Pimsleur French Language Comprehensive Audio CD Language Course, Level 1.

Includes 30 instruction units of 30 minutes each on 16 audio CD discs. Review by customer: "I have been using the series starting from French Level 1, about 4 months ago, and I'm at the beginning of French III. Originally, I bought the course because I was about to move to Geneva, Switzerland, and was in a hurry to learn French, having absolutely no knowledge of French previously. This series is a very good purchase, albeit expensive. At this point I can go to a restaurant and speak to the waiters comfortably, introduce myself, make plans with friends, among other things. I still can't converse comfortably in everyday situations, or understand what's going on on TV, but I find that I can pick up phrases or words here and there. I've taken 3 years of Spanish in high school, and 3 years of German in college, and I'm at about the same level in French already (having forgotten a lot of German and Spanish). Now, this course does not contain any explanations of grammar, culture, or much in the way of reading. However, if you have ever learned a romance language before, or know English grammar, you would be able to figure out the verb tenses and the correct way to use them (or even conjugate them) pretty easily. In terms of reading, I find it useful to have a dictionary with you while you are doing the lessons. When the course introduces a new word, look it up in the dictionary and see what the word looks like. It also helps with memorizing the word. The course is excellent, but one should still proceed slowly. I do each lesson at least 2 to 3 times before moving on, twice in the evenings, and once in the shower in the mornings as review. I don't stop the lesson during the pauses to think of the answer because I figure if I truly know it, I would be able to answer within the pause. By the third listen, I can usually answer within the pause. Don't expect miracles and be realistic. You still need to take time to listen and absorb the materials. However, the course is designed in a way that encourages you to use it. After I listen to the lesson, I usually want to go out and use it immediately, and I characterize myself normally as a shy person. Definitely buy it if you are going to invest the time and need to start using French immediately."