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All you wanted to know about Luxembourgish language
Luxembourg is widely known for its important role in the global financial markets. However, aspects of its culture remain relatively unknown to many, such as one of its official languages: Luxembourgish. In the following lines, we will thus venture into this language, unveiling its history, current use, main characteristics, and other relevant data.
If you're here, you're likely wondering, what exactly is the Luxembourgish language? Primarily spoken in Luxembourg, as well as in some neighbouring communities in Belgium, France, and Germany, the national language of a small European country has been spoken widely outside of it! As of early 2021, Luxembourgish was spoken natively by approximately 275,361 people, with an estimated 400,000 speakers worldwide.
Is Luxembourgish language a dialect or not?
Yes, Lëtzebuergesch is a Moselle Franconian dialect from the Germanic language family. But only linguistically speaking. Originating in the Moselle region of France, Luxembourgish has been spoken since around 1000 AD! The oldest known text written in this language is the Codex Mariendalensis, dating back to the 13th century.
Mix and match
Luxembourgish blends elements of French and German, enriched with many French words and expressions.
It was mainly spoken until the 19th century, when it was considered more of a dialect known as Lëtzebuerger Däitsch, meaning "Luxembourg German." However, as the dialect gained popularity, it evolved into the native language of the people living in the country. In 1984, Luxembourgish was officially recognized as a national language alongside the other two official languages, German and French.
Today, Luxembourgish is the mother tongue for the majority of Luxembourgers. As of early 2021, approximately 275,361 people spoke Luxembourgish natively.
Evolution of the Luxembourgish
Although relatively recent in terms of official recognition, the Luxembourgish language boasts a long and rich history. Let's explore its linguistic path through the ages.
Origins and classification
Luxembourgish historically and linguistically belongs to the Moselle Franconian dialects of the West Central German group. This dialect spans regions including Trier, Luxembourg, and adjacent areas. Together with Ripuarian Franconian (Cologne) and Rhenish Franconian (Mainz and Frankfurt), it forms the West Central German dialect continuum, distinguished by certain pronunciation features.
The early Middle Ages (750-1050)
In 963, Count Siegfried of the Ardennes acquired a fort named Lucilinburhuc (the little fortress), which would give its name to the city and country of Luxembourg. This event did not alter the multilingual nature of the region, inhabited by a Celto-Germanic mix since Celtic times and later integrated into the Roman Empire for about 500 years. After the Frankish invasion in the 5th century, the Western Franconian dialect established itself in the region, coexisting with Latin, the medieval lingua franca.
From the Middle Ages to the modern era (1050-1839)
Little is known about Luxembourgish during the medieval period due to the scarcity of documents. However, the Codex Mariendalensis from 1320, containing the epic poem Yolande de Vianden by Brother Hermann von Veldenz, is crucial for understanding the language in Luxembourg and the Moselle Valley in the 13th and 14th centuries. This text displays distinctive Moselle Franconian features, the precursor of modern Luxembourgish, such as the use of "h" in pronouns and certain phonetic evolutions.
Evolution and standardization (19th Century)
Although the roots of Luxembourgish trace back to the early Middle Ages, its sociolinguistic concept as a distinct language emerged only in the late 19th century. This period was marked by a national awakening across many European countries, and Luxembourg was no exception. Until then, Luxembourgish was considered mainly a regional dialect of West Central German, spoken daily but lacking official status or significant literary recognition.
Nationalism in the 19th century played a crucial role in fostering Luxembourg’s national and linguistic identity. The Industrial Revolution, socioeconomic changes, and political movements led to a resurgence of interest in local languages and cultures. In Luxembourg, this resulted in a greater appreciation for Luxembourgish, seen as a symbol of national identity.
This linguistic awakening manifested in the production of the first literary texts in Luxembourgish. Writers and poets began using Luxembourgish for literary expression, elevating its status and promoting its use in literature. Notable works from this period include those of Michel Lentz, regarded as Luxembourg’s national poet, whose works celebrated the Luxembourgish identity and landscape.
First grammar manuals!
Efforts to codify Luxembourgish also began during this time. The first grammar and dictionaries were published, providing a written and normative foundation for the language. These works were fundamental in establishing Luxembourgish as a language with its own grammatical and orthographic rules, distinct from other West Central German dialects.
Consolidation during the 20th century
The Nazi occupation during World War II significantly impacted Luxembourg’s national and linguistic identity. The Germanization policy imposed by the occupiers was fervently resisted by Luxembourgers, who saw the use of Luxembourgish as a form of resistance and affirmation of their national identity. This linguistic resistance helped to strengthen the prestige and importance of Luxembourgish in the post-war period.
The official recognition of Luxembourgish culminated in the 1984 law declaring it the national language of Luxembourg. This legislation marked a milestone in the language's history, providing a legal framework for its promotion and official use. The 1984 law not only consolidated the status of Luxembourgish, but also boosted its teaching in schools and use in public administration and media.
Modernization and dialectal uniformization
In recent decades, modernization and social mobility have led to greater uniformization of Luxembourgish, especially towards the dialect spoken in the central part of the country, in the Alzette Valley. Despite this trend towards standardisation, local dialectal variations persist, reflecting Luxembourg's rich linguistic diversity.
In recent years, Luxembourgish has experienced a renaissance, especially due to its use as a lingua franca on social media and mobile messaging. The 2008 law on obtaining Luxembourgish nationality provided a new impetus.
Way to citizenship lies through courses
Interest in learning Luxembourgish has peaked in recent years, with the number of Luxembourgish courses at the Institut National des Langues more than tripling between 2008 and 2022.
Languages used in the main areas of life in Luxembourg
Luxembourgish coexists with other official languages of the country, French and German, as well as various languages spoken by a significant number of foreign residents. To understand this landscape, we will refer to a 2021 study conducted by the state statistics department.
In the private conversations
In private settings, Luxembourgish is the most commonly spoken language. The 2021 statistics department study shows that 50.9% of respondents speak Luxembourgish at home, compared to 32.6% who speak French and 22.4% who speak Portuguese.
With colleagues at meetings
French is the primary language of communication in the workplace, followed by Luxembourgish, German, English, and Portuguese. Luxembourgish is less dominant in the capital and surrounding areas, where it is the main language of communication for only 30% to 52% of the population. However, its use is much higher in other regions, reaching between 62% and 95%. French remains the principal language in all regions, with its usage never falling below 43% and reaching up to 79% in some areas. This highlights the significant role of French, especially in commerce and the hospitality industry, predominantly in the capital and its vicinity.
In the classroom from the young age
The Luxembourgish education system emphasizes multilingualism, with students learning at least three foreign languages during their schooling. The system also provides a wide range of measures and courses aimed at integrating foreign students.
Television, radio, papers, and media language
Luxembourgish is the most used language by Luxembourgish radio stations and television channels, although there are programs in other languages. For instance, the station of the newspaper L'Essentiel broadcasts in French, and ARA City Radio airs in Italian, English, Portuguese, and more. German has traditionally been the language of choice in print media, although the use of French in traditional newspapers and some weeklies has increased. Articles in Luxembourgish remain rare, but there have been some publications in English in recent years.
When talking to the government
According to the 1984 law on languages, "French, German, or Luxembourgish may be used" in administrative and judicial matters. This means citizens can make administrative requests in any of these three languages, and the administration must respond in the chosen language "as far as possible." However, legislative acts are drafted in French, and legally, only the French language version is authentic at all levels of public administration.
Political debates and life
Luxembourgish is the spoken language in the political arena, while French is predominantly used as the written language.
In the supermarket
A significant number of retail employees speak French, but Luxembourgish and German are also commonly spoken.
At the theater and in the cinema
In cinemas, films are shown in their original versions with subtitles or translated into German or French. Theatrical productions do not follow a set language rule and can be in Luxembourgish, German, French, English, Portuguese, Italian, or other languages, offering a wide array of linguistic and cultural diversity.
As well as being a cornerstone of Luxembourg's national identity, Luxembourgish is also spoken in several neighbouring regions, including France, Germany, and Belgium. There is a name, Benelux, for a union of countries surrounding Luxembourg that work together on many projects. There is also a place for linguistic exchange.
What are the main places where Luxembourgish is used today outside the Grand Duchy?
Luxembourg
spoken natively by 275,361 people in 2021
Belgium
spoken by approximately 15,000 to 20,000 people by 2011
France
spoken mainly in the northeast region, near the Luxembourg border
Germany
especially spoken in the Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland regions
The provinces of Belgium and the surrounding regions share historical and cultural ties with Luxembourg, and the local population uses the language in their daily lives. Overall, between 15,000 and 20,000 people in the Arelerland region of the province of Luxembourg, which borders Luxembourg, speak Luxembourgish as their mother tongue. Furthermore, nearly 34,500 people in this region have a basic knowledge of Luxembourgish.
In France, Luxembourgish is spoken in the northeastern region near the Luxembourg border, particularly in parts of the northern Moselle department. The language has historical roots in this area, and although it is less common than in Luxembourg itself, some communities still use it.
Luxembourgish is also spoken in Germany, especially in the Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland regions, which are close to the Luxembourg border. The linguistic influence extends to these areas due to historical migrations and cultural exchanges. In these German regions, Luxembourgish is spoken primarily in family settings and by older generations who maintain the linguistic traditions.
Outside the union?
Outside Europe, Luxembourgish can also be heard in other parts of the world. Due to significant emigration from Luxembourg to the United States (in the 19th century) and Romania (in the 9th and 14th centuries), Luxembourgish spread to the American Midwest and Transylvania, where variants of the language can still be found today.
Linguistic characteristics of the Luxembourgish language
Coming towards the end of our tour, we are going to take a look at the main characteristics of the language, focusing on several elements such as phonetics, grammar, and vocabulary. We will not go into detail about the entire structure of the language, the goal is to give you a sense of what Luxembourgish sounds like and its similarities and differences with French and German.
Phonetics
Luxembourgish phonetics share similarities with both German and French, but it has its unique sounds and pronunciations. One notable feature is the presence of several diphthongs, such as "éi" and "äi," which are pronounced similarly to their German counterparts. Luxembourgish also has a distinctive nasal vowel sound, influenced by French, as seen in words like "Jong" (boy). Additionally, the "r" sound in Luxembourgish can be guttural, much like in French, or rolled, similar to German.
Syntax
The syntax of Luxembourgish generally follows the subject-verb-object (SVO) order, similar to English, but it can also exhibit the verb-second (V2) word order common in German. For example, "Ech kommen haut" (I am coming today) follows the SVO structure. However, in questions and some dependent clauses, the verb often appears in the second position, reflecting the V2 order: "Wéini kommst du?" (When are you coming?).
Grammar
Luxembourgish grammar is influenced by both German and French but retains its distinct rules. Like German, Luxembourgish uses cases, nominative, accusative, dative, and genitive, to indicate the grammatical function of nouns and pronouns. However, the use of cases is less rigid than in German. Luxembourgish also has three genders (masculine, feminine, and neuter) and employs definite and indefinite articles similar to both German and French. The verb conjugation in Luxembourgish follows regular patterns akin to German, with some irregular verbs that need to be memorised.
Vocabulary
The vocabulary of Luxembourgish is a rich blend of Germanic roots with significant French influence. Many everyday words in Luxembourgish are derived from German, but there are numerous loanwords from French, reflecting historical and cultural interactions. For instance, the word for "train station" in Luxembourgish is "Gare," borrowed directly from French. Meanwhile, "Haus" (house) is of German origin. This blend creates a unique lexicon where speakers often switch seamlessly between Germanic and Romance elements.
Popular and most common phrases in Luxembourgish
| Luxembourgish | Transcription | English |
| Moien | /ˈmoɪən/ | Hello |
| Äddi | /ˈædi/ | Bye |
| Wéi hesch du? | /veɪ hɛʃ du/ | What is your name? |
| Wéi geet et? | /veɪ ɡeːt ɛt/ | How are you? |
| Wann ech gelift | /vɑn ɛç ɡəˈlɪft/ | Please |
| Merci | /mɛrˈsi/ | Thank you |
| Pardon | /ˈpardɔ̃/ | Excuse me |
| Zum Wohl! | /tsʊm voːl/ | Cheers! |
| Ech hun dech gär. | /ɛç hun dɛç ɡɛːr/ | I love you |
If the above didn't tell you anything, here is a table with some Luxembourgish words and expressions that will give you an idea of the language.
Where to learn the Luxembourgish language in the Grand Duchy?
Learning Luxembourgish can be quite a challenge, especially if it differs significantly from your native language. However, there are various ways to improve your Luxembourgish language skills, whether you prefer independent study or structured courses.
For those who prefer to learn at their own pace, there are plenty of resources available. You can immerse yourself in Luxembourgish by listening to radio programs, watching television shows, and exploring podcasts, movies, or YouTube videos in the language.
If you want a more guided approach, numerous institutions and private tutors offer Luxembourgish courses in the Grand Duchy. These courses can be taken in person or online, catering to different learning styles and schedules. Group classes provide a collaborative environment where you can practise speaking and listening with fellow learners, while private lessons offer personalised attention to address your specific needs and goals.
Our top advice on learning Luxembourgish for you
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Luxembourgish considered a language?
From a linguistic perspective, Luxembourgish is a Moselle Franconian dialect within the West Central German group of languages, similar to those spoken in the German regions of Saarland and Trier. It belongs to the Central German linguistic area and does not differ significantly from other West Central German dialects to be considered a separate language. Luxembourgish is more closely related to Standard German (Hochdeutsch) than many dialects spoken in Bavaria, Austria, or Switzerland, which are also not considered separate languages but dialects of German. The classification of Luxembourgish as a language rather than a dialect is influenced by political and social factors rather than strict linguistic criteria. The official recognition of Luxembourgish as the national language of Luxembourg in 1984 underscores its cultural and national significance.
Where is Luxembourgish spoken outside of Luxembourg?
Outside of Luxembourg, Luxembourgish is spoken in some neighboring regions, particularly in parts of Belgium, France, and Germany. In Belgium, it is spoken in the province of Luxembourg, especially in areas close to the Luxembourg border. In France, Luxembourgish can be heard in the northeastern region, particularly in the Moselle department. In Germany, it is spoken in the Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland regions, also near the Luxembourg border. Additionally, Luxembourgish-speaking communities exist globally due to emigration, particularly in the United States and Romania.
Is Luxembourgish a mandatory language in Luxembourg schools?
Yes, Luxembourgish is a mandatory subject in Luxembourg's schools. The education system in Luxembourg emphasizes multilingualism, with students learning Luxembourgish, German, and French throughout their schooling. Luxembourgish is taught as a subject in primary schools, where it serves as the language of instruction for the initial years.
How does Luxembourgish differ from German and French?
Luxembourgish differs from German and French in several ways. Phonetically, it shares similarities with both languages but has unique sounds and pronunciations, including distinct diphthongs and nasal vowels. Grammatically, Luxembourgish uses cases like German but with less rigidity. Its syntax can follow the subject-verb-object order like in English or the verb-second order like in German. Vocabulary-wise, Luxembourgish is a blend of Germanic roots and French loanwords, resulting in a unique lexicon that incorporates elements from both languages.
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Source: fr.wikipedia.org, es.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org, www.lesfrontaliers.lu, www.expatica.com, es.babbel.com, luxembourg.public.lu, luxembourg.public.lu, www.sprooch.com, statistiques.public.lu, fr.wikipedia.org, archive.is
We took photos from these sources: Unsplash
Authors: Luz
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