Wann d'Mais sat sinn, ass d'Miel batter

Literally: When the mice have eaten well, the flour is bitter

Used to indicate that a person fails to appreciate something because he or she lives in abundance.

To reprimand somebody (Literally: I'm going to straighten his semaphore)

Perhaps the result of the importance of Luxembourg's railroads in the 20th century, this expression is used when you are displeased with somebody and wish to talk to them about it.

"Wat erlaabt dee sech? Ech ginn deem emol den Diks riichten!"

Delighted

Enchantéiert is a Luxembourgish adaptation of the French word Enchanté and means exactly the same thing: a polite greeting, usually when being presented to a person for the first time.

"Ech mengen, mir kennen eis nach net. Enchantéiert!"

To scold somebody

This expression cannot really be translated into any other language: it as about scolding somebody 'Schëmmel', which is a white horse, and 'Bless', which is the Luxembourgish word for a white spot that horses or cows my have on their head.

"En hat eng ganz Palett fale gelooss a gouf vum Viraarbechter Schëmmel a Bless vernannt."

May wreath

1 May custom which consists in the weaving of young twigs and their leaves to wreaths. These are then hung up on houses and buildings as lucky charms. This also inaugurates the Maitrank season, a very popular beverage in Luxembourg and the region around the Belgian town of Arlon, which is made of white wine and sweet-scented bedstraw. And which, by the way, should be consumed moderately.

"D'Musek geet muer den Owend an de Bësch fir de Meekranz ze maachen."

Literally: Don't break your watch

Expression which can either be used to tell somebody to ease the pressure, or to ironically tell somebody that they are not pulling their weight.

"Méchs du schonn nees Paus? Briech der d'Auer net!"

Easter eggs

Widely known tradition in Europe and abroad. According to legend, the Easter Bunny hides the painted eggs (as well as presents) during the night in the garden, so that the children can search for them on Easter morning. Funny affair which demands some level of planning, if you don't want to find some too well hidden eggs at the end of the garden season. And no, the three 'e' are not a typo.

"Sot Kanner, waart dir schonn d'Ouschtereeër sichen?"

Closing time/End of workday (literally: eve before a holiday)

Used at the end of a long workday to indicate that it's time to head home. Can also be used as an expression of being fed up with something:

"Elo ass awer Feierowend hei!"

Being mischievous (literally: to have nothing good in your head)

Is said of somebody who has a reputation for being naughty.

"Deen huet keng Gutt an der Kopp, dee mécht nëmmen Dommheeten."

To chat

Art of turning a spontaneous meeting into a pleasant exchange of information. The word is also being used to describe the sound of chimney fire.

"Am Uewe potert d'Feier, de Wanter jot ëm d'Haus ..." (Luxembourgish song)

Happy New Year!

Luxembourgish expression with which people welcome each other in the new year. According to the original expression you also wish someone a wig made of goat hair. The origins of that part of the New Year's greeting lie, luckily perhaps, hidden in the fogs of Luxembourg's history of language and customs.

"Iech alleguer vill Gléck am neie Joer!"

Beauty knows no pain (literally: pride suffers violence)

This expression confirms: the quest for beauty comes at a price.

"Dee brauch eng Stonn moies fir sech fäerdeg ze maachen. Tjo, Houfert leit Gewalt!"

Happy Holidays!

The editorial team of the portal Luxembourg.lu wishes you a merry Christmas and happy holidays!

"Schéi Feierdeeg an e gudde Rutsch!"