In this chapter we would like to discuss the difficutlies of learning French. This means we try to explain why we have the impression that French is difficult, but we also try to give hope that it is not impossible to learn French as a foreign language.
Surely the image of Roman countries in general and of France especially is usually positive. We associate savoir vivre, composure, elegance, educational advertising, southern temperament and good food and wine. Many also like the language and conceive it as beautiful.
So what then is the difference to Spanish or Italian, which are usually thought to be easier, even though they also are Roman languages. This kind of definition we try here to explain that the huge mountain before you is only sequence of steps towards one aim. And, to understand these steps easier we have a closer look at them.
You will see that French is logical and clearly structured, besides the pronunciation that really needs some practice, things are not bad at all. And, as always in life - if you only get started the worst is already behind you. You will find it interesting and rewarding, if you think about it: with only 10 words you can form about 10 sentences. This is already something! No matter the mode, conjugation, sequence of words, position of pronouns and so on - you can already talk to somebody - and you should. Only while practising the language you will really learn it. Things are as always in life: errors exist to be made, and they do not matter as long as you try your best.
Of course we will explain all the necessary grammar in the following chapters, especially the pronunciation is taking a big part, because it is usually the hardest in French language. Following are some more thoughts about the difficulties of French - as already promised.
