Is there an official TCF Canada vocabulary list?

No. FEI says the TCF is not based on a fixed course syllabus; it assesses general French ability. Thematic lists can organize practice, but they are not a complete official reference.

How many words do I need for TCF Canada?

FEI sets no required vocabulary count. A more useful measure is whether you can understand common material, choose accurate collocations, and actively use language in speaking and writing.

Should I memorize isolated words or full phrases?

Prioritize collocations and sentences, such as prendre une décision rather than décision alone. A complete unit teaches meaning, preposition, register, and sentence structure together.

TCF Canada Vocabulary by Theme

There is no official fixed TCF Canada vocabulary list or required word count. FEI describes the TCF as an assessment of general French ability, while speaking and writing consider lexical range and control and language appropriate to the situation. This page is an editorial training map: learn French collocations by theme, then retrieve them in sentences and across all four skills.

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Daily life, housing, and services

Start with collocations that complete everyday tasks: louer un logement, payer un loyer, déménager dans un quartier, prendre rendez-vous, remplir un formulaire, fournir un justificatif, acheter un abonnement, and signaler un retard. Record the usual preposition and one personal sentence.

Work, study, and development

Organize vocabulary around actions: poser sa candidature, passer un entretien, signer un contrat, travailler à temps partiel, suivre une formation, acquérir une compétence, réussir un examen, and concilier travail et vie personnelle. A complete phrase is easier to reuse than an isolated noun.

Public topics and argument functions

Prepare neutral language for environment, health, technology, media, and education: réduire les déchets, accéder aux soins, protéger les données, vérifier une source, and favoriser l'égalité. Add en raison de, par conséquent, tandis que, même si, à mon avis, and cela dépend de to express cause, result, contrast, concession, and position.

A four-step review loop

Choose 8 to 12 collocations, retrieve the French without looking, write one truthful sentence for each, notice related wording in audio or text, and use several in a speaking or writing task. Label retrieval, collocation, and register errors, then test them again the next day and one week later.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an official TCF Canada vocabulary list?: No. FEI says the TCF is not based on a fixed course syllabus; it assesses general French ability. Thematic lists can organize practice, but they are not a complete official reference.
How many words do I need for TCF Canada?: FEI sets no required vocabulary count. A more useful measure is whether you can understand common material, choose accurate collocations, and actively use language in speaking and writing.
Should I memorize isolated words or full phrases?: Prioritize collocations and sentences, such as prendre une décision rather than décision alone. A complete unit teaches meaning, preposition, register, and sentence structure together.

Official source

2026-08-22.

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