The Best Way to Learn French: Top 5 French Practice Methods

Is there one single method that's the best way to learn French?

No, learning French (or any language) is an ever-changing process that's different for everyone. That being said, there are five methods that have proven effective for the majority:

1. Immersion
2. Daily practice habits
3. Online tools
4. Self-study
5. Group learning

Whether you focus heavily on one method or try a little of everything depends completely on you, your personality, and your learning style. But we suggest you test out all five of these approaches to find out which ones work best for you. Learn more about how to use each technique below!

Immersion

Immersion learning refers to learning French while you're immersed in it.

Ideally, that means living in a French-speaking environment. Then you can read, write, speak, and listen to the language every day. This constant exposure helps all four of your language skills to develop at the best rate possible.

But what if you don't have the opportunity to experience genuine French immersion? You can still create a sense of immersion at home!

By listening to French media and speaking regularly with others, you can create a sense of immersion. Even though it's not the same as living in a French-speaking country, it's far more effective than learning only through reading textbooks.

Learn more about immersion abroad and at home in our full article on French immersion!

Daily Practice Habits

One of the most powerful advantages of immersion is how constant it is. Even at home, you can apply this principle of regularity and routine.

Daily practice habits are simple French practice tasks that help you use the language little and often. While not the same as genuine immersion, they're fantastic for recalling what you've learned and helping it stick.

Find the most effective habits in our full daily French practice habits article.

Online Tools

Online tools are one of the best ways to learn French! They not only teach you the language but also test and monitor your skills. This allows you to progress as if you had a real-life teacher!

While the web is flooded with French learning websites and apps, most of these focus on beginners. Once you reach intermediate and advanced levels, it's more challenging for online tools to provide the level of education and testing you need.

If you want to learn French long-term, you need to use tools that can keep up with your proficiency goals. To find the right ones for you, see our full article about online French-learning tools.

Self-Study

Studying by yourself is one of the most accessible, convenient, and affordable approaches to learning French. But its effectiveness depends entirely on how you do it. We suggest employing at least four techniques:

• Reconsolidation
• Recall
• Setting trackable goals
• Training all four language skills

Learn more about each of these techniques in our full French self-study article.

Group Learning

While self-study is one of the most accessible ways to learn, group learning is not to be underestimated!

In a group, you can learn to understand different accents and ways of speaking. You'll also gain more confidence as you use your language skills in an environment where everyone is learning. And groups have access to learning methods that solo study doesn't.

These groups can either be online communities or in-person meetups and classes, depending on the type of practice you're looking for. Learn more about both options and how to find them in our French group learning article.

Do What Works For You!

The best way to learn French is the one that works for you. So try out all these techniques, but ultimately, stick with the ones that you gel with. Then your French learning won't just be fast; it'll also be fun!

Progress with Lawless French is here to help with all your French-learning needs. Whether you want to improve your reading, writing, and listening skills or try speaking with our partner Languatalk, we've got the tools to help you find your fluent.

Get started by checking out all the learning resources that a free Progress with Lawless French account includes now!