Learning Languages in Luxembourg: Courses, Integration, and Employment

Have you just arrived in Luxembourg, or are you looking to better integrate into your daily and professional life? Learning the languages is one of the best ways to find your place, understand your surroundings, and expand your opportunities in the Grand Duchy.

Luxembourg is a deeply multilingual country. In a single day, you might hear or use French, Luxembourgish, German, English, or Portuguese depending on where you are, the people you meet, and the situations you encounter. This linguistic diversity is part of the country’s identity, but it can also be surprising to newcomers.

For expats, expat spouses, cross-border workers, students, or international employees, learning a language in Luxembourg can facilitate integration, boost employability, help with job searches, improve communication with your children’s school, or pave the way toward Luxembourgish citizenship.

Summary

• Why learn languages in Luxembourg?
• Which language should you prioritize learning?
• Languages and employment in Luxembourg
• Learn a language with the INLL
• Learning Luxembourgish
• Language leave to learn Luxembourgish
• Language courses offered by municipalities and associations
• Learning Luxembourgish online
• Practice languages in a friendly setting
• Languages for children and new students
• Highlighting your language skills on a resume
• Key points for expats
• FAQ: Learning languages in Luxembourg

Why learn languages in Luxembourg?

In Luxembourg, languages are not just a means of communication. They also play a key role in integration, employability, and participation in local life. Even though many newcomers initially live and work in French or English, gradually learning other languages can open many doors.

Language skills are regularly assessed during the hiring process and may be tested directly during an interview.

To better integrate into daily life

In shops, government offices, schools, community organizations, or local activities, you will regularly encounter multiple languages. Understanding a few words of Luxembourgish or German can make administrative procedures, neighborhood interactions, and daily life easier.

To better understand the integration process, visitour page on the integration of newcomers to Luxembourg.

To find a job more easily

The Luxembourg job market is international, but also highly multilingual. Depending on the sector, French, English, German, or Luxembourgish may be required. A strong command of these languages can therefore make a difference in an application, an interview, or career advancement.

Check out our guide to finding a job in Luxembourg and our page on the Luxembourg job market.

To feel more independent

Learning a language also helps you regain a sense of independence when settling into a new country. For an expat’s spouse, someone in transition, or a parent accompanying their children, it is often a concrete first step toward building connections, regaining confidence, and envisioning a future in their new living environment.

Which language should you prioritize learning in Luxembourg?

The best language to learn depends on your situation: job search, family life, local integration, plans for citizenship, professional sector, or place of residence.

Your goal	Language to prioritize	Why?
Integrating into local life	Luxembourgish	It facilitates communication with residents, certain government agencies, and community organizations.
Working in services, healthcare, or retail	French, Luxembourgish	French is widely used in everyday professional life; knowing Luxembourgish can be a major asset.
Working in finance, auditing, IT, or institutions	English, French, German	English is widely used in international settings.
Working with German-speaking clients	German	German is important in banking, insurance, industry, law, or certain service sectors.
Preparing for Luxembourg citizenship	Luxembourgish	Knowledge of Luxembourgish is required as part of the citizenship application process.
Supporting your children in the school system	French, German, Luxembourgish	These languages make it easier to follow their children’s progress and communicate with teachers.

To learn the basics, check out our Luxembourgish phrasebook.

Languages and employment in Luxembourg

Languages can significantly influence access to employment in Luxembourg. They are particularly important in sectors that involve contact with customers, institutions, government agencies, international teams, or foreign markets.

The most useful languages by sector

Sector	Languages often required	Job Seeker Advice
Finance, auditing, funds, insurance	English, French, German	Prepare a resume in English if the job posting is in English.
IT, data, cybersecurity	English, French	Professional English is often essential.
Healthcare, nursing, personal services	French, Luxembourgish, German	Luxembourgish can be a real advantage when interacting with patients.
Retail, hospitality, customer service	French, English, Luxembourgish, German	Speaking multiple languages can improve your employability.
Public service	Luxembourgish, French, German	The three official languages may be required depending on the position.

To find out about promising careers and sectors, visit our page on hiring sectors and salaries in Luxembourg.

Languages on Your Resume

On a CV in Luxembourg, the languages section must be clear and visible. Indicate a realistic level: native, bilingual, professional fluency, intermediate, or basic knowledge. You can also use the European levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, or C2.

How can you highlight your language skills on a resume? Check out our tips for a resume in Luxembourg.

Learn a language with the INLL

The Luxembourg National Institute of Languages (INLL) is a key public institution for adult language learning. It offers courses, tests, and language proficiency certifications.

The INLL offers courses for adults in several languages, including Luxembourgish, French, German, English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Dutch, and Russian.

Visit the INLL website to learn about courses, levels, registration, and certifications.

Why choose the INLL?

• Recognized public program.
• Wide selection of languages.
• Levels aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
• Certification options available.
• Courses tailored to personal, professional, or integration goals.
• Locations in Luxembourg and other towns depending on available offerings.

Places are often in high demand. It is recommended that you register in advance, particularly for Luxembourgish and French courses.

The INLL is also a valuable resource for job seekers looking to enhance their employability through language skills. See also our page on continuing professional development in Luxembourg.

Learning Luxembourgish

Learning Luxembourgish is an excellent way to better understand the country and enhance your integration. Even a few simple words can facilitate everyday interactions and demonstrate a willingness to become part of local life.

Luxembourgish can also be useful in certain professions, particularly in the civil service, healthcare, education, local services, or roles involving direct contact with the public.

Proficiency in Luxembourgish is also important for applying for Luxembourgish citizenship.

Learning Gradually

Luxembourgish may seem difficult at first, especially if you don’t know German. However, it’s possible to start simply: greetings, polite phrases, common expressions, and everyday vocabulary.

Here are some basic Luxembourgish expressions you should know.

Language leave to learn Luxembourgish

Do you work in Luxembourg and want to learn or improve your Luxembourgish? Language leave allows you to take a Luxembourgish language course while receiving specific leave.

This leave is intended primarily for employees, self-employed individuals, and professionals who meet the specified requirements. The total duration of language leave is limited to 200 hours over the course of one’s professional career, divided into two periods of 80 to 120 hours.

For more information on training leave dedicated to the Luxembourgish language.

Are you self-employed? Also check out our page on self-employment in Luxembourg.

Language courses offered by municipalities and associations

Many municipalities in Luxembourg offer or support courses in Luxembourgish and sometimes other languages. These courses are often designed to facilitate the integration of residents and foster local connections.

Check directly with your municipality of residence.

City of Luxembourg

The City of Luxembourg offers, among other things, courses in the Luxembourgish language and culture for adults, at various levels. Courses generally run during the school year, according to the terms set by the City.

Associations and Integration Organizations

Organizations such as ASTI or CLAE may also offer courses or programs focused on language and integration. These initiatives are particularly useful for newcomers who wish to build connections while making progress.

Findmore information on the integration of newcomers in Luxembourg.

Learn Luxembourgish online

It is possible to start learning Luxembourgish even before arriving in Luxembourg. Online tools are particularly useful for familiarizing yourself with the sounds, expressions, and basics of conversation.

LLO.LU, a free platform for learning Luxembourgish

The LLO.LU platform lets you learn Luxembourgish for free, anywhere and anytime. It offers online exercises, a level test, and virtual or in-person activities to help you improve your Luxembourgish.

The platform is useful for beginners, for review, or for regular practice, especially if you’re preparing to move here or want to learn at your own pace.

Learn Luxembourgish and other resources

Sites like Learn Luxembourgish offer content to help you discover Luxembourgish through games, quizzes, audio files, videos, and exercises. Some content is free, while others may require payment depending on the level of support you need.

The Quattropole Luxembourg-Trier-Saarbrücken-Metz website also offers modules for learning Luxembourgish, particularly for French or English speakers.

The LOD Luxembourgish Dictionary

The LOD, Lëtzebuerger Online Dictionnaire, is a very useful tool for translating and understanding Luxembourgish. It allows you to look up words and expressions, listen to pronunciations, and better understand grammar and conjugation.

It can be particularly helpful for expanding your vocabulary, preparing for simple conversations, or improving your reading and listening comprehension.

A tool worth knowing if you’re preparing for Luxembourgish citizenship.

Practice languages in a friendly setting

Learning a language isn’t limited to classes. Regular practice, even if imperfect, is often what helps you progress the fastest. Language cafés, informal meetups, and community activities are particularly useful for speaking without pressure.

Language Cafés

Language cafés let you practice different languages in a friendly atmosphere. You can meet other people there, chat over a drink or a meal, and improve your speaking skills without a overly formal setting.

Check the Language Café’s Facebook page for dates and locations.

The Maison des associations also organizes language cafés. Check out its Facebook page.

ASTI also organizes language cafés, particularly for practicing Luxembourgish, French, German, English, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese. Contact the association for registration details.

Walk & Talk

The INLL also organizes social activities like Walk & Talk, which let you practice languages while walking and meeting other learners. This type of format helps you improve while building social connections.

Want to meet new people? Check out our page on social life and meeting people in Luxembourg.

Languages for Children and New Students

For expat families, languages are often a major concern. Children may be exposed to multiple languages at school, depending on the school system chosen and their age upon arrival.

Language support programs may be offered in schools to help new students integrate gradually.

Check out our page on academic and language support for newcomers.

Private providers also offer intensive language courses for children during school breaks. These courses can be useful for strengthening French, German, or English before the start of the school year or during an adjustment period.

See also our information on courses, vacation activities, and summer camps in Luxembourg.

Highlighting Language Skills on a Resume in Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, language skills must be clearly listed on your resume. Recruiters often look at this section very early on, especially for positions involving contact with clients, government agencies, or international teams.

Your language skills should be consistent across your resume, cover letter, and interview .

Your professional LinkedIn profile should also reflect your proficiency in the various languages highlighted on your resume.

How should you describe your proficiency level?

• List each language separately.
• Use clear language: native speaker, bilingual, business fluent, intermediate, basic.
• You can also indicate the CEFR level: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2.
• Don’t overestimate your proficiency: it may be tested during the interview.
• Adapt the language of your resume to the job posting.

For more information: Resumes in Luxembourg: tips, templates, and mistakes to avoid.

Your path to learning a language in Luxembourg

1. Clarify your goal: employment, integration, citizenship, children’s schooling, social life.
2. Choose your priority language: French, Luxembourgish, English, or German, depending on your needs.
3. Assess your level: beginner, intermediate, advanced, or professional.
4. Choose the right format: group classes, private lessons, online courses, intensive courses, conversation classes.
5. Practice regularly: language cafés, exchanges, clubs, daily life.
6. Showcase your progress: resume, interviews, local integration, administrative procedures.

FAQ: Learning Languages in Luxembourg

Also read on Just Arrived

• Integration of New Arrivals in Luxembourg
• Luxembourgish Phrasebook
• Luxembourgish citizenship
• Job search in Luxembourg
• Resumes in Luxembourg
• Continuing professional education
• Academic Support for Newcomers
• Population and cultural diversity in Luxembourg

Learning a language in Luxembourg is a personal and professional investment. Whether your goal is to find a job, better support your children, prepare for citizenship, or simply feel more comfortable in your daily life, every step of progress counts.