3 Minute French - Course 12 | Language lessons for beginners from Udemy

Welcome to course 12 :-)

Bonjour encore - hello again

This is course 12, and it's made up of lessons 99 to 107. Just in case you were wondering who that man is in the cover for this course, it's a statue of a man called Molière. This particular statue is called the Fontaine Molière and it's in Paris. He was a French writer, and the name Molière is actually just his nom de plume (pen name); his real name was Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, and he is often referred to as France's Shakespeare.

He wrote many plays and poems and he's considered one of the greatest writers in the French language. In fact, many people refer to "French" as la langue de Molière meaning the language of Molière.

Anyway, this course actually has nothing to do with Molière, besides the fact that it's teaching you French. I just wanted to explain the person behind the picture at the top of this page.

In this course, we're going to be learning some new ways to talk about yourself, including talking about birthdays and how old you are. This also leads nicely into a short section explaining how to say the year in French, which is quite different to English.

We'll learn lots of new adjectives, nouns and verbs, including some new reflexive verbs, which we started to learn about in the last course. We'll also be looking at building some more motors. We first looked at Building Motors when we were looking at asking somebody how they were feeling, but in this lesson, we're going to be building some motors all about us. As well as building the motors, I'll give you some tips on how to learn them, so you can use them quickly in a conversation.

Remember when we learnt the present perfect tense? That was the past tense that is made up of an auxiliary verb and a past participle. Well, the past participles can actually be used as adjectives in their own right, and we'll be looking at how to use them in this course.

The phrase c'est meaning it is is one of the very first words we learnt in French, way back in course 1, but we're now going to be exploring how to manipulate c'est to talk about the past and the future. We'll also look at the difference between the words ça and ce.

As I mentioned, we'll be learning some new reflexive verbs, but we'll also be looking at how to conjugate them into the past tense. We've seen that the verbs of movement use être as their auxiliary verb, and this is something that they have in common with reflexive verbs. Just remember that when a verb uses être as its auxiliary verb, you have to make sure the past participle agrees with the subject.

Throughout the 3 Minute French series, so far, we've learnt four different structures. In this course, we're going to look at how we can use the phrase est-ce que with each of these structures. The different slots will remain the same, but the order will change slightly.

So, that's just a bit of what we're going to learn in this course, but there's much more including learning ways to give your opinion, how to change the question word you can't put a preposition on the end of a question and the way the French don't use "my" when talking about body parts.

I hope you enjoy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn about a useful language technique called "linking"
Get to grips with more advanced culinary terms that you might need when reading a menu in french
Look more in-depth at the verb "naître" and use it to give people's dates of birth
Learn how to talk about dates
Learn some more adjectives for talking about people

Look at using past participles as adjectives
Learn about the verb "être" in different tenses
Find out all about reflexive verbs and how to use them in the present and past tense
Get some more question phrases and some new question words
Look at some different ways to give your opinion, particularly with the verbs "penser" and "croire"

Learn about a useful language technique called "linking"
Get to grips with more advanced culinary terms that you might need when reading a menu in french
Look more in-depth at the verb "naître" and use it to give people's dates of birth
Learn how to talk about dates
Learn some more adjectives for talking about people
Look at using past participles as adjectives
Learn about the verb "être" in different tenses
Find out all about reflexive verbs and how to use them in the present and past tense
Get some more question phrases and some new question words
Look at some different ways to give your opinion, particularly with the verbs "penser" and "croire"

Syllabus

Introduction

Lesson 99

Lesson 99a

Lesson 99b

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Continues to build upon previous lessons, as it is course 12 in a series, which may provide a comprehensive learning experience for those who have taken earlier courses

Explores reflexive verbs and their conjugation in the past tense, which is a fundamental aspect of French grammar and essential for expressing actions done to oneself

Covers how to use past participles as adjectives, which allows learners to add descriptive detail and nuance to their sentences when speaking and writing

Teaches learners how to talk about dates and birthdays, which is useful for everyday conversations and social interactions when traveling or living abroad

Focuses on the verb "être" in different tenses, which is a cornerstone of French grammar and necessary for constructing a wide range of sentences

Requires learners to have taken previous courses in the series, which may not be suitable for those who prefer standalone courses or have prior knowledge

Reviews summary

Bite-sized french language lessons

According to learners, this course, part of the "3 Minute French" series, offers a convenient and bite-sized approach to learning French. Students appreciate how the course effectively builds on previous levels, reinforcing past concepts while introducing new grammar like reflexive verbs and different verb tenses. Many find the lessons clear and easy to follow, fitting well into busy schedules. However, a few reviewers noted that the short duration per lesson might sometimes lead to less in-depth explanation for more complex topics, suggesting the need for occasional review or supplementation. The course is generally seen as very positive and a worthwhile continuation for beginners.

Learn useful phrases for conversation.

"Learning the 'motors' and how to talk about myself and dates is very practical."

"I appreciate learning how to give opinions and ask questions in different ways."

"The vocabulary for talking about age and birthdays is immediately useful."

Grammar and concepts are explained clearly.

"The explanations for the new grammar, like reflexive verbs, are very clear."

"I found the explanation of using past participles as adjectives particularly helpful."

"Concepts like 'c'est' vs 'ça' and question structures were explained well."

Good progression from previous courses.

"This course builds very well on the previous courses in the series."

"A great continuation from Course 11, reinforcing what I've learned while adding new topics."

"The way this course links back to earlier lessons and introduces new concepts is very smooth."

Short lessons fit well into daily life.

"The 3 minute format is excellent for busy people; you can always find time to do a lesson."

"Perfect for squeezing learning into a busy day. Each lesson is short and focused."

"I love the format of this course! Being broken into small lessons is great for learning on the go."

Some want more detail or slower pace.

"Sometimes I felt like a concept was introduced but not fully explored in the 3 minutes."

"While the short lessons are good, occasionally I needed to rewatch to grasp complex grammar points."

"Could use a bit more explanation or examples on some trickier parts, even if it made the lesson 5 mins."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in 3 Minute French - Course 12 | Language lessons for beginners with these activities:

Review Basic French Grammar

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Solidify your understanding of fundamental French grammar concepts before starting the course. This will make learning new vocabulary and sentence structures easier.

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Review verb conjugations for regular verbs.
Practice forming simple sentences.
Review basic articles and pronouns.

Read 'Easy French Step-by-Step'

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Supplement your learning with a structured textbook. This will help you build a strong foundation in French grammar and vocabulary.

View Practice Makes Perfect Spanish Reading and... on Amazon

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Read one chapter per week.
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
Review concepts as needed.

Practice Verb Conjugation Drills

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Reinforce your understanding of verb conjugations through repetitive exercises. This will improve your fluency and accuracy when speaking and writing in French.

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Choose a set of verbs to practice.
Conjugate each verb in different tenses.
Check your answers and correct mistakes.

Four other activities

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Create Flashcards for New Vocabulary

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Enhance vocabulary retention by creating flashcards for new words and phrases learned in each lesson. This active recall method will improve your ability to remember and use new vocabulary.

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Review the flashcards regularly.
Write the French word on one side.
Write the English translation on the other side.

Explore 'French for Dummies'

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Supplement your learning with a comprehensive guide to French language and culture. This will provide additional context and insights into the language.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Read chapters relevant to the course topics.
Complete the exercises and quizzes.
Explore the cultural insights provided.

Practice Conversational French with a Language Partner

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Improve your speaking and listening skills by practicing conversational French with a language partner. This will help you become more comfortable using the language in real-life situations.

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Find a language partner online or in person.
Choose a topic to discuss.
Take turns speaking and listening.
Provide feedback to each other.

Write a Short Story in French

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Solidify your understanding of grammar and vocabulary by writing a short story in French. This creative exercise will challenge you to apply what you've learned in a meaningful way.

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Choose a topic for your story.
Write a first draft.
Revise and edit your story.
Share your story with others for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete 3 Minute French - Course 12 | Language lessons for beginners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Tour Guide

A tour guide often interacts with diverse groups, and the ability to communicate in multiple languages, such as French, can significantly enhance the experience for tourists. This course, which delves into French grammar, vocabulary, and conversational skills, helps build a foundation for a tour guide to engage with French-speaking visitors. The course's focus on practical language usage, like discussing dates or giving opinions, directly translates to common interactions a tour guide might encounter. Learning about reflexive verbs in past and present tense can help a tour guide give detailed instructions to their group.

See salaries and explore the career path for Tour Guide

Translator

A translator converts written or spoken material from one language to another, and this course helps build a foundation in French language skills, including a rich vocabulary and understanding of grammatical structures. The course covers verb tenses, question phrases, and ways to express opinions, all of which are crucial for accurately conveying meaning between languages. This course is particularly useful as it provides a foundation in the French language, including the use of past participles as adjectives and manipulating phrases to discuss past and future, which are very useful when translating documents or spoken material.

See salaries and explore the career path for Translator

Customer Service Representative

A customer service representative frequently interacts with customers from various backgrounds, so knowing another language such as French can be a major asset in serving a broader client base. The course helps build a foundation of French, covering vocabulary and grammar necessary to assist francophone customers. This course provides a good understanding of how to use question phrases and give opinions, which can help a customer service representative understand and address customer concerns. The course also explores reflexive verbs and tenses, useful for clear communication in different situations.

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Language Tutor

A language tutor helps others learn a new language, and this course, which is the twelfth in a series, demonstrates an organized approach to instruction. By using this course, an aspiring tutor can learn the proper sequencing of topics for students learning French. This course covers many fundamental aspects of the French language, including grammar, vocabulary, and verb conjugations. Furthermore, this course provides a progression through various aspects of French, which can be very helpful when planning lessons for a student.

See salaries and explore the career path for Language Tutor

Interpreter

An interpreter facilitates communication between people who speak different languages, and this course may be useful for developing skills in spoken French. This course introduces a variety of vocabulary terms, question phrasing, and the use of different verb tenses, all of which are crucial for accurately conveying messages between French and English speakers. The structure of the lessons may be helpful for an interpreter in being able to convey meaning by focusing on key elements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interpreter

Flight Attendant

A flight attendant interacts with passengers from all over the world, and being able to speak French can be a valuable asset for the role. This course may be useful as it introduces communication skills, question phrases, and new vocabulary that could be helpful for interacting with passengers. The focus on practical language usage, such as giving opinions or talking about dates, may be applicable in everyday interactions with native French-speaking passengers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Flight Attendant

Travel Agent

A travel agent assists clients with planning trips, so strong communication skills in multiple languages like French can be useful for assisting clients from France or French-speaking regions. This course may be useful as it introduces a range of vocabulary terms, question phrases, and the use of different verb tenses, all of which could be helpful for providing information about travel options. The course's exploration of giving opinions and discussing dates may also be relevant for discussing travel plans with clients.

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International Sales Representative

An international sales representative works with clients across national borders, and this course may be useful in developing a basic understanding of French. The course covers essential grammar, vocabulary, and conversational skills necessary for communication in French. This course may help an international sales representative build a foundation for interacting with clients in a French-speaking market. Topics like expressing opinions and using past participles as adjectives may be useful when presenting products or negotiating with international clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Sales Representative

Hotel Concierge

A hotel concierge often interacts with guests from different countries, and knowing French can enhance a guest's experience and provide better service. This course may be useful as it introduces essential vocabulary and phrases for communication in French. The course emphasizes practical language, such as asking questions, giving opinions, and discussing dates, all of which can be helpful for a hotel concierge when assisting guests. A concierge can use this course to build a basic foundation in French, improving interactions with francophone guests.

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Immigration Officer

An immigration officer interacts with people from diverse backgrounds, and knowing French can be helpful in assisting French-speaking visitors or immigrants. This course may be useful as it introduces fundamental vocabulary and phrases for basic communication in French. The course covers question phrasing, reflexive verbs, and tenses, which may be helpful for an immigration officer in a variety of situations. The course provides a basic foundation in French, which could assist in processing and communicating with French-speaking individuals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Immigration Officer

Bilingual Receptionist

A bilingual receptionist manages communications in multiple languages and can assist a wider range of customers. This course may be useful as a starting point for learning to communicate in French. The course covers essential grammar, vocabulary, and conversational skills. The understanding of question phrases, reflexive verbs, and expressing opinions could improve the ability of a receptionist to interact with French speakers. This course might be a good first step for those looking to add French to their skill set.

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Administrative Assistant

An administrative assistant may be required to communicate with a diverse group of clients and colleagues, and knowledge of French, gained from a course such as this, may be useful. This course may be useful for developing skills in French to interact with clients and colleagues. This course may help a receptionist with understanding the basic structure of French communication including verbs and tenses. The course may be useful for an administrative assistant who occasionally deals with French-speaking parties.

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Social Media Manager

A social media manager might cater to diverse audiences, and knowing a language like French could be useful for reaching specific demographics. This course may be useful for social media managers looking to develop a basic understanding of French. This course covers common grammar, vocabulary, and ways to express opinions, which could be helpful when creating written content in French. The course may help social media managers by giving them a basic foundation in French.

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Marketing Coordinator

A marketing coordinator sometimes needs to adapt promotional materials for different audiences, and a basic understanding of French might be helpful. This course may be useful for learning fundamental vocabulary and grammar necessary for understanding French. This course does not focus on marketing-specific language, but may provide a basic foundation in French that could be useful when working with French speaking markets. This course may help a marketing coordinator gain basic knowledge of French.

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Content Writer

A content writer creates written material for different audiences, and the ability to understand another language such as French may be useful. This course may be useful to begin learning the fundamentals of the French language. The course covers basic vocabulary and grammar, such as verb tenses and question phrases, but may not directly apply to content writing. This course may help build a foundation for those who wish to write in French, but additional training may be needed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Writer

3 Minute French - Course 12

Language lessons for beginners

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Bite-sized french language lessons

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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