150 Formal vs Informal French — Register & Tone

Advanced French vocabulary for the DELF and DALF exams: society, politics, science and culture, plus the essay words examiners expect — l'enjeu, la problématique, le constat, la démarche, le dispositif, la mise en œuvre, le bilan.

French words and phrases pulled from films and series people actually watch: Dix pour cent, Les Choristes, La Haine, Engrenages, Le Bazar de la Charité. Each with the context of the scene it appears in.

French vocabulary for journalism: le journaliste, le reporter, le correspondant, l'envoyé spécial, le rédacteur en chef. Covers press and broadcasting formats and the words for attributing a source in a report.

French vocabulary for international relations, where wording is deliberately precise: la diplomatie, l'ambassadeur, l'ambassade, le consulat, le ministère des Affaires étrangères. Plus treaties and negotiation terms.

French connectors and formal alternatives that lift an essay: ainsi, par conséquent, dès lors, en l'occurrence, en vertu de, à l'instar de. Each marked for how formal it is, so the register stays consistent.

French vocabulary for talking about mental health properly: l'anxiété, la dépression, le stress, l'épuisement professionnel, la thérapie, le thérapeute. Plus the wording that keeps a hard conversation respectful.

French vocabulary for environmental topics: le changement climatique, le réchauffement climatique, l'environnement, la pollution, la durabilité. Covers recycling, renewable energy and the terms used in the news.

French proverbs still used in ordinary conversation: qui vivra verra, mieux vaut tard que jamais, l'habit ne fait pas le moine, petit à petit l'oiseau fait son nid. Each with its meaning and English equivalent.

French vocabulary for celebrations: le mariage, l'anniversaire, la fête, la célébration, le jour férié, le cadeau, l'invitation. Plus everyone involved in a wedding and the toasts that are expected.

French vocabulary for music: la musique, la chanson, le chanteur, le groupe, le concert, la guitare, le piano, la batterie. Covers genres and instruments plus everything around a live show, tickets to encore.

French academic vocabulary for studying at a French university: université, étudiant, professeur, cours, campus, semestre, diplôme, bourse. Covers lectures and essays plus enrolment, deadlines and campus admin.

French vocabulary for life online: publier, fil d'actualité, aimer, partager, commentaire, s'abonner, abonné. Plus the abbreviations filling comment threads and the internet slang no textbook covers.