How long does it take to learn French?

Question

As a native English speaker how long would you say it would take to learn French? I was thinking about taking lessons twice a week.

I'm actually moving to Canada soon.

Estimation on average...

Answer 1

How much do you want to know?

Usually by one year you should have knowledge of some basic French. By two or three years you should be able to write and read in it well. If you're surrounded by French people, you should learn French faster.

However, learning French is a lifelong process... this goes for any language.

Answer 2

For me, 30 years and counting...
I grew up in an anglo family in Montreal, had French all through school, married a francophone, and still don't really really feel I've "learned" it.

Depending where in Canada you live, you may not hear any French at all. But with classes twice a week for six months, you will definitely see some progress.

Answer 3

to really master it it takes 3-5 years of classes and homework in french.

Answer 4

I took it for three years in high school,got B's and didn't learn a dang thing.I'll bet you could do it in a year if you really wanted to.

Answer 5

maybe in six months,Berlitz is a good language learning school

Answer 6

Why French? Do you know any French people? It is kinda useless in the USA. Spanish is easier to learn,more useful, and when spoken correctly, it is a beautiful language. Beside Spanish people are generally much nicer and better looking than the French , and don't smell either.

Answer 7

when you are speaking french fluently,that's how long it takes you to speak french.