Do I need to learn french to go to paris?

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Sid

Yes you should. Experiencing Europe is a dream come true and you should take advantage of every moment you spend there, specially by learning the languages, you feel more satisfied and people appreciate you more in my opinion.

Mr. Num Num

You do not need to learn French to be in Paris, so long as you do not go too far out of city limits. Most people DO speak English in Western Europe.

I have never been to Greece, so I cannot vouch for that.

LynX

simply go there. you'll learn there ... the best way to learn an language is to make a visit in that country and I guarantee that in 2 months you'll understand 80% of that language. Thrust me :) - there's not a better teacher then a French boyfriend ;)

Twin Peak

I would recommend at least learning basic phrases (especially if you're staying there for an extended period) like Thank you, Asking for direction, prices, etc. You'll enjoy your stay there a lot that way. I've noticed from my experience that French people hate speaking any other language than French! They take a lot of pride in French, and if you show at least that you're trying to pronounce a basic question, then, you'll go to great lengths to help you out.

The same applies to Greece, although most Greek speak English. To put it blunt, you won't have as many problems in Greece as you would in France.

Have fun.

SLF

most people working in tourist places in Paris will speak some English but it's a good idea to learn a little French to help you get by with ordering meals, getting taxis etc, where it's far from guaranteed that they will speak English.
As for Greece, I don't think anyone would expect you to speak Greek, so using English is, strangely, less of an issue.

gwen

It's kind of ignorant to go to a country and not speak any of the language. Most people in Paris will speak English but what if you had an emergency - not all speak it.

In Greece, less speak English and then mainly in tourist areas.

Just learn some basics and take a book with you to help you along.

Santa C

As a matter of courtesy, you should take a crash course in French and Greek-- you can probably find a French course in your community college (or get a home study course from your local bookstore). You might have to study Greek at home with a home study course from your bookstore. Phrase books alone are difficult if you do not have basic knowledge of the grammar. If you are visiting Germany, it makes a big difference if you can speak German. Though some ppl in those countries have studied English, many ppl there don't speak English regularly and many don't understand English at all. If you do speak English to ppl, ask them if they spk English (don't assume it) and speak slowly. It doesn't help to talk louder (I've seen ppl do this). You'll get a lot more out of your European trip if you can speak the local language. You will find that some Europeans will help you out by answering your questions in English (if you ask the questions in the local language).

No, you don't have to learn the language, but a few phrases may help. Also, you can get a translation dictionary, and kind of familiarize yourself with it.

Pete

I've been traveling to Europe twice a year for the last 10 years. The key in any country, including France, is to at least learn some common phrases in the language of the country you are visiting.
Although English is common second language in France, it is considered polite if you can initially speak some French. You'll find the French will give you a warmer reception if you at least try. Even to say Good Day, do you speak English?(Bonjour. Vous parlez anglais?), starts things off in the right manner.
Also, it's all part of the European travel experience. Language is part of the culture. Don't be embarrassed to try!
I highly recommend Rick Steve's language book to get a few basics. They make it easy to learn and they are fun to read.

outtahere

you can get by without it, but always learn to say please, thank you and excuse me in every language. if you're polite and good at sign language, you can travel anywhere.
enjoy!

cjdtucson

Don't worry. As a tourist your money will be the only languge they need. I lived in France (Paris) for a year and picked up enough French to be understood whilst I was there. Most of the tourist populated places have people that speak and understand English. You'll have a blast!

Jennie

My friend went recently and maybe she was a little ignorant but was quite surprised that nowhere had English translations anywhere in restaurants or anything so they struggled to order food and things so I would recommend taking a phrase book!

Lexy

Knowing as much as you can about those languages is a great advantage; you'll get the most out of your trip. Common phrases that could help you out in case you get some problems are really useful. You could buy those english-french or english-greek guidebooks. Most probably know some English in France, but don't depend on that.

SouthernStar

Most places in Europe people speak English very well. The French generally look down on people who speak their language badly, so unless you can speak French very well, I wouldn't try it.

dora s

Well, I'm from Europe, Hungary. I speak English, French and Spanish.
My experience is that for basic things (ordering in restaurant, asking the way, book a hotel room) English is enough everywhere in Europe.
But, it is always recommended to learn the local language, at least on a basic level. This can help you a lot in everyday stuff!

poutine

If you're going to fancy hotels, they have to speak English to get hired.

Mais, mon ami, tu devrais apprendre a parler le francais!
But, my friend, you should learn to speak French!

Bring a phrase book, both for French, and for Greek.

Abdullah

Just learn some basic French phrases. Like, "Where can I find..." or "How much does this cost?" etc.

Hope you have a good time!

babybunny729

I wouldn't say you "need" to learn it, but at least make an effort to learn a few phrases that you may need like "Where is the bathroom?" "How much is this please?" "Where is the train?"
etc. it would be best to at least learn a few phrases that may come in handy.

Eva

not really. But French people sometimes do not want to spek with u in english even if they do. So lern some basic phrases.. ;)

dj g

well english is a very well know language but not everyone speaks it in paris prehaps you can find people who speak it depending were u go in greece not so much.its always better and more respectful if you know at least a little bit of the langauge , i am an exchnage student in france for 4 months now and belive me when i came here at first i wished i knew more french.plus yours gonna want to be able to converse and meet knew people what if they dont speak english then u miss out alot.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to learn their language or at least try to out of consideration for the people there. They will tell you after you butcher a few words if they know English.

Good Luck!

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