French - Français

Parlez-vous français? The French language in addition to the English language is a language which is spoken and studied on all continents. After English, French is the most studied language in the world and it is the fifth most spoken language in the world.

General Information

There are about 300 million French speakers on five continents.

One day in your future you may working in a place where the ability to communicate in French will be a great advantage. You could be working in a European Union office, the World Trade Uniion, the European Space Agency, FIFA, the United Union or any number of such international positions. In such cases you will most likely use French as your working language.

Knowledge of French and the ability to communicate will serve you in your travels and in the study of cultural diversity.

If you are interested in studying French, read this and watch and listen to this video.

French courses

French learning path

French courses are offered at different skill levels. Under the skill levels you will find the courses and instructions on previous studies as well as timing.

The teacher of French will be happy to advise you on choosing the right course. Contact us: maritta.riekki@oulu.fi


Skill level A1

If you have no previous French studies or have completed individual courses in upper secondary school, choose French Beginner 1, and thereafter French Beginner 2 (skill level A1/A2). French Beginner 1 is organised in the autumn term, French Beginner 2 in the spring term.

Skill level A2

If you have completed French Beginner 2 at university or have equivalent knowledge (e.g. 3 years at school), you can continue with the French Intermediate1. French Intermediate 1 is organised in the autumn term.

Skill level A2/B1

If you have completed French Intermediate 1 at university or have equivalent knowledge (e.g. 3–5 years at school), you can continue with French Intermediate 2. This course is organised in the spring term.


Skill level B1/B2

If you have completed Intermediate 2 at university or have equivalent knowledge (e.g. 5 years at school), you can continue with the courses listed below. Your French level will be tested before the courses start.

Oral Expression 1, French Language Structures and Translation French-Finnish, French Knowledge and Vocabulary Course. These courses are organised in the autumn term.

The following courses are organised in the spring term: Written Expression 1, French Structures and Translation Finnish-French and Entre cultures.

You can also continue studying French with Tandem Finnish-French. Tandem is a self-study course with a partner whose native language is French. Tandem courses are available in both the autumn and spring terms.

Skill level B2/C1

After completing these courses, you can continue your French studies at the advanced level as a minor subject in the Faculty of Humanities. For further information please contact the teacher: maritta.riekki@oulu.fi