Okay, so today I decided to tackle a French crossword. I’ve been learning French for a while now, and I figured, “Why not put my vocabulary to the test?” Plus, I’ve always loved crosswords, so combining the two seemed like a fun challenge.
I started by finding an online French crossword. There are actually quite a few websites dedicated to this. Some were a bit too advanced for me, but I eventually found one that seemed just about right – not too easy, not too hard.
Getting Started
First thing I did? I printed it out. I’m old-school like that; I like to have a physical copy in front of me so I can scribble notes and really get a feel for the puzzle.
Then, I grabbed a pencil (with a good eraser, of course!) and settled down at my desk. I scanned the clues, looking for any easy wins, you know, the short words or ones I instantly recognized. It’s always good to get a few answers on the board to build momentum.
The Process
- Read through all the clues, even the ones that looked tough. Sometimes, seeing all the clues together helps jog your memory or gives you ideas for other words.
- Start with the ones you’re sure of. No shame in going for the low-hanging fruit!
- Use the intersecting letters to your advantage. If you have a few letters filled in from other words, it can narrow down the possibilities.
- Think about French word structure. like feminine and masculine forms, or verb conjugations.
- Don’t be afraid to guess! That’s what the eraser is for, right?
- When I really hit a wall. I’d take a peek at an online French dictionary or verb conjugator.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing, though. Some of those clues were real head-scratchers! French can be tricky. There were a few times I had to step away, make a cup of tea, and come back with a fresh perspective.
The Finish Line
Finally, after a good hour or so, I managed to fill in the last square! It was such a satisfying feeling. And honestly, I learned a few new words along the way, which is always a bonus.
If you enjoy it, I think it’s worth a shot to do!
