This programme takes you from level B2 to C1, the level at which you can use French fluently, naturally and with nuance. You will learn to analyse complex texts, express yourself spontaneously and accurately, argue convincingly and participate smoothly in professional, social and academic interactions. The entire programme is based on the CEFR guidelines and includes both communicative and academically oriented modules.
Parcours B2 - C1
6 modules of 20 hours each
Professional & academic French
What does level C1 mean?
Level C1 represents advanced language proficiency. At this level, you can use French fluently, precisely and purposefully in a variety of situations: professional, social, academic and societal. You understand complex discourse, can analyse long texts, recognise nuances and produce carefully constructed, coherent and convincing messages yourself.
You are able to structure your ideas clearly, speak completely spontaneously without searching for words, and respond appropriately in conversations where argumentation, logic and nuance are central. In addition, you can switch effortlessly between formal, neutral and informal registers.
Module B2 (6 x 20 hours)
Modules at level C1
The C1 level course consists of six intensive modules, each lasting 20 hours. Each module is an in-depth learning block in which you work on advanced language skills: from spontaneous oral communication to academic writing, critical thinking and professional interactions. The modules combine authentic material, practical assignments and in-depth analysis, enabling you to develop into an independent, fluent and nuanced user of French at a high level.
Module 1 — Oral fluency & spontaneous communication (20 hours)
What you will learn
- to speak spontaneously and fluently without noticeable hesitation
- to follow and respond to complex conversations
- to express nuances: softeners, nuances, strategies to gain time
- to argue and process counterarguments
- to recognise tone, intention, irony and implicit messages
- to structure longer oral interventions (introduction → argumentation → conclusion)
Expected results
You will be able to participate in demanding conversations with native speakers, recognise nuances and respond spontaneously and coherently without preparation.
Module 2— Current affairs, society & critical thinking advanced (20 hours)
What you will learn
- Analyse complex opinion pieces, documentaries, conferences and debates
- Understand main ideas + subtle details + implicit meanings
- Construct critical analyses (causes/consequences, perspectives, arguments)
- Formulate nuanced positions with considerations
- Deal with complex vocabulary from current affairs and academic content
Expected results
You will be able to critically assess current and social issues, discuss them in a nuanced manner and present them convincingly, both orally and in writing.
Module 3 — Professional communication at expert level (20 hours)
What you will learn
- Conducting professional conversations (meetings, discussions, negotiations)
- Writing complex business correspondence (reports, analyses, advice)
- Strategies for persuading, summarising and formulating clearly
- Understanding and applying professional jargon depending on the sector
- Flexibly using different registers (formal–neutral–informal interactions)
Expected results
You will be able to function professionally in a high-level French-speaking environment, perform complex tasks autonomously and communicate persuasively.
Module 4 — Advanced writing & register control (20 hours)
What you will learn
- Writing long, complex texts: analyses, essays, syntheses, critiques
- Refining structure: coherence, cohesion, chains of argumentation
- Conscious use of stylistics and register
- Applying academic conventions (citations, objectivity, precision)
- Rephrasing, sharpening, deleting and revising
Expected results
You will write comprehensive, well-structured texts with strong content, precise word choice, logical structure and appropriate tone.
Module 5 — Document analysis & expert notes (20 hours)
What you will learn
- Analyse complex documents quickly and efficiently
- Detect implicit information (relationships, nuances, discourse strategies)
- Take professional or academic notes (skimming, scanning, mapping)
- Synthesise long texts, videos, debates
- Select and structure information for presentations or dossiers
Expected results
You will be able to process, analyse and summarise complex sources in a manner that meets professional and academic standards.
Module 6 — DALF C1 preparation: oral & written (20 hours)
What you will learn
- All official DALF C1 formats (written & oral)
- Oral defence, presentation and interaction under time pressure
- Extensive syntheses and analyses according to exam standards
- Strategies for planning, timing, argumentation and stress management
- Error analysis and fine-tuning at C1 level
Expected results
You will be fully prepared for the DALF C1 exam and will have mastered all the skills: writing, analysing, presenting, structuring and arguing.
What can I do at level C1?
At level C1, you can use the French language fluently, spontaneously and effectively in demanding situations. You understand complex content, express yourself in a nuanced way and effortlessly adapt your language use to the context — professionally, academically and socially.
Talking and interacting
You can:
- speak fluently and spontaneously without visibly searching for words
- argue in a nuanced way and reason logically
- formulate complex opinions, viewpoints and hypotheses
- participate in debates and high-level professional discussions
- use subtle differences in meaning (register, tone, implicit messages)
- respond appropriately to unexpected questions or difficult situations
- correctly interpret and use irony, metaphors and cultural references
Listen
You will be able to:
- understand long, complex audio sources (lectures, podcasts, interviews, debates)
- recognise implicit information (intentions, emotions, sarcasm, underlying nuances)
- understand fast-spoken French, even by native speakers with different accents
- follow complex professional contexts (meetings, briefings, presentations)
- distinguish details and main ideas in unstructured or informal conversations
Read
You will be able to:
- understand long, specialised texts: articles, reports, essays, research documents
- analyse and evaluate arguments logically
- follow complex reasoning, even when structures are implicit
- compare and synthesise multiple sources
- recognise subtle language registers, irony, stylistic devices and underlying intentions
Write
You will be able to:
- write comprehensive, well-structured texts (analyses, syntheses, reports, essays)
- construct arguments clearly, with nuance and coherence
- adapt style and register to the target audience (professional, academic, informal)
- articulate complex ideas, opinions and conclusions clearly
- produce coherent texts that are both informative and persuasive
- analyse sources and produce accurate syntheses or summaries
- use accurate, natural grammar and advanced vocabulary
Objectives of the C1 course
Main objective of this level
You will develop near-native proficiency in French in complex situations. You will learn to communicate spontaneously, subtly and convincingly — both orally and in writing — and you will understand difficult, abstract or implicit content such as debates, conferences, reports and specialised texts. This course prepares you directly for high-level professional communication, academic skills and — if desired — DALF C1 exam preparation.
In this level, you will learn:
- to converse with great spontaneity and naturalness, without pauses or hesitations
- to formulate nuanced arguments, defend a position and refute counterarguments
- to discuss complex, abstract or sensitive topics (society, work, culture, economics, etc.)
- speak convincingly during presentations, meetings and discussions
- recognise and use subtle communication: irony, nuance, implicit messages, humour
- adapt your register to formal, informal and professional contexts
You will learn to fully understand complex auditory content, such as:
- conferences, debates, interviews, documentaries, podcasts at normal speaking speed
- conversations between native speakers, even when they are fast-paced or not perfectly structured
- emotional undertones, intentions, irony and implicit meanings
- technical language and professional vocabulary in realistic contexts
- complex instructions or procedures, including in professional environments
You will develop very strong reading skills, including the ability to:
- understand long, complex and academic texts (articles, essays, analyses, reports)
- analyse arguments, identify contradictions and evaluate reasoning
- recognise irony, stylistic devices, underlying ideas and cultural references
- compare multiple sources and summarise them critically
- read specialised articles or technical texts with sufficient accuracy
You will learn to produce comprehensive, precise and nuanced texts:
- well-structured essays, analyses, reports, memos and syntheses
- formulate complex ideas clearly and construct them logically
- develop nuanced arguments with examples and counterarguments
- use stylistic choices consciously (formal tone, neutral style, academic register)
- summarise complex information in a coherent text
- apply smooth transition sentences, stylistic variation and coherence
In C1, we focus on subtle mastery of grammatical structures, such as:
- complex sentence structures: concession, hypothesis, inference, cause and effect, emphasis
- advanced use of tenses: passé simple (receptive), subjonctif passé, conditionnel passé
- register choice: formal vs. informal (sentence structure, word order, connecting words)
- error detection and self-correction in complex texts
- precision in phraseology and fixed constructions
You will develop a rich, nuanced vocabulary:
- technical language (professional, academic, social, economic)
- idiomatic expressions, nuance words, connectives
- use of synonyms for style adaptation
- strategies for expanding your vocabulary independently
- collocations and expressions typical of advanced language use
At C1 level, you will refine your pronunciation to a professional level:
- fluent rhythm, intonation and prosody that sound natural
- correct pronunciation of difficult sounds, liaison, final sequences
- expressive intonation for conviction, nuance and modality
- comprehensibility in complex oral interactions
- conscious use of pauses, stress and speaking tempo
You will learn:
- to better understand cultural references, humour, codes and implicit communication
- to recognise differences between professional, social and academic French
- to interpret subtle social signals during interactions
- to adapt interpersonal communication to different conversation partners
- to deal with misunderstandings caused by cultural nuances or indirect phrasing
At this level, we focus on autonomy and strategic learning:
- working effectively with complex sources (videos, podcasts, specialist texts)
- applying note-taking techniques for synthesis and analysis
- self-evaluation of language use + action plan to remedy gaps
- independently expanding vocabulary with reliable strategies
- strategies for argumentation, critical analysis and text production
- preparation for DALF C1 or professional communication
Who is this training course aimed at?
This course is designed for students who already communicate fluently in French at level B2 and now want to progress to a very high level of language proficiency. Level C1 is aimed at advanced users who need French in complex professional, academic or social contexts.
This training course is ideal for:
- adults who have mastered level B2 and want to further refine their language skills
- professionals who use French in meetings, presentations, reports or international cooperation
- employees who need to use language in a convincing, nuanced and professional manner
- students or academics preparing for university studies in French
- expats, foreign-language employees and international candidates who need a high level of language proficiency for work or integration
- people who want to prepare for DALF C1 or other official language exams
- students who want to hone their oral and written skills to a near-native level
Admission requirements
Not required:
Requirements:
Why is this training course right for you?
The C1 level is ideal for students who want to communicate not only correctly, but also fluently, subtly and convincingly. This course helps you to use French in complex situations: professional, academic, social and cultural. You will learn to refine your language use, strengthen your spontaneous speaking skills and professionalise your written communication.
Contents of this training course
The programme consists of six modular blocks of 20 hours, each focusing on one aspect of advanced language proficiency: from spontaneous communication to in-depth analysis, from academic writing to professional interaction. You can take individual modules or the entire course, depending on your goal and level.
What you will learn:
- to speak fluently and spontaneously without searching for words
- to conduct complex conversations in a variety of situations
- to argue, nuance, rephrase and persuade
- to respond to implicit messages, subtle signals and undertones
- to participate in fast-paced discussions between native speakers
- to improve intonation, rhythm and prosody at an advanced level
What you will learn:
- analyse current topics (politics, media, economics, society)
- understand complex texts, podcasts and videos
- compare points of view, formulate counterarguments
- express nuanced opinions using rich vocabulary
- respond critically to news articles, reports and debates
- recognise subtle styles (ironic, formal, journalistic, etc. )
What you will learn:
- how to deal with complex professional situations (meetings, presentations)
- how to master formal and informal registers
- how to negotiate, advise, summarise and report
- how to write professional emails, summaries and memos
- how to explain complex instructions and procedures
- how to communicate fluently with native speakers in work environments
What you will learn:
- writing structured, detailed texts
- analyses, syntheses, essays and argumentative texts
- coherence, logical structure and stylistic finesse
- variation in syntax and high-level vocabulary
- error correction, reformulation and refinement of style
- mastery of formal, academic and professional registers
What you will learn:
- analyse long, complex documents (articles, reports, conferences)
- take notes efficiently (structural diagrams, key ideas, synthesis)
- distinguish between main and secondary issues
- make in-depth interpretations
- summarise complex information orally and in writing
- strategies for processing large amounts of input
What you will learn:
- Oral examination: presentation, argumentation, improvisation
- Written examination: synthesis, essay, analysis and reasoning
- Examination strategies to manage time, structure and argumentation
- Refining language use to examination level
- Avoiding typical mistakes and improving style
- Practice examinations and individual feedback
How we work:
- high-level communicative & interactive approach
- strong focus on spontaneous speaking skills and nuance
- realistic case studies, debates and role-plays
- analysis of authentic material (media, conferences, reports)
- intensive feedback from experienced C1 trainers
- tailored exercises according to your professional or academic needs
Our methodology
Our approach remains communicative, action-oriented and practical, but at level C1 there is an even stronger emphasis on nuance, analysis, critical thinking skills and clear professional and academic communication.
Communicative interaction
Oral expression is at the heart of learning.
Realistic situations and dialogues.
Functional use of language (rather than theoretical).
Small groups (3 to 8 participants)
more speaking time
immediate feedback
individual support
Action-based learning
role-playing games and micro-tasks
missions in a real-world context
emphasis on what learners can immediately put into practice
Authentic materials
videos, audio, advertisements, documents
modern sources → actual language
Skills integration
listening, speaking, reading and writing combined
natural language progression
Assessment and monitoring
Our courses follow a communicative and action-oriented approach, in line with the guidelines of the CECR.
Preliminary interview and level assessment
placement test (written + oral)
needs analysis
placement in the appropriate level
Progress and adjustments
formative assessments (4 skills)
teacher observation
content adapted to level and pace
tasks and exercises in a realistic context
Final assessment and certification
Summative assessment according to CEFR A1
Certificate of competence
Report and satisfaction survey
Document archiving (Qualiopi)
Practical information
- 120 hours in total
- spread over 6 modules of 20 hours
- schedule: usually 2 weeks per module (2 hours per day, Monday to Friday)
- small groups of 3 to 8 participants
- lots of personal guidance and speaking time
- Available online, on-site, or hybrid
- For online lessons, a laptop/smartphone + internet, microphone, and camera are required
- authentic texts, audio and video
- grammar and vocabulary sheets
- interactive tools such as Quizlet, Padlet, online whiteboards and advanced listening exercises.
- all materials are shared digitally via Digiforma or Drive
- academic texts, reports, conference excerpts, professional documents and in-depth analysis exercises.
- laptop or notebook
- headphones for online lessons
- motivation & active participation
- For C1, participants are expected to complete weekly preparatory reading and writing assignments.
- New modules start several times a year.
- For start dates, please refer to the registration form or contact us.
We strive to make our courses accessible to as many students as possible. Do you need specific support or adjustments during classes (online or on-site)? Please contact our accessibility officer:
Accessibility contact person:
Ingrid Bouillé — ingrid@languageteams.com
Together, we will look at what adjustments are possible, such as:
- extra time or support during tasks
- clarified instructions
- alternative materials
- help with digital tools
- adapted teaching methods for specific needs
People with disabilities or learning difficulties are encouraged to contact us in advance so that we can provide an optimal learning experience.
