Luxembourgish Phrase Guide: Essential Phrases for Everyday Use

Luxembourgish is the national language of the Grand Duchy and plays an important role in everyday life. Although it is not essential to be fluent in it to live or work in Luxembourg, knowing a few simple expressions makes communication easier and shows your interest in the local culture.

In Luxembourg, multilingualism is part of everyday life. Depending on the situation, you’ll hear Luxembourgish, French, German, English, or even Portuguese. This linguistic diversity may seem confusing at first, but it’s also one of the country’s greatest strengths.

Learning a few words of Luxembourgish doesn’t require a significant time investment. A simple “Moien” to say hello, “Villmools Merci” to say thank you, or “Äddi” to say goodbye is often enough to make a warm first impression on the people you meet.

In this guide, discover the key phrases you need to know, the situations in which to use them, and the tools that will help you learn at your own pace.

Do you need to speak Luxembourgish to live in Luxembourg?

The answer is no. Thanks to the country’s multilingualism, it’s entirely possible to live in Luxembourg speaking mainly French or English, depending on your professional and personal environment.

However, learning a few words of Luxembourgish is a real asset. It makes initial interactions easier, shows your willingness to integrate, and often helps you connect more naturally with the locals. Luxembourgers generally appreciate people who make the effort to use a few phrases, even if their pronunciation isn’t perfect.

This approach naturally complements your exploration of Luxembourgish culture and social norms and helps you integrate into Luxembourg.

Which language should you use in Luxembourg?

In Luxembourg, there isn’t just one single everyday language. The choice often depends on who you’re talking to and the context. In most cases, if you start a conversation in French, the person you’re talking to will naturally respond in that language if they’re fluent in it.

Situation	Most Commonly Used Language	Tip
Shops, bakeries, restaurants	French	Start with “Moien” or “Bonjour.”
Government	French, Luxembourgish, or German	French is generally sufficient.
International company	French or English	Adapt to your team’s customs.
Village or local events	Luxembourgish is often appreciated	Just a few words are enough to make a warm connection.

Want to take your language learning to the next level? Check out our guide to language courses in Luxembourg, which outlines the various training options and language leave.

Essential phrases for everyday communication

You don’t need to know a lot of words to start having conversations in Luxembourgish. A few well-chosen phrases are enough to say hello, thank someone, introduce yourself, or ask for help. Using them in the right situations will make it easier for you to connect with the locals.

Greetings and Goodbyes

Greetings are the first phrases you’ll use in everyday life. In Luxembourg, it’s customary to say hello when entering a store, government office, or small business.

Phrase	Translation	When to use it?
Moien	Hello	When entering a store, at work, or when meeting someone.
Good afternoon	Hello (afternoon)	Early in the afternoon.
Gudden Owend	Good evening	In the evening.
Äddi	Goodbye	To say goodbye.

Introducing Yourself

A few simple phrases will help you introduce yourself during an initial contact, a phone call, or a meeting.

Phrase	Translation	Usage
Ech heeschen…	My name is…	To introduce yourself.
I am Mr. … / I am Mrs. …	I am Mr. … / Mrs. …	During a phone call or an appointment.
And nice to meet you.	Nice to meet you.	When you meet someone.

Thanking, asking, and apologizing

These expressions are among the most commonly used in everyday life.

Phrase	Meaning
Villmools Thank you	Thank you very much.
Keng Ursaach	You're welcome.
If I can help	You're welcome.
And I'm sorry	I'm sorry.
Excuse me	Excuse me.

Asking for help or striking up a conversation

These few phrases will be especially useful when you’re shopping, looking for an address, or chatting with a neighbor.

Phrase	Translation
How are you?	How are you?
I’m looking for…	I’m looking for…
Can you repeat that when I lift it?	Could you repeat that, please?
Could you speak a little more slowly?	Could you speak a little more slowly?
How do you say that in Luxembourgish?	How do you say that in Luxembourgish?

Going Further: Useful Phrases for Different Situations

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can gradually expand your vocabulary. There’s no need to memorize long lists of words—focus on the phrases you’ll actually use in your daily life.

At a restaurant or café

Phrase	Translation
What’s the dish of the day?	What’s the dish of the day?
Shall we grab a bite to eat?	Shall we go for a drink?

In everyday life

Phrase	Translation
What time is it?	What time is it?
A moment, please.	Just a moment, please.
I don't have any change.	I don't have any change.
That’s okay.	It's no big deal.
What’s the weather like?	What’s the weather like?

In a professional setting

If you work in Luxembourg, a few additional phrases may come in handy during a meeting, a training session, or a conversation with colleagues.

Phrase	Translation
I’m learning Luxembourgish.	I’m learning Luxembourgish.
Ech schwätzen e bëssen Lëtzebuergesch.	I speak a little Luxembourgish.
I don't understand.	I don't agree.

The best free tools for learning Luxembourgish

Want to make more progress? Several free tools provided by the Luxembourg authorities let you learn the language at your own pace.

Top platforms

• LLO.lu: the official platform offering lessons, exercises, and placement tests.
• LOD – Lëtzebuerger Online Dictionnaire: a multilingual dictionary with pronunciation, grammar, and verb conjugations.
• Spellchecker.lu: an online spell-checker to review your texts in Luxembourgish.

If you’d like to pursue a more comprehensive course of study, check out our guide to language courses in Luxembourg, which outlines the various learning options as well as language leave.

Just a few words are enough to make first contact

In Luxembourg, no one expects newcomers to speak Luxembourgish right away. However, a simple “Moien,” “Merci,” or “Äddi” is often seen as a sign of respect and openness toward the local culture.

Gradually, these few words will become second nature and help you gain confidence in your daily interactions. The key isn’t to speak perfectly, but to dare to communicate.

To continue exploring Luxembourg, check out our guides on integration for newcomers, culture and social norms, as well as traditional customs and festivals.

FAQ: Learning Luxembourgish