Do you want to speak French more naturally, with less hesitation and more fluency? The question comes up quickly: are you choosing private lessons or group lessons? Here, we clearly show you the differences, then we help you choose based on your goal.
Goal: real, practical progress in speaking, with a simple, human, and effective method.
Why this choice changes everything
Both formats can help you improve. The difference is speed, the type of correction, and the dynamic. If you choose the format that fits your real life (schedule, confidence when speaking, goal), you can gain weeks of progress.
At Ohlala French Course, our lessons (private and group) are designed for one thing: to get you speaking with a clear structure, useful feedback, and real consistency.
Quick comparison: private lessons vs group lessons
| Criteria | Private lessons | Group lessons |
|---|---|---|
| Personalization | 100% focused on you: goals, challenges, topics, pace | Adapted to the group’s level, with a shared structure |
| Progress | Very fast: targeted corrections and a tailored action plan | Solid: steady progress, thanks to practice and structure |
| Confidence when speaking | Great if you freeze up: you take your place, without pressure | Great if you want to jump in: you practice in a real conversation dynamic |
| Interaction | 1:1, total focus | Exchanges, active listening, reactions, spontaneity |
| Corrections | Ultra-precise: your mistakes, your habits, your phrasing | Very helpful: you also learn from others |
| Budget | More premium (logical: 100% of the time is for you) | More affordable, excellent practice-to-price ratio |
The right choice is the one that makes you practice often and without friction.
Private lessons: the most direct path
Private lessons are for you if you want premium support, with a teacher who builds each session around your needs.
What you gain with a private lesson
- A precise diagnosis: where exactly you get stuck (grammar, fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary).
- Targeted corrections: you fix your recurring mistakes instead of “reviewing everything.”
- A clear plan: what to practice between sessions, without getting scattered.
- Tailor-made topics: work, life in France, going out, culture, everyday situations.
Ideal if
- You understand well, but you can’t respond quickly.
- You want to prepare for an interview, a meeting, an exam, or a specific situation.
- You want to fix an “accent” or a specific pronunciation issue.
- You want to move fast, with a highly personalized framework.
What a private session looks like at Ohlala French Course
We don’t do “a conversation just to chat.” We do a conversation that helps you improve.
- Warm-up: we get you started quickly, without pressure.
- Guided conversation: natural questions, follow-ups, useful vocabulary.
- Smart corrections: not all at once—only what truly helps you move forward.
- Reformulations: you learn to sound more natural, without overdoing it.
- Mini practice plan: 10–15 minutes between two lessons to consolidate.
Goal: that you can say the same ideas… but with smoother, more French, more natural sentences.
You want a “tailor-made” format and you like it when it’s clear, structured, and effective: you’re going to love private lessons.
Group lessons: speak a lot, improve sustainably
Group lessons are the perfect place to practice speaking regularly, in a supportive atmosphere, with a structure that helps you speak without overthinking.
What you gain with a small-group lesson
- Consistency: you speak every week, and it changes everything.
- A real dynamic: you react, you follow up, you adapt—just like in real life.
- “Mirror learning”: you also learn thanks to the others’ mistakes (and successes).
- More spontaneity: you gain ease, rhythm, and a more natural sound.
Ideal if
- You want to become more fluent in everyday conversation.
- You want to hear different accents, styles, ways of speaking.
- You want to build confidence without being alone facing the teacher.
- You want a serious framework, but a light atmosphere.
What a group lesson looks like at Ohlala French Course
A good group lesson isn’t “everyone speaks a little.” It’s a structure that maximizes your speaking time.
- A clear theme (useful and concrete): housing, work, travel, culture, everyday life…
- Resources: video, article, a mini support to start without stress.
- Guided questions: you know what to say, then you make it your own.
- Corrections: vocabulary, more natural phrasing, common mistakes.
- Final goal: you leave with sentences you can reuse right away.
The best part: you practice speaking “in real conditions,” with interruptions, laughter, and follow-ups… exactly what’s missing when you learn alone.
You want to practice often, improve without putting pressure on yourself, and bring your French to life: group lessons are an excellent choice.
How to choose between private lessons and group lessons
Choose private lessons if
- You want to move fast with a tailor-made plan.
- You have a specific goal (work, exam, interview, situation).
- You want highly targeted corrections on your mistakes.
- You want premium support, focused on you.
Choose group lessons if
- You want to speak often and become more spontaneous.
- You like learning in a group dynamic.
- You want to improve sustainably thanks to consistency.
- You want excellent value for money.
And if you’re still hesitating
You can also keep it simple: start with the format that feels easiest to stick with over time. The best method is the one you actually use.
Many students combine: group for consistency + private to unlock specific points. It’s a very effective strategy.
FAQ
> I’m shy—should I choose private lessons or group lessons?
If you really freeze up when speaking, private lessons can build your confidence very quickly. If you want to start gently with a great atmosphere, a small group works very well too. What matters is that you feel safe enough to speak.
I’m A2/B1 level—is it too early to speak in a group?
No. On the contrary, speaking early helps you stop overthinking. A well-structured group at the right level gives you the framework and useful sentences to express yourself.
Will I be corrected all the time?
We correct in a smart way: we don’t break your flow. We keep what really matters, then we help you rephrase and reuse it.
I mainly want to sound more natural—which format is best?
Both help. Private lessons give you ultra-targeted corrections on your style and habits. Group lessons give you more spontaneity and rhythm. If you want the most powerful combo, you can mix both.
Do you want to speak French more fluently?
You now have a clear understanding of the difference between private lessons and group lessons. The next step is to choose a format and get started.
At Ohlala French Course, we guide you with a structured conversation method, useful feedback, and a supportive atmosphere.
