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Archive for the 'French Words' Category

Fête de la Musique: Celebrating World Music Day in France

In France, ninety-seven percent of French people know about Fête de la musique ("World Music Day")! On World Make Music Day (or simply Make Music Day), France celebrates music and encourages anyone and everyone to create music, along with many other countries. This is the most characteristic aspect of World Music Day: It encourages absolutely everyone to do some music; anyone can sing or play an instrument, alone or in a band, in public spaces. Hence the wide range of styles and talents during the Fête de la musique French festivals. World Music Day in France is a prime example of how a country’s holidays can reveal what its people hold near to their hearts. And any successful language learner can tell you that comprehending a... Show more

It’s French Movie Night ! Our Guide of the Best Films for French Learners

It’s your turn to pose on the red carpet ! You may not yet be able to chat with Marion Cotillard or have a drink with Gérard Depardieu. But you can watch the movies that made them famous. Sounds like the easy way out of homework ? Not quite ! At FrenchPod101, we advocate diving into the pop culture as one of the best ways to master a new language. It’s a unique way to practice your oral comprehension skills, and to get acquainted with the natural French flow. Watching a movie allows you to test your French-learning level in a relaxed environment. It’s much less pressure than trying to chat with a native speaker ! And if you don’t understand something, you can still pause or even add subtitles. You will also expand your... Show more

Fête de Voisins: Celebrating National Neighbor Day in France

National Neighbor Day in France (or Fête de Voisins as voisin is "neighbor" in French) is a day for people to spend time with their neighbors, usually in the form of a party. This is a significant concept in a world that's becoming more and more adapted to life on the screen, and where people are spending less face time with each other. It can be difficult to even muster a "hello" to fellow neighbors these days! On Neighbor's Day, France encourages its people to get together, socialize, and just appreciate each other. It's such a revolutionary type of holiday that other places around the world are beginning to celebrate it too (resulting in a European Neighbor's Day). At FrenchPod101, we hope to clue you in on what to expect should... Show more

The Best Series and TV Shows for French Learners

Many non-native English-speakers learned the language while watching popular TV shows such as Friends or Game of Thrones. This tip works just as well for other languages! Luckily, the French TV scene is bustling with great series and programs in every genre. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced French learner, you’ll find popular shows perfect for your level. All you need is access to YouTube, Netflix, and/or Amazon Prime. Here at FrenchPod101, we just love binging on quality shows. We proudly consider ourselves to be expert reviewers when it comes to French television! Here’s our top list of the best French series for learners of all levels. Pick your favorite and clear your schedule! Table of Contents For the... Show more

Lundi de Pâques: Easter Monday in France

If you know our history, you should know that France is a secular country. In 1905, a law was created to separate the Church from the State. Still, many public holidays and traditions in France have Catholic origins. And one of the most important Catholic holidays is Easter. Is Easter Monday a bank holiday in France? Yes! Easter in France, for kids especially, is a great joy! In this lesson, we're going to teach you how French people celebrate Easter. At FrenchPod101.com, we hope to make learning about French culture both fun and informative! 1. What is Easter Monday in France? Originally, Easter commemorated the resurrection of Jesus Christ and marked the end of Lent for Catholics. Lent is a period of fasting that lasts... Show more

How to Find Jobs in France — The Best Work Guide

So, you’re ready to move to France! Will you live and breathe the amazing culture of the City of Love or stroll on the sandy wonders of the Côte-d’Azur? Maybe you prefer the lush countryside of the Alsace region and long to taste the elixir of its world-famous vineyards. Or waking up in Annecy with the smell of wildflowers and breathtaking views on the Alps mountains? Whatever you seek, there’s a beautiful corner waiting for you in France. But if you want to live there, let’s put it bluntly: You’ll have to make French money! Start with a bonus, and download the Business Words & Phrases PDF for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only) Table of Contents Get Your Paperwork Ready Find the Right Job for You Job-hunting in... Show more

How to Say I Love You in French – Romantic Word List

Do you often feel lonely and sad? Do you long for romance and are willing to do whatever it takes to meet that special person? Speaking another language could revolutionize your love life! So, why wait? Learning how to say ‘love’ in French could be just what you need to find it. Or perhaps you were lucky, and have found your French partner already. Fantastic! Yet, a cross-cultural relationship comes with unique challenges. Learning how to speak your lover’s language will greatly improve your communication and enhance the relationship. At FrenchPod101, our team will teach you all the words, quotes and phrases you need to woo your French lover with excellence! Our tutors provide personal assistance, with plenty of extra material available... Show more

How to use the French verb Monter

Table of Contents Definition of the verb 'Monter' Which auxiliary verb to use with the verb 'Monter'? ÊTRE and AVOIR Conjugation in Indicative When it has a Direct Object Complement (DOC), the verb Monter necessarily conjugates with the auxiliary AVOIR. When the subject is a person To talk about a level or a price The verb 'Monter' conjugated 10 French expressions with 'Monter' When 'Monter' is a noun Hi everyone, in this article I share with you How to use the verb Monter. 1. Definition of the Verb Monter 1- Move up Example : Nous montons au sommet de la montagne. ? We climb to the top of the mountain. 2- Increase, grow Example : Le niveau du fleuve a monté. ? The level of the river has... Show more

Top 30 Useful French Phrases and Expressions You Must Know to Survive

Learning a new language can be increasingly challenging—especially if you’re learning a language that dates all the way back to the Roman Empire and has multiple variations all over the world. According to About-France.com, French is an official or second language in 55 countries worldwide and almost 300 million people speak French as their native or second language. My childhood friend’s grandfather was the French teacher at my high school, so instead of taking Spanish—which would have been a tad more useful in the United States—I chose French. (Not to mention my birthday is also Bastille Day, some would call it a sign.) I started taking French when I was 14 years old. From there, I took French 1, French 2 and Honors French 3... Show more

How to Celebrate April Fools’ Day in French

Most everyone is familiar with this day, as it is celebrated nearly everywhere the world. Yet, when exactly is April Fools’ Day? And where did April Fools come from? April Fools’ Day is observed on April 1st every year. This day of jokes and pranks is believed to have stemmed from the 16th-century calendar change in France, when New Year’s Day was moved from April 1 to January 1. This action was taken due to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar. However, a few people were resistant to the calendar change, so they continued to observe New Year’s Day on April 1st, rather than the new date. They were referred to as the “April Fools”, and others started playing mocking tricks on them. This custom endured, and is practiced to this day... Show more