Al Khawarizmi Institute

French Courses in Lebanon — A1 to C2, Placement Exam First

Al Khawarizmi Institute was established in 2011, and our French courses start with a free placement test, so you join the level you are at.

The levels, and what each one actually lets you do

French levels everywhere are described using the Common European Framework, the A1 to C2 scale you will see on university forms, job descriptions and visa files. The labels are only useful if you know what they mean in practice, so here is the plain version.

  • A1 and A2 — the basics. Introducing yourself, shopping, appointments, simple past and future. At A2 you can handle a predictable conversation but not an unexpected one.
  • B1 — independence. You can manage most everyday situations, follow a conversation between colleagues, and explain an opinion. This is the level where people stop translating in their head.
  • B2 — the working level. Fluent enough for meetings, argument and detail. B2 is the working level, where you can handle meetings, argument and detail.
  • C1 and C2 — mastery. Academic and professional French at full speed, including nuance and implication.

As a reference, one level is about 20 hours of class, followed by an end-of-level exam. How long the whole climb takes depends on where you start, how often you practise outside class, and whether you already speak another Romance language.

Studied French at school?

Years of French at school do not tell you which level you are at today. The free placement test is written, takes 20–30 minutes, and places you in a level. If you fall between two levels, there are two options: a few private classes to close the gap so you can join the higher level, or repeating the lower level. If the test shows you are ready, you can skip a level.

DELF preparation

If you need the DELF, we offer DELF preparation. It is preparation for the exam only, and the course page explains how it works and how to start.

How the courses run

French courses start with a free, written placement test (20–30 minutes). Levels run from complete beginner upward, with an exam at the end of each level that decides the move up and a certificate for each level. Groups meet in the morning, afternoon or evening, and there are Saturday classes.

Course length and fees depend on your starting level. As a reference, group courses start from $150 and a level is about 20 hours of class; we confirm both with you after the placement test.

Levels, exams and certificates

  • An exam at the end of each level decides the move up.
  • Each level ends with a certificate stating the course completed and its dates, recognised by the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
  • Homework is set. We recommend 1–2 hours of study outside class for every hour in class.
  • You keep the same teacher throughout a level.
  • Each course and level has a waiting list, and a group opens when enough students are ready. To hold a place, you register and pay in advance.

In person or online

Classes run in person at our main branch in Simkanieh (the Chouf), and most courses are also available as live Zoom groups for students elsewhere in Lebanon or abroad — taught live by a teacher, not recorded, at the same fee as in person. We also have a branch in Aley: ask us which groups are running there. Our Beirut (Mar Elias) and Choueifat branches are paused for now; students from those areas can study online or at Simkanieh.

Fees, levels and timing

  • A free placement test first. It is written, takes 20–30 minutes, and is usually taken at the branch. Complete beginners are welcome.
  • Six levels, A1 to C2. As a reference, a level is about 20 hours of class, then an end-of-level exam; the exact length depends on the course and is confirmed after your placement test. If the test shows you are ready, you can skip a level.
  • Two sessions a week, usually 1–2 hours each, in morning, afternoon or evening groups, plus Saturday classes. New groups open every month, and you keep the same teacher for the whole level.
  • Fees. Group courses start from $150 (USD) — a reference figure; we confirm the fee for your course and level before you enrol. No registration fee. Pay in cash, by Whish or by OMT. Online classes cost the same as in person.
  • A certificate for every level, recognised by the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
  • Prefer one-to-one? Private one-to-one lessons are charged per hour, in blocks of 20 hours.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know which French level to join?

You take a placement exam first. It is a free written test of 20–30 minutes, and it places you in the group that matches your level.

I studied French at school but cannot speak it — where do I start?

Take the free placement test: it places you in the level that fits. If you fall between two levels, you can take a few private classes to close the gap and join the higher level, or repeat the lower one.

What is B2 French?

B2 is the level on the Common European Framework where you can work in the language rather than around it — following meetings, arguing a point, handling detail and nuance.

How long does it take to reach a level in French?

As a reference, one level is about 20 hours of class plus an end-of-level exam, usually in two sessions a week. How fast you move also depends on how much you practise outside class and whether you already speak another Romance language, so we confirm a realistic plan after the placement exam.

Can I take French classes online?

Yes. Most courses are available online as live Zoom classes with a teacher, not recorded, in online groups of their own, at the same fee as in person. Students join from across Lebanon and from abroad.

How long is a course and what does it cost?

As a reference, group courses start from $150 and a level is about 20 hours of class, usually in two sessions a week. Both vary with the course and your level, so we confirm the exact length and fee after your free placement test. Message us on WhatsApp and we will answer straight away during opening hours, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm.

Do you offer DELF preparation?

Yes. We offer DELF preparation. It is preparation only: we prepare you for the exam. Message us on WhatsApp to ask about the next step.

Do I get a certificate for each French level?

Yes. Each level ends with a certificate stating the course completed and its dates, recognised by the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education. An exam at the end of each level decides the move up.

Can I pause a French course or switch group?

Pausing is possible in some circumstances but not recommended. A student who has to stop for a valid reason can continue later in a new class, and you can switch group if your schedule changes.

Related courses

Book your placement exam

Tell us why you need French and by when — a course, a job, a move, or simply being able to hold the conversation. Call 00961 71 27 67 13 or message us on WhatsApp. The placement test is free, and we answer straight away during opening hours, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm.