Pimsleur French Review (2023)

to describe: Pimsleur Review (English)

• Structure of the French Pimsleur program
• How are the French classes at Pimsleur?
• What We Like About Pimsleur French
• What We Don't Like About Pimsleur French
• Verdict: Pimsleur French Review

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video review: Pimsleur French course

In the video above, team member John explains how Pimsleur French courses are designed and structured, offers a quick cost comparison with other French apps, and gives our verdict on whether Pimsleur French is worth taking. Read our written review below for a more in-depth breakdown.

Structure of the French Pimsleur program

First, let's explain how the Pimsleur French program is organized at a high level, before we get into the classes themselves. Starting from the top therea total of five levels to complete within the course, each increasing in complexity and difficulty.

In a sense, these five levels range from beginner to advanced, although Pimsleur doesn't explicitly say so.They just call them levels 1 to 5.

Anyway, within each of them there are levelscomplete around 30 full lessons, each of which consists of several instructional components (which I cover directly below).

But honestly, that was all from a bird's eye view. They have five levels (from 1 to 5) and 30 lessons per level. It is avery basic structureregarding the organization of the course.

How are the French classes at Pimsleur?

Next, let's see what the Pimsleur French class is really like. At the beginning of each class you mustComplete a 30-minute audio workout, in which an English-speaking presenter guides you step-by-step through a simulated conversation in French.

you hear abrief exchange between two fluent French speakers, the presenter will pause to explain what you're hearing, offer some ideas and advice, and finally ask questions to help you engage and participate.

In a way, you can think of this exercise as a supportive conversation. That's probably the best way to describe it. Also, as the level progresses, the moderator will slowly start to speak less English as they become more proficient.fluent french,forces you to trust what you've learned.

After each lesson audio, review what you just learned.Series of exercises and exercises.. This includes short reading exercises, flashcards, quizzes, pronunciation practice and speed games to name a few.

Each exercise or exercise takes about 3 to 8 minutes. In conjunction with aabout half a dozen of these exercises per class, Allow about an hour to complete the entire Pimsleur lesson, i.e. the audio portion plus the reinforcement exercises.

Also, one of the great things about Pimsleur is that you canskip from lesson to lesson or even level to levelif you like. You're not forced to stick to a rigid schedule like other apps we've reviewed. That way, if you come across a topic that completely bores you (like tennis or politics), you can skip the topic.

After completing each lesson,You get these "skill badges"to help you keep track of what you've learned. You can view the badges you've earned at any time.capabilitiesin the control panel for a quick update.

French Pimsleur subscription options and costs

After that overview, let's quickly dive into pricing and subscription options, specifically how Pimsleur compares to other apps.

In short, Pimsleur offers two different plans. The first plan is Pimsleur Premium, which gives access to the French course.for $20 a month. The second package available is Pimsleur All Access, which unlocks over 50 languages.just $1 more per month(i.e. $21/month).

Well when you compare these prices to the competitionChat,Busuuorosetta stone, Pimsleur es$5 to $10 more expensive per month on average.

So Pimsleur is definitely not the cheapest French show out there, but it's not outrageous either, if we're being honest.

And indeed, when you're studying with a spouse, family member, or friend (which many people do),In fact, you can split bills with Pimsleur, which effectively brings the price up to $10/month, which I think is in line with the competition and incredibly reasonable.

Also, it's definitely worth noting that Pimsleur offers a 7-day free trial period, so you can always try this program out and see if you like it before you take the plunge, which is pretty cool.

Not all French apps do this.(Actually, very few of the ones we reviewed, maybe justfluidU). With that offer on the table, I'd suggest at least pedaling through the hoops on this app before diving in and buying.

What We Like About Pimsleur French

Now that we've covered pricing, program structure, and tuition, let's get into what I like about the Pimsleur French program (before we cover my negatives).

i love audio lessons

First off, I'm a huge fan of the Pimsleur learning framework and how its lessons prepare you to have conversations.And it all starts with Pimsleur Audio Lessons.

I like to listen and repeat like you, rather than individual words and phrases in a vacuum like you.other french learning apps on the market, Pimsleur's audio lessons are more practical and complete.

These interactive lessons challenge you to respond to fluent French speakers with phrases and sentences.in a detailed mock interview. You have to actively participatecontinue the conversationas you need to understand the situation and react at the correct intervals when prompted by the moderator.

In my opinion, this active participation is very effective in remembering and using the French language as you would under pressure.real lifeThe situation.

This is perhaps the important point I am trying to make:With Pimsleur, you get simulated real-world experiences.And, in my humble opinion, this is the best course of action when it comes to learning French.

Great option for advanced students.

My second pro is a little late on my last point. I think the Pimsleur French course is ideal for all levels.Beginner, intermediate and advanced. And I say that in large part because Pimsleur has that very important conversational component that I just touched on.

With other language companies out there likeRosetta Stone and DuolingoFor example, her lessons revolve around new vocabulary, quick drills and repetition.Words and phrases in the void.

In these courses there really is no opportunity for the spontaneous use of language that mimics orsimulate full conversations like the ones you have with Pimsleur.

So overall, I have to give Pimsleur two big thumbs up if your main goal is to learn the French language quickly and converse in French (albeit fluently).

flexibility in learning

My third pro has to do with this.Flexibility of the Pimsleur Program. Since Pimsleur's core lessons are audio-based, I like the fact that you can do these lessons while working out, cleaning the house, walking the dog, or whatever.

it's good that youyou don't need to be connected to your computer or phone screenat any time, like you do with other apps out there. Honestly, when you're learning a new language, it's nice to change your routine and change of scenery to break the monotony, which Pimsleur's classes definitely allow for.

your mobile appit even comes with a special driving modeso you canlearn and complete lessonswhile you're on the go (a big plus for travelers). Therefore, the flexibility of the Pimsleur class is definitely worth highlighting.

New voice trainer feature

In the past, Pimsleur has not used voice recognition technology like its competitors.Babel ou Rocket French. This has always been one of our jabs at the company and its French course. There were no comments on their pronunciation during the verbal practice exercises.

In any case, this is no longer the case.Pimsleur recently added its own proprietary voice recognition technologywhich they call "Voice Trainer". This way you will know whether you are pronouncing words and phrases correctly or incorrectly during class.

No total,I have found the Pimsleur Voice Coach to be fast and accurate. Technically, the company did a very good job. I wouldn't say it's that goodrocketsSpeech recognition tool, but it definitely has its own thing.

fantastic user experience

I was very impressed with Pimsleur's digital platform and user experience.both through its desktop and mobile app. It has a modern feel and is very fast (much better thanmichael tomas). Also, everything is really intuitive and easy to follow.

It's honestly super thin and easy on the eyes, which is always a good thing. If I'm honest I think soone of the best digital interfacesbe at the forefront of the entire language learning industrywith Babylon.

What We Don't Like About Pimsleur French

With my warm and fuzzy comments on French Pimsleur, let's switch sides to what I see as weaknesses in French Pimsleur.

Lessons on the Long Side

While I'm a fan of the audio lessons that form the backbone of Pimsleur's learning framework, there are also some downsides. And the first is that the lessons area little wordy. With a complete lesson (audio part plus accompanying exercises)lasts a whole hour, are some of the longest lessons I've ever seen (much longer than thatBusuuInstruction).

Of course, you can always interrupt a class and come back to it later if you don't have a full hour to finish one; However, if you want to complete entire lessons in one go or are looking for faster lessons (perhaps 10 or 15 minutes),so Pimsleur might not fit so well.

Also, class is going a little slow. True, the moderator keeps you busy asking questions and explaining, but after about 20 minutes of each audio lesson,My focus started to slip.

Personally, I think it would be nice if Pimsleur threw in some quick exercises or quick verbal exercises in the middle of the audio lesson just to shake things up and shake things up.add some variety.

Not ideal for visual learners.

My last drawback is that the main lessons are from Pimsleurrooted in audio-based practicemay not be the best option forvisualapprentices

In addition to the exercises after the basic classes,There really is no opportunity for him to read the words or phrases he is learning., which can be a problem for some types of students.

In addition, Pimsleur French lessons are accessible with photos, videos and other graphics. Instead of using tons of images,Pimsleur's classes tend to be based onmentalpictures likevisualPhotos.

You are asked to imagine these different scenarios and situations and then learn words and phrases.in the context of these situations going on in your head.

This is somewhat the same concept,but different. In the end, it all comes down to whattype of learner you areand if you need a set of charts to help you learn the material.

verdict: Pimsleur French Review

All things considered, I am a huge fan of the Pimsleur French course. I think the learning structure that forms thisThe backbone of the program is highly effective..

I love the audio lessons that mimic real French conversations and the fact that the quick recall of words and phrases under pressure keeps you interested.

Also, the workouts and exercises that follow the audio lessons are quite engaging and do a good job.helps the material to sink.

In addition, Pimsleur's digital platform is super modern and easy to use. Pimsleur simply has so much to offer.

Yes, I have some minor issues with your program, such as the classes being a bit long, but overall I think Pimsleur is one of them.highly effective program that should do the jobfor virtually anyone who wants to learn French and converse.

Not to mention, I think Pimsleur is pretty decent value at around $20 a month (especially if you split an account). So, in short, I haveno problem recommending Pimsleur French. Our team will evaluate your course and your program in general very positively.

➡keep reading:The best language apps to learn French