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Coffee Break French

Coffee Break French

Coffee Break Languages 322 Episodes Jul 20, 2026

Coffee Break French is a language-learning podcast that teaches French in short, manageable lessons designed to fit into a coffee break. The show starts from absolute beginner level and gradually increases in difficulty across seasons. Each lesson focuses on practical language skills to help learners communicate with native French speakers. The podcast is produced by the Radio Lingua Network.

Episodes

7 French idioms with animals, and what they really mean
7 French idioms with animals, and what they really mean Jul 20, 2026 7:45 French is full of idioms that are borrowed from the animal world, and once you know them you'll start hearing them everywhere. In this episode, Max walks you through seven of the most common ones, from "avoir le cafard" to "se jeter dans la gueule du loup", with the literal meaning, the real meaning, and an example for each.➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode.➡️ Get free mini-
French false friends: a 15-word quiz
French false friends: a 15-word quiz Jul 6, 2026 8:28 In this quick quiz, Max tests you on 15 French words that look just like English but don't always mean what you'd expect. You get a few seconds to decide whether each one is a true friend or a false friend, then Max reveals what it really means, from assister à and éventuellement to sensible and librairie. There are a few bonus tricky words along the way too, so play along and see how many you can
The French apéro: food, drinks and the social ritual explained
The French apéro: food, drinks and the social ritual explained Jun 22, 2026 5:18 Max takes you into the world of the French apéro, one of the most enjoyable social rituals in the French-speaking world. You'll find out what an apéro involves, when it happens and how it can even replace dinner, along with the food, the drinks and the all-important phrase "on prend un apéro ?". Which would you choose: an apéro or a full dinner?➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this
The five meanings of the French verb 'mettre'
The five meanings of the French verb 'mettre' Jun 8, 2026 6:38 In this episode, Max takes one small but very useful French verb, 'mettre', and shows you five different ways it's used in everyday French. You'll hear clear examples for each meaning, including the handy way 'mettre' talks about how long something takes. By the end, you'll spot it everywhere and feel ready to use it yourself.➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode.➡️ To receive r
How to ask a question in French: 3 ways explained
How to ask a question in French: 3 ways explained May 25, 2026 7:48 There are three main ways to ask a question in French, and the one you choose depends on how formal you want to sound. In this episode, Max walks you through rising intonation, est-ce que and inversion, and shows you how to combine each one with question words like où, quand and comment. By the end, you'll be ready to ask just about anything in French!➡️ Click here to watch the video version of th
1 verb, 5 meanings: how French speakers really use 'prendre'
1 verb, 5 meanings: how French speakers really use 'prendre' May 11, 2026 6:43 Max walks you through five essential uses of "prendre", one of the most flexible verbs in French. You'll see why French uses "prendre" for ordering food and drinks, for catching transport, for illness ("j'ai pris froid"), for the very French structure "prendre quelqu'un pour quelqu'un", and for talking about duration. Which meaning surprised you the most?➡️ Click here to watch the video version of
Stop translating: 5 English phrases French people say differently
Stop translating: 5 English phrases French people say differently Apr 27, 2026 6:33 Max breaks down five everyday English phrases that work completely differently in French, from "I miss you" and "I'm cold" to "it makes sense". Along the way, he explains why word-for-word translation leads learners astray and shows you the more natural French alternatives. Which of these have you been getting wrong?➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode.➡️ Want more tips like th
7 everyday French expressions you won't find in a textbook
7 everyday French expressions you won't find in a textbook Apr 13, 2026 6:46 Max breaks down seven essential French words and expressions you'll hear every day in France but probably never learned in a textbook. You'll hear them in context, explore real-life examples, and understand the subtle nuances behind each one. Which one will you start using straight away?➡️ Click here to watch the video version of this episode.➡️ Get free mini-lessons and language tips every week
Scenes Season 2 | Chapter 10: Oui et encore oui
Scenes Season 2 | Chapter 10: Oui et encore oui Mar 23, 2026 25:06 Welcome back to Chez Nico - our charming French café, where the aroma of fresh coffee lingers, conversations flow, and life unfolds around every table. In this immersive series, we follow a compelling story set in a local café and help you build your language skills naturally through storytelling. The café is at the heart of another unforgettable event and this day will be remembered by every
Scenes Season 2 | Chapter 9: Casting et cœur brisé ?
Scenes Season 2 | Chapter 9: Casting et cœur brisé ? Mar 16, 2026 23:57 Welcome back to Chez Nico - our charming French café, where the aroma of fresh coffee lingers, conversations flow, and life unfolds around every table. In this immersive series, we follow a compelling story set in a local café and help you build your language skills naturally through storytelling. Sometimes joy and worry mix together and emotions run high Chez Nico.
Dans ce neuvième chapitre,
Scenes Season 2 | Chapter 8: Un nouvel uniforme
Scenes Season 2 | Chapter 8: Un nouvel uniforme Mar 9, 2026 27:47 Welcome back to Chez Nico - our charming French café, where the aroma of fresh coffee lingers, conversations flow, and life unfolds around every table. In this immersive series, we follow a compelling story set in a local café and help you build your language skills naturally through storytelling. The café regulars never miss an opportunity for a friendly comment and today there is something
Scenes Season 2 | Chapter 7: Bonnes nouvelles en vue
Scenes Season 2 | Chapter 7: Bonnes nouvelles en vue Mar 2, 2026 30:14 Welcome back to Chez Nico - our charming French café, where the aroma of fresh coffee lingers, conversations flow, and life unfolds around every table. In this immersive series, we follow a compelling story set in a local café and help you build your language skills naturally through storytelling. Some mornings start better than others and today is full of good surprises.
Dans ce septième cha

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