Skip to content

B1 Lesson 1 of 3 · Double Consonants

Double consonants in common words

Learn the patterns: -elle, -onne, -enne, -ette, and words that start with ap-, ac-, ef-.

13 min · 8 activities

In this lesson you will

  • Double the n and l in feminine endings
  • Spell common words with ap-, ac-, at-, ef-
  • Avoid doubling where French has one letter
QuizDictation

Lesson summary

The key points to remember, for revision.

  • 1Feminines that double: -onne, -enne, -elle, -ette, -esse (bonne, canadienne, cruelle, muette, grosse).
  • 2Exceptions: complète, inquiète, secrète.
  • 3Double after a- at the start: appeler, accepter, attendre, arriver.
  • 4False friends: adresse, appartement, développement, personnel.

Key vocabulary

la nouvellenews
durablesustainable
muetmute, silent