Learning French is a loooong process. It is not easy. And you will have hard times. BUT don’t let important information pass you by! When you ask a question to the paediatrician, the head teacher or the butcher, but don’t understand a single word of the answer, ask them to repeat! You are not fluent but not stupid. Ask again and you will figure it out. If not, ask to have to have it written down. How? Like this.
All are very elegant. Very useful. Ok everywhere.
Excusez-moi, je ne parle pas très bien français. Est-ce que vous pourriez répéter s’il vous plaît?
Excuse me, I don’t speak French very well. Could you repeat please?
These 2 phrases are perfect together. You can use “Excusez-moi, je ne parle pas très bien français.” before all of the following ones.
Est-ce que que vous pourriez me l’épeler s’il vous plaît ?
Could you spell it please?
To understand a word spelled, you have to know the pronunciation of the letters. Careful with the vowels A E I O U. 
My students often mix them up! You will practice them in the first module of Moving to France.
Est-ce que que vous pourriez me l’écrire s’il vous plaît ?
Could you write it down please?
The best option for a medicine, a street name or the person you are supposed to meet. Perfect if you are not 100% ok with spelling.
Je suis désolée, je ne comprends pas.
Sorry, I don’t get it.
If you don’t understand at all, say it!
Merci beaucoup.
Thanks a lot.
Always thank the person who made the effort to help you.
Bonne chance !
Géraldine