Formal:
* "I have a basic understanding of French."
* "I possess a limited proficiency in French."
* "I have some familiarity with the French language."
Slightly less formal:
* "I have a working knowledge of French."
* "I am able to communicate in French at a basic level."
* "My French is limited, but I am able to understand and speak some basic phrases."
Adding context:
You can also add context to your statement, depending on the situation:
* "I have studied French in the past and have a basic understanding of the language."
* "I have some conversational French, but I am not fluent."
* "While my French is not perfect, I am able to understand and contribute in a professional setting."
Remember:
* Be honest about your level of French.
* Tailor your statement to the specific situation and audience.
* If you are unsure, it's always best to err on the side of caution and be conservative in your assessment of your language abilities.