# Surviving the French family lunch

**Language:** French  
**CEFR Level:** A2  

> Listen in as Inès and Thomas talk about navigating a long Sunday meal with a partner's family in real, everyday French. By the end of this course their conversation will feel easy to follow, and you'll be ready to join in.

**Setting:** The lunch takes place at a family apartment in Strasbourg's Krutenau district, where Thomas is visiting his family for the weekend. Inès, who is dating Thomas's nephew, joins them for her very first high-stakes Sunday family meal.

## Lessons

### 1. Welcoming a guest

Thomas welcomes Inès into his home, offers her a drink, and asks about her studies.

### 2. Inviting someone to start eating

Inès talks about her university life and campus tours before Thomas invites her to sit down for dinner.

### 3. Declining an offer politely

Inès compliments the meal but politely declines more wine, leading Thomas to ask a personal question about her future.

### 4. Talking about past habits

Thomas explains how he used to handle awkward family questions in the past by changing the subject.

### 5. Suggesting speaking informally

Thomas offers Inès some more cheese before suggesting that they start using the informal "tu" with each other, which she gladly accepts.

### 6. Offering dessert

Thomas offers Inès some apple tart for dessert and points out that it is starting to get late.

### 7. Preparing to leave

Inès prepares to leave, but Thomas explains that goodbyes take a long time in his household, prompting her to stay a little longer.