15 Minute French: Learn in Just 12 Weeks

by Caroline Lemoine

With an innovative, visual approach the Eyewitness Travel 15-Minute language guides are the ideal tools for people who need to learn a language fast.

Genres: Language, Nonfiction, France, Travel, Reference, Education, 21st Century

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Ghadeer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book! Perfect for someone who has little knowledge of the language. The activities and revisions are truly useful. I think it will be quite hard for someone who is complete new to French. Enjoyed studying with it ♥.

[Dane Cobain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure whether to write this in English or in French because traditionally I write reviews of French books in French. But this one was in English and was designed to teach the reader the basics of French.

It was pretty basic, but it was good for what it was. A lot of the more conversational stuff was tried and tested stuff, but I did pick up the words for various car parts. I’m not sure whether I’d recommend this book if you’re just getting started, but you could couple it with Duolingo to give yourself the best possible chances of success.

Still, it was a nice little refresher for me, and it also acted as a little vocabulary booster. It also had a mini dictionary and a bunch of definitions at the end, although I didn’t really use them.

[Negin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun and innovative phrase book that has helped me to brush up on my French. Like all DK books, which I always enjoy, it’s full of illustrations.

[Jacinta · Rating 5 out of 5]

20 weeks to completion. An amazing tool for learning the basics. Now to test it out with travel!

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Subtitled "Learn in Just 12 Weeks," the "weeks" (chapters) are devoted to Introductions, Eating and Drinking, Making Arrangements, Travel, Getting Around, Accommodation , Shopping, Work and Study, Health, At Home, Services, and Leisure and Socializing, with five lessons for each week, plus a menu guide and English-French and French-English dictionaries.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to help formulate lesson plans for various things and to give myself ideas for testing myself when learning other languages. If this is your first time learning a language, this book is a great starting point.

[Elyamus · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cultural tip in every topic is great, great visuals, no writing or homework - just use the cover flaps to hide the answers while you test yourself. I don’t think it’s for absolute beginners though, but great if you are intermediate or upper intermediate needing a refresher.

[Melz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It tooks me more than 15 minutes to finish. Anyways love it.

[Uvindex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd have liked it longer, but it was very entertaining, loved the graphics. It'll come in handy for my child.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Without having spent time on Duolingo, I don't think this would be nearly as helpful as a first introduction to the language.

[Reyna Ober · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent language book that goes at any pace. The two CDs were really helpful for developing my listening skills and to practice speaking some words to build confidence. This book is for French beginners only. It doesn't offer grammar, writing, idioms, or conversation tips. The basic words listed are great for building a foundation. Great book. Lessons go on your time schedule, there's a great review section in each chapter, the words are grouped logically, and each section offers and the book offers a second spelling of vocabulary words to help with pronunciation so you can practice whenever.

[Ketija · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really helpful for all the necessary basics (even though I still don't speak any french - I know this would be my safety vest in Paris).

[azul · Rating 5 out of 5]

super utile! Merci beaucoup.
;)

[Judith R-G · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not terribly useful. There are better books out there for French language study.

[Piper Winchester · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little outdated but good for beginners

[Chau Tran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for vocabulary. Not so for grammar and conversations.

[Jacqueline]

Super useful review, not much new (I took French in high school and college)