Thinking about living in France? Or maybe you’ve already started learning French, but you’re not sure where you stand?

This short French level check is designed for (future) expats, retirees, and adult learners who want a quick idea of their current skills. Whether you’ve practiced a little on Duolingo, taken a few classes in the past, or you’re just starting now, this simple test can give you a first impression of your level. Since it doesn’t assess your speaking or listening skills, it can’t fully replace a complete evaluation — but it’s a great first step to understand your strengths and what to focus on next.
- See what you already know
- Notice areas where you feel confident
- Spot grammar points you may want to review
It’s not an official exam, and it’s not a deep linguistic assessment. Only a qualified teacher (like me!) can fully evaluate your level with a real conversation and more time.
Want to Speak French in a Small & Friendly Group of Like-Minded Learners?
Who Is This French Level Test For?
- Expats or future expats preparing their move to France
- Retirees planning to enjoy life in the French countryside
- Adults who want to speak French for daily life, travel, or personal projects
- Anyone who wants a friendly, practical way to check their French level before living in France
How This French Level Test For Expats Works
This is not a complicated grammar exam. It’s a real-life French placement test designed for adult learners who want to feel comfortable speaking French as expats.
- Takes 5–10 minutes
- Multiple-choice questions
- Focuses on situations you’ll face as an expat in France:
- ordering food
- traveling
- shopping
- speaking with locals
- renting an apartment
- visiting the doctor
- Tests useful grammar: present tense, past tense (passé composé), future tense, prepositions, articles, irregular verbs, and common mistakes. No stress. No judgment. Just a quick way to see what you already know, and where you can improve.
Why Take a French Test Before Moving to France?
Moving to France is exciting, but everyday life requires practical French.
This quick placement test can help you:
- Understand your current level
- Identify what you can already do in French
- Spot key grammar areas to review
- Feel more confident as you prepare for your new life
Even if you’ve done some Duolingo, apps, or classes in the past, this test will show you how ready you are for real conversations in France.
A quick note:
This test is not an official exam, but it’s freely inspired by the general guidelines of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), which is the international standard for language levels in Europe. You can read more about the CEFR here.
What Happens After the Test?
Leave your email at the beginning of the test and I will personally:
- Review your answers
- Estimate your French level
- Send you a personalized action plan with clear next steps
- Show you which grammar points to focus on for your daily life in France
You’ll know exactly what to work on before you move, so you can handle real-life situations with confidence.
Take the Quick French Level Test Below

French for Expats: What You Need to Master Before Moving
Based on my experience teaching French to expats for over 10 years, here are key skills you’ll need:
- Basic conversation (introducing yourself, asking questions)
- Ordering food, shopping, and making reservations
- Understanding signs, directions, schedules
- Speaking about your medical needs
- Managing rental contracts, administration, bank appointments
- Mastering essential grammar:
- Present tense
- Passé composé
- Future tense
- Prepositions (à, en, au, aux…)
- Articles (le, la, les, un, une, des)
- Common irregular verbs (être, avoir, faire, venir, prendre…)
- This test touches all of these areas, to give you a first idea of where you stand.
Want Personal Coaching to Feel More Comfortable in French?
Whether you’re:
- Preparing your move to France
- Or already living in France and realizing that daily life requires better French skills…
I offer personalized coaching designed for English-speaking expats:
-Private one-to-one French coaching
-Customized learning plans based on your real needs
-Flexible online sessions, wherever you are
-Practical, real-life French for daily situations:
shopping, renting, healthcare, administration, conversations with locals, making friends.
Feel free to book a free 30-min discovery call with me to discuss your goals and see how we can work together.
Déborah, Your French Teacher
How One American Couple Built a Real Part-Time Life in France — and You Can Too
They didn’t just retire in France.They didn’t move for a job.They built a real, working…
Quick French Level Test for Expats – Check Your French Before Moving to France
Thinking about living in France? Or maybe you’ve already started learning French, but you’re not…
How to Practice Speaking French in Nice (Beginner Friendly)
You finally made it. You moved to Nice, one of the most beautiful cities on…
Retiring in France: The Real Emotional Journey — Interview with Christy
Have you ever dreamt of retiring in France? The baguettes, the markets, the slow pace…
If You’re Dreaming of Retiring in France, This Is for You
Retiring in France as an American might start as a romantic idea: sun-drenched vineyards, fresh…
France Retirement Visa: How to Retire in France Without a Headache
France Retirement Visa, Retire in France, Move to France as an American, French long stay…