Do You Need to Speak French to Move to France?

Should you learn French before moving to France? Is it worth the effort? Can you get by without it?

The answer is ABSOLUTELY you should learn French. If you’d prefer to watch a video about why I say that, you’ll find one below. For those who prefer to read about it, here goes.

You don't need to be a perfect francophone (none of us are, ever!), but getting at least some basics will help you have a much more stress-free, fun and engaging experience in your new life. Also, if you'll be living outside of Paris, you'll likely really need it as not everyone is obsessed with speaking English.

I moved to France in 2022 after marrying my French sweetheart. I already spoke French (I’ve been studying for a long time), and everything was just a little bit easier because I could communicate on my own. I still had—and have—so many ups and downs culturally and with the language, but I am so grateful to have had at least that one advantage.

That being said, if you’re moving soon and you’re not where you’d like to be with your French levels, “pas de panique.” Don’t panic. Just get started now and commit to trying to speak a little bit as soon as possible. I think speaking, even if you make mistakes (which we all do, all the time), is an important key to integrating into the culture and feeling a part of everything around you.

If you have a spouse who speaks French, that’s wonderful, but my advice is that while you’ll of course need their help, you shouldn’t count on them for every little thing. They will be so happy to see you trying, and I promise, you’ll get encouragement from the French along the way.

One thing to note about France is that when you arrive. if you’ll be a resident, you’ll have to take a language test or provide a diploma or other proof of your language level. That’s part of the OFII experience. What’s OFII? It’s the Office of Immigration and Integration. But the great thing is, if you do need French classes here in France, you can get them free or very cheaply through this office.

So, what are the reasons to learn French in preparation for a move to L’Hexagone ? (that’s a nickname for France, because the country is shaped like a hexagon).

It’s pretty simple really. First and foremost, it will likely help you get a job. I do have some friends who either have their own businesses or who work for companies in English-speaking roles, but I also see so many people on Facebook groups lamenting that they’ve been in France for a couple of years and can’t get a job despite good qualifications, just because they don’t speak any French.

You’ll also be able to deal with paperwork and administrative tasks if you have a little French under your belt. Did you know that if you have to take a French driving road test, you can’t do it in English? Even I have found the driving test situation to be daunting, so I can’t imagine how hard it must be if you don’t understand what the driving examiner is saying to you.

Also, if you plan to stay longer, or even to pursue la nationalité française (French citizenship), you’ll have to obtain a basic level of French to pass the review.

When you move to a foreign country, you’re naturally going to feel a little “other.” That can be exciting, but also can bring some feelings of isolation. Anything you can do to connect, to greet people, to be able to ask questions or get what you need—even a little bit of the local language is so empowering in a new and different environment. And you know what? It may also help you make friends.

There are few things I’ve done in life that have given me as much pride and satisfaction as trying to speak a new language. En plus, I met my husband in Paris while I was taking a language class. So it pays off…

Je te souhaite une très belle journée et bonne continuation !

Then just to answer the question in my subtitle above, I’d say that “getting by” in France without speaking French really depends on where you live and how important it is for you to feel like you’re integrating.

If you live in Paris and have an English-speaking job and you link up with the large community of expats (check out the American Club of Paris), you could spend most of your time here in English. So if you plan to stay only for a short while, and you’re not that interested in committing to the French language, maybe just learn the basic courtesies and small talk.

I have friends who do just the above and have been living here for a short or long time and are or aren’t married to a French person and for some reason they just really resist or are apprehensive about fully diving into the language. But they’re happy and leading fulfilling, productive lives in Paris.

However, if you’ll move to a smaller city or outside of a very touristic region, you may well find yourself feeling pretty cut off, and it may really impact your experience as a newcomer. And as I said before, if you plan to be a long-term resident, you’ll need to prove you have at least a basic level of proficiency.

Wherever you are in your exploration of French (or any foreign language), I wish you bonne continuation, and if I can help by answering any questions, dîtes-moi !