Question 1

Do I need to know some French?

Accepted Answer

A little helps. The course starts at A2, after a beginner course. If you can order a coffee in French, start here.

Question 2

Will I speak in the first lesson?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The first question comes in the first minute. You answer out loud, then hear the correct answer.

Question 3

How is this different from Duolingo?

Accepted Answer

Duolingo is mostly tapping and reading. Here you speak the whole lesson. Every question needs an answer out loud, and you hear the correct one.

Question 4

How long until I can hold a conversation?

Accepted Answer

That depends on where you start. Do one lesson a day. Each unit adds a few things you can say without thinking. B1 covers everyday conversations.

Question 5

Can I use it with the screen off?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The lessons are audio. In the app, lock the screen and keep going.

Question 6

Can I cancel?

Accepted Answer

Yes, anytime. Your plan runs to the end of the paid period, then stops. There is a 14-day money-back guarantee.

Question 7

What happens in a lesson?

Accepted Answer

A native speaker asks you a question. You answer out loud in the pause. Then you hear the correct answer and say it again. That repeats for 15 minutes, on a few grammar points. A short dialogue at the end uses them.

Question 8

Is it like Pimsleur?

Accepted Answer

The listen, answer, check loop is the same idea. The difference is what you answer. Pimsleur asks you to translate. Here you change a French sentence the way a French speaker does. And the lessons follow a graded course.

Question 9

How long is a lesson?

Accepted Answer

About 15 minutes. Pick the slow pace and it takes about 19, with longer pauses.

Question 10

Which level should I start at?

Accepted Answer

Take the level test. It takes 90 seconds and tells you which unit to start at. Or start with the first free lesson and see how it feels.

Question 11

Can I see the text?

Accepted Answer

The worksheet shows the model sentence for each exercise. The rest is audio, because saying the answer yourself is the practice. The app can also show the text after each answer.

Question 12

Do I need headphones?

Accepted Answer

No, but they help. The lesson plays fine from a phone speaker.

Question 13

What’s free?

Accepted Answer

The first lessons of the course. You can play the first one now, without an account.

Question 14

Do I need a card?

Accepted Answer

No. The free lessons need no card. You add a card when you pick a plan.

Question 15

How do I cancel?

Accepted Answer

From your account page, in one tap. Or from the link in your receipt. Your plan runs to the end of the paid period, then stops.

Question 16

Does it renew?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Annual plans renew each year. Monthly plans renew each month. Cancel anytime and it stops at the end of the period.

Question 17

Can I get a refund?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ask within 14 days of any purchase on parlessa.com. Email support@parlessa.com and the money goes back to your card. App store purchases are refunded by Apple or Google.

Question 18

Does it work offline?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in the app. Download a level and the lessons play anywhere. In the browser you need a connection.

Question 19

Which devices?

Accepted Answer

iPhone, Android and any web browser, with one account. Your progress syncs between them.

Question 20

Can I skip the beginning?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Take the level test and start at the right unit. You can also pick any unit from the course page.

FAQ

Your first lesson is free.