Top 10 Must-Know Phrases for the A2 Speaking Test (and How to Use Them Confidently)

 Top 10 Must-Know Phrases for the A2 Speaking Test (and How to Use Them Confidently)

Preparing for the DELF A2 speaking test? Whether you're taking your exam next week or just starting your journey, having a reliable set of essential French phrases can give you a major confidence boost. At this level, you're expected to engage in simple conversations, express your opinions, and react to everyday scenarios.

Through my experience with Passion Language School—widely regarded for offering some of the best-online-french-language-courses—I discovered how powerful a few well-chosen phrases can be in creating a great first impression during the speaking test.

Here are 10 must-know French expressions, how to use them, and why they matter.

1. Je m'appelle [Name] et j’ai [Age] ans.

Translation: My name is [Name], and I’m [Age] years old.

This is your opener. Clean, clear, and foundational. The examiner will often ask you to introduce yourself, so having this phrase polished ensures a smooth start.

> Pro Tip: Practice adding details like “J’habite à [city]” (I live in…) or “Je suis étudiant(e)” (I am a student).

2. J’aime / Je n’aime pas [Activity].

Translation: I like / I don’t like [Activity].

Personal opinions are a core part of A2 communication. Whether you're talking about your hobbies or food preferences, this structure is versatile.

> For example: “J’aime écouter de la musique” or “Je n’aime pas faire du sport.”

3. Je pense que… / À mon avis…

Translation: I think that… / In my opinion…

To express your thoughts in a slightly more advanced way, these phrases add depth to your responses and show off your ability to reflect and communicate with nuance.

> Use in context: “Je pense que le français est une belle langue.”

4. Pouvez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît ?

Translation: Can you repeat that, please?

If you don’t understand a question—don’t panic! This polite phrase shows the examiner you’re actively trying, which is always appreciated.

> It’s also a great stress-reducer when your brain freezes for a second mid-interview.

5. Je ne comprends pas.

Translation: I don’t understand.

Simple but essential. It's better to admit confusion than to guess wildly. Combined with the previous phrase, this shows you're communicative and courteous.

> Bonus: Add “Pouvez-vous expliquer ?” (Can you explain?) for extra points.

6. Je voudrais [Item/Action].

Translation: I would like [Item/Action].

This phrase is especially useful in role-play tasks involving restaurants, shopping, or travel scenarios. It helps you sound polite and structured.

> “Je voudrais un café, s’il vous plaît” is a classic for a reason!

7. C’est [adjective]!

Translation: It’s [adjective]!

Short, sweet, and adaptable. This phrase helps you show emotion or opinion during a conversation. Try words like intéressant, délicieux, or fatigant.

> Example: “C’est très intéressant!” when talking about a movie or book.

8. Je suis allé(e) à [Place] / J’ai visité [Thing].

Translation: I went to [Place] / I visited [Thing].

Use this to talk about past experiences using passé composé—the go-to tense for A2-level learners. Passion Language School’s grammar workshops really helped me master these patterns.

> “Je suis allé au cinéma samedi dernier” = Easy, relatable, and grammatically spot on.

9. Je me lève à… / Je prends mon petit déjeuner à…

Translation: I wake up at… / I eat breakfast at…

The speaking test often involves describing daily routines. These action-based structures help you create natural answers about your life.

> Combine them with sequencing words like ensuite (then), puis (next), and enfin (finally) to show progression.

10. Merci beaucoup et bonne journée !

Translation: Thank you very much and have a nice day!

Closing strong makes an impact. Examiners appreciate a friendly goodbye—it shows politeness and leaves a positive final impression.

How I Learned These Phrases with Confidence

While memorizing phrases is a great starting point, using them confidently in conversation is what makes the difference. That’s where Passion Language School, known for offering one of the best-online-french-language-courses, made a huge difference in my prep.

Their platform not only helped me understand the context for each phrase but also practice using them in real-life scenarios through speaking exercises, role-plays, and live tutor feedback. I got better at responding naturally—and not sounding like a robot reading from a textbook.

Final Thoughts

The DELF A2 speaking test doesn’t expect perfection—it rewards clarity, communication, and basic fluency. These 10 phrases offer the backbone for a confident performance. Use them, adapt them, and—most importantly—practice them in real conversations.

If you're searching for the best-online-french-language-courses, I highly recommend checking out Passion Language School. Their personalized guidance, supportive tutors, and practical lessons gave me exactly the foundation I needed for exam success.

So grab your notebook, open that mic, and start speaking. You’ve got this—bonne chance!