French II - 2nd Ed. REV.: 2nd Ed. REV. Euro

I have been using the series starting from French I about 4 months ago, and I'm at the beginning of French III. I originally 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 resaurant 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. Regarding one of the previous reviews, about the use of the familiar form, I disagree. I use the familiar form all the time. In fact, before I learned it, my Swiss friend (I met here) was telling me that I was being too formal with him. Plus, toward the end of French II, the lessons begin to focus on the polite form again.The course is excellent, but one should still proceed slowly. I do each lession 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.

I have been a continuous language failure for years, never taking language lessons at school, attending various private lessons and struggling with tapes and CD's. I have lived in French speaking countries (Belgium and France) for 3 years and have learned very little in that time. I even live with a French woman, who I am marrying, so what's my excuse? Nothing has worked for me.......until now! I do NOT really enjoy working in my spare time, which was part of the problem. Since purchasing the Pimsleur I have actually begun to speak French, since this course does not feel much like work, I have no problem following it. I do half an hour each day, no paper, no pens and no reading, I just listen. Unlike the previous reviewer who hates the use of "tu", I have found it essential. I have mixed "tu" and "vous" on several occasions and found that no one is ever offended, as they are just so happy for an anglophile to be trying to speak their language. If someone asks you to "tu-te" them and you continue with "vous", this will be taken the same way as persisting in calling someone Mr or Mrs after they have asked you to call them by their first name (as a snub), so I think its considerable presence is valid. Pimsleur has offered me a life line here. As long as you follow the course exactly, you will learn rapidly, but don't expect too much, as many people do. This will not make you fluent overnight, or even over several months (although you will have survival French within hours), as only being around French speaking people and practising on a prolonged regular basis can achieve that, but it is an excellent start and worth every last cent.

The Pimsleur Intermediate French has been great for beefing up my listening and speaking ability. I've had 3 semesters of college French and knew everything on the tapes -on paper-. However, I could not have understood and said the things that I can now. It seems that understanding a new language has a lot to do with following the intonation and rhythm of native speakers. Now I can listen to a conversation and actually pick out which words I don't know rather than just understanding the first and last words in each sentence. Worth every penny!

Having had high school and college French 40 years ago, I realy had no working knowledge remaining. I first tried the Michel Thomas course which was of help, but did not go far enough. I am now halfway through Pimsleur French II and will continue with III. Like another reviewer, I recommend using the pause button when you can't immediately come up with the proper response. I also find it helpful to often repeat a lesson.Having said that, I feel that I will be able to converse in a rudimentary fashion when we travel to France this summer. Not only that but the courses are fun. My neighbors probably think I have lost my mind as I jabber in French while walking my dog, but it is working!

While this is an expensive set, it is well worth it. I have spent money on other french tapes and have found that no other series comes close in production quality and content. This series provides a perfect method to learn while driving. Not only are the tapes strictly conversational (no reference books) it provides a fairly comprehensive tutorial. I found that I had amazingly good recall of all the words, including verb conjugation, and sentence structure long after I had completed the tapes. I hope version III, which I have just ordered, will delve into the mystical subjunctive mood.