Learn French in Tunis
Tunis is Tunisia's capital, where Arabic is the official language and French remains part of daily life. You will see it on shop signs in the city centre, hear it in offices and read it in local newspapers.
French in Tunis
Tunisia's 2022 Constitution makes Arabic the country's official language, and French has no official status. Legally it is a foreign language, and in court a French-speaking defendant needs an interpreter. Even so, French remains deeply rooted in Tunis. According to Université Laval's language planning site, scientific and technical subjects in higher education are still taught mostly in French, business is largely conducted in French, and technical and economic work in the administration often happens in French. French-language newspapers and magazines are published alongside the Arabic press. Tunisia is also a member of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie and hosted its 18th summit in Djerba in November 2022.
Why people in Tunis learn French
In Tunis, French is a practical career skill. Banks, engineering firms, IT companies and call centres serving French clients often ask for strong French. Students in medicine, engineering and the sciences need it for lectures and textbooks. Many Tunisians also learn French to study, work or join family in France, Belgium or Canada, which means preparing for the DELF, DALF, TCF or TEF. For foreign residents, French is the easiest bridge into Tunisian life alongside Tunisian Arabic, and it makes doctors, landlords and paperwork much simpler.
The French you'll hear
In Tunis, French is spoken with a Tunisian accent and is often mixed with Tunisian Arabic, called Derja or Tounsi, within the same conversation. Many French words have entered Derja, so you may recognise them even in Arabic speech. Formal French in offices and the press is close to the standard used in France. In shops and cafés, people readily switch to French with foreigners, which gives learners plenty of chances to practise.
- Le TGM va jusqu'à La Marsa ?Does the TGM train go to La Marsa?
- On se retrouve avenue Habib-Bourguiba ?Shall we meet on Avenue Habib-Bourguiba?
- Je prépare le TCF pour partir au Canada.I'm preparing the TCF to move to Canada.
- C'est combien, ce tapis ?How much is this rug?
- Vous parlez français ou arabe ?Do you speak French or Arabic?
French exams in Tunis
The Institut français de Tunisie has a centre in Tunis and lists the DELF and DALF, several versions of the TCF including TCF Canada, TCF Québec and the TCF for French residence and nationality, and the TEF Canada and TEF Québec among its tests. It also runs exam preparation courses. Dates differ between its centres in Tunis and other cities, so check the institute's website for the current calendar.
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 Tunis or anywhere else. These topics are the most useful here:
Questions about learning French in Tunis
Is French still useful in Tunis if it is not official?
Yes. Arabic is the only official language, but French remains widely used in business, science teaching, technical administration and the media. For many jobs in Tunis, and for study or immigration abroad, good French is a strong advantage. More young people are also learning English, so having both is increasingly common.
Which test should I take to move to Canada from Tunis?
For federal programmes such as Express Entry, Canada accepts only TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Québec also accepts the TCF Québec and the TEF for Québec, among others. The Institut français de Tunisie lists these tests. Results are usually valid for two years, so time your exam with your application.
Is there a French Ultimate classroom in Tunis?
No. French Ultimate is fully online, with no school, teachers or events in Tunis. You can study at your own pace with video lessons, speaking practice and graded stories, then use our DELF and DALF mock exams to get ready for an official session at the Institut français.
Learn French from Tunis, 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