Luxembourg is a real melting pot with expats making up 47.3% of its population! While English, French and German are widely spoken, Luxembourgish remains the national language. Whether you have recently arrived or have lived there for years, mastering the language will help you integrate and improve your career prospects.
Why learn Luxembourgish in 2025?
Nearly 300,000 people worldwide speak Luxembourgish, and most live in the Grand Duchy.
A big plus to help you integrate into society
Learning the language will help you forge a closer relationship with your fellow Luxembourgers. While most of them can speak several languages, informal chats are usually in Luxembourgish.
A career-boosting skill
Some jobs, particularly in the public service sector, require speaking all three official languages. Lots of job offers state that proficiency in Luxembourgish is “a plus” if not “required”.
A requirement if you want Luxembourgish nationality
You must pass the “Sproochentest” when applying for Luxembourgish nationality. The exam assesses your oral comprehension (level B1) and your oral expression (level A2). You cannot get Luxembourg citizenship and the rights that come with it if you don’t pass this test.
Good to know: There are free language-learning cafes, open to all
Several organisations, including the Association for the Support of Immigrant Workers (ASTI), regularly organize these informal get-togethers. You will meet Luxembourgers and other learners in a welcoming atmosphere that encourages conversation.
Learning methods adapted to everyone
Learning Luxembourgish may seem daunting, but the country has a wide range of educational resources.
Immersion and digital resources
Immersing yourself in the language is a natural way to progress. Luxembourg media outlets such as RTL Play will familiarise you with the language. There are also free apps, such as Aurelux for grammar exercises and Wuertschatz for learning vocabulary. The aim is to prepare you for the language certification tests.
The LLO.LU platform was developed by the National Institute of Languages (INL) in 2022, and provides comprehensive courses in Luxembourgish. It’s free and offers:
- Lessons structured according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
- Pronunciation exercises with voice recognition.
- Virtual activities run by native teachers, for example, conversation tables or general knowledge quizzes.
You can use a computer or the mobile app to access LLO.LU, and the platform includes an assessment test to determine your proficiency (A1 to C1).
Formal lessons
The INL is Luxembourg’s official language learning institute. Its courses follow the CEFR curriculum and cover all levels. You can get reduced rates (€10) under certain conditions: jobseeker, people who receive REVIS income support, etc.
Lots of municipalities offer courses to their residents. The city of Luxembourg, for example, organises biannual courses (55 hours) and intensive courses (110 hours). These courses award a certificate upon completion, so you can prove your proficiency when needed.
Financial help to support your learning
The Luxembourg government has put in place several measures to encourage people to learn the national language. The aim? Make language learning available to everyone.
Time off work to learn the language
Employees and the self-employed can take time off work to learn Luxembourgish while still being paid. You can benefit from up to 200 hours’ language learning, divided into two periods. The state will give your employer 50% of the compensatory allowance and social security contributions.
To benefit from the service, you must have worked for your employer for at least six months and get their permission. Your request must be sent to the Ministry of Labour before the start of the language courses.
Specific financial help
People applying for Luxembourg nationality may request reimbursements for:
- The “Sproochentest Lëtzebuergesch” registration fee (€75).
- Language courses up to €750.
This financial help can be invaluable for people applying for citizenship.
Companies legally established in Luxembourg can apply for the co-financing of their training programs, up to 15% of the amount they spend.
Good to know: Foyer’s Mozaik home insurance
Your tech will be a valuable tool when you learn Luxembourgish. Protect your devices with Foyer’s Mozaik home insurance. Thanks to its “Nomadic Goods” warrantee, your devices will be covered in the event of breakage, theft or loss, both in Luxembourg and when you’re on the move. So you can take your online language courses with complete peace of mind.
A worthy linguistic investment
Learning Luxembourgish takes time, but it’s worth the effort. People who speak two or more languages develop better cognitive abilities in the long run. And it doesn’t matter if you learn a new language early on or later in life.
It takes around two years’ learning to become adequately fluent. It will take around 500 hours of learning to speak proficient Luxembourgish (level B2). Learning the language will boost your social life in the Grand Duchy.
Luxembourg is a country where multilingualism is highly valued. The State has a proactive learning policy that encourages people to learn the national language, with financial help and innovative educational resources. This strategy means that residents from all walks of life can actively participate in local life and improve their professional prospects.
The three key takeaways:
- Learning Luxembourgish will make your social and professional integration easier, and is essential if you apply for nationality.
- You’ll find a range of learning methods, from free online platforms to in-person courses that award official certificates.
- You can get considerable financial help (language leave, reimbursements) towards your language learning process.
