Learn French in New York
New York has more ties to the French language than most American cities, from the United Nations to bilingual classrooms in Brooklyn. This page explains why New Yorkers learn French and where to certify your level.
French in New York
French is not an official language in New York, but the city treats it as one of its main community languages. Under Local Law 30 of 2017, French is one of ten designated citywide languages, alongside Haitian Creole, so city agencies that serve the public translate their most common documents into it. The Department of City Planning's analysis of the 2012 to 2016 American Community Survey counted about 83,000 New Yorkers aged five and over speaking French at home, and about 110,000 speaking Haitian Creole. At UN headquarters in Manhattan, English and French are the working languages of the Secretariat. Since 2007, some public schools in Manhattan and Brooklyn have run French dual-language programs.
Why people in New York learn French
New Yorkers learn French for reasons that are hard to match elsewhere in the United States. Jobs at the UN, its agencies and the missions of French-speaking countries often ask for it, since French is one of the Secretariat's two working languages. Because the city designates French for language access, health, education and social services need bilingual staff to talk with French-speaking families. Parents with children in dual-language classes want to follow along at home. And with direct flights to Paris and Montréal, a weekend in a francophone city is realistic.
The French you'll hear
In New York you meet French speakers from France, Canada, Haiti, West and Central Africa and beyond, so your ear needs to handle several accents. Learn standard French first, because it is what the UN, FIAF and most media use, then listen widely. Haitian Creole is a separate language, so a Haitian neighbour may speak Creole at home and switch to French with you. International channels such as TV5MONDE and RFI, which feature speakers from many countries, are good listening practice.
- Je travaille aux Nations unies.I work at the United Nations.
- Vous venez de quel pays ?Which country are you from?
- Mon fils est en classe bilingue.My son is in a bilingual class.
- On se retrouve devant la station de métro ?Shall we meet outside the subway station?
- Je peux vous aider à remplir ce formulaire.I can help you fill in this form.
French exams in New York
FIAF, the French Institute Alliance Française, holds DELF and DALF sessions for adults at levels A1 to C2, and DELF Junior sessions for teenagers. Registration goes through the FIAF Language Center, which also offers a free online placement test and exam preparation classes in its fall and spring terms. DELF and DALF are French government diplomas and remain valid for life. If you need TCF or TEF Canada, confirm current availability with the test centre before planning.
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 New York or anywhere else. These topics are the most useful here:
Questions about learning French in New York
Do I need French to work at the United Nations?
Not for every post, but it helps. English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat, and many vacancies list French as an asset. A recognised certificate such as the DALF C1 gives hiring managers a clear benchmark. French Ultimate is an online course, not a New York school, and its upper levels cover debate, presentations and formal writing.
My child is in a French dual-language program. Can I learn alongside them?
Yes. Starting at A1 now means you will soon read school notices and help with simple homework. Short daily lessons fit around school runs and commutes. With regular practice, A2, the level for simple everyday conversations, is a realistic goal for a busy parent, and it makes talking with teachers much easier.
Should I learn the French of France or of Québec?
Start with standard French, which every francophone understands and which the DELF uses. If you often visit Montréal, add Québec listening later. The grammar is the same, and the differences are mainly accent and some everyday words, so the switch is easier than many learners expect.
Learn French from New York, 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