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Chapter 10 of 15

Learning the language

Learning French, Alliance Française, regional languages, language levels

Summary

Speaking French is not optional but a necessity when emigrating to France. Unlike some other countries (Germany, Scandinavia), English is not an alternative in France — officials, doctors, neighbors, and shop staff rarely speak English, especially outside Paris. The good news: French is relatively easy for Dutch speakers to learn due to vocabulary similarities. It takes an average of 6-12 months to reach a functional level (B1).

Why French is essential

  • Bureaucracy: All forms, letters, and procedures are in French. No English alternative.
  • Social integration: The French greatly appreciate when you speak their language, even imperfectly. Those who don't speak French remain outsiders.
  • Work: Even for remote workers, French is needed for daily interactions: calling a plumber, communicating with school, shopping.
  • Emergencies: Doctors, police, and firefighters speak French. In an emergency, you want to be understood.
  • Legal requirement: Since 2026, non-EU citizens must demonstrate B1 French for a multi-year residence permit. This doesn't legally apply to EU citizens, but is de facto necessary.

Language levels (CEFR)

| Level | Description | Goal |

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Knowledge Base

Glossary
  • Carte de Séjour (Residence Permit)

    The French residence permit. EU citizens do not need to apply for a carte de séjour but can obtain one as proof of residence rights. Non-EU citizens must apply for one.

  • Carte Vitale (Health Card)

    The French health card that gives you access to the healthcare system. Medical costs are directly reimbursed with this card. Apply at the CPAM after your PUMA registration.

  • CPAM (Primary Health Insurance Fund)

    The local health insurance institution. Here you register for French health insurance, apply for your Carte Vitale and submit claims.

  • CAF (Family Benefits Fund)

    The French family benefits agency: child benefit, housing assistance (APL), living allowance. If you live and work in France, you are entitled to many of these benefits.

  • Impôt sur le Revenu (Income Tax)

    The French income tax. Progressive rates from 0% to 45%. Calculated per "foyer fiscal" (household). Since 2019 the tax is withheld directly from your salary.

  • Mairie (Town Hall)

    The French town hall. Here you handle registration, marriages, and request various documents. Every village and city has a mairie.

  • Sécurité Sociale (Social Security)

    The French social security system. Covers healthcare, pensions, family benefits and unemployment. Your numéro de sécurité sociale (15 digits) is your key to the system.

  • OFII (French Immigration Office)

    The French immigration office. Non-EU citizens must validate their visa and activate their residence permit here after arriving in France.

  • PUMA (Universal Health Coverage)

    The French universal health coverage system. Everyone who lives stably in France (3+ months) is entitled to PUMA coverage, regardless of employment status.

  • Taxe d'Habitation (Residence Tax)

    A local tax on your main residence. Largely abolished for main residences since 2023, but still applies to second homes.

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