French Culture & Language Tips

The French Culture Podcast by Paris Unlocked is a deep-dive into the people, historical moments, food, art and trends that have shaped the Gallic world in the modern era. Written and hosted by Courtney Traub, a Franco-American writer and journalist who’s a longtime expert on Parisian culture and history, it’s an antidote to the cliché ideas about France and its citizens that you’ve no doubt soaked up over the years. Instead of tired stereotypes, you’ll find in-depth stories about everything...

#French expression "quand même" is really versatile. Discover its different meanings and usages. #learnfrench #frenchteacher #LawlessFrench

I hope this French expression didn't turn up at a bad time. #learnfrench #LawlessFrench #frenchteacher

Skipping this #French expression lesson? Me neither. #lawlessfrench #FrenchTeacher #learnfrench

Learn even more French with these independent study resources.

"Avez-vous mangé" is an example of an inversion. But "vous avez mangé" without inversion is perfectly acceptable in certain contexts. Let's look at when you can avoid inversions. #French #LawlessFrench #learnfrench #frenchteacher

Learn more about Simone, the voice of France's state-owned national railway operator, la SNCF, with a #French listening practice exercise. And click on any paragraph to the right of the French transcript for the English translation. #LawlessFrench #learnfrench #frenchteacher

This #French expression's usage isn't as complicated as you might think. Let's look at a couple of examples of "chercher midi à quatorze heures" in action. Lesson in the comments. #frenchteacher #learnfrench #LawlessFrench

Travelling to a #French-speaking region or country? Knowing what social niceties to say in any given social situation will go a long way in enhancing your visit. #learnfrench #frenchteacher #LawlessFrench

There are 8 #French verbs that change meaning depending on whether prepositions à or de follow. Let's look at some examples of this grammatical particularity in action.

"En avril, ne te découvre pas d'un fil" is one way to discourage your inner circle from shedding their winter layers too quickly. But there are also 5 variations on this classic #French idiom if the original leaves you cold. Lesson in the comments. #frenchteacher #learnfrench #LawlessFrench

D'où viennent les œufs de Pâques ? Discover how eggs came to be associated with Easter with a #French listening exercise. And click to the right of any transcript paragraph below the clip for the English translation. Clip in the comments. #learnfrench #frenchteacher #LawlessFrench

Poisson d’avril is the #French equivalent of April fool’s. In France, the idea is for a kid to attach a paper fish to someone’s back without them noticing right away. Later, when the trick is discovered, the perpetrator gets to yell Poisson d’avril ! Find out how to pronounce "Poisson d’avril !" #learnfrench #frenchteacher #LawlessFrench

The #French prepositions to use with regions, departments, provinces, states, and counties depend on the gender and first letter of the name, plus of course whether you’re coming or going. Let's look at several examples. Lesson in the comments. #frenchteacher #LawlessFrench #learnfrench

Daylight saving time has 3 possible names in #French. Do you know them all? #learnfrench #frenchteacher #lawlessfrench