french for beginners

A1 - Beginner
At this level
You understand and you know how to use some very simple familiar expressions that help you satisfy basic needs (ordering a coffee or a beer for instance).
You know how to answer simple questions, like what is your name, or where do you live?
A2 - Elementary level
you have some vocabulary and can get simple things done in French. Lot's of people in the UK leave school with this level. It's a good beginning and will definitly help you buy a beer when you are in France!
At this level
You understand common sentences that are widely used (e.g. personnal information, questions about shopping, about your immediate environment...)
You successfully communicate about simple tasks, familiar topics and matters of immediate need.
You are quickly lost as soon as the topic gets more complex or unfamiliar. People speaking too fast also represent a problem.