Can You Survive in French? A Quick Language Check for Expats in France 🇫🇷
- Isabelle C.
- Jul 10
- 3 min read
Are you moving to France soon? Or maybe you're already here, trying to navigate daily life in French?
Let’s face it: France is beautiful, but it’s also very French. 😅
From chatting with your boulanger to dealing with paperwork at the mairie, speaking the language—even just a little—can make a huge difference.
So… how good is your French, really?
Take this short and friendly French survival test to check your level. It’s not academic or stressful. Think of it more like a reality check:
👉 Can you handle daily conversations?
👉 Do you know what to say at the pharmacy or when someone rings your doorbell?
👉 Could you survive a French dinner party?
Why take this test?
✅ To know where you stand (and where to improve)
✅ To avoid awkward moments in shops, cafés, and government offices
✅ To feel more confident before (or after!) your move
✅ Because Google Translate won’t always save you 😉
🇫🇷 French Survival Test for Expats
10 real-life questions to test your level—from “bonjour” to handling French bureaucracy
Each question reflects situations you’ll likely face in France: shops, cafés, public offices, casual chats... Choose the best answer and check your level at the end!
1. You walk into a bakery. The baker says: “Bonjour, vous désirez ?”
You answer:
a) “Yes.”
b) “Baguette.”
c) “Je voudrais une baguette, s’il vous plaît.”
2. You hear someone say: “Il y a du monde aujourd’hui !”
What does that mean?
a) It’s cold today.
b) There are a lot of people today.
c) It’s a holiday.
3. At the pharmacy, you say: “J’ai mal à la tête.”
The pharmacist gives you:
a) Something for a headache.
b) Something for your stomach.
c) A thermometer.
4. A neighbor says: “Ça vous dit un apéro ce soir ?”
What are they suggesting?
a) You go for a walk.
b) You have a drink together before dinner.
c) You cook together.
5. At the supermarket, you want to ask where the rice is. You say:
a) “Bonjour, Excusez-moi, où est le riz, s’il vous plaît ?”
b) “Rice, where is?”
c) “Je veux riz, merci.”
6. You receive an email: “Merci de nous envoyer un justificatif de domicile.”
What should you send?
a) A selfie.
b) A proof of address (like a bill or rental contract).
c) A motivational letter.
7. You hear in a shop: “Je peux vous renseigner ?”
You respond:
a) “Non merci, je regarde.”
b) “Je vais bien merci.”
c) “Je suis en vacances.”
8. You’re invited to someone’s house. Before eating, you say:
a) “C’est bon.”
b) “Merci pour l’invitation.”
c) “Bon appétit !”
9. You’re at the mairie and hear: “Il manque un document, il faudra revenir.”
What do you understand?
a) Everything is complete.
b) Something is missing, you need to come back.
c) You have to call someone else.
10. You’re at a café and the server says: “Je vous apporte ça tout de suite.”
What does this mean?
a) They’ll bring your order right away.
b) They need to check the kitchen.
c) You need to go to the counter.
Answers: 1c, 2b, 3a, 4b, 5a, 6b, 7a, 8c, 9b, 10a
🎯 Your Results
✅ 0–3 correct: Beginner (A1)
You’re at the start of your French journey. You know the basics—bonjour, merci—but real-life situations are still confusing. No worries! Focus on useful phrases and don’t be afraid to repeat them in everyday life.
Next step: Learn key expressions for shops, bakeries, and asking for help. Join our grammar workshops to practice https://www.la-boite-a-french.fr/service-page/atelier-grammaire-every-thur-12pm-gmt-01?referral=service_list_widget
✅ 4–6 correct: Survival French (A2)
You're doing well! You can manage everyday situations with a bit of effort. You might not always understand everything, but you can get by—and that’s huge!
Next step: Focus on listening and speaking, especially in social situations or administrative contexts. Join our A2 French café: https://www.la-boite-a-french.fr/service-page/french-caf%C3%A9-every-mon-12-4pm-gmt-01?referral=service_list_widget
✅ 7–10 correct: Confident French (B1)
Bravo ! You’re comfortable in most situations. You understand context, ask questions, and respond politely. You’re ready for longer conversations, paperwork, and friendly banter.
Next step: Practice more natural conversations, watch French TV shows, and fine-tune grammar. Join our B1 French café: https://www.la-boite-a-french.fr/service-page/french-caf%C3%A9-every-mon-12-4pm-gmt-01?referral=service_list_widget
What next?
If your results surprise you—don't worry! Connect with me for a discovery call and I will provide you with a personalized learning plan!
Bienvenue en France, and good luck! 🇫🇷✨
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