Learn French in Chicago
Chicago's written history begins with French explorers, and French still links the city to Paris and Montréal. This page explains why Chicagoans learn French and where to sit the official exams without leaving Illinois.
French in Chicago
French speakers were among the first Europeans in the Chicago area. In 1673 the explorers Père Marquette and Louis Jolliet were shown a portage between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi basin, the route that first drew settlement to the site. By 1778 Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, whom the city officially recognises as its first permanent non-Indigenous settler, had established himself near the Chicago River. French has no official status today, but Paris has been one of Chicago's sister cities since 1996, and the Alliance Française de Chicago describes itself as Illinois's only official French examination centre.
Why people in Chicago learn French
Chicagoans learn French for study, business and travel. Students heading to universities in France often need a DELF or TCF result, and both can be taken in the city. Canada is close: Montréal and Québec City are short flights from O'Hare, and residents considering a move north can sit TEF Canada locally. The sister-city link with Paris supports cultural exchanges. Others learn because their family history leads back to French Canada, or simply to read French novels and follow French news in the original.
The French you'll hear
Chicago learners usually need one of two Frenches: the standard French of France for study and travel in Europe, or Canadian French for trips and work in Québec. Start with the standard variety, which the DELF and TCF assess, then add Québec listening if Montréal is in your plans. Illinois place names carry French traces too, such as Joliet, Des Plaines and Prairie du Rocher, so you can practise pronunciation on a local map.
- Il fait un froid de canard aujourd'hui.It's freezing cold today.
- Le vent est très fort près du lac.The wind is very strong near the lake.
- Je voudrais étudier un semestre en France.I'd like to study for a semester in France.
- Ma famille vient du Québec.My family comes from Québec.
- Où se trouve l'arrêt de bus le plus proche ?Where is the nearest bus stop?
French exams in Chicago
The Alliance Française de Chicago calls itself Illinois's only official French examination centre. Its exams page lists the DELF and DALF for adults, DELF Junior for ages 12 to 18, TCF Tout Public, TCF IRN for French nationality or long-term residence, and TEF Canada for Canadian economic immigration and citizenship. The DALF C1 and C2 are open to candidates aged 17 and over.
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 Chicago or anywhere else. These topics are the most useful here:
Questions about learning French in Chicago
Can I take the TEF Canada in Chicago?
Yes. The Alliance Française de Chicago lists TEF Canada among its exams, so you can test in Illinois for Canadian economic immigration or citizenship. Reaching NCLC 7 in all four skills earns extra Express Entry points. French Ultimate is an online course and can help you build those skills before you book a session.
I want to study in France after college. Which certificate do I need?
Requirements vary by programme, so check your target university first. Many ask international students for around B2, shown through a DELF B2 or a TCF result, and a DALF C1 is widely accepted too. Then plan backwards: reaching B2 from scratch takes steady work over a long period, so start early.
Do I need in-person classes to learn French well?
Not necessarily. Talking with real people helps, and the Alliance Française de Chicago runs cultural events where you can use your French. But structured lessons, regular listening and speaking practice can all happen online. French Ultimate has no Chicago classroom; it is built for learners who study at home and then use their French in person.
Learn French from Chicago, at your own pace
Animated video lessons that stop for your answers, speaking practice, graded stories and DELF/DALF mock exams, from A1 to C2. Start with the free placement test to see where you are.
Take the placement test