Coucou ☕️🇫🇷🥐 I'm Amélie Laurent and this is a 💎 subscriber-only edition 💎 of my newsletter, where I supercharge your progress from A2 to B2 through colloquial dialogues. Your support means the world to me.
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Coucou mes petits linguistes ! 👋 Joyeux Noël !

It’s Christmas so this one’s free for everyone. Ho. Ho. Ho. 🎁

I hope you’re all working your way into the festive mood.

Today’s dialogue covers an activity many of you will have already done I think.

Although the rules on Christmas trees appearing in living rooms windows never have been clear to me! Let’s see what my readers make of the whole thing…

This week can be an incredibly busy one for many, so go easy on yourself!
Forcing a study habit over the Christmas break often does more harm than good I’ve found with my students.

Gros Bisous
A 🤶🏻

Décoration de l'arbre de Noël 🎄

Dialogue Audio 🎧

Slower Audio 🐢

Dialogue du Jour

Samuel: Salut Inès! Tu es prête ✪ pour décorer le sapin de Noël ?

Inès: Oui, Samuel! J'ai hâte de ✪ commencer. As-tu déjà sorti les guirlandes lumineuses ?

Samuel: Pas encore, je les cherche. Ah, les voilà ✪! Tu préfères quelle couleur, les bleues ou les multicolores ?

Inès: Allons-y avec les multicolores, elles sont plus festives. Et pour les boules de Noël ?

Samuel: J'ai des rouges, des dorées et des argentées. On les répartit sur le sapin?

Inès: Bonne idée. Fais attention à ✪ ne pas les casser. Elles sont fragiles.

Samuel: D'accord. Et si on mettait l'étoile au sommet maintenant ?

Inès: Attendons un peu. Décorons d'abord les branches avec les guirlandes de perles.

Samuel: As-tu vu le ruban argenté ? Il ira bien avec le reste.

Inès: Oui, il est dans cette boîte. On peut l'enrouler autour du sapin.

Samuel: Parfait! Ça commence à avoir l'air vraiment joyeux. On pourrait aussi suspendre ces petits anges en bois.

Inès: Oui, et n'oublions pas les pommes de pin. Elles donnent un joli aspect naturel. Et maintenant, pour l'étoile?

Samuel  Oui, le moment tant attendu ✪! Veux-tu le faire ?

Inès: Avec plaisir! Voilà, notre sapin de Noël est prêt. Il est superbe! On a fait du beau travail. Joyeux Noël !

♡ 𝕃𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕓𝕖𝕝𝕠𝕨 👇

✪ Notes

tu es prête = tu es prêt(e) à y aller = are you ready? An essential phrase for any French learner, and as straightforward as it sounds. Whether you're gearing up for a big day or just asking a friend if they're ready to leave the house. Also a great way to remind friends you're waiting on them! "Dépêche-toi, le film commence dans 10 minutes, tu es prête?"

j'ai hâte de ✨ = je suis impatient(e) de = I can't wait to. How to express excitement about future plans or events. English speakers like saying this a lot more than French people I should note ! 😅 Shows too much enthusiasm for the French…

les voilà ✨ =  here they are! A slight alteration on the “Viola” we know and love. But don’t be scared be excited, for when you finally find something you've been searching for! Also handy when pointing out sights on your travels in France.

fais attention à ✨ = prends garde à = be careful with = reminder to be cautious. Very versatile, slippery floors, fragile objects, parting metros. “Je fais attention au vouvoiement” (I’m careful about using the vous correctly”… this is always good advice when speaking in real life!)

tant attendu =  long-awaited

*✨ = especially ‘Frenchie’ words/phrases you should try and use more
*🧩 = ‘canned’ expressions or phrases that are best learned as a whole, like puzzle-pieces.

Translation

S: Hello Inès! Are you ready to decorate the Christmas tree?

I: Yes, Samuel! I can't wait to start. Have you already taken out the fairy lights?

S: Not yet, I'm looking for them. Ah, here they are! Which color do you prefer, blue or multicolored?

I: Let's go with the multicolored ones, they are more festive. And for the Christmas balls?

S: I have red, gold, and silver ones. Shall we spread them on the tree?

I: Good idea. Be careful not to break them. They are fragile.

S: Okay. How about we put the star on top now?

I: Let's wait a bit. Let's decorate the branches with pearl garlands first.

S: Have you seen the silver ribbon? It will go well with the rest.

I: Yes, it's in this box. We can wrap it around the tree.

S: Perfect! It's starting to look really cheerful. We could also hang these little wooden angels.

I: Yes, and let's not forget the pine cones. They give a nice natural look. And now, for the star?

S: Yes, the long-awaited moment! Do you want to do it?

I: With pleasure! There, our Christmas tree is ready. It looks great! We did a good job. Merry Christmas!

Writing Prompt ✍️ Alors, quelle est votre décoration de Noël préférée ?

All answers are welcome. One word.. or one sentence.
Write me your answer in the comments. I can’t wait to read them! 👇🏼

Leave a comment

Exercise 1 - Fill in the blank 💪

Quickly test your comprehension, accelerate your learning. 🚀

1. Quand tu feras le gâteau, ___ à ne pas trop cuire les bords.
   When you make the cake, be careful not to overcook the edges.

2. Nous cherchions nos clés partout, et puis, ___ !
   We were looking for our keys everywhere, and then, there they are!

3. ___ à participer à la course de dimanche ?
   Are you ready to participate in the Sunday race?

4. J'adore les pommes de terre ___ pour le dîner.
   I love golden potatoes for dinner.

5. Après des mois de préparation, le concert ___ est enfin là.
   After months of preparation, the long-awaited concert is finally here.

If you’re struggling the ✪ Notes section is always a good place to look. 😉 The answers are all in the dialogue or notes section.

[NO PEEKING] Answer Key: 1. fais attention à  2. les voilà  3. Tu es prêt  4. dorées  5. tant attendu

Exercise 2 - Translate ⚡

If you can translate each of these sentences after the lesson then you’re making real progress. They can also me used as flashcards.

1. Samuel trouva une guirlande coincée sous le canapé et s'exclama, "Elle donnera un joli aspect à notre sapin !”.

2. Inès, en riant, répartit les boules de Noël, disant, "Pas encore, il faut d'abord démêler cette guirlande !”.

3. "Ce ruban argenté, il ira bien avec les lumières multicolores", pensa Samuel à haute voix.

4. Inès, en plaçant l'étoile, s'écria, "Enfin, notre sapin ressemble à quelque chose de magique !”.

5. Après avoir terminé, Samuel regarda leur œuvre et dit, "Nos efforts ont payé, ce sapin est digne d'une carte postale !".

1. Samuel found a garland stuck under the sofa and exclaimed, "It will give our tree a pretty look!"
2. Inès, laughing, distributed the Christmas balls, saying, "Not yet, we have to untangle this garland first!"
3. "This silver ribbon, it will go well with the multicolored lights," Samuel thought out loud.
4. Inès, placing the star, exclaimed, "Finally, our tree looks like something magical
5. After finishing, Samuel looked at their work and said, "Our efforts have paid off, this tree is worthy of a postcard!"

Christmas and Amélie 🎁 .. un rappel

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✉️ Votre invitation à Paris

𝔻𝕠𝕟'𝕥 𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕘𝕖𝕥 𝕥𝕠 ♡ 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕠𝕟 𝕊𝕦𝕓𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕔𝕜👇

Tu te sens d'humeur festive et généreuse ?

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Joyeux Noël mes chers élèves ! 🌟

Amélie x

Bienvenue, chers passionnés de la langue française,

En tant qu'abonné premium, vous avez fait le choix de l'excellence. Chaque édition est une célébration de votre dévouement à la maîtrise du français. Je suis ravie de partager cette passion avec vous.

Ensemble, nous irons loin!

Haven’t we all wondered at one point or another how to ask “Does my bum look big in this?” in French? Well today’s our lucky day, as we go shopping with Sarah and Clara.

Let’s listen in…

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Bonjour mes amis! 👋🏼 J'espère que vous allez bien.

Today it’s another classic topic : holidays. Perhaps a little cruel to throw this one out as we come into winter .. but maybe some of you are planning a little winter sun! 🙊

Today’s Writing Prompt ✍️ Où allez-vous passer vos prochaines vacances ?
I want to read these replies! 🧐

All answers are welcome. One word.. or one sentence.
Write me your answer in the comments. 👇🏼

Leave a comment

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Classic, classic, classique theme today. British people, no, everyone, loves talking about this topic. Now let’s master it.. in French!

A real popular topic—but with that French with Amélie edge!
The weather. Let’s make French people sit up and listen when we talk about it, or let’s understand what native speakers are even talking about when they mumble or shout stuff like “Ça caille!” and “Il pleut des cordes!”.

C'est parti!

PS. French with Amélie is better in the Substack app.. the format is nicer, there’s a dark mode, you can play the audio while you read. Highly recommend! 👌🏼

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Today’s Writing Prompt ✍️ Quel est le phénomène météorologique le plus extrême que vous ayez jamais vu ?

All answers are welcome. One word.. or one sentence.
Write me your answer in the comments. 👇🏼

Leave a comment

Une Façon d'Utiliser le Dialogue d'Aujourd'hui

• 💬 Use the question as a topic with your tutor (online or in-person).

You can use some ideas or new expression from the dialogue in your conversation ! It allows you to study *before* a tutoring session so you can feel more confident and prepared.

Check out my quick guide🔗 for different ways you can learn with these dialogues. Perfect if you’re finding them too easy or too hard. 🙌🏻

✉️ Votre invitation à Paris

French 101 🇫🇷 : Le temps ☔️

Dialogue du Jour

Robin : Salut Laura, t’as vu la météo ? Il pleut des cordes ✪ aujourd'hui !

— Hi L, have you seen the weather? It's raining like crazy today!

Laura : Oui, c'est vrai, Robin, il fait un temps de chien ✪. Ça caille ✪.

— Yes, that's right, R, it's raining cats and dogs. It's freezing too, isn't it?

Robin : C’est comme l'hiver en plein été. Hier, il a fait beau. La météo ✪ est vraiment imprévisible.

— Absolutely, it's like winter in the middle of summer. Yesterday it was sunny. The weather is really unpredictable.

Laura : Tu l'as dit ✪ ! Tu sais quel temps il va faire demain ?

— You said it! Do you know what the weather's going to be like tomorrow?

Robin : Je pense que ça va continuer à pleuvoir. Peut-être même un orage ✪. Ça va être un orage fantastique !

— I think it's going to keep raining. Maybe even a thunderstorm. It's going to be a fantastic storm!

Laura : Ah, j'adore les orages ! Le bruit de la pluie sur les toits est si relaxant.

— Ah, I love thunderstorms! The sound of rain on the roofs is so relaxing.

Robin : C'est vrai, c'est assez apaisant. Mais n'oublie pas ton parapluie demain, Laura. On ne sait jamais !

— It's true, it's quite soothing. But don't forget your umbrella tomorrow, L. You never know!

Laura : Oh, je ne l'oublierai pas. Je préfère être préparée. Qui sait ? Peut-être que le soleil décidera de sortir après tout.

— Oh, I won't, R. I prefer to be prepared. I mean, who knows? Maybe the sun will decide to come out after all.

Robin : C'est ce que j'espère aussi. On a tous besoin ✪ d’un peu de soleil.

— That's what I'm hoping too. We could all use a little sunshine.

Laura : Un peu de chaleur ferait du bien à tout le monde.

— Absolutely, R. A little warmth would be good for everyone.

𝔻𝕠𝕟'𝕥 𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕘𝕖𝕥 𝕥𝕠 ♡ 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕠𝕟 𝕊𝕦𝕓𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕔𝕜👇

✪ Notes

il pleut des cordes ✨ = it's raining cats and dogs (and yes, there’s the more vulgar “il pleut comme vache qui pisse”.. you can work out what that means literally). You can see these and some other weather expressions in this previous dialogue🗼

un temps de chien = (colq.) dreadful weather

ça caille ✨= (v. colq) it’s freezing ”Qu’est-ce que ça caille !” (Wow it’s freezing!)

la météo = the weather forecast. A strong case of where I hope students can pick up vocabulary from context, did you catch it and understand it earlier in the dialogue? 

tu l'as dit = you said it! V. colq version of this? (that’s why you’re here after all, isn’t it?) Tu m’étonnes ✨ = ‘you’re telling me’ or in the right context ‘No sh*t Sherlock’.  Here’s your link for more🔗

un orage = a storm “Pendant l'orage j'ai entendu le tonnerre” (During the storm I heard the thunder)

on a tous besoin 🧩 = nous pourrions tous utiliser = which is a good example of the more informal language French people actually use vs. more formal constructions you might find in a textbook. Both are right, but only one sounds right on the tongue and in a conversation.

*✨ = especially ‘Frenchie’ words/phrases you should try and use more
*🧩 = ‘canned’ expressions or phrases that are best learned as a whole, like puzzle-pieces.

Dialogue Audio 🎧

Slower Audio 🐢

Dialogue du Jour (en français)

Robin : Salut Laura, t’as vu la météo ? Il pleut des cordes ✪ aujourd'hui !

Laura : Oui, c'est vrai, Robin, il fait un temps de chien ✪. Ça caille ✪.

Robin : C’est comme l'hiver en plein été. Hier, il a fait beau. La météo ✪ est vraiment imprévisible.

Laura : Tu l'as dit ✪ ! Tu sais quel temps il va faire demain ?

Robin : Je pense que ça va continuer à pleuvoir. Peut-être même un orage ✪. Ça va être un orage fantastique !

Laura : Ah, j'adore les orages ! Le bruit de la pluie sur les toits est si relaxant.

Robin : C'est vrai, c'est assez apaisant. Mais n'oublie pas ton parapluie demain, Laura. On ne sait jamais !

Laura : Oh, je ne l'oublierai pas. Je préfère être préparée. Qui sait ? Peut-être que le soleil décidera de sortir après tout.

Robin : C'est ce que j'espère aussi. On a tous besoin ✪ d’un peu de soleil.

Laura : Un peu de chaleur ferait du bien à tout le monde.

Translation

R: Hi L, have you seen the weather? It's raining like crazy today!

L: Yes, that's right, R, it's raining cats and dogs. It's freezing too, isn't it?

R: Absolutely, it's like winter in the middle of summer. Yesterday it was sunny. The weather is really unpredictable.

L: You said it! Do you know what the weather's going to be like tomorrow?

R: I think it's going to keep raining. Maybe even a thunderstorm. It's going to be a fantastic storm!

L: Ah, I love thunderstorms! The sound of rain on the roofs is so relaxing.

R: It's true, it's quite soothing. But don't forget your umbrella tomorrow, L. You never know!

L: Oh, I won't, R. I prefer to be prepared. I mean, who knows? Maybe the sun will decide to come out after all.

R: That's what I'm hoping too. We could all use a little sunshine.

L: Absolutely, R. A little warmth would be good for everyone.

Exercise 1 - Fill in the blank 💪

Quickly test your comprehension, accelerate your learning. 🚀

1. Quand j'ai dit que j'étais fatigué de la pluie, Jean a répondu : "___ !"
   When I said I was tired of the rain, Jean replied: "You said it!"

2. Regarde dehors, on dirait vraiment ___.
   Look outside, it really looks like terrible weather.

3. Met ta veste avant de sortir, ___ dehors.
   Put on your jacket before going out, it's freezing outside.

4. ___ d'un peu de repos après une longue semaine.
   We all need some rest after a long week.

5. J'ai oublié mon ___ à la maison, pourrais-tu m'en prêter un ?
   I forgot my umbrella at home, could you lend me one?

If you’re struggling the ✪ Notes section is always a good place to look. 😉 The answers are all in the dialogue or notes section.

[NO PEAKING] Answer Key: 1. tu l'as dit  2. un temps de chien  3. ça caille  4. on a tous besoin  5. parapluie

Exercise 2 - Translate ⚡

If you can translate each of these sentences after the lesson then you’re making real progress. They can also me used as flashcards.

1. J'ai consulté la météo ce matin, et il semble qu'il va faire froid tout le week-end.

2. Quand il pleut des cordes comme ça, je préfère rester chez moi avec un bon livre.

3. J'ai entendu un orage impressionnant la nuit dernière ; les éclairs illuminaient tout le ciel.

4. Tu m’étonnes qu'il soit difficile de prévoir un pique-nique avec ce temps.

5. Chaque fois qu'il pleut, j'aime écouter le bruit de la pluie sur le toit.

1. I checked the weather this morning, and it seems it's going to be cold all weekend.
2. When it's raining cats and dogs like that, I prefer to stay home with a good book.
3. I heard an impressive thunderstorm last night; the lightning lit up the entire sky.
4. No wonder it's hard to plan a picnic with this kind of weather.
5. Every time it rains, I like to listen to the sound of the rain on the roof.

If you want a link to message someone or share on socials (this is the biggest thing you can do to help me grow! 🌱) here it is:

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Any type of feedback please let me know in the comments. Or you can just reply to this email.

Au revoir, mes étudiants! 👋🇫🇷

Amélie x

Bonjour mes amis! 👋🏼 C'est avec plaisir que je vous accueille à une autre édition.

Continuez comme ça, vous êtes sur la bonne voie!
Keep it up, you're doing great! 🌟

Who doesn’t love a good trip? Nothing quite gets the dopamine pumping like booking a cheeky plane ticket or BnB room to a new city or an old haunt. And today we’re going to learn how to get our friends to come along for the ride!

But before we jump in and talk about planning future trips, I want you all to be sending me photos of past ones—past French ones.

🤳🏼 Share photos friends!

I created some Subscriber Chats → (sign in with your email) for everyone to share photos and they’ve been popping off all week! The idea is to give the community a space to share some France love and some cool pics.

The main thread is “Avez-vous visité la France ? 🇫🇷 Partagez une photo !”
If you visited France this summer and would like to share a photo please do ! ✨

Share a photo from France!

To join our chat, you’ll need to go to the website, or download the Substack app

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Apparently I’m still trying to live in the past.. of last summer 🤗 I’m clinging on guys… I love the sun so much. I’m trying to pretend here.

Ready for a day at the beach? Théo can’t get enough of that soothing wave sound, and Louise is all about those sandcastles. If you haven’t been able to catch some French sunshine of late.. isn’t this the next best thing?

Let’s listen in to Théo and Louise as they plan their perfect seaside escape.

Dive in, enjoy the humor, and remember, consistent practice is your key to mastering French.. and getting a good sun tan.

Gros Bisous
A 💜

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Coucou ☕️🇫🇷🥐 I'm Amélie Laurent and this is my French newsletter. I supercharge your progress from A2 to B2 through colloquial dialogues.
If you've received this, then you either subscribed or someone forwarded it to you.
If someone forwarded it and you want to subscribe, then you can click on this handy little button:

Subscribe now

Bonjour mes étudiants préférés! 🎓

The beginning, today, how to meet someone. 🫱🏼‍🫲🏻

Gros Bisous! A x

Parfois, apprendre le français peut sembler autant un défi que de monter la Tour Eiffel. Mais rappelez-vous, la vue est toujours meilleure au sommet! — Sometimes, learning French can feel as challenging as climbing the Eiffel Tower. But remember, the view is always better at the top! 🗼

We all secretly know the only way to truly learn a language are real-life conversations and experiences. Lessons and grammar can only take us so far.
While real-life experiences are difficult to recreate, my colloquial conversational dialogues help you learn authentic French in context. They’re how real French people actually speak.

If you have any questions or concerns - comment below or simply reply to this email.

Dialogue Audio 🎧

Slower Audio 🐢

Dialogue du Jour

Henry : Bonjour, je m'appelle Henry. Enchanté ✪.

Lola : Salut, je suis Lola. Enchantée également.

Henry : Lola, c'est un joli prénom. C’est la première fois que je viens ici. Est-ce le cas pour toi aussi ?

Lola : Non, je viens assez souvent. Mais c'est drôle, j'ai l'impression qu'on s'est déjà croisés ✪. Tu es sûr qu'on ne s'est jamais rencontré avant ? Ou peut-être on as des amis en commun ?

Henry : Oui, je suis certain. Peut-être t’as rencontré mon jumeau ✪, il vient ici plus souvent que moi.

Lola : Ah, c'est probablement ça alors.

Henry : Qu'est-ce que tu fais dans la vie➹, Lola ?

Lola : Je suis enseignante, je donne des cours de français à l'école du quartier. Et toi ?

Henry : Ah, c'est formidable. Les langues sont si importantes de nos jours. Je suis médecin. C'est un métier assez prenant.

Lola : Je peux l'imaginer. C'est un travail très important.

Henry : … Vous ne trouvez pas que cette place est très belle ?

Lola : Oui, j'adore venir ici. C'est calme et paisible. Mais il est temps pour moi de partir. Ravie de vous avoir rencontré ✪.

Henry : Je suis ravi de vous avoir rencontrée, Lola.

Lola : Au revoir. Au plaisir de vous revoir. À bientôt, j'espère.

♡ 𝕃𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕓𝕖𝕝𝕠𝕨 👇

✪ Notes

enchanté ✨= pleased to meet you, nice to meet you = *the* polite French interjection. It’s formal but in the best way! Delight older women and add a little sheen to a conversation with anyone younger by being ‘enchanted’ to meet them.

on s'est déjà croisés 🧩= se croiser = se rencontrer = bump into each other, run into each other 

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My classic Conversation Starters ☕️ dialogues have always started with a “conversation-starter” question! That was the whole point… to be useful conversation material for real-life conversations or tutoring lessons.

The second wave of 🌊 of French 101 🇫🇷 gives you a more specific grounding in daily conversation.

Do you remember the vocabulary? How difficult do you find the lesson? Some questions to ask yourself as you read today’s dialogue.

How is the method working for you? 🧐🧠

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