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Languages at work
Most Luxembourgers speak four languages, and nearly every second resident is a foreigner. There are few countries where people speak as many different languages as in Luxembourg.
According to a study by the Ministry of Education, Luxembourgish is the main language for three-quarters of the population and for 94% of young people in Luxembourg.
The language or languages used at work largely depend on the origin of the company or its sector. The primary language of communication at work is French, followed by Luxembourgish, German, English, and Portuguese.
French is the preferred language in the Luxembourgish economy, particularly in trade, hospitality, gastronomy, and cafés.
Luxembourgish, on the other hand, is mainly required in public administration as well as in the healthcare and social sectors.
English is the common language for the large international community working in European institutions. In the financial sector and at international companies, English is the standard language.
German is frequently used in craftsmanship and in companies of German origin.
Due to the large Portuguese community in Luxembourg, Portuguese is also often used in the workplace, particularly in the construction, hospitality, and cleaning sectors.
Applicants seeking a career in the public service must meet the language requirements in the country's three official languages (German, Luxembourgish, French) according to the desired career path.
