Vocabulary Guide: Technology, AI, and the Digital World

Target: 1,800+ words

Technology transforms society faster than language can sometimes keep up, but the TEF/TCF exam expects you to be fluent in the digital realm. Whether it is an article about cryptocurrency in Reading Section C, or a debate prompt about screen time for children in Speaking Section C, you need the right words to sound authoritative.

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Part 1: Core Hardware and Devices (Le Materiel)

Much of this vocabulary was borrowed from English, but French pronunciation and gender apply.

Part 2: The Internet and Software (L'Internet et les Logiciels)

Part 3: Social Media and Communication (Les Reseaux Sociaux)

Part 4: Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Tech (L'Intelligence Artificielle)

Part 5: Essential Tech Verbs

Part 6: Debate Topics and Speaking Phrases

Technology is the perfect arena for TEF Speaking Section C (Convincing/Debating).

Topic: Faut-il interdire les smartphones a l'ecole ? (Should smartphones be banned in schools?)

• Arguments Pour: "Les ecrans nuisent a la concentration." (Screens harm concentration.) / "Cela limite les interactions sociales pendant la recreation." (It limits social interactions during recess.)

Part 7: Idioms and Useful Phrasing

• "Etre connecte 24h/24" (To be connected 24/7).
• "Une epee de Damocles" (A double-edged sword - great to describe social media).
• "Une perte de temps" (A waste of time).

Conclusion

The vocabulary of the digital world is a mix of anglicisms (le web, le cloud) and specialized French terms (un logiciel, telecharger). Use this list to prepare for the inevitable technology questions on your French exams. Throw out words like "algorithme" and "cyberintimidation" in your essays to instantly demonstrate a B2/C1 command of modern societal issues.