As French teachers, we all know that vocabulary is the foundation of language learning. But sometimes, drilling vocabulary lists can get … boring. That’s why incorporating French vocabulary games into your lessons can transform lexique practice from a chore into an engaging and interactive experience your students will actually want to participate in.
Here are 7 of my students’ favorite vocabulary games that will spark enthusiasm in your classroom and help your students retain new words naturally!
1. Family Feud
Survey says… This French vocabulary game is a hit! Bring the energy of Family Feud into your French classroom! Divide students into two teams and ask vocabulary-themed survey questions like (ex. Nommez les 5 fruits préférés selon les ados). Teams guess the most popular answers, just like on the TV show!
These game boards were created for my own Core French students and have been a huge success! My teens love the competitive aspect and always get excited to challenge their classmates. Whether you’re introducing new words or reviewing before a test, this game will get your student thinking, speaking, and laughing in French!
2. Le Pendu (Hangman) en français
This is a timeless classic that allows you to review or reinforce new French vocabulary. Pick a word or short phrase that your students know and draw the blank spaces for each letter. Students guess letters one at a time in French. Each wrong guess adds a piece to the drawing until they guess the word or the figure is complete. There are free digital options for your classroom here.
Hint: As it is becoming more controversial to use this game title nowadays, maybe consider renaming it to le mot mystère for your students and having a tally up to 6 points. 🙂
Why it works: It’s a low-pressure way to reinforce spelling and vocabulary recall. I’m always amazed at how involved and competitive my students are when playing this simple French vocabulary game. They simply do not want to lose!
3. Quatre images, un mot
Quatre images, un mot is another fun French vocabulary game that your students will enjoy in the classroom. Simply post a slide of four different pictures, and students are in charge of finding a French word that links all of the pictures.
I would suggest playing this game in groups and then awarding points to the teams that come up with an original linking word. If you are looking for pre-made slide decks to initiate this in your classroom, please check out this bundle that gives you a variety of pre-made rounds for this exciting French vocabulary game.
4. Head Banz
This is also a thrilling French vocabulary game to play in your classroom. Students wear a card on their forehead (or hold it up so others can see) with a French word written on it. They must guess the word by asking yes/no questions in French. For example, « est-ce que je suis un animal ? » The goal is to continue until the students have guessed their word correctly.
Why it works: It’s an interactive experience that encourages students to practice question formation, French vocabulary, and speaking fluently. If you are looking for some printable cards to use in your classroom, check out these ones.
5. French Improv
French Improv is a spontaneous and laugher-filled way to get students speaking and thinking in French. In this French vocabulary game, students are given a scenario and need to act out a short skit on the spot in order for their teammates to guess the scenario.
French Improv is the perfect game to build confidence, reinforce vocabulary in context and encourage creative risk-taking. You’ll be amazed at how much language they can produce when the focus is on fun, not perfection.
If you are looking for some game cards to bring this French vocabulary game alive in your classroom, please check out this resource that I use monthly with my students
6. Loup Garou
This popular social deduction game works great for practicing vocabulary related to people, places, or objects. Assign each student a secret role (ex. Loup-garou, villageois, capitaine). Students ask each other questions in French to discover who the loup-garou is and slowly eliminate people through a village vote.
Why it works: It encourages speaking, listening, and strategic questions, all while reinforcing vocabulary in a fun, immersive way. This is the edition that my class uses, and there are different characters that you can add into the scene depending on how advanced your students’ proficiency level is.
7. French Worlde
Bring the viral hit into your classroom with Wordle en français, a simple yet addictive way to review French vocabulary and spelling. Choose a 5-letter French word tied to your current unit (Ex, pomme, pluie, train, etc.) and have students guess it in 5 tries or less. I would recommend playing this game with a projector and using the game templates and word list I’ve already created, geared to our students’ proficiency levels.
Why it works:
It reinforces spelling, thinking, and word structure in a low-pressure format. Students love puzzles and don’t back down from a challenge.
Conclusion
Vocabulary acquisition doesn’t have to be dry or repetitive. With French vocabulary games like these, you’re not just teaching words – you’re creating an environment where students feel motivated and confident to use French in real contexts.
What’s your favorite French vocabulary game? Share in the comments below!
PS: If you are looking for even MORE games for your French classroom, please check out my other blog post on 10 Engaging Games for the French Classroom.