C1 French verbs: 250 essentials

What to do with verbs at C1

The list is cumulative: these 250 verbs include the foundations from every earlier level. At C1, aim to produce the common forms in context, not merely recognize each infinitive.

• Choose precise verbs and natural collocations instead of generic substitutes.
• Shift between conversational, professional, and academic registers.
• Read passé simple comfortably while maintaining full control of productive tenses.

Tense focus

passé simple · advanced subjonctif · all productive compound tenses. Earlier-level tenses remain active and should become progressively more automatic.

C1 worked examples

New verbs from the previous level

This stage adds 50 verbs to the previous cumulative list. Here are the first 12 additions by frequency.

Common questions

Is there an official C1 French verb list?

No. CEFR defines what learners can do at each level, not a mandatory vocabulary list. This is a practical Bonjour Verbs sequence combining communicative usefulness, corpus frequency, and the tense control expected around C1.

How many French verbs should I know at C1?

Use 250 verbs as a practical working target, not a certification rule. Reliable production matters more than recognizing a much longer list.

Which French tenses should I know at C1?

The main C1 verb focus in this sequence is: passé simple, advanced subjonctif, all productive compound tenses. Earlier-level tenses remain part of the cumulative skill set.