10 French ice breakers to get the conversation started
Are you learning French and want to engage in a conversation with a native speaker? Bravo, that's the right attitude to apply everything you've learned! But depending on our character, it is not always easy to approach a new person, especially in a language that is not our own. Here are some ice breakers to help you make the first move in French!
The French expression "briser la glace" comes from the English "ice breaker". It refers to all the little phrases that allow a person to start a conversation with a stranger. It means that by approaching the other person, you will put an end to an awkward or tense situation (a situation where there was "ice" before).
Updated on November 9, 2022
How to start a conversation in French
"Briser la glace" in French
Finding a common interest in French
Whether you're on a café terrace, at a friend's party or in a waiting room, you've probably noticed someone you'd like to talk to. But how do you approach him or her without looking ridiculous? You have to find a common interest and ask questions. These days it's not easy to talk to someone, even at a bus stop, because people are often absorbed in their phones. But you can try these phrases below depending on the situation you are in:
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Ice breakers about the weather in French
This is THE subject that will be discussed with anyone, anytime! It has the advantage of not being too personal, and you rarely disagree with the person you are talking to.
Talking about the time of day is also an easy way to get a person's attention:
But the disadvantage with this type of question is that you will have to move on to another subject quickly, otherwise, having answered the question, the person will continue on his way!
French ice breakers about food
If you are eating, or in a supermarket, this will be the easiest way to start a conversation.
Phrases to avoid when seducing in French
When you want to seduce someone and you are not sure of yourself, you tend to repeat ready-made phrases. But we forget that the person has probably heard them a thousand times before!
If you're a gambler, you can try these phrases in a humorous way! But be prepared for rejection, you have been warned!
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Maybe just adopt a dog!
They say that dogs are man's best friend. This furry creature is THE way to approach unknown people. Everyone wants to pet them, to know their breed... You don't have to make any effort, your dog does it for you!
From experience, it also works with a baby, but it requires a lot of involvement for a simple conversation!
So which ice breaker will you start your next Lingoda lesson with?
Audrey Sivadier
Audrey has been a French teacher for more than ten years now, and a cheese-lover all her life. She comes from the west of France, and after living 2 years in Spain and 4 years in Oxford in England, she has just settled in the heart of France, in Auvergne, a land of cheese, rugby, Michelin tires and ancient volcanoes. Audrey definitely prefers the first one. She speaks French, Spanish and English, and just started German, nothing better to understand her students who tremble at the French grammar! When she is not teaching, she tries to find time to cook or sing in a choir. She loves to invite people to her house to feed them and trap them with musical blind tests designed and adapted to her guests! Find out more about her on her website and LinkedIn.
