Top 5 Podcasts For French Learners
Hey Au Pairs!
As previously mentioned in my 5 Easy Ways To Become Fluent in French post, one of the best ways to improve your French, or any language for that matter, is through listening to podcasts! Podcasts are an excellent way of training your ear to understand a foreign language, plus you can adjust the speed to your liking! Start off at half speed and then speed it up to full speed once you are comfortable enough with the language. I’ve listened to many podcasts since the beginning of my French language journey and want to share some of my most favorite and helpful ones with all of you!
In no particular order here are 5 French learning podcasts you should listen to:
1.Slow News In French
Slow News in French is just what it sounds like, news being delivered in French, slowly. One of the best facets of this podcast is their approach to language learning. As this podcast is targeted to language learners they break down any difficult grammar and unfamiliar vocabulary in every episode to the listeners. Not only can listen along to the podcast while on the go, but you can also find the transcripts to each podcast on their website in case you ever want to read along as you listen. Additionally, they also provide resources on further information on the French language on their site. It should be noted that this style of podcast is also available to other languages such as Spanish (both Spain and Latin American dialect), Italian and German.
2.Coffee Break French
Coffee Break French is a podcast that breaks down French grammar, vocabulary, food and culture through friendly conversations and examples prompted by the charming podcast hosts composed of a fluent French speaker and a French learner, both hosts being from Scotland. Their easy break-down of grammar and language structures through everyday examples such as going to the supermarket or visiting a shoe store provides the listener with relevant French language skills that you can use in your everyday life. Much like Slow News In French, this type of podcast is also available for different languages, such as English, Spanish, Chinese, Swedish, German and Italian.
3.Learn French With Alexa
Often referred to as the internet’s favorite French teacher, Learn French With Alexa is your go to French podcast if you are aiming to primarily improve your French grammar. Alexa Polidoro, the podcast host provides the listener with crisp and clear native pronunciation of the French language while breaking down the logistics of grammar in an easy to understand manner. French grammar can be extremely difficult, but with Alexa you’ll be sure to refine and polish your grammar skills!
4.One Minute French
Although titled One Minute French, this podcast is actually 2-3 minutes in length. Hosted by Pierre Benoir, the goal of this podcast is to provide the listener with useful everyday French basics to use in all types of settings ranging from business trips, holiday vacations, and trips to the cinema. I would recommend this podcast to a complete beginner student who has recently arrived to their French speaking host country because they will be able to learn basic French vocabulary and phrases that will prove to be vital as they move around their country.
5.One Thing In A French Day
One Thing in A French Day is just as it sounds like a podcast focusing on recounting everyday daily events, in the French language. Hosted by French native speaker Laetitia, this podcast discusses the everyday events of a person living in French speaking country from ordering a pain au chocolat at the local bakery, to getting a trim at a hairdresser. I love how this podcast is short and to the point and features the host’s crisp, clear and easy to comprehend French voice.
What are some other helpful podcasts for learning French? Let me know in the comments down below!