Learning French: How to introduce yourself to a stranger in France
Practise key phrases and vocabulary for meeting new people, in this practical French lesson from the Little Language School
We take a sneak peek at ways to introduce yourself in France, as featured in the Little Language School’s online French course
Caftor / Shutterstock, Little Language School
Once you have mastered bonjour, bonsoir, and au revoir, the next step when learning French is knowing how to introduce yourself to a stranger.
From giving your name and address to talking about your job and family - memorise key words and phrases that describe your situation, then slide them into conversation.
Learning to ask questions is also important. This will open the door to making friends and integrating into local clubs and communities in France.
We take a sneak peek at some basic French introduction phrases and exercises featured in the Little Language School’s online course.
Read also: Learning French: How to write a cheque in France
Helpful vocabulary exercise
Here are some key terms and phrases that could come in handy when introducing yourself to new people in France:
Je suis - I am
Enchanté(e) - delighted (nice to meet you)
Je suis… et vous êtes? - I am... and you are?
Voici… - this is...
Je vous présente… - let me introduce...
Je suis anglais (man) - I am English (man)
Je suis anglaise (woman) - I am English (woman)
Je suis d’Angleterre - I am from England
Je viens d’Angleterre - I come from England
Vous êtes d’où? - Where are you from?
J’habite… - I live…
Vous habitez où? - Where do you live?
Put yourself to the test: You will need a piece of card or paper - any colour will do. Write the vocab in two columns. Now place the paper/card on top of the vocabulary - anywhere you like - and try to recall what is covered up!
Speak out loud. You could cover all the French or just half of the words.
Read also: How to gain confidence in speaking French
It's an excellent way to learn vocabulary.
If you are really brave you might like to record yourself saying the French and then the English with a slight gap between each phrase – that way you can listen, repeat and test yourself - when walking the dog for example.
Read also: A1, C2: What is the CEFR language rating in France?
Introducing yourself in French
Read through the conversation and then say it out loud, paying attention to your pronunciation. You may want to do this a couple of times.
“Bonjour. Je suis Nicole...et vous êtes?”
“Enchanté. Je suis John. Je suis anglais. Je viens de Newcastle dans le nord d'Angleterre. Je vous présente ma femme Lisa et voici mes enfants; mon fils, Jacob et ma fille, Sophie. J'habite à Avignon. Vous êtes anglais? Vous habitez où?”
Read also: Ten French language basics to master before studying irregular verbs
Now try and answer the questions below, in English
1. What question does Nicole ask?
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A) Who are you?
2. What three pieces of information does John offer?
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A) His name, nationality, and where he is from.
3. How many children does he have?
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A) Two.
4. Why does he mention Avignon?
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A) He now lives there.
5. What two questions does he ask Nicole?
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A) If she is English and where she lives.
6. He makes a mistake in one of the questions – what is it?
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A) He says “vous êtes anglais”.
7. How would we know he made a mistake from hearing the conversation?
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A) We should hear the 's' sound on the feminine version.
8. What should he have said?
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A) Anglaise – pronouncing the 's’ like a 'z' sound.
This lesson is an extract from Module 3 of the Little Language School online French course. These exercises are intended for use alongside a selection of explanatory videos.
Learn simple practical French with this digital course for beginners. Connexion readers can save €60 with this partner offer.
