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Because the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is tucked between Belgium, France and Germany, Luxembourgers often slip unconsciously between different languages. The official language (and, unofficially, the language of the elite) is French, but German is used for many situations. In addition to this, there is a third, everyday language: Lëtzebuergesch, a symbol of both national identity and Luxembourg's ability to assimilate other cultures. The roots of Luxembourg's own language are Germanic, but it has evolved into a dialect that Germans no longer understand. The use of Lëtzebuergesch is primarily an oral tradition. It was only in 1984 that its spelling was decreed by law; up until then Luxembourgers spelled words more or less as they pleased. French, German and Lëtzebuergesch are taught in schools, and English also is widely spoken, especially among the young and those working in the tourist trade. Don't expect Luxembourgers in rural areas to have mastered a fourth language, however! Lëtzebuergesch is resilient enough to exist side-by-side with such widely spoken languages as French and German; but as the patois of a tiny, landlocked duchy it's evidently not very exportable. So if you have the opportunity to speak a word or two of this country's uniting language you'll raise a smile and a welcome.
| good morning/hello | moien | |
| goodbye | addi | |
| thank you (very much) | merci (villmols) | |
| sorry | pardon | |
| excuse me | entschellest | |
| please | wanneschglift | |
| I don't understand | ech verstin |
| coffee | Kaffi | |
| green bean soup | Bou'neschlupp | |
| nettle soup | Brennesselszopp | |
| potato soup | Gromperenzopp | |
| potato dumplings | Gromperekniddeln | |
| trout in Riesling sauce | F'rell am Rèisleck | |
| pike in green liquor | Hiecht mat Kraïderzooss | |
| crayfish | Kriibsen | |
| blood sausage | Trèipen | |
| pork in aspic | Jhelli | |
| chicken in Riesling sauce | Hong am Rèisleck | |
| tripe | Kuddelfleck | |
| cheesecake | Kéiskuch | |
| apple cake | Äppelkuch |
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