Beginner to Intermediate (ILR levels 0+ to 2)

  • Wikipedia - Article on French Language
    A substantive encyclopedic introduction and overview in English of the French language – its Alphabet, Grammar, History, and the like – with many hyperlinks to deeper sub-topics.
  • French Writing System
    Useful for those who need a basic introduction to the French alphabet, accents, and pronunciation. Site also has additional information and language related links.
  • Virtual French Keyboard and Spell Checker
    Useful tool that allows one to type in French using mouse and then spell check as well. Also provides list of shortcuts (using alt key) one may use to type French accented letters.
  • Google Translate
    Translate a word, a phrase, or a document from French to English or reverse. Far from perfect but getting better all the time. Word level much better than phrase or text.
  • An Interactive French Online Reference Grammar – Tex's French Grammar
    By University of Texas at Austin professors. Solid basic grammar and beyond. Includes Verb Tutor and Conjugator tools. Explanations of grammatical points are followed by interactive exercises that test and reinforce comprehension of materials covered.
  • Beginning and Intermediate French Grammar and Writing Exercises – A Vos Plumes!
    By University of Virginia professors. Large collection of grammar-based online interactive exercises, beginning with Greetings and Introductions, and covering topics like Subjunctive, Conditional, and more.

Intermediate to Advanced (ILR levels 2 to 3 and higher)

  • Joint Language University
    An extensive NCS-managed language training portal available to USG and military only through account registration. Resources include LangNet Assessment Objects – large collection of exercises that mirror MCQ of DLPT5 in reading and listening comprehension; and LangNet Learning Objects – online exercises in reading and listening for acquisition, enhancement, refresher training. Also useful for self-study are many of the SCOLA products: news broadcasts, news archives, and the Insta-Classes – a variety of exercise based on broadcasts.
  • DLIFLC Language Products
    Developed by the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC) for military linguists, this website has some excellent sustainment materials; note in particular, French materials in GLOSS which contains many French reading and listening comprehension exercises – some of which are based on videos.
  • French Language Links -- BBC
    Internet site includes interactive tools for Developing Language Proficiency in Reading and Listening, Intermediate Grammar Exercises, an extensive French authentic text Listening/Reading Library, and a lot more.
  • About.com's Advanced French Grammar
    From Laura K. Loveless at About.com. Advanced language tips that cover language, culture, listening comprehension, and a lot more. 
  • French Language Exercises – Columbia University
    Originally developed by professors at Columbia University, this website is worth exploring – though it is no longer maintained. Contains exercises on the Subjunctive, Indirect Object Pronouns, etc.
  • French Language Learning Website – TV5
    A fantastic source for French materials up to the B2 (Advanced Intermediate) level. Includes comprehension, vocabulary and grammar exercises. Included as well are video interviews and discussions of materials with native speakers.
  • Wikipedia - French Edition
    The French language version of Wikipedia is substantial and growing daily. Use not only as a reference but also as a resource for reading materials – enter most any topic and you get a nice article written in perfect French. Most articles are at ILR 2 to 3 levels; you can also link to English language versions to facilitate comprehension and minimize use of working aids.

Advanced Resources, Media, and Dictionaries

  • Voice of America - French
    Voice of America (VOA) is the official external broadcast institution of the United States federal government.
  • Radio France Internationale
    Radio France Internationale (RFI) is a major French news source that provides news, information, and analysis on current events.
  • Jeune Afrique
    Many consider Jeune Afrique to be the best source of news and analysis for African affairs.
  • Online Newspapers
    Huge resource with links to French language online newspapers, magazines, TV and radio stations from Afrique du Sud and Algérie,to Belgique, Canada, France, Vietnam and every country in between where French is spoken.
  • French Abbreviations and Acronyms Dictionary
    This French website allows the user either to search for the unknown acronym or to click on a specific field to peruse the main list.
  • Termium
    The Canadian Government's Translation Bureau has developed this second-to-none databank that contain technical and hard-to-find translations of some 5 million terms.
  • Le Grand Dictionnaire Terminologique
    This free online dictionary is perfect for finding English equivalents of rare technical terms. In addition to enabling the user to search for suitable translations, this site also provides the specific field in which the term is used, which assists the user in determining the possible translation based upon context.
  • Reverso French
    This is an excellent French-English online dictionary that provides context in addition to the key terms.
  • Linguee
    Linguee is so much more than a dictionary – it is a database of translated materials that allows the user to see how a word or phrase has been translated by other professional translators in context. Once you use it the first time, you will refer back to it often!
  • WordReference
    This is a fantastic site not only for dictionary purposes but also for forum discussions, where language professionals discuss the nuances and popular usage of certain terms.
  • Proz
    This website is aimed at professional translators and contains potentially useful forum discussions on tricky French (and other) language issues.
  • Bibliothèque nationale de France
    Website and online catalog of the National Library of France.
  • Académie française
    Main page of French Academy, the preeminent learned body on matters pertaining to the French language; established in 1635 as the official authority on the usages, vocabulary, and grammar of the French Language (see: La langue française ), it also is charged with publishing an official dictionary of the French language (see: Le dictionnaire ).
  • WESSWeb - French Literature, Linguistics & Culture
    Online text collections in Western European Literature.