Belgium holds a unique position on the world stage. Being the home of both the European Union and NATO, the country attracts visitors, workers and diplomats from across the world like few other destinations. It is, therefore, unsurprising that Belgians speak a wealth of languages. In fact, the country has three official languages; Dutch, Belgian and German, whilst 50 – 60% are estimated to speak a good level of English.
'Even if you know a similar language, it can still take time to learn a dialect or sister language. So, be kind to yourself, and don’t expect to be fluent within a week! '
The widespread nature of English within the Belgian population, especially in expat heavy areas, can lead to many ignoring the native languages, feeling that they’re not necessary. However, learning a local language will alter your experience of your time in the country immeasurably.
Being able to speak in the local language is not only good manners, but it will also broaden and deepen your experience of your new home. Enabling you to connect with your hosts and also understand the culture more completely.
But it’s not only polite. In fact, for some areas of Belgian life, not understanding the local language can be prohibitive or even expensive.
How can not knowing the language be expensive? Well certain services are only available in local languages. Local schools, for example, will usually only give feedback, forms and information in the native language. There isn’t an English option, so if you want to access these services, you either need an interpreter or to learn. Needless to say, hiring an interpreter isn’t cheap!
So, with all that said, which language should you learn and what’s the best way? Which to learn is the simpler part. Belgium is split into three regions, in Wallonia people speak French, in Flanders people speak Flemish (Belgian Dutch) and in Brussels people speak both. Choose your new language accordingly.
When it comes to learning a new language, there has never been a better time. Here are some of our top ideas to get you chatting away in no time!
Apps & online
From free videos to weekly Zoom lessons, the internet is a treasure-trove of options when it comes to learning a new language. A quick online search will help you find online courses from language schools, local education institutions and YouTube videos. It’s worth trying a few different ones to see which works best for you.
There have also never been more apps which you can install on your mobile phone to help you learn. These apps frequently have a free and a chargeable version and offer the flexibility to learn at a time and place convenient to you.
Take a course
Finding a local language course is not only a great way to learn the language, but it’s also an easy way to make new friends in a similar position to you. This will not only give you people to practice with, but also others to swap experiences and ask questions of as well.
You can find a course at most education centres in major cities, plus there are many dedicated language schools available. Good starting points are the Agentschap Integratie & Inburgering website for Flanders and the Wallangues site for Wallonia.
Get a tutor
If you want something a little more tailored than a group course, or something which can be made to fit your schedule a little closer, then maybe a private tutor is the way forward. This route will also see your progress being able to be defined by your own ability and skill level.
Whilst this will give you the best fit of course to your level, it doesn’t come for free. Tutors are often the most expensive route to learning a language but can be both the quickest and most effective way of getting the job done.
Language tutors are often offered by language schools or work privately. As with the other options, your options are just an internet search away, and you’re sure to find several options, whether you plan to complete the course face-to-face or online.
Want to do more? Get to know the locals
Whilst a course or tutor will teach you the correct way to communicate, language is a living thing which evolves over time. You’ll often find that specific pronunciations and phrases vary from region to region. Being able to understand these variances, known as colloquialisms, can be very important to really understand a language.
Unfortunately, the best way to learn them is to spend time socialising with people from Belgium and asking them to speak to you in their native language. That’s right, you’ll need to socialise. Though this will be hard to start with, overtime it will become easier and will have the benefit of practice. Practice being one of the best ways to learn and become confident with any language.
Give it time
Our last piece of advice is to remind yourself that you’re learning a whole new way of communicating. Even if you know a similar language, it can still take time to learn a dialect or sister language. So, be kind to yourself, and don’t expect to be fluent within a week!
Learning a new language can feel like a stressful burden, but if you give it a go, it can really unlock the best from your new home. Enabling you to immerse yourself in your new home in a way that non-native speakers can’t.
If you’d like to learn more about learning one (or more) of Belgium’s official languages, then our ABRA members can help. Contact one of our Relocation Agent members, and they’ll be happy to support you in finding the right option to suit your needs.
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