The beauty of Luxembourg can be experienced through its nature and people. It is a small yet vibrant country nestled in the heart of Europe, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and multiculturalism.
With a population of just over 620,000 people (source: worldometers.info), it is one of the smallest countries in the European Union, but at the same time, also one of the most diverse in terms of the languages spoken. Let’s explore the unique linguistic landscape of this fascinating country.
GET TO KNOW LUXEMBOURG
Luxembourg has an area of just 2,586 km². The small size is not an obstacle to rich culture, on the contrary, it is one of the most cosmopolitan and richest countries in the world. Located between Belgium, France, and Germany, forms a part of the Benelux Union.
Luxembourg’s largest agglomeration is its capital city bearing the same name. The country has 11 other cities of much smaller size. Luxembourgish landscapes are charming, there are many parks, forests, and gardens awaiting you. Take a walk, breathe fresh air and enjoy the beautiful views.
Luxembourg’s economy is dominated by services; the financial sector prevails. The country is home to 124 banks (source: statista.com). Such a high number is due to low taxes, the country’s central location, and the multilingualism of the population.
Luxembourg City hosts many historical sites and monuments that are worth visiting during your stay. The old town area features cobblestone streets lined with colourful buildings dating back centuries ago. There are several museums dedicated to art and history that will give you insight into the country’s fascinating culture.
The weather in Luxembourg varies depending on the season, but generally remains mild throughout the year due to its central location. In summer, temperatures range from 15 °C to 25 °C, while winter temperatures usually hover around 0 °C-5 °C. Rainfalls occur frequently, so be sure to pack an umbrella!
LUXEMBOURGISH LANGUAGE
Luxembourgish is a West Germanic language spoken mainly in Luxembourg. It is closely related to the neighbouring Moselle Franconian varieties, which are also spoken in parts of Germany and France.
Luxembourgish is the official language of the state and forms an important part of the country’s culture and heritage. It is the native language of over 400,000 people in Luxembourg (source: Luxembourg Times). It borrows from French, German, Dutch, and even English, creating a unique blend of vocabulary.
WHAT LANGUAGES ARE SPOKEN IN LUXEMBOURG?
Almost all Luxembourg citizens are bilingual. French and German are taught since primary school. English proficiency is very high, and language lessons are compulsory from secondary school onwards. This means that residents of the country are fluent in three or more languages!
According to the European Website on Integration, Portuguese (spoken by almost 20% of the country’s population), Arabic, and Farsi are the most popular among immigrants. Luxembourgish is currently experiencing a renaissance and is used in all areas of life. Previously, until the 1970s, it remained in the private sphere and was primarily seen as a spoken dialect of German.
FRENCH LANGUAGE IN LUXEMBOURG
In 1684, during the first French occupation of Luxembourg, King Luis XIV banned the German language. Since that time, French has become widely spoken. Its position strengthened further after the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789. In 1815, when the state of Luxembourg was founded, it was the most widely spoken language.
Today, as much as 98% of Luxembourg’s population can communicate in French (source: Mosa Lingua). For many people, it is a second language, learned at a near-native level at school. From year to year, more residents start using Luxembourgish in homes, but many restaurants, streets, and businesses still bear French names.
GERMAN LANGUAGE IN LUXEMBOURG
German is widely taught in Luxembourg, especially in secondary schools. As many as 78% of the country’s population speak communicative German (source: luxembourg.public.lu). It is spoken in shops, restaurants, and hotels. Many editorials publish newspapers in German, and various TV channels play German-speaking programmes.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN LUXEMBOURG
English has become the main language of business in Luxembourg. Foreigners make up more than 47% of the country’s population (source: Mosa Lingua). Many of them work in the banking or insurance sector. In large corporations, communication takes place almost entirely in English. You will easily get along with English in shops, restaurants, or hotels in the Grand Duchy.
PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE IN LUXEMBOURG
Don’t get surprised if you hear a lot of Portuguese during your trip to Luxembourg! The largest group of foreigners living there are the Portuguese, who make up 16% of the country’s residents. The average age among this minority is 36.7 years, making them the youngest part of the population. The majority of Portuguese live in the south and east of the country (source: Mosa Lingua).
Before visiting Luxembourg for business purposes, make sure you have all the necessary documents in the appropriate language version with you. Our translation agency is ready to undertake translations in many European languages, including English, German, and French.
LUXEMBOURGISH PHRASEBOOK
While it is not widely spoken outside of Luxembourg, learning Luxembourgish can be a great way to add some local flavour to your travels. Let’s take a look at basic phrases:
- Moien – Hi/Hello
- Gudden Owend – Good evening
- Äddi – Goodbye
- Merci – Thank you
- Villmols merci – Thank you very much
- Entschëllegt – Excuse me
- Wéi geet et? – How are you?
- Mir geet et gutt, merci – I’m fine, thank you
- Wat ass ären numm? – What’s your name?
- Ech heeschen… – My name is…
- Vu wou sidd dir? – Where are you from?
- Ech sinn aus Polen – I’m from Poland
- Sproocht dir Lëtzebuergesch? – Do you speak Luxembourgish?
- Ech verstinn net vill Lëtzebuergesch – I don’t speak Luxembourgish very well
- Ech hunn eng Fro – I have a question
- Ech hunn eng Iddi – I have an idea
- Wéi vill kascht dat? – How much does it cost?
- Ech wëll dat kafen – I want to buy it
- Wou ass d’Toilette? – Where is the bathroom?
- Ech hunn honger – I’m hungry
- Ech hunn eng Afspraak – I have an appointment
WHAT TO SEE IN LUXEMBOURG?
Don’t let Luxembourg deceive you by its small size. There are plenty of things to do there. Stroll through the capital’s old town and visit Notre Dame Cathedral, which dates back over 900 years ago. After getting to know Luxembourg City, head to Vianden, where you can see Vianden Castle: one of the oldest medieval fortresses in Europe. Take a sneak peek at how people lived in the past. For those who love nature, we recommend taking the Mullerthal Trail which stretches across 70 km through some truly stunning landscapes including forests & riverside paths, perfect for those wanting some peace & quiet away from busy city life.
If you are planning a longer stay in Luxembourg, consider learning one (or more) of the languages spoken there. At our language school, you will find both French and German courses. You can take traditional classes or study remotely. Choose your learning preference.
