If you are an absolute beginner, you can register for the A1.1 class. If you already know or speak some French, even if the last time was many years ago in high school, make sure to take your free placement test. You can learn more about our levels and how long it takes to learn French here.
Our policies have changed! Make sure to read them before you register.
For online learning: In the event of power and/or internet outages, here are some general tips:
– If you experience a power outage or a Zoom interruption at your home, please contact the Education Dept. via email: adultprograms@frenchlibrary.org or at (617) 912-0400. You might also want to be in touch with the teacher directly, to make arrangements to review any missed material.
– If a teacher loses connection during a class, please stay in your virtual classroom for a few minutes while the teacher logs back in. If your teacher is unable to make it back quickly, please check your e-mail for further instructions from your teacher or a member of the education team.
Find Your Class
A1-4 | Beginner French 4
Are you ready to kick-start your French education? Learn to understand an exchange program, describe positive experiences, express purpose, describe a professional goal, indicate a wish or desire, talk about an ability or skill, understand professional tasks. and much more!
A1-3 | Beginner French 3
Are you ready to kick-start your French education? Learn how to look for an apartment, understand a room inspection, learn about lodging regulations, draft a set of rules for shared living, and much more!
A2-3 short track | Advanced Beginner French 3
The French Library is offering a 6-week, online “Short Track” option for an A2-3 course! With the same 3 hours of instruction per week as our standard-length class, this program is perfect for students who cannot make the financial or time commitment of 10 weeks of intensive learning. But just because you’re short on time, doesn’t mean you can’t live life to the fullest! By the end of our A2 Short Track program, students will feel just as confident moving into B1 as their standard language class cohort!
A2-2 | Advanced Beginner French 2
Do you want to discuss jobs of the future, describe the future, highlight the utility of an object, express intent or remind someone of something? Do you want to do all of that in French? You can! Plus you'll improve your grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation skills at the same time.
A2-4 | Advanced Beginner French 4
This class will give you the skills to understand a tourist brochure, reserve a stay somewhere, research a destination online, express your indifference towards a situation and more!
A2-3 | Advanced Beginner French 3
Keep building your language skills and awareness. In this class, you will learn how to interpret a chart about names, speak to someone’s character, describe someone, talk about your emotions and much more!
A2-4 short track | Advanced Beginner French 4
Join us for a 6-week, online “Short Track” option for an A2-4 course! With the same 3 hours of instruction per week as our standard-length class, this new program is perfect for students who cannot make the financial or time commitment of 10 weeks of intensive learning. But just because you’re short on time, doesn’t mean you can’t live life to the fullest! By the end of our A2 Short Track program, students will feel just as confident moving into B1 as their standard language class cohort!
B1+/B2 | Paroles d'intellectuels : les Lumières contemporaines | In Person
Ce cours vous invite à enrichir votre français par l’analyse et le débat autour des grands enjeux de la France contemporaine. Guidés par cinq penseurs majeurs — Jean Birnbaum, Vincent Delecroix, Cynthia Fleury, Michael Foessel et Geneviève Fraisse — vous apprendrez à formuler vos idées avec clarté, à affronter la complexité et à cultiver le courage de la nuance. Textes, vidéos et discussions guidées vous aideront à développer un véritable esprit critique… à la française.
B1-1 | Intermediate French 1
Identify criteria for something, be cautious or aware of something, express your wishes and intentions, ask politely for something, talk over the phone, give advice, outline a hypothetical situation, describe a memory, a place, a visit to a foreign city and more!
B1-3 | Intermediate French 3
Keep looking forward and making progress! Learn how to talk about your career path, express enthusiasm for a professional project, understand and give advice for an interview, take risks, describe your typical workday and more.
B1-3 short track | Intermediate French 3
Just because you’re short on time, doesn’t mean you can’t live life to the fullest! By the end of our B1 Short Track program, students will feel just as confident moving into B2 as their standard language class cohort! [/padded_text]
B2 | La Nouvelle Vague : une révolution du cinéma français
Découvrez la Nouvelle Vague, mouvement qui a révolutionné le cinéma français à la fin des années 1950 avec des réalisateurs visionnaires tels que Godard, Truffaut, Chabrol, Rohmer, Rivette, ainsi que les cinéastes de la Rive Gauche comme Agnès Varda et Alain Resnais. À travers des extraits et des analyses, ce cours vous invite à explorer une nouvelle manière de filmer, de raconter et de penser le cinéma — et à débattre comme de vrais cinéphiles.
C1-1 | Proficient French 1 SLOW Part 2
In this class, you will learn how to make intercultural comparisons, analyze a provocative article, and analyze classic theater. Culturally, you will explore new technologies, family, education, and life expectancy.
B1-5 | Intermediate French 5
Delve deeper into the Francophone cultures around the globe while honing your language skills: understand a scientific documentary, learn about young, francophone thinkers, explain a scientific discovery, present the pros and cons of an innovation in technology, give your opinion, imagine the future. and more!
B1-4 | Intermediate French 4
Delve deeper into the Francophone cultures around the globe while honing your language skills: understand a scientific documentary, learn about young, francophone thinkers, explain a scientific discovery, present the pros and cons of an innovation in technology, give your opinion, imagine the future. and more!
A2/A2+ | Advanced Beginner Conversation
Develop your conversational and communication skills through role-play, discussion of French media and other speaking activities adapted to your level.
B1+/ B2 | Women Photographers: From Early Pioneers to Contemporary Practices
This B1/B2 French course introduces students to the work of French women photographers, from 19th‑century pioneers like the “Nadarines” to leading contemporary artists such as Valérie Belin and Bettina Rheims. Along the way, we’ll explore key movements—from the surrealism of Dora Maar and Claude Cahun to the humanist photography of Sabine Weiss—and discover how these women have used photography as a space for artistic innovation, self‑expression, journalism, fashion, and feminist engagement.
B2 | La Nouvelle Vague : une révolution du cinéma français
Découvrez la Nouvelle Vague, mouvement qui a révolutionné le cinéma français à la fin des années 1950 avec des réalisateurs visionnaires tels que Godard, Truffaut, Chabrol, Rohmer, Rivette, ainsi que les cinéastes de la Rive Gauche comme Agnès Varda et Alain Resnais. À travers des extraits et des analyses, ce cours vous invite à explorer une nouvelle manière de filmer, de raconter et de penser le cinéma — et à débattre comme de vrais cinéphiles.
B1+ | Contes et légendes de Bretagne
Brittany is one of the few French regions which has managed to preserve its own culture, identity, and character to this extent. Indeed, the Celts know no equal when it comes to imagination and fantasy. At the crossroads of paganism and Catholicism, Breton tales and legends take us to an unrivaled magical realm.
B1+ | Lunch Break
Come join us for this casual conversation class! Learn French in a relaxed environment during your lunch break. Sharpen your skills and discuss everything from daily activities to social issues. No homework and no required textbook.
B2-4 | Advanced French 4
Perfect your pronunciation, solidify your mastery of grammar and learn additional vocabulary—then apply your learning to demanding tasks like comparing and contrasting different professional behaviors, outlining a career path and explaining various life choices, and more!
B2+/C1 | Literature
Améliorez votre expression orale et votre compréhension tout en lisant et en analysant des œuvres littéraires françaises issues d’une grande variété de genres. Ce cours vous invite à explorer la richesse de la littérature francophone — romans, poésie, théâtre, nouvelles — tout en développant vos compétences linguistiques. À travers des discussions guidées, des lectures approfondies et des activités interactives, vous renforcerez votre aisance à l’oral, enrichirez votre vocabulaire et affinerez votre compréhension des structures grammaticales, le tout dans un contexte culturel stimulant.
A1+ | Prononciation en Action!
Master French sounds with flair! TV5MONDE’s Prononciation en action series is your go-to toolkit for leveling up your French pronunciation. Through fun, interactive videos led by phonetics expert Magali Boureux, you'll explore the rhythms and sounds of French using the verbo-tonal method. Whether you're in class or learning solo, these bite-sized lessons blend visuals, repetition, and real-life examples to help you speak more clearly and confidently. Say goodbye to tricky nasal vowels and hello to smooth, natural French!
B1+/B2 | Écrire le français | In Person
Faites rayonner vos idées en français écrit ! Ce cours vous accompagne dans le développement de votre style, de votre grammaire et de votre aisance rédactionnelle, que vous écriviez des essais universitaires, des analyses, des articles ou de courtes fictions. Grâce à des exercices ciblés et à un accompagnement personnalisé, vous apprendrez à structurer vos textes, enrichir votre vocabulaire et écrire avec clarté et assurance. Vous découvrirez également comment intégrer l’intelligence artificielle de façon éthique et pertinente pour soutenir votre créativité et porter plus loin vos projets d’écriture.
A2 | La Grammaire en A2
Learn elements of grammar through structured practice. Topics vary based on class needs.
B2 | Les bizarreries et les subtilités de la langue française
Designed specifically for adults, the course combines linguistic analysis, practical exercises, and discussion to help learners gain confidence, accuracy, and natural fluency in both professional and everyday contexts.
A1+ | La Grammaire en A1
Learn elements of grammar through structured practice. Topics vary based on class needs.
B1+ | A la découverte de la Francophonie
This course offers an introduction to the rich diversity of the Francophone world. Over several weeks, students will explore the history, geography, and cultural traditions of French-speaking regions across Europe, Africa, the Americas, and beyond. Through texts, media, and interactive discussions, the class examines how language connects communities and shapes identities, highlighting the global influence of French in literature, art, and everyday life. Join Julien on this virtual tour of some of the French-speaking-world's greatest places!
A2/A2+ | Dictées de Printemps
Build your vocabulary and knowledge of idioms through various creative writing techniques and activities.
B1+ | Illuminating Geniuses: 72 Women and the Eiffel Tower
Step into a vibrant French-learning experience that blends cultural discovery with hands-on communication. You’ll decode real articles, practice listening through engaging audio prompts, and dive into lively role-plays ranging from guided tours to radio-style interviews. Each session gives you the chance to speak more, understand more, and create more—all while exploring the extraordinary women whose names will soon illuminate the Eiffel Tower. Perfect for learners who want a modern, interactive, and empowering way to improve their French.