What Language Is Spoken in Luxembourg?
Luxembourg, located in the heart of Western Europe, is a multicultural and multiethnic country with a population of over 600,000 inhabitants. This state, known for its economic and financial prosperity, is also characterized by a fascinating linguistic diversity. In this article, we present the main languages spoken in Luxembourg.
The richness of Luxembourg's multilingualism
Multilingualism, which refers to the coexistence and common use of multiple languages, is an essential element in Luxembourg's culture and society. This uniqueness is the result of a rich historical past and the geographical and cultural influences of neighboring countries such as Germany, France, and Belgium. As a result, three languages stand out as official languages and are commonly used: Luxembourgish, German, and French.
The official languages and their respective uses
- Luxembourgish (Lëtzebuergesch) is considered the national language and an integral part of Luxembourg's identity. It is a Germanic language derived from Moselle Franconian, which was once spoken in the Trier region of Germany. Luxembourgish is often considered a dialect of German, although it is now recognized as a distinct language by its speakers and internationally. In daily life, it is primarily used in informal conversations among Luxembourgers, as well as in some government institutions and local administrations.
- German, which has been used since the 19th century, is the country's primary written language and an integral part of the Luxembourgish education system. It is taught from primary school onwards and is the language of written media and a significant portion of audiovisual media. Within the administration, German is often preferred for the drafting of official documents due to its precision and legal rigor.
- On the other hand, French also holds an important place in Luxembourgish life, especially as a major administrative language, thanks to its international reputation and universal influence. It is commonly used in certain courts and public institutions, such as the Court of Justice of the European Union. Official documents and contracts are often translated into French to meet legal requirements and provide broader access to this information. Furthermore, being proficient in French can be considered a professional asset in Luxembourg, as several multinational companies establish their headquarters there.
A cosmopolitan and polyglot population
Beyond these three languages, the fact that nearly half of the resident population holds another nationality reflects the cosmopolitan and varied nature of languages spoken in Luxembourg. As mentioned earlier, English, Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish are also integral parts of the linguistic landscape.
The rise of English
English, considered the international language par excellence, is experiencing growing prominence in the Luxembourgish professional world. Many multinational companies and European institutions are present in the Grand Duchy, which promotes the use of this language, especially for communication with English-speaking countries and international partners.
Foreign communities and foreign language education
Luxembourg also hosts a significant Portuguese community. Other languages such as Italian and Spanish are also commonly spoken. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the teaching of other foreign languages in response to the various cultural elements that make up this fascinating country.
- Portuguese: approximately 16% of the resident population
- Italian: around 4%
- Spanish: between 2 and 3%
This openness and interest in foreign cultures are also evident in the Luxembourgish education system, known for its quality and European influence. Students often study multiple languages from a young age. As a result, young Luxembourgers typically develop proficiency in four to six different languages.
Which language to learn when moving to Luxembourg?
For someone wishing to settle or work in Luxembourg, it is essential to master at least one of the three official languages (Luxembourgish, French, or German). Given the cosmopolitan nature of the country, having a basic knowledge of English is also recommended. Finally, knowledge of another foreign language can be an additional advantage with employers.