Advantages and disadvantages of the different learning methods for learning French

French is a demanding and complicated language. Even though learning French is an integral part of the curriculum in German-speaking Switzerland from elementary school onwards, many young German-speaking Swiss are still unable to form a proper French sentence even after several years of lessons. And when it comes to spelling at the latest, most school leavers have to give up.

However, as French is still a very important language in business, some professionals are faced a few years later with the fact that they need to catch up on what they have missed in order to get off to a good start in their career. One crucial difference for success in learning French is that motivation is significantly higher than at school age. This means that, in most cases, you will quickly make pleasing progress in your knowledge of French. Another important reason for faster foreign language acquisition in later years is that the learning method can be chosen individually - this also applies to learning French.

Learning French: Overview of learning methods, advantages / disadvantages

There are various ways to achieve your goal when learning French. You may have already read about this in the article "How can you learn French?" read. Whether in your own four walls on the sofa via your cell phone, in a classroom in the evening or directly in a French-speaking country during a language study trip - learning success is guaranteed, provided you have discovered the right learning method for you.

Of course, each of the possible methods has its advantages and disadvantages. These need to be studied in detail and weighed up before a decision is made. You will find a helpful overview in the table below.

 Learning style, learning method Advantages of learning French Disadvantages of learning French
Self-study and online learning with apps
  • Low or no costs
  • Learning independent of time and place (commute, break, etc.)
  • Flexibly adaptable to working and study times
  • Individual learning pace, no excessive demands
  • A lot of self-discipline is required!
  • No social contacts / learning partners
  • Teacher is not available to answer questions
  • Little variety
  • Wide range available, making it difficult to choose the right online tool or teaching aid
  • Possibly underchallenged as there is no external push

Language courses to learn French

(French course in any form, French diploma course DELF, DALF etc.)
  • Evening courses continue to enable a high workload
  • Teachers give tips and answer questions
  • Motivating classmates, finding learning partners
  • Commitment promotes the achievement of set goals
  • Courses enable structured learning
  • Diploma / Course confirmation
  • Course costs, travel expenses, parking fees
  • No individual teaching materials and learning pace
  • Teaching style mostly predetermined
  • Teacher expectations (e.g. homework) could trigger pressure

Language study trips to learn French

(living with host families, local courses, international internships and work placements)
  • Rapid learning progress thanks to constant use of language
  • Culture and people create lasting memories and encourage interest in the language
  • Can be combined with vacation
  • Social contacts promote language acquisition
  • An internship abroad is also considered career-enhancing
  • Diplomas / course certificates increase job opportunities
  • Sometimes difficult to reconcile with work commitments
  • No income during a trip abroad
  • High costs (flight, rent, possible language course on site)
  • Large investment of time

This table clearly shows that an advantage can be a disadvantage at the same time. Flexible time management in self-study, for example, is pure independence; it is precisely this freedom that is often the reason why people with a lack of motivation or stamina make no or only very slow progress when learning French online. Other learners, on the other hand, would find it extremely difficult to fit into a class and adapt to a set learning pace; they need flexibility and freedom, otherwise they won't make any progress.

So if you want to learn French, the first thing you should do is find out which learning method is suitable. This is the best way to avoid frustration and keep the joy of learning.

However, the most important prerequisites for language learning are fun, motivation and a keen interest in the French language. With the right learning method, you will reach your goal quickly and with a lot of fun!

Overview of schools for learning French