It is difficult to go a day in Luxembourg without using French. It is convenient for French and Belgian expatriates, and common for Luxembourgers, whose multilingualism is almost second nature.
But is French, the most widely used language in the workplace, still as dominant as ever? A report in French published by the Support Association for Immigrant Workers (ASTI) in October 2025, titled French in Luxembourg: between decline and a challenge for social cohesion, highlights the risk of declining interest in the language and its use in the country.
One chapter, titled “French, an unloved language in Luxembourg’s education system”, points to a growing disengagement among younger generations, who are increasingly oriented towards German- and English-speaking worlds.
Historically, French has not always held a positive image. In the 19th century, learning the language was often perceived as an imposition linked to the Napoleonic Code.
However, after the Second World War, its importance grew, as Luxembourgers distanced themselves from German following the occupation. Its use was further reinforced by the Belgian-Luxembourg Economic Union and the emergence of Télé Luxembourg, which broadcast in French, in the 1950s.
We recently took to the streets, at the Festival of Migrations for example, to gather residents’ views on the status of French in Luxembourg. One French resident described it as omnipresent, adding that this can be a challenge for those who do not speak the language, while making life easier for French-speaking expatriates.
Another foreign resident highlighted the openness of Luxembourgers, noting their ability to communicate in several languages. This view was echoed by others, who praised the country’s multilingualism, often involving three or four languages, including French.
For many foreign residents, French serves as a gateway into life in Luxembourg, particularly for those from countries such as Italy or Portugal.
However, the widespread use of French, sometimes at the expense of Luxembourgish, can also create tensions, especially as not all expatriates learn the national language. Perceptions vary depending on individual experiences.
One resident said that it is only respectful to make an effort to learn Luxembourgish, even if it is not easy, particularly in a country where many residents already speak several languages. Others take a more pragmatic view, arguing that while learning Luxembourgish is an advantage, it is not essential, especially given the general tolerance towards those who do not speak it.
Even one Italian resident who speaks Luxembourgish acknowledges the dominance of French, noting that while he may occasionally greet people in Luxembourgish for fun, in practice he uses French almost exclusively.
