic knowledge, you can start at level A1 or A2. If you're a complete beginner, begin with the fundamentals, such as the alphabet, simple phrases, and basic grammatical structures.

2. Choose the right course:
- Find a course that matches your current level. This could be an online course, a textbook, or an app. It's important that the course is structured and covers all aspects of the language: grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, listening, and speaking.

3. Start with the basics:
- Begin with learning the alphabet, numbers, and essential everyday phrases (e.g., "Hello," "What's your name?", "How much does this cost?"). This will help you get comfortable with the language and start using it in simple situations.

4. Focus on grammar and vocabulary:
- Gradually move on to studying key grammatical structures, such as verb conjugation, article usage, noun genders, verb tenses, and simple sentence construction. At the same time, expand your vocabulary on important topics (e.g., family, work, food).

5. Practice pronunciation:
- Work on pronunciation from the start. Listen to French speech, repeat after native speakers, and use apps like Forvo or Speechling to improve your pronunciation.

6. Regular practice:
- Make sure to practice daily. Even 15–30 minutes a day can make a big difference. Listen to podcasts, watch movies or videos with French subtitles, and engage in conversation with native speakers.

7. Seek feedback and improvement:
- As you progress, try to get feedback from a teacher or native speakers to correct mistakes and improve your skills.

8. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes:
- Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. The more you practice, the faster you will improve your skills.

With this approach, you'll be able to confidently start learning French and gradually progress to higher levels!

Pay attention to the pronunciation of sounds that are unusual for the Russian language, such as nasal sounds ("an", "on"), and soft sounds like "ж" and "ш". Practice with audio and video materials. Use apps that help with pronunciation, such as Forvo or Speechling.

Practice words in context by forming sentences. Use flashcards (e.g., Anki) and spaced repetition methods to aid memorization.

Study the basics of verb conjugation and sentence structure by levels (A1, A2, etc.). Take courses focused on grammar or find grammar books, such as Grammaire Progressive du Français.

Listen to French music, as well as music in other languages. Listen to podcasts, watch movies and TV shows with subtitles. Use resources like Français Authentique or Coffee Break French.

Practice with native speakers through language exchange (e.g., our social network, or Tandem, HelloTalk). Join conversation clubs or find a language exchange partner. You can also find partners in our social network at this link.

French shares many similarities with other Romance languages (such as Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, or Romanian) due to their common Latin origin. However, there are several features that make French unique:

1. Pronunciation: French is known for its complex pronunciation, especially due to nasal vowels and many soft consonants. This is different from languages like Spanish or Italian, where pronunciation tends to be more straightforward and logical.

2. Grammar: While the basic grammatical structures are similar (such as verb conjugation and noun gender), French has its unique features, like a complex system of negation, the use of passive voice, and specific rules for expressing future tenses.

3. Vocabulary: While many words in Romance languages are similar, French has borrowed a lot of vocabulary from Germanic languages (especially English in recent decades), which can be both helpful and challenging for learners.

If you already have experience with other Romance languages, it will be a huge advantage!
Knowing other Romance languages helps you easily grasp French, as you are already familiar with basic principles like verb conjugation, gender, and cases. In particular, you’ll be able to recognize many words more quickly, as the vocabulary is often similar. However, it's important to remember that despite the shared origin, French still has its own quirks that should be considered.

Here are some of the most common mistakes that beginners make when learning French:

1. Incorrect pronunciation:
- **Nasal vowels**: One of the most common mistakes is mispronouncing nasal vowels, like in words such as "vin" (wine) or "pain" (bread). These sounds don’t exist in Russian, making them harder to pronounce correctly.
- Soft sounds: Beginners often mispronounce soft sounds like "ж" and "ш" or confuse them with each other.

2. Mistakes with noun gender:
- French has two genders (masculine and feminine), and mistakes with gender are quite common. For example, saying "le femme" (the woman) instead of the correct "la femme" is a frequent error. It’s also common to confuse words where the gender differs from Russian.

3. Verb conjugation mistakes:
- Verb conjugation in French is quite complex. Beginners often mix up endings in different tenses and moods, especially with irregular verbs like "être" (to be) or "avoir" (to have).

4. Errors with articles:
- In French, articles (definite and indefinite) play an important role, and beginners often forget to use them or make mistakes in their application. For example, saying "Je mange pomme" (I eat apple) instead of the correct "Je mange une pomme" (I eat an apple).

5. Confusion between "tu" and "vous":
- French has two forms of address: "tu" (informal) and "vous" (formal). Beginners often make mistakes by using "tu" in situations where "vous" should be used (e.g., addressing a stranger).

6. **Word order in questions**:
- In Russian, word order is not as rigid as in French. In French, questions often require inversion. For example, "Tu viens?" (Are you coming?) might mistakenly be said as "Viens-tu?" (Are you coming?) with the wrong word order.

7. Negation mistakes:
- In French, negation is typically expressed with the "ne ... pas" construction, but beginners often forget the "ne" or use it incorrectly. For example, "Je ne sais pas" (I don’t know) might be said as "Je sais pas."

8. ncorrect prepositions:
- French prepositions don’t always match up with Russian prepositions, and beginners often make mistakes. For example, "penser à" (to think about) is often confused with "penser de" (to think something).

These mistakes can be avoided through regular practice, a careful approach to grammar and pronunciation, and by engaging with native speakers or teachers.

Yes, learning French culture alongside the language is very important and beneficial. Here are a few reasons why:

A deeper understanding of the language: Culture is closely tied to language. By studying French culture, you begin to understand the context and meaning of many words, expressions, and phrases. For example, some idiomatic expressions or sayings may only make sense with cultural knowledge.

Improved speaking skills: Knowing cultural aspects helps you engage in real conversations with native speakers. You’ll understand what’s important to the French, what topics they discuss, how they joke, and what issues are relevant to them, which greatly enhances your ability to communicate.

Understanding social norms: Learning about culture helps you understand how to behave in different social situations. For instance, politeness, the use of "tu" and "vous," gestures, and table manners are all important in French communication.

Immersion in the language: Becoming familiar with culture through movies, music, literature, and art helps you build a deeper connection with the language, making the learning process more enjoyable. It also helps improve listening skills since you’ll be familiar with cultural references and contexts.

Broadening your horizons: French culture isn’t just about the language—it's also about history, art, philosophy, food, fashion, and much more. Learning these aspects helps you better understand the country where the language is spoken and allows you to fully appreciate its contributions to the world.

In conclusion, studying French culture alongside the language helps you not only improve your language skills but also feel more confident in conversations with native speakers, and gain a deeper understanding of the French-speaking world.

By learning French, you'll acquire a range of skills that will not only help you communicate but also deepen your understanding of French culture and the world in general. Here's what you'll be able to learn:

1. Grammar and vocabulary basics:
- You'll learn how to construct sentences correctly, use tenses, verbs, articles, prepositions, and much more. This will give you a solid foundation for communication in French.

2. Reading and comprehension:
- You'll be able to read books, articles, newspapers, and other materials in French. This will help improve your reading skills and expand your vocabulary.

3. Writing:
- You'll learn how to write in French, whether it's simple letters, essays, or formal documents. This also develops skills in organizing thoughts and expressing ideas clearly.

4. Speaking and pronunciation:
- You'll be able to speak French confidently, improve your pronunciation, and understand native speakers. You'll use French comfortably in everyday situations.

5. Understanding cultural aspects:
- You'll get acquainted with French culture, history, art, cuisine, traditions, and social life. This will enrich your communication experience and help you understand the nuances of the language.

6. Conversational skills:
- You'll learn how to maintain conversations, ask questions, express opinions, and respond to different types of questions. You'll understand how conversations in French are conducted in various social contexts.

7. Adapting to life in French-speaking countries:
- If you plan to visit or live in France or other French-speaking countries, knowing the language and culture will help you adapt, communicate more easily with people, and understand local customs.

8. Developing critical thinking and intercultural competence:
- You'll learn to recognize cultural differences, understand the perspectives and values of others. This will broaden your horizons and help you become more open and flexible in communicating with people from different countries.

Learning French opens up many opportunities, whether for work, travel, communication with native speakers, or personal growth.