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Belgium might be small in size, but it’s one of the most linguistically diverse countries in Europe. If you’re planning a trip to Brussels, Bruges, or beyond, understanding the languages spoken in Belgium – and a few handy phrases – can make your experience smoother and more enriching.
In this post, we’ll answer the question “what languages do they speak in Belgium” and we’ll explore:
- The 3 official languages of Belgium
- Where each language is spoken
- Common everyday phrases in Dutch, French, and German
- Tips for travelers navigating Belgium’s multilingual culture
The 3 Official Languages of Belgium
Belgium has three official languages:
1. Dutch (Flemish)
Region: Flanders (Northern Belgium)
Spoken by: ~60% of the population
Often referred to as Flemish, which is the Belgian variant of Dutch.
2. French
Region: Wallonia (Southern Belgium) + Brussels
Spoken by: ~40% of the population
Brussels is officially bilingual, but French is dominant in daily use.
3. German
Region: A small eastern area near the German border
Spoken by: Less than 1% of the population
Still an official language, mostly used in administrative and local government settings.
Language Map of Belgium
- Flanders (North): Dutch/Flemish
- Wallonia (South): French
- East Belgium (small region): German
- Brussels: Bilingual (French and Dutch), but most locals prefer French in casual settings
✨ Fun Fact: Many Belgians are multilingual. It’s not uncommon for locals to speak two or even three languages fluently!
Useful Phrases in Belgium (Dutch, French & German)
✨ Basic Greetings
| English | Dutch (Flemish) | French | German |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hallo | Bonjour | Hallo |
| Goodbye | Tot ziens | Au revoir | Auf Wiedersehen |
| Please | Alsjeblieft | S’il vous plaît | Bitte |
| Thank you | Dank je | Merci | Danke |
| Yes | Ja | Oui | Ja |
| No | Nee | Non | Nein |
🍽️ At a Restaurant
| English | Dutch (Flemish) | French | German |
|---|---|---|---|
| I would like… | Ik wil graag… | Je voudrais… | Ich möchte… |
| The bill, please | De rekening, alstublieft | L’addition, s’il vous plaît | Die Rechnung, bitte |
| Water | Water | De l’eau | Wasser |
| Beer | Bier | Bière | Bier |
🚗 Getting Around
| English | Dutch (Flemish) | French | German |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where is the train station? | Waar is het station? | Où est la gare ? | Wo ist der Bahnhof? |
| How much does it cost? | Hoeveel kost het? | Combien ça coûte ? | Wie viel kostet das? |
| I don’t understand | Ik begrijp het niet | Je ne comprends pas | Ich verstehe nicht |
Travel Tip: Which Language Should You Use?
- In Brussels? Start with French – most locals will respond in French, even though the city is officially bilingual.
- In Flanders (Antwerp, Bruges, Ghent)? Use Dutch, but English is widely understood.
- In Wallonia (Namur, Liège)? Stick to French – Dutch is less commonly spoken here.
- In tourist areas? English is often spoken, especially in hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
🚨 Pro tip: Don’t assume everyone speaks English. Belgians appreciate when visitors make an effort to use local phrases – even if it’s just a quick “Bonjour” or “Dank je!”
Final Thoughts: Belgium’s Linguistic Charm
What makes Belgium so special is its cultural and linguistic diversity. Whether you’re wandering the canals of Bruges or savoring waffles in Brussels, knowing a few key phrases can help you connect with locals and enrich your travel experience.
If you’re already familiar with German (or you want to sharpen skills for the German‑speaking region of Belgium), you’ll love our German language guides too. For instance:
- Check out 60 Essential German Phrases Every Traveler Needs for a broad, highly useful phrasebook.
- Also explore 15 Important German Phrases For Dining Out if you want to feel confident ordering at restaurants in German‑speaking areas.
So before your next Belgian adventure, brush up on your Dutch, French, and German greetings – and don’t be surprised if a friendly Belgian replies in perfect English!
Explore Belgium Through Our Travel Guides
Want to pair your language learning with real destinations? Discover more of Belgium through our travel-focused posts below:
- 14 Free Things to Do in Brussels in 2025 – Hidden Gems, Views & Culture
– the perfect guide for budget-friendly sightseeing in the Belgian capital. - Atomium Brussels: Is It Worth Visiting? Complete 2025 Guide – a deep dive into one of Brussels’ most iconic landmarks.
Pair these travel guides with your phrase insights to make your Belgian trip both rich and practical!
FAQ: Languages in Belgium, Travel Phrases & Local Culture
Why does Belgium have three official languages?
Belgium’s language diversity stems from its history and geography. Dutch (Flemish) is spoken in the north, French in the south, and German in the east. These regions were historically influenced by neighboring countries, and language rights were written into the Belgian constitution to reflect this multicultural heritage.
What percentage of Belgians speak each language?
Approximately 60% speak Dutch, 40% speak French, and less than 1% speak German. In Brussels, many people are bilingual or multilingual — with French and English being the most common combination.
Is it rude to speak English in Belgium?
Not at all — but making an effort to say hello or thank you in the local language goes a long way. Belgians appreciate when visitors try a few basic phrases in Dutch, French, or German, depending on the region.
Can I get by with English only in Belgium?
Yes, especially in big cities like Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges, where English is widely understood. However, in smaller towns or rural areas, English may be less common, so knowing some local phrases is helpful.
What are the most useful travel phrases to know in Belgium?
- Some essentials:
- “Where is the train station?”
- “I would like…”
- “How much does it cost?”
We cover all of these in our Belgian phrase guide with examples in Dutch, French, and German.
How do I pronounce Flemish or Dutch words correctly?
Flemish (Belgian Dutch) pronunciation is close to standard Dutch, but with softer and sometimes more melodic tones. Focus on guttural sounds like “g” and “ch”, and listen to native speakers to get the rhythm. Our guides include pronunciation tips for beginners.
Is German useful for traveling in Belgium?
German is only spoken in a small region of eastern Belgium, near the German border. Unless you’re traveling there specifically, you won’t need much German – French and Dutch are far more useful for most travelers.
What’s the difference between Wallonia and Flanders?
Wallonia is the French-speaking southern part of Belgium.
Flanders is the Dutch-speaking northern region.
Each has its own cultural identity, architecture, and even cuisine — which makes Belgium a fascinating place to explore.
Are road signs in Belgium bilingual?
In most of Belgium, road signs are in one language only, depending on the region:
- Dutch in Flanders
- French in Wallonia
- Both in Brussels
This can confuse travelers, so it helps to recognize city names in multiple languages (e.g., Mons = Bergen).
What apps or tools can help with language in Belgium?
Here are a few great tools for language on the go:
- Google Translate (for instant translations)
- Duolingo (for learning key phrases before your trip)
- SayHi or iTranslate (for pronunciation help)
Is Belgium a good place to practice language skills?
Absolutely! Belgium is a multilingual country where locals are used to switching between languages. Whether you’re practicing French, Dutch, or German, you’ll find friendly people, real-life situations, and a welcoming environment to build your skills.
Where can I learn more about the culture and cities in Belgium?
Explore our full collection of Belgian travel content:
We combine local tips, language support, and cultural highlights to help you plan a meaningful trip.
