Les niveaux de langue: French Registers of Language
From je suis crevé to je suis exténué: a complete lesson and four exercises on the French registers of language, soutenu, courant and familier, with a full answer key.
The abridged one-page version is free for visitors. The complete worksheet in A4 and US Letter, with both editable DOCX files, is reserved for Premium members.
What students practise
The worksheet moves from recognition to production: first identify the register of 23 sentences, then sort 22 words into the right column, complete a synonym table across the three registers, and finally rewrite 22 colloquial sentences in neutral French.
And the correction doubles as a mini dictionary of everyday French: pagaille, toubib, se grouiller, péter les plombs, être à la bourre… exactly the words students hear in real life but rarely find in textbooks.
Read 23 sentences and name the register: soutenu, courant or familier.
Put 22 words and expressions into the correct column.
Complete the synonym table across the three registers.
Turn 22 familiar sentences into neutral, correct French.
The four registers
The lesson page presents each register with its use, its dictionary codes and examples:
The highest level: elaborate vocabulary, literary texts, formal situations. Dictionary codes: litt., vx., arch. Example: je suis exténué.
The neutral, correct language of everyday communication. Example: je suis très fatigué.
Spoken language with friends and family, marked fam. in the dictionary, plus arg. and pop. for slang. Example: je suis crevé.
Insults and degrading words: students learn to recognise them, and to avoid them.
One idea, three registers
A taste of the synonym work, from the most formal to the most colloquial:
Download the worksheet
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Full version: lesson, four exercises and the answer key
Free PDF – abridged version
The lesson plus exercise 1 (11 sentences) and its answer key, on one page. The full worksheet and the DOCX files are part of the Premium collection.
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Recommended level
Also available in the following French workbooks:
J’apprends le français!
Learning French Exercises for A2 to B1 Level
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View the PDF version with answer keyFrequently asked questions
What level is this worksheet for?
Mainly B1-B2: the registers of language and the colloquial vocabulary stretch learners beyond textbook French. The abridged version suits strong A2 groups.
What is the task exactly?
Four exercises: identify the register of 23 sentences, sort 22 words into columns, complete a synonym table across the three registers, and rewrite 22 colloquial sentences in neutral French.
What is free and what is premium?
The abridged one-page PDF (lesson, exercise 1 and its answer key) is free for visitors. The complete A4 and US Letter PDFs and both editable DOCX files are reserved for Premium members, who also keep access to the free version.
Is there an answer key?
Yes. Both versions include the full correction, with model answers for the rewriting exercise.
Which paper formats are available?
A4 and US Letter, in PDF and in editable DOCX, so the worksheet prints correctly anywhere.
