Pimsleur French

What satisfied customers say about the Pimsleur French audios:

Great Intro For The First-Timer!!
I have an extremely limited ability with the French language. While written foreign language comes a lot simpler to me, this set of lessons has given me an insight into the speaking side of the language. This course is a wonderful introduction to pronounciation. It also gives basic sentences and/or phrases to get any one started on speaking the language. While no course is perfect for all who wish to learn, this is a good, basic set of lessons for those who plan to spend a significant amount of time in France on business, travel, or for someone who plans to move to France. Most certainly dedication is the key. With practice, once you get to your destination, you will have enough knowledge and comfort with French to continue speaking to others on your own. -- Beverly Praiswater, USA

Excellent but don't expect miracles.
I finished all three levels in the series. I originally bought the course because I was about to move to Geneva, Switzerland, and was in a hurry to learn French, having absolutely no knowledge of French previously. This series is a very introduction, albeit expensive. The course alone will NOT make you fluent, and it does not purport to do so. At the end of the second level, I can go to a resaurant and speak to the waiters comfortably, introduce myself, make plans with friends, among other things. Right now, after finishing all three levels, I can make reservations, chat superficially in French with neighbors and friends, and shop without much difficulties. In fact, I find that I can understand a lot if I speak to a person face to face, especially if the spoken words are accompanied by vivid expressions and gestures. Unfortunately, I still cannot understand what goes on on TV or radio, though I find that I can pick up phrases or words here and there. I've taken 3 years of Spanish in high school, and 3 years of German in college, and I would say that I speak French much better at this point, realizing, though, that I have forgotten a lot of German and Spanish. My pronounciation of French, I've been told by many, is quite good.  Don't expect miracles and be realistic. You still need to take time to listen and absorb the materials. However, the course is designed in a way that encourages you to use it. After I listen to the lesson, I usually want to go out and use it immediately, and I characterize myself normally as a shy person. Definitely buy it if you are going to invest the time and need to start using French immediately. After finishing the series, you will be at the stage of learning curve where your speaking/listening skills can improve exponentially, provided that you are in an environment where French is a necessity. --

Good supplement for language learning.
I own Pimsleur's French I and II language courses. I just love them! I plan on purchasing French III. I took private lessons in French for 6 years. I can read the more basic French and am familiar with French grammar but wasn't very fluent. I hate to memorize. That's what my instructor said I must do in order to become more fluent. I love the Pimsleur series because it forces to do that. I plan on using what I learned with the Pimsleur method as a foundation for further learning through other methods including more reading in French, review of vocabulary and grammar, and finding more opportunities to hear French spoken and speaking in French. -- S. Billings, Madison, WI, USA