Learn French in Casablanca

French in Casablanca

Morocco's 2011 Constitution makes Arabic and Amazigh the official languages of the state and encourages the learning of widely spoken foreign languages. French has no official status, and courts have ruled that public administrations should use Arabic or Amazigh in their official documents. In practice, French remains very present in Casablanca. It is widely used in private business, contracts and advertising, it is the reference language for medical studies and hospital records, and it is used to teach economic and technical subjects in many secondary and higher education programmes. Many Casablancans move easily between Darija, Moroccan Arabic, and French in the same conversation.

Why people in Casablanca learn French

Casablanca is the country's financial and industrial centre, home to Casablanca Finance City and the headquarters of most large Moroccan companies. In banking, consulting, engineering and the many call centres serving French-speaking clients, French is often a hiring requirement. Students aiming at Moroccan engineering or business schools, or at universities in France, need strong French for courses and entrance tests. French also helps with doctors, pharmacies and private schools. For visitors and new residents, it is the easiest second language for menus, signs and taxis.

The French you'll hear

The French spoken in Casablanca is standard French with a Moroccan accent, and it is often mixed with Darija, sometimes within the same sentence. You will hear Arabic greetings such as salam before a conversation continues in French. Business French here tends to be formal and precise, especially in emails and meetings. Everyday conversation is relaxed, and people will usually switch to French with foreigners who do not speak Darija.

• 🔊Le tramway passe par le boulevard Mohammed V ?Does the tram go along Boulevard Mohammed V?
• 🔊J'ai un entretien dans une banque demain.I have an interview at a bank tomorrow.
• 🔊Vous pouvez m'envoyer le devis par e-mail ?Can you send me the quote by email?
• 🔊Je voudrais un rendez-vous chez le médecin.I'd like an appointment with the doctor.
• 🔊On prend un café sur la corniche ?Shall we have a coffee on the corniche?

French exams in Casablanca

The Institut français du Maroc in Casablanca runs the DELF and DALF for adults and young learners, and several versions of the TCF: TCF Tout public, TCF Canada, TCF Québec and the TCF for French residence and nationality. For study in France, Campus France Morocco accepts results such as DELF B2, DALF C1 or the TCF. Check the institute's certification page for current sessions.

Check dates and fees with the exam centre directly; they change every session.

Where to start in the course

French Ultimate is an online course, so you can follow it from Casablanca or anywhere else. These topics are the most useful here:

• B2Business French: meetings and formal letters
• A2Jobs and work in French
• B1Travel French: delays, cancellations and complaints

Questions about learning French in Casablanca