French Naturalization Interview: Common Questions for English Speakers
The entretien d’assimilation is the final step before becoming French. Here’s what English-speaking applicants can expect: typical questions, how to prepare, and insider tips.
Key Takeaways
- The naturalization interview (entretien d’assimilation) tests your integration into French society, not just your knowledge of facts.
- It is conducted entirely in French — there is no interpreter or bilingual option.
- Questions cover your personal history, motivations, knowledge of France, and understanding of republican values.
- The interview typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes and takes place at your local prefecture.
- Preparing for the civic exam gives you an excellent foundation for the interview.
What Is the Entretien d’Assimilation?
The entretien d’assimilation (assimilation interview) is a face-to-face meeting with a civil servant at your prefecture. It is one of the final steps in the French naturalization process (acquisition de la nationalite francaise). The purpose is to evaluate whether you have genuinely integrated into French society and understand the values of the Republic.
Unlike the civic exam (which is a written MCQ), the interview is an oral conversation. The interviewer assesses your French language ability, your knowledge of French history and institutions, and your attachment to France.
10 Common Interview Questions (With Guidance)
1. « Pourquoi voulez-vous devenir francais ? »
Why do you want to become French?
This is usually the first question. Be sincere and personal. Talk about your attachment to France — your life here, your family, your career, your values. Avoid generic answers.
2. « Depuis combien de temps vivez-vous en France ? »
How long have you lived in France?
State your arrival date and briefly describe your journey — initial visa, subsequent permits, and your current status. Show that your presence is stable and continuous.
3. « Quelle est la devise de la France ? »
What is France’s motto?
Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite. Be prepared to explain briefly what each word means to you. The interviewer may ask you to expand on one of the values.
4. « Qui est le president de la Republique ? »
Who is the President of the Republic?
Know the current president, the prime minister, and your local mayor. These are basic knowledge questions that show you follow French current affairs.
5. « Pouvez-vous me parler de la laicite ? »
Can you tell me about secularism?
Laicite (secularism) is a cornerstone of French republican values. Explain that it means separation of church and state, freedom of belief, and neutrality of public services. This topic comes up very frequently.
6. « Connaissez-vous les symboles de la Republique ? »
Do you know the symbols of the Republic?
Be ready to name: the Tricolor flag (blue, white, red), the Marseillaise (national anthem), Marianne (symbol of the Republic), the rooster, the motto, and the national holiday (July 14th).
7. « Comment fonctionne le systeme educatif en France ? »
How does the French education system work?
Know the basics: ecole maternelle (3-6 years), ecole elementaire (6-11), college (11-15), lycee (15-18), then higher education. Mention that school is free and compulsory from 3 to 16. If you have children, share your experience with French schools.
8. « Quels sont vos droits et devoirs en tant que citoyen ? »
What are your rights and duties as a citizen?
Rights: vote, education, healthcare, freedom of expression, equality before the law. Duties: pay taxes, respect the law, defend the country if needed, participate in civic life (jury duty, voting).
9. « Etes-vous integre dans la societe francaise ? »
Are you integrated into French society?
This is your chance to showcase your integration. Talk about your work, friendships, local involvement (associations, sports clubs, volunteering), knowledge of your neighborhood, and daily life in French.
10. « Connaissez-vous un evenement important de l’histoire de France ? »
Do you know an important event in French history?
Be prepared to discuss at least 2-3 key events: the French Revolution (1789), the Declaration of the Rights of Man, World War II and the Resistance, the creation of the EU, or May 1968. Choose events you can genuinely discuss.
Tips for English Speakers
- Practice speaking about abstract concepts in French. You may be comfortable ordering coffee but less confident discussing laicite. Practice explaining values and institutions out loud.
- Don’t memorize scripted answers. Interviewers can tell when someone is reciting. Understand the concepts and express them naturally.
- Be yourself. The interviewer wants to see a genuine person who lives in France and appreciates its values — not a walking encyclopedia.
- Bring documents. While not always required, having your tax notices, employment contracts, or association memberships can support your claims of integration.
- Arrive early and be polite. First impressions matter. Dress appropriately and greet the interviewer properly.
How the Civic Exam Helps You Prepare
If you’ve already prepared for the examen civique (required for your carte de sejour), you’re well ahead. The civic exam covers many of the same themes: republican values, French institutions, rights and duties, and everyday life in France. The difference is that the interview requires you to express this knowledge verbally rather than selecting MCQ answers.
Parcours Civique offers bilingual preparation resources that work for both the civic exam and the naturalization interview — especially the podcast courses, which train your listening and speaking skills simultaneously.
Prepare for both the civic exam and your naturalization interview
Our bilingual courses cover everything you need in English + French.
Free Practice Test View PlansFrequently Asked Questions
Typically 20 to 30 minutes, though it can be shorter or longer depending on the interviewer and your responses.
No. The interview must be conducted in French. This is part of the language assessment. You need at least B1 level (CEFR) to naturalize.
If the prefect considers your assimilation insufficient, your naturalization request may be deferred or denied. You can reapply after addressing the issues raised. There is no formal « pass/fail » — it’s a holistic assessment.
No. The civic exam is a written multiple-choice test for your residence permit. The interview is an oral conversation for naturalization (citizenship). They cover similar topics but are separate procedures.