What Language Do They Speak in Belgium?

Header image for Belgium

Belgium

Belgium is a small, densely populated Western European country closely associated with the European Union and NATO, both of which have headquarters in its capital, Brussels. Known for its medieval towns, Renaissance architecture, and being a battleground in two World Wars, Belgium boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture. The country is distinguished by its two main regions: Dutch-speaking Flanders in the north and French-speaking Wallonia in the south, making it a melting pot of languages and traditions.

Languages Spoken

Belgium is a multilingual country with three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. The majority of the population, about 59.2%, speaks Dutch, primarily in the Flanders region and Brussels. French is spoken by 40% of the population, mainly in the Wallonia region and Brussels. German is spoken by a small community of 0.7% in the eastern part of the country.

Different Languages Spoken in Belgium

Language data last updated 2024 est. from World Population Review - Belgium

LanguageUsage
Dutch59.2%
French40%
German0.7%
Note: The total may add up to more than 100% as people may speak multiple languages

Useful Dutch Phrases

Learn these phrases if you're planning on traveling to Belgium

Hallo

Hello

A simple greeting you can use anytime.

Hoe gaat het?

How are you?

A polite way to ask someone how they are doing.

Hoeveel kost het?

How much does it cost?

Useful question when shopping or dining out.

Waar is...

Where is...

This phrase can be completed with your desired location, such as 'het toilet' (the toilet) or 'het station' (the station).

Alstublieft en dank u

Please and thank you

Polite expressions to use in various situations, with 'alstublieft' for both 'please' and 'here you go' when handing something over.

Learn to speak Dutch

Interested in speaking Dutch in Belgium? Using Lingocat you can learn the basics of the language and start speaking in no time with the help of our AI Language Tutors.

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