Introduction to Luxembourgish

Moien! A first word in Luxembourgish that makes life easier

On a daily basis, Luxembourgish is used just like German, French and English. Whether you are out shopping, at a local bar or in conversation with native Luxembourgers, you will be surprised at just how often you hear the language and the opportunities you have to use it yourself.

Even if you only know a few words or phrases, a "Moien" or "Wannechgelift" can go a long way. That's why we have compiled a series of easy words and expressions that you can use on a daily basis.

Where and how can you learn Luxembourgish?

If we’ve sparked your interest and you fancy trying to learn the language more seriously, here are some ideas and tools.

In-person, online or hybrid learning

• The Institut national des langues Luxembourg (INLL) offers a wide range of courses from level A1 to C1 based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
• The Department of Adult Education (Service de formation des adultes – SFA) in the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth helps people who have just arrived in the country to integrate linguistically by learning Luxembourgish. It supports the many courses run throughout the country by municipalities and partner organisations.
• Under the Biergerpakt (Citizens’ Pact), all adults living or working in Luxembourg are given the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the languages spoken in the country. The Biergerpakt gives residents access to the Intercultural Living Together programme, with language modules taking them at least to the introductory level of A.1.1.
• The Université populaire also offers Luxembourgish courses at different levels.
• If you prefer or need an entirely online approach, the LLO.LU, platform developed by the INLL is a way of learning Luxembourgish free of charge. The content is available to everyone, anywhere in the world, with no age limit or geographical restrictions.

Tools to support your language learning

• Lëtzebuerger Online Dictionnaire (LOD) is an essential website for anyone learning Luxembourgish. It contains five target languages (German, French, English, Portuguese and Dutch), as well as sign language. You will also find verb conjugations and a pronunciation guide.
• Orthotrainer is a platform where you can practise spelling, check out the spelling rules and do exercises. The tool was recently modernised by the Zenter fir d'Lëtzebuerger Sprooch (ZLS) and given a simpler and more intuitive design.
• Sproochmaschinn is an artificial intelligence tool capable of recognising and transcribing spoken language (Schreifmaschinn) and reading written texts (Liesmaschinn). A version 2.0 was launched at the end of 2025, with improved accessibility and optimised vocal recognition.
• Spellchecker is an online tool developed by ZLS that you can use to check whether your Luxembourgish texts contain any spelling mistakes. It will soon also be available as an app.
• D'Lëtzebuerger Verben is the perfect tool to check conjugations of Luxembourgish verbs and improve your knowledge.
• LuxASR (Automatic Speech Recognition for Luxembourgish) is a tool developed by the University of Luxembourg for transcribing recordings in Luxembourgish.

What makes Luxembourgish different from other languages?

Luxembourgish is a gem of a language. It belongs to the Moselle Franconian family of languages from West Germany, but over the years it has been influenced by languages from all over Europe. This has resulted in a highly diverse language that combines history and modernity.

Luxembourg's eventful past, marked by shifting powers and major waves of migration, has created a unique linguistic mix. Nowadays, Luxembourgish not only reflects the country's cultural openness; it also demonstrates Luxembourg's commitment to a united Europe. That is why German and French are both national languages, with the same status as Luxembourgish. Other languages like Portuguese, Italian, English and Spanish, as well as Scandinavian and Balkan languages, are also well represented.

Luxembourgish is mainly spoken in Luxembourg and in the region around Arlon, in Belgium. But it can also be heard in regions that once attracted large numbers of migrants from Luxembourg, like the US Midwest or some parts of Romania. And thanks to news sites, social media and increasing integration, Luxembourg is continuing to develop as a written language – a dynamic, modern tool for use on a daily basis.