Fluenz has one of the simplest and most intuitive interfaces of any program we reviewed. It is easy to navigate through lessons or between segments of a lesson. And each activity is simple enough to be done without needing instructions. The creators of Fluenz have managed to prove that learning a language can be simple.

Our program takes you step-by-step through the language, showing you how it works through explanations rather than forcing you to simply match pictures and words as if you were a child. And because the culture of the language is critical to understanding, the Fluenz tutor provides context and anecdotes that make the process meaningful.

Explanations Matter

Learning languages isn't easy, and those programs that claim to offer an "easy" and "natural" solution simply aren't being honest. But by acknowledging the challenge, clearly explaining how French works, and providing helpful strategies and tips, the Fluenz French tutors will guide you steadily and confidently towards greater fluency.

Real Learning

We offer rock solid explanations and carefully planned workouts that will advance you through the language. But it will take work. And anyone who has ever tried to learn a language knows that it requires focus and practice. So when the big companies tell us that it can be simple and easy, we know something isn't right. Fluency in French is a beautiful skill, and one that requires a smart approach that embraces the challenge rather than pretending it doesn't exist.

"Great explanations make a big difference because we don't learn like children anymore."

Our Approach

Every language is different, so it only makes sense to teach them differently. We've spent years studying French in Paris and New York, and have used these experiences to create a unique path through the language that makes sense to English-speaking learners. Each session is introduced by a Fluenz tutor and features an extensive tutorial where all the new aspects of French are thorougly explained--from verb tenses to vocabulary and pronunciation.

A proven track record

Our unique approach is currently being used by elite units of the US Navy, senior personnel at the UN and UNICEF, executives of Fortune 500 companies, and students at Harvard Business School and other leading universities.

Fluenz French is organized around one-on-one tutoring sessions that each take up to two and a half hours to complete.

How Fluenz begins

The tutor begins each session with a brief introduction. This provides an understanding of how the new material will take you a step closer to fluency, while immersing you in the cultural context and the experiences of everyday French.

Introducing useful, everyday language

This is followed by a realistic conversation between native speakers that uses all the words and structures to be learned in the session. These conversations place you in the most common, everyday situations right from the very beginning.

"To inspire, great tutors need to speak your language.That's where "natural immersion" falls short."

Immersive one-on-one tutorial

Immediately after the conversation, the tutor presents a full tutorial explaining in detail and in English how every single new word and structure works. Beyond in-depth explanations, these tutorials offer strategies, tactics and personal experiences that give you valuable insights.

Workout to fluency

After each tutorial, the program turns to over a dozen different types of increasingly challenging workouts that cover reading, writing, speaking, and listening. These workouts reinforce and expand your communication at the same time.

Coaching you forward

At the end of the session, the Fluenz tutor returns to offer a conclusion, along with the kind of inspiration only a human teacher can provide.

Technology has the power to revolutionize learning, and Fluenz uses it to bring the experience of a great one-on-one tutor directly to your computer. And by including a tutor in the program, we not only provide the kind of explanations and guidance you need to succeed in learning French, we also ensure that the reason we all love French--from the food, to the art, to the history--continually informs the learning process.

"French is much more than words and images. Our tutors will take you on an unbelievable journey of discovery."

Fluenz French 1 Windows and Fluenz French 1 Mac:

A DVD-ROM with the Fluenz French 1 software. This DVD-ROM will run on either G4 / Intel Macs or Windows 2000 / XP / Vista depending on the version that you purchase.

A CD-ROM with audio exercises that can be played on a stereo, in your car, or copied to an iPod or other MP3 player.

A Fluenz Navigator booklet that contains key survival words and phrases from Fluenz Spanish 1.

An instruction and trouble-shooting User's Guide for the Fluenz French 1 application

A lot of good energy from the people who made it, packed it, and sent it to you