Learn French by Podcast

115: Plane travel and airport security

10 Sep 2008

Contributed by Lukas

Brian, one of our listeners in Canada, asked that we would do a lesson on the difficulties one experiences nowadays travelling. In particular, the sec...

114: Shopping for clothes

23 Aug 2008

Contributed by Lukas

One of our listeners asked for a lesson which would help when buying clothes. In this Beginner lesson – lesson 114 – that will be the topic conver...

113: Getting to know more about the Tour de France

15 Aug 2008

Contributed by Lukas

The Tour de France is the world’s premier cycling race. It traces a route – ‘la Grande Boucle’ – through France and certain stages – des ‘...

112: Large numbers and dates

28 Jul 2008

Contributed by Lukas

One of our listeners in the U.S. asked if we would create a lesson focusing on larger numbers, for example those found in dates, and so on. That’s t...

111: "What about the Irish who voted 'No' to the Lisbon Treaty?"

02 Jul 2008

Contributed by Lukas

In this lesson, lesson 111, we discuss the rejection of the Lisbon Treaty by Irish voters. An event which dominated current affairs in Europe recently...

110: "The race to the White House has truly begun!"

25 Jun 2008

Contributed by Lukas

The real race to the White House has begun, after a gruelling campaign for the Democrats. For now Hillary Clinton is out of the picture, leaving Barac...

109: "The price of oil is going through the roof!"

18 Jun 2008

Contributed by Lukas

In this lesson, lesson 109, our conversation centres on oil and, more significantly, the spiralling price of oil. Let's discover some of the vocabular...

108: How to say 'my', 'your', 'his', 'her'...

13 Jun 2008

Contributed by Lukas

In this Beginner lesson, lesson 108, we talk about possessive adjectives, that is, words like ‘my’, ‘your’ and ‘his’ in English. We'll dis...

107: "Were you watching Roland Garros?"

07 Jun 2008

Contributed by Lukas

Kaleema, one of our listeners in the U.S. asked if we would talk a little about tennis and Roland Garros. That’s the topic for today’s lesson. We’...

106: "Do you know the Dordogne?"

06 Jun 2008

Contributed by Lukas

The subject we will deal with in this lesson was suggested to us by Maureen, one of our listeners in Australia. This year, Maureen will forsake city l...

105: "I have such backache!..."

29 May 2008

Contributed by Lukas

In this lesson we talk about a common physical condition which effects so many people : back pain. We’ll learn how to describe the pain and we’l...

104: "Let's buy costume jewelry for the fancy dress!"

23 May 2008

Contributed by Lukas

In this lesson, lesson 104, we'll discover the vocabulary required to go on a shopping trip for inexpensive jewelry. Sophie wants to buy jewelry which...

103: In the kitchen garden...

14 May 2008

Contributed by Lukas

This lesson is in response to an idea from Brian living in the Hautes-Alpes who was taking some time out from working in his kitchen garden and wanted...

102: "Let's count!" [Part III]

12 May 2008

Contributed by Lukas

Lessons 93 and 96 dealt with numbers from 1 - 20 and 21 - 69, respectively. This beginner lesson will take us from 70 to 100, and beyond. We will then...

101: Complaining about poor service in a restaurant

02 May 2008

Contributed by Lukas

One of our listeners asked: 'How do you complain about bad service?' In this lesson, we will see how to say we didn't order something, how to say that...

100: "It's our anniversary..."

21 Apr 2008

Contributed by Lukas

Hard though it is to believe, we have reached our hundredth lesson since we first started in June 2006. So, in this lesson, why not talk about anniver...

99: "Marion Cotillard as Édith Piaf in 'La Môme': did you enjoy her interpretation?"

14 Apr 2008

Contributed by Lukas

'La Môme' was released into French cinemas recently. It is the story of France's best known singer – the artist who made 'Non, je ne regrette rien'...

98: "Have you been following the situation in Zimbabwe?"

08 Apr 2008

Contributed by Lukas

Zimbabwe is anxiously awaiting the results of presidential elections. Robert Mugabe, in power for the last 28 years, looks to be in trouble but shows ...

97: "What about the Olympics in Beijing?"

31 Mar 2008

Contributed by Lukas

In this lesson, lesson 97, we'll hear a brief discussion about the Olympics in Beijing. Let's get started with a role-play between Yves and Olive. We'...

96: "Let's count!" [part II]

21 Mar 2008

Contributed by Lukas

This short lesson is a follow-on from lesson 93 on the numbers from 1 to 10. This time, we'll proceed as far as the number 69. From 70 onwards, there ...

95: "'Les Cantonales', 'Les Régionales', tell me more?"

09 Mar 2008

Contributed by Lukas

Local and regional elections are about to take place in France. It's all a little complicated, in fact. In this lesson - an advanced leson completely ...

94: "Hey, Xavier, you've been working out!"

05 Mar 2008

Contributed by Lukas

This lesson is in response to a listener who asked about getting fit, going to the gym, avoiding fast food and so on. The possibilities are endless bu...

93: "Let's count!"

23 Feb 2008

Contributed by Lukas

This is a short lesson, for beginners, to recap on one of the basics – numbers and counting. We'll focus on the numbers 1 to 10 and discuss a few po...

92: "Did you hear about the Société Générale Scandal?"

08 Feb 2008

Contributed by Lukas

It seems that one quick way of becoming a cult hero is to blow over 7 billion dollars on financial trading. That’s what has happened in the case of ...

91: A job interview

31 Jan 2008

Contributed by Lukas

This lesson, lesson 91, centres on a job interview. We'll study the verbs 'to apply (for)', 'to specialise' and 'to spread oneself too thin'; we'll al...

90: "How do I get to the Post Office?"

25 Jan 2008

Contributed by Lukas

It has been a while since we have had a basic lesson so this lesson - our 90th lesson - is just that. Let’s talk a little about directions. We’ll ...

89: "What is your opinion of these 'Miss France' competitions?"

14 Jan 2008

Contributed by Lukas

Despite the fact that such events are becoming more anachronistic with each passing year, there is still no shortage of enthusiasm for events like the...

88: "Did you see? The towns are all decorated!"

29 Dec 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Though France could not be described as a religious country, Christmas is widely celebrated in French towns and cities, with children eagerly anticipa...

87: "What a fine dog! What breed is he?"

17 Dec 2007

Contributed by Lukas

This time, we’ll hear a conversation between two people who meet in the park and have a general chat about their dogs. We'll study lots of new vocab...

86: Helping look after a friend's child

08 Dec 2007

Contributed by Lukas

This lesson is in response to a suggestion made by Gene who will be looking after an 8-month-old baby on New Year's Eve for friends. But what about al...

85: Strikes yet again?!

01 Dec 2007

Contributed by Lukas

It seems nobody can organise strikes quite like the French. In recent weeks, President Sarkozy has had his first real test since coming into office wi...

84: "Am I speaking to the plumber?" [Part II]

21 Nov 2007

Contributed by Lukas

In the last lesson, we called a plumber and spoke to him over the phone. This time, in lesson 84, the plumber calls ‘round to conclude the job. Let’...

83: "Am I speaking to the plumber?" [Part I]

10 Nov 2007

Contributed by Lukas

This lesson is based on a request from one of our listeners who needed the assistance of a plumber while in France. So, what happens if the bath drain...

82: "Have you heard about the Jammie Thomas affair?"

30 Oct 2007

Contributed by Lukas

In this lesson, lesson 82, we talk about a recent court ruling in the U.S regarding Jammie Thomas, found guilty of downloading and illegally re-distri...

81: A walk in the forest

17 Oct 2007

Contributed by Lukas

The scene of this lesson is the forest of Fontainebleau where Amélie and Xavier are having a stroll, and picking up a few delicious mushrooms along t...

80: "Do you know about the new French number plates?"

09 Oct 2007

Contributed by Lukas

In this, our 80th lesson, we talk about a change which will soon apply to all new French car registrations. The distinctive French number plate which ...

79: "Would you like a coffee?"

28 Sep 2007

Contributed by Lukas

In this lesson, lesson 79, we will learn how to simply ask if someone would fancy a cup of coffee that we are about to make. And, while we are at it, ...

78: "It's sad that Pavarotti has passed away, don't you think?"

20 Sep 2007

Contributed by Lukas

This month, Italy lost one of her great musicians and personalities in Luciano Pavarotti. In this lesson, let’s talk about what made him a household...

77: "Do you mind if I smoke?"

08 Sep 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Some people love them, others hate them. Still more cannot do without them. But, what if someone asks you if it is ok to light up a cigarette in your ...

76: "That guy has a bit of a (personal) problem..."

01 Sep 2007

Contributed by Lukas

It’s an issue none of us likes to talk about but one we occasionally confront in the workplace. So what about the delicate subject of personal hygie...

75: The holidays are over!

24 Aug 2007

Contributed by Lukas

It is perhaps the most hated word in the French language. In fact, the noun itself - 'la rentrée' - means simply, 'the return' but, for secondary sch...

74: 'Vélib'... it's fantastic!

17 Aug 2007

Contributed by Lukas

In this lesson, Amélie will tell us about 'les Vélib' (vélos libres), an initiative in the French capital which puts bicycles at the disposal of th...

73: "What did you do for the environment today?" [Part II]

10 Aug 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Continuing our theme of the last lesson, this time we look at the promises made by President Sarkozy in relation to the environment during the run-up ...

72: "What did you do for the environment today?" [Part I]

01 Aug 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Though he wasn’t in the final reckoning for the French presidential election, the participation of Nicolas Hulot, a prominent environmentalist, drew...

71: "I had to do overtime..."

27 Jul 2007

Contributed by Lukas

The number of hours worked per week by French employees has been a hot topic in France recently. In this lesson, let’s study some of the vocabulary ...

70: "Is there a special ticket I can buy?"

17 Jul 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Perhaps the first thing tourists to the French capital must think about is how best to get around. In this lesson, lesson 70, let’s hear a conversat...

69: "I'd like to hire a car" [Part II]

13 Jul 2007

Contributed by Lukas

In the last lesson, we were talking about hiring a car. In this second part of the two-part lesson, let’s complete the task. We’ll hear the final ...

68: "I'd like to hire a car" [Part I]

28 Jun 2007

Contributed by Lukas

It's summer vacation time. In this lesson, let's discover how to carry out a common task for tourists - to hire a car. We'll learn how to ask the basi...

67: "You never stop complaining!"

23 Jun 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Antoine and Linda are visiting the Louvre Museum in this lesson. Though it should be an enjoyable outing, Antoine is unhappy about a number of things ...

66: "How are you?..."

21 Jun 2007

Contributed by Lukas

A listener recently asked us: 'Which lesson deals with 'Ça va?'!…' Though it's a simple expression, it's an essential one. As it’s been a while s...

65: "I'm as stiff as a board today!"

13 Jun 2007

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a physical feeling we experience frequently, after sport, a day’s gardening, whatever. We’ll be talking about feeling stiff in this lesson ...

64: "I gave blood today!"

30 May 2007

Contributed by Lukas

A good deed - giving blood, to be precise - is the topic of this lesson, lesson 64. We'll study a variety of expressions, including 'I did a good deed...

63: "Do you know anyone who can help me with electrical work?"

25 May 2007

Contributed by Lukas

We're looking for someone to help us with a specific task, once again, in this lesson. The job in question is electrical work: we'll discover some ele...

62: "Do you know anyone who can help me create a website?"

21 May 2007

Contributed by Lukas

We're looking for someone to help create a website in this lesson - Lesson 62. We'll learn some useful computing-related vocabulary. In addition to th...

61: "What've you been up to this last month?!"

16 May 2007

Contributed by Lukas

When we bump into someone we haven’t met for a while, we’ll commonly ask them what they’ve been up to. That’s the topic of this lesson. We'll ...

60: "How is your course going?"

08 May 2007

Contributed by Lukas

In this lesson, we'll study the vocabulary needed to ask someone how he or she is progressing at an art course. We'll examine a range of useful expres...

59: "I saw something interesting on TV last night..."

29 Apr 2007

Contributed by Lukas

We'll discover how to discuss a programme from last night's TV schedule in this lesson. In particular, Xavier talks about a documentary he saw on the ...

58: "So, who do you think will make it to the Oval Office?"

26 Apr 2007

Contributed by Lukas

In our recent discussion of American politics, we mentioned Barack Obama. This time our role-play will focus on whether America is ready for a woman t...

57: "Have you been following the political situation in the U.S.?"

20 Apr 2007

Contributed by Lukas

France will soon have a new President. So, too, will the U.S. In London, Tony Blair will be leaving 10 Downing Street after 10 years as British Prime ...

56: "What are your thoughts on the situation in Iraq?"

17 Apr 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Hardly a day passes without the terrible conflict in Iraq making the news headlines. In this lesson, lesson 56, we'll study vocabulary which will allo...

55: "I think my dog may have eaten poison..."

10 Apr 2007

Contributed by Lukas

This time, our dog is in trouble and requires a trip to the vet. We'll learn how to say that something is wrong and we'll study a number of useful ver...

54: At the dentist's [Part II]

30 Mar 2007

Contributed by Lukas

In our last lesson, a trip to the dentist resulted in a filling. The dentist and patient had a brief chat at the end of the appointment. Let's see how...

53: At The Dentist's [Part I]

29 Mar 2007

Contributed by Lukas

In our last lesson, we saw how to make an dental appointment. This time, we’re in the dentist’s chair… The drill, fillings, injections, cavities...

52: "I'd like to make an appointment to see the dentist..."

25 Mar 2007

Contributed by Lukas

We'll see how to make an appointment to see the dentist in this lesson. We'll meet a variety of useful expressions, including 'prendre rendezvous avec...

51: "I'd like to reserve a table for four, please..."

17 Mar 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Our task is a simple but common one in this lesson - that is, to make a restaurant reservation. We'll learn to recognise some common questions which a...

50: "I'd like to hire a pair of ski-boots, please..."

09 Mar 2007

Contributed by Lukas

A ski-wear shop is the setting for this, our 50th Learn French by Podcast lesson. We'll see how to make effective use of the verbs 'aimer', 'suivre', ...

49: "There's a problem in my hotel room..."

28 Feb 2007

Contributed by Lukas

A hotel guest makes contact with the front desk in relation to a problem in his room. We'll discover how to say 'I can't get it to work'. We'll also p...

48: "I'd like to book a room for this evening, please..."

26 Feb 2007

Contributed by Lukas

We'll learn how to carry out a common task in this lesson - to book a hotel room. We'll see how to ask the receptionist how we should pay, if we can h...

47: The elections are approaching!

23 Feb 2007

Contributed by Lukas

With the presidential elections in France just around the corner, it’s time to learn some vocabulary related to politics and voting, in general. Tha...

46: "What did you do for your winter vacation?"

17 Feb 2007

Contributed by Lukas

In lessons 21 and 22 we spoke about a vacation we’d had. This time, in lesson 46, we’ll hear about a winter vacation and, with the World Ski Champ...

45: "Hello, and welcome to La Maternelle des Marguerites!"

09 Feb 2007

Contributed by Lukas

In this lesson, lesson 45, a father brings his son to playschool for the first time. Let's hear the conversation between Mr. Jones and the playschool ...

44: "I had a narrow escape this morning!..."

30 Jan 2007

Contributed by Lukas

The French tendency to drive fast will form the basis of our lesson this time - our conversation will deal with a near miss on the road. We'll learn h...

43: "Damn! I've broken it..."

25 Jan 2007

Contributed by Lukas

An incident in a shop where a customer drops and breaks something is the subject of this lesson. The reaction of the shop assistant will bring up the ...

42: "I'm starving! When can we sit at the table?!"

23 Jan 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Our food is almost prepared. But we want to ask when exactly it will be ready and when we should sit at the table. Let's see how to do that in this le...

41: "I didn't know Paul was religious, did you?"

18 Jan 2007

Contributed by Lukas

We'll be talking about someone who is quite religious in this lesson. We'll meet the adjectives 'croyant' and 'pratiquant' to describe such a person, ...

40: "How am I going to explain it to him?"

10 Jan 2007

Contributed by Lukas

Relationship problems are the topic of this lesson! We'll learn how to ask someone what's wrong, we'll meet the reflexive verb "se séparer" and we'll...

39: "I can't find my keys!"

30 Dec 2006

Contributed by Lukas

We'll deal with a common scenario in this lesson: we've lost our keys. We'll learn how to say we can't find them and where to look for them. We'll als...

38: "My meeting has been cancelled!"

26 Dec 2006

Contributed by Lukas

'annuler', 'reporter' and 'modifier' are three verbs we'll meet in this lesson, as well as the expression 'C'est (vraiment) pas de chance!' In this le...

37: "Could you lend me some money?"

19 Dec 2006

Contributed by Lukas

We sometimes find ourselves in a position where we need to borrow money from someone. In this lesson - lesson 37 - let's find out how to do just that....

36: "I'd like to buy phone credit, please..."

17 Dec 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Some people choose to pay their mobile phone bills by monthly standing order. Many others, however, simply choose a pay-as-you-go option, buying credi...

35: "Have you met Léa recently? She's put on weight!"

07 Dec 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Putting on weight is a topic we'd sometimes prefer not to think about but that's the topic of conversation in this lesson, lesson 35. We'll meet the v...

34: "That fragrance is nice, don't you think?"

28 Nov 2006

Contributed by Lukas

We often pass comment on fragrances - food, perfume, flowers, nature, and so on. Let's study, in this short lesson, some expressions which will allows...

33: "Excuse me... would you have the time?"

24 Nov 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Whether we like it or not, our modern lives are ruled by the clock. Let's study one of the basics in this lesson: how to tell the time. We'll also mee...

32: "How are things going for your new colleague?"

17 Nov 2006

Contributed by Lukas

In this lesson, lesson 32, we'll be talking about Amélie's new colleague at work. Let's see what his responsibilities are and discover a little about...

31: "Tell me about your hometown..."

08 Nov 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Let's listen to Xavier tell us a little about his home town in this lesson. We'll work with a number of useful expressions which could be used in a wi...

30: "White, Red or Rosé?"

31 Oct 2006

Contributed by Lukas

In this lesson, we'll be talking briefly about wine, and the kinds of food we might eat with the various types of wines. We'll meet some useful vocabu...

29: "It's been a long time!... What have you been up to?!"

29 Oct 2006

Contributed by Lukas

In this lesson, lesson 29, we'll find out how to say "It's been a while!" or "It's been a long time!" We'll also see how to ask what someone's been up...

28: "Do you have the internet at home?"

25 Oct 2006

Contributed by Lukas

In this lesson, we'll be dealing with some internet-related vocabulary. We'll meet some other useful expressions, too, including "I don't want to comp...

27: "Wow! Your hair looks great!"

19 Oct 2006

Contributed by Lukas

In this lesson, we're talking about someone's new hairstyle. We'll discover some "technical" terms in relation to hairstyling, we'll look at two diffe...

26: "Could you do me a favour?"

11 Oct 2006

Contributed by Lukas

In this lesson, our goal is to find out how to ask someone to do a favour for us. We'll meet the expression "rendre un service à quelqu'un". We'll al...

Learn French by Podcast: Announcement

06 Oct 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Hello from Learn French by Podcast. This is a special announcement regarding our audio French lessons and accompanying Lesson Guides. Those of you who...

25: "Is this a vegetarian dish?"

05 Oct 2006

Contributed by Lukas

You're in a restaurant, looking forward to your meal. That menu, however, is a little confusing: what about all those ingredients... and the names of ...

24: "Excuse me... Is this seat taken?"

26 Sep 2006

Contributed by Lukas

It's a situation we find ourselves in regularly. We're in a bar or an auditorium looking for a seat. But... is the one we have our eye on actually fre...

23: "Sorry, I can't make it tonight..."

19 Sep 2006

Contributed by Lukas

In this lesson we'll discover how to postpone an appointment we've made. We'll study the expression "Je ne vais pas pouvoir ... [+ infinitive]" and we...

22: "How was your holiday?" [Part II]

12 Sep 2006

Contributed by Lukas

In the second part of this two-part episode we'll meet the verb "profiter (de)", we'll use the verb "devoir" to say things like "It must have been [di...

21: "How was your holiday?" [Part I]

04 Sep 2006

Contributed by Lukas

You're just back from a fantastic vacation. The first question you'll be asked, of course, is "How did it go?" There's so much to talk about: the weat...

20: "I need something for these mosquito bites!"

24 Aug 2006

Contributed by Lukas

A trip abroad can often lead to some unexpected physical condition - an upset stomach, itching from insect bites, blistered feet, or whatever. That, i...

19: "My cell phone isn't working. I'd like to have it repaired, please..."

17 Aug 2006

Contributed by Lukas

"My cell phone isn't working. I'd like to have it repaired, please..." In this lesson, we'll find out what to say if we need to have something repaire...

18: "A return ticket to Toulouse, please..."

10 Aug 2006

Contributed by Lukas

In this lesson, let's find out how to buy a train ticket. The vocabulary we'll meet will be just as useful when purchasing inter-city bus tickets, pla...

17: "She's not here right now - would you like to leave a message?"

04 Aug 2006

Contributed by Lukas

You make a phone call, but the person you're looking for isn't there. Should you leave a message? Or maybe that's not necessary - you'll call back lat...