When you learn French as a foreign language, your dream goal is to reach the advanced level. If you’re reading this article, then you’re getting close, and for that BRAVO! But I’ve got good news and bad news for you.
The good news when you’ve got a C1 level in French
I’ll start with the good news.
The good news is that the hardest part is behind you. You’re a confirmed French speaker and you’ll never have to study the rules of the subjunctive or hypotheses again, because now you’ve mastered them. You know all the grammar and can naturally apply it.
Of course, as French may be your second, third or even fourth language, you may still make a few mistakes. At C1 level in French, you can easily understand your mistakes.
I want to reassure you about mistakes.
It’s perfectly normal to make them, and even native speakers do. I’m sure you make mistakes in your mother tongue too. Don’t be too strict with yourself and accept that perfection doesn’t exist. You have an advanced level of French, that’s the most important thing.
Today, with C1 level French in your pocket, you have the confidence to speak French.
The bad news when you have a C1 level in French
Now I have to share with you the bad news when you have a C1 level in French. Even if you have an advanced level in French, if you want to keep your level up to date, like a muscle, you have to keep practicing regularly.
French is like a muscle. You’ve spent a lot of time getting your brain used to speaking and understanding French. It takes at least 2 years to become fluent in French. You know, you’ve worked your way up to C1 level.
French is like a muscle, and if you don’t work on it, it gets soft, tired and less powerful.
Don’t worry, at your level, even if you take a break, your French will never disappear again, but if you take too many long breaks, your French won’t be as powerful and as responsive as if you maintain it and practice regularly.
I never bring bad news without a solution! In this article, I share with you some practical tips for continuing to practice your French at C1 level.
4 practical tips for continuing to practice your C1 level in French
1. Immerse yourself in French culture
Via entertainment
You can immerse yourself in French culture even if you’re not in France. You can do this by watching films, TV shows and YouTube videos in French.
Start listening to podcasts
Podcasts are also excellent resources for developing your listening skills and familiarizing yourself with the pronunciation, tone and rhythm of spoken French. In fact, check out my podcast “le Français avec Yasmine”. Every week, I publish a new episode for intermediate and advanced students.
Read books in French
Read books (here’s my list of favorite books in French), magazines and online articles. For press articles in French, I love Courrier International, Le Monde and Slate.
Music fan?
Listen to French music and follow the lyrics (here, you’ll find all my playlists of favorite French songs on Spotify).
I’m sure there’s tons of content available in French on subjects you’ll love. This cultural immersion will familiarize you with French as it’s used in everyday life, as well as allowing you to discover different accents and dialects.
2. Find a Language Partner
You can find a language partner online with whom you can practice French. Applications and websites such as Tandem and HelloTalk make this easy. Communicating with a native speaker will allow you to practice the language more naturally and informally, and receive direct, personalized correction.
3. Join online forums and groups
You can join online forums and groups where French is the main language. In fact, there are several groups on Facebook.
Engage in discussions, ask questions, and use French as much as possible. This will not only allow you to practice writing, but also to connect with other learners and native speakers.
4. Cooking French dishes
Who doesn’t love to eat? If you love to cook, cooking in French can become a new passion!
You can cook French dishes by following French recipes on YouTube or the Internet. This will teach you specific culinary terms and familiarize you with French culinary culture, while practicing reading comprehension.
5. Write in French on a regular basis
You can write diaries, emails or even stories in French. Look for websites where you can publish and receive feedback. Writing regularly will help you work on your grammar and writing style.
Some students like to keep a diary (or journal) in which they write about their lives in French. This diary is for you, and it’ll keep you on track. It’s a great habit to get into.
6. Take cultural tours in French
No matter where you live or where you travel in the world outside the French-speaking world, it’s very likely that there’s a French-language tour offering, whether it’s visiting a museum with a French-speaking guide or with a French-language audio guide.
This can be a fun and interactive way to practice French in a practical and cultural context.
7. Take conversation classes at Café Français
From level C1 upwards, you can take part in the “le Café Français” conversation course. The unique conversation course for advanced levels. In this course, you can continue to speak French, perfect everything you’ve learned, keep up a French routine and, above all, keep one foot in the language.
I don’t open this course all the time, because I want to keep a team spirit and an intimate group atmosphere. You can join the waiting list by specifying your level, and I’ll let you know as soon as the doors open.
7 tips for practicing when you’ve reached C1 level in French
By combining these tips, you’ll have a holistic and engaging approach to continuing to practice and improve your French at C1 or C2 level. This will enable you to develop a deep understanding and mastery of French without ever feeling like you’re wasting all your hard work to get to C1 level.