Et muss ee mat de Meedercher danzen déi do sinn

Cutting your coat to suit your cloth

Literally: You have to dance with the girls who are there. A long time ago, when rural communities were more isolated, the choice of potential partners was often very limited. At the village dance, boys had to choose from among the girls who had come. Even though the expression has long lost its original meaning, it is still being used in the Luxembourgish language in situations when your options are very limited.

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."

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 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!"

Pastry (literally: coffee biscuit)

 Sweet bakery product which is popular at Luxembourg's Kaffisdëscher (i.e. breakfast tables). You might also come across this being called Mëtsch. Also very much appreciated by colleagues at the office.

"Wëlls de e Kaffiskichelchen?"

I love you - the most beautiful way to declare your feelings

When did you last say this to your loved one? Say it in Luxembourgish or add it to your SMS: the abbraviation EHDG is well-known in Luxembourg.

"Ech soen dir dat vill ze sielen: ech hunn dech gär."

Literally: To have been hit by a peel

A peel, used to slide bread into an oven, is a remarkable tool, especially when someone hits you with one, e.g. over the head. This in turn might then explain some goofy decisionmaking or downright nonsense someone has made - according to this Luxembourgish expression.

"Deen huet eng mat der Broutschéiss - deen deet am Schnéi Sandalen un."

Hedgehog

Small animal which can often be found in gardens.

Door handle and measure for a glass of Luxembourg beer

Can be ordered at a locksmith or in a cafe. In the former case it opens doors, in the latter it quells thirst with half a litre of beer (roughly a pint). The name is derived from the fact that traditional Klensch-glasses has a tin cap which had to be opened before drinking. Today, a Humpen is more commonly ordered. It you want to order one, always use the word in conjunction with Wann ech gelift (Please):

"Eng Klensch wann ech gelift! A fir mäi Kolleg och eng."

An insufficient quantity

Literally: Something for the hollow tooth. Expression used if something is not present in sufficient quantity to have an impact (i.e. money, food, etc.). Also used in a figurative sense, e.g. in case of insufficient effort to achieve something.

"Dovu ginn ech net sat, dat war eppes fir den huelen Zant."

Weak, poorly, mediocre

Word to express your dissatisfaction with a person, a situation or a performance. Can also be used if you're feeling poorly.

"Hatt fillt sech schappeg haut."

What's up?

An expression which you almost certainly will have heard if you have Luxembourgish friends or colleagues. It is used to kick off a conversation, to change the topic, or simply to say 'Hello!'

"A soss, wéi geet et?"

To criticise or complain

Activity that consists of criticising what one could not do better oneself. Preferably used for people (Kregéiler then) who warm up quickly and start to grumble.

"Lauschter deem Kregéiler einfach net no."

To put your oar in / to put in your penny's worth

Literally: to add your grain of pepper. Oars, pennies or pepper? This expression is used in Luxembourgish to designate somebody's unsolicited participation in a discussion.

"Also, wann ech mäi Pefferkär emol kéint dobäi leeën, ..."

Person who is dressed up for Carnival

During the Carnival period, from 2 February until Ash Wednesday, you'll be able to see quite a lot of them. Dressed up for the occasion, their natural habitat will be in or around the numerous festival halls in the countryside where masked balls take place, or on one of the large parades which take place each year.

'I love you' - the most beautiful declaration of love

When did you last tell someone you loved them? This is the best way to express your feelings. In SMS, this expression is usually abbreviated EHDG. You can also use DK for 'Décke Kuss' (big kiss).

Traditional Luxembourgish evening get-together

In the past, as the nights became longer and colder, the neighbourhood would meet at someone's place in the evening, in order to sing songs, tell stories, do some knitting or eat a bite together. That way the community spirit was strenghthened, and candles and firewood were being saved.

"Kënns de den Owend op eis Uucht?"

Cool! (literally: thick gas)

Here's an expression you certainly won't find outside Luxembourg's borders. Even though it is in direct competition with the universally-used 'cool', 'Décke Gas' remains an expression you will (hopefully) hear regularly.

"Ass den ëffentlechen Transport elo gratis? Décke Gas!"

Inhabitant of Luxembourg's southern region, the 'Minett'

Luxembourg's South, rich with iron ore, was the country's centre for steel production until some time ago. The steelmill workers and inhabitants of that part of the country were thus called 'Minettsdapp'. Even though this was a derogatory term at first, it came to be adopted by the people from that region and is today born with pride.

"Minettsdäpp si vun der Long op d'Zong."

This does not bother me in the slightest

Expression used to indicate that you are not impacted by something or simply do not care.

"Dat do pickt mech kee Meter!"

To wear one's heart on one's sleeve (literally: from the lung to the tongue)

Human property which consists in speaking one's mind freely, without letting other opinions interfere too much.

"Hatt ass vun der Long op d'Zong."

Common chaffinch

Small bird of around 14 to 18 cm length, very widespread in Europe. As a migratory bird, it returns from warmer regions towards the end of March, and is recognisable due to its singular song. In his poem 'D'Margréitchen' (The Daisy) Luxembourg poet Michel Lentz gives the chaffinch the role of proclaimer of spring.

Héiers de de Poufank? Et gëtt Fréijoer.

Thanks, bye

An expression you will certainly find useful in your daily life.

Äddi a merci!

Easter Bunny

According to legend, this rabbit hides painted eggs on Easter morning, so that the children can go and find them. The hare also symbolises fertility, renewal and spring. Curious? Then discover more Luxembourgish traditions surrounding Easter.

Den Ouschterhues kënnt geschwënn d'Eeër verstoppen.

Stop talking rubbish

Literally: don't talk curd. The curd is the physical state of milk after coagulation, one step in the production of cheese. In this Luxembourgish expression it is synonymous to meaningless talk.

Dat kann dach net stëmmen. Schwätz kee Brach!

Till the cows come home

Literally: Liquorice Day. If somebody tells you to wait till Mokuchsdag, you can safely assume that it's never going to happen.

Do kanns de bis Mokuchsdag waarden.

To have a chat

Pastime which consists in exchanging information about a multitude of topics informally and in a relaxed manner.

Mir haten eis laang net gesinn an hunn dunn emol eng Kosettchen gehalen.

Though the years may pass, stupidity remains

Used to express your despair over a person who continually repeats the same mistakes or exhibits the same irritating character traits, usually over a lengthy amount of time.

Dee léiert och näischt bäi. Tjo, d'Joere ginn, den Eefalt bleift.

He's arguing like a lawyer

Can be said of someone who can argue pretty well, even though he or she might not always be on the side of the truth.

Gleef ëm net ëmmer alles, deen deedegt wéi en Affekot.

Don't be such a miser

The Kuuscht is the crust of a bread - if someone is kuuschteg, he or she is a miser.

Hatt ass nach ze kuuschteg fir sech sat z'iessen.

Hopping (or Dancing) Procession

On every Pentacost Tuesday, this procession, part of Unesoc's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, advances through the abbey-town of Echternach, accompanied by the sounds of marching bands. A must for every visitor!

Bass de en Dënschdeg och nees op der Sprangprëssessioun?

Not to be taken for a ride

Literally: not to have been picked off a hedge. Fitting answer when you are not to be taken for a ride by someone.

Ziel mir kee Blödsinn, ech si jo awer net vun der Heck gepléckt.

Literally: the Stay-at-home-cart

When you're travelling by stay-at-home-cart, you prefer to stay at home during the holidays, which by all means includes exploration of of your own region to discover some touristic gems. At least you won't have to plan long journeys or lose time in queues at the airport or traffic jams on the motorways

- Fuert dir an d'Vakanz?

- Mir fueren dëst Joer mat der Heibleifskäerchen.

To go berserk (literally: to jump out of the box)

Etwas ärgert Sie dermaßen, dass Sie aus der Haut fahren könnten? In dem Fall springen Luxemburger aus der Kiste.

Wann dee sech net packt, da sprangen ech geschwënn aus der Këscht.

Construction/roadwork site

You'll find them on Luxembourg's roads in many forms. Small or big, mobile or lasting for months, or even years, they are important for trafic management and shape how we move tomorrow. Luxembourg word which has been taken over from the French word Chantier. The plural form is Schantercher.

T'ass ewell ee Schantjen um aneren hei.

Literally: My legs are made of aspic!

'Jelli' is a local product, but not used here in the sense of a culinary specialty. Instead an expression used to describe the feeling in one's legs after a long biking tour, for example through the Luxembourg Ardennes.

De ganzen Dag um Vëlo - wat hunn ech d'Been am Jelli!

A hopeless case (literally: a bird for the cat)

Expression being normally used for someone who is impervious to any kind of advice.

Looss e sinn, dat ass e Vull fir d'Kaz.

Switching from one topic to the next

Having to listen to someone speak while constantly switching topics can be taxing one's patience indeed. The Luxembourgish expression is composed from the words 'Hëppches', meaning 'hopscotch', and 'Haapches' meaning 'everybody'.

Wann hatt schwätzt, da kënnt et vun Hëppches op Haapches.

Pull the other one! (literally: the plums too!)

Fitting answer for when you don't quite believe a person.

Jo, Quetschen och!

He'll be presented the bill

Literally: He'll now how much a pound of cherries costs. Expression to say that someone is going to have to face the consequences of his actions sooner or later.

Wann en net oppasst, da gëtt e geschwë gewuer wat d'Pond Kiischte kascht.

Merlan cuit dans la levure de bière

One of the culinary specialties served at the Schueberfouer. Usually accompanied by chips, salad and a good glass of white Moselle wine.

Geess de de Mëtteg mat eppes op d'Fouer iessen? Ech hätt Losch op e gudde Fouerfësch.

Literally: when dirt becomes manure, it wants to be chauffeured

Sometimes, a person accedes to wealth and then start being arrogant. A long time ago, a large heap of manure in front of a farm was judged to be a sign of wealth. To accede to wealth, i.e. a heap of manure, from humble beginnings (dirt) and then act arrogantly was judged to be very ill-mannered.

- Hues de gesinn, wéi dee sech opféiert op senger neier Plaz?

- Tjo, wann den Dreck Mëscht gëtt, da wier e gär gefouert.

Cosy

Now that autumn has finally arrived, it is sometimes nice to just stay at home, make yourself comfortable and spend a 'schuckeleg' evening.

Maache mir eis e schuckelegen Owend?

He/she isn't the sharpest tool in the shed

Literally: He/she's not the sharpest kitchen knife in the drawer. The 'Knäip' is a short kitchen knife which finds use in many areas in the kitchen.

T'ass net de schäerfste Knäip am Tirang.

Figure from Luxembourgish mythology

According to legend, this water spirit lived in the Attert, a river in the west of Luxembourg. With a Harpoon, he would catch children who had come too close to the Attert or a well, and drag them into his world. Today, the Kropemannsfest in Redange/Attert takes place in his honour.

Géi net ze no bei d'Waasser, soss hëlt dech de Kropemann.

Breakfast bale (literally: coffee table)

Coffee has left its marks in Luxembourg: the day usually starts at the Kaffisdësch with, of course, a steaming hot cup of coffee. And for the amateurs of sweets, a Kaffiskichelchen might be added, a viennoiserie. And more than Luxembourger then can be spotted dipping their viennoiserie into their coffee before savouring it.

Keep calm (literally: leave the church in the village)

In Luxembourg, every village has its church - telling someone to leave it there is synonymous to asking someone not to exaggerate.

You can't change people (literally: send a dunce into the forest, he'll return a fool)

Luxembourgish expression to show your despair at a person's inability to learn and avoid mistakes.

To leave the field (literally: to clear out the leaf)

Whether someone resigns from his post or leaves a place, in Luxembourg it is said that the person 'clears out the leaf'.

Literally: Hearsay is half a lie

Don't fall prey to urban legends! When confronted with an improbable story based on rumours, clearly state your disbelief with this Luxembourgish expression.

Why the long face? (literally: Are your carrying rain?)

Luxembourgish expression to ask someone why he or she is looking sad.

The common flu!

Vreckecht stems from the verb vrecken (eng.: to pass the bucket) and describes a state of health in which some people do feel like they are about to die. This includes a runny nose, headache, throat-ache and aching muscles and articulations, as well as respiratory difficulties and fever. In other words: the seasonal flu.

Boxemännchen

Sorry, but there is no counterpart in the English-speaking world that we know of - unless there is, then please let us know.

The Boxemännchen is a brioche formed like a small man which is on sale in the weeks running up to Saint Nicholas (on 6 December). Children love it with their breakfast or afternoon tea, but it is equally popular in Luxembourg's offices or among friends.

Grand Duke's birthday

A long time ago, the celebrations were held on the day of the Grand Duke's birthday. In 1961, the date was fixed on 23 June, and has remained thus ever since.

The craving (literally: the steep hunger)

It doesn't matter what the time is and the stomach is growling - it's time to see what treasures the fridge holds.

Literally: The wild one runs in the forest

This expression is not really translatable into English - it is a common phrase used by parents all over Luxembourg when their offspring use the phrase "I want" for the umpteenth time in a row. Basically, a wordplay on the Luxembourgish words wëllen (to want) and Wëllen (the wild one).

To stand up to somebody

This expression shows your appreciation that a person stands up to somebody.

Saint Nicholas

Kleeschen is the Luxembourgish name for Saint Nicolas, a nice man who is often dressed in red, bears a bishops' hat and a crosier. He is assisted by the Houseker, who punishes children who have been naughty by handing them a twig. Saint Nicholas Day is celebrated on 6 December, and for the occasion all of Luxembourg's fundamental schools remain closed.