Belgium Language: What Do They Speak in Belgium?
The official languages of Belgium are Dutch / French / German. In Dutch, the country is called België / Belgique. Belgium is officially multilingual, with 3 recognised languages reflecting its diverse cultural and ethnic heritage.
🗣️ Language at a Glance
About the Dutch Language
Dutch is official in the Netherlands, Belgium (where its local form is called Flemish), Suriname and the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten. Through the traders of New Amsterdam, the city that became New York, Dutch quietly gave English everyday words like cookie, boss, yacht and skipper. Dutch is a West Germanic language often described as sitting between English and German: it shares much vocabulary with both, but dropped the case system that makes German grammar heavy. It is the parent of Afrikaans, which remains largely intelligible to Dutch speakers, and a close cousin of Frisian and Low German.
The Latin alphabet: How Dutch is Written
Dutch is written in the plain Latin alphabet, with the vowel pair ij behaving almost like a single letter (both are capitalised together in IJsselmeer). The language is instantly recognisable on the page from its doubled vowels (maan, zee), the cluster sch as in Scheveningen, and long transparent compounds built like German ones.
Is Dutch a Tonal Language?
No, Dutch is not a tonal language. Its most distinctive sound is the famous guttural g, made in the back of the throat, which takes English speakers some practice.
🗨️ Useful Dutch Phrases
A few everyday phrases in Dutch, written in a simple romanized pronunciation so you can read them aloud. Tones and exact sounds vary by region, so treat these as a starting point.
How Hard is Dutch to Learn?
Dutch is regularly ranked among the very easiest languages for English speakers, in the US Foreign Service Institute's easiest category at around 600 to 750 class hours. The grammar is milder than German's and the vocabulary is full of near-English words. The classic obstacles are the guttural g, the word order, and the fact that Dutch people speak English so well that learners struggle to get practice.
Multilingual Heritage of Belgium
Belgium officially recognises 3 languages: Dutch, French, German. This multilingual status is a reflection of the country's history, ethnic diversity and cultural complexity. Different regions or communities may predominantly use one language over another, and all official languages are typically represented in government, education and public services. Multilingual countries often have rich cultural traditions that draw from each language community.
Language Tips for Visitors to Belgium
The official language of Belgium is Dutch, which may be unfamiliar to many international travellers. While English speakers can often be found in larger cities and tourist-heavy areas, it is advisable to learn a few basic phrases before your trip. Locals greatly appreciate any effort to use the local language, even if imperfect. Simple greetings, thank-yous and asking for directions in Dutch will go a long way. The country is officially known as België / Belgique in Dutch, and the international dialling code is +32.
🌍 Other Countries Where Dutch is Spoken
Dutch is not exclusive to Belgium; it is also spoken in these countries:
Frequently Asked Questions about Language in Belgium
What language do they speak in Belgium?
The official languages of Belgium are Dutch / French / German.
Is English spoken in Belgium?
English is not an official language in Belgium. The main language is Dutch. English may be spoken in tourist areas.
What is Belgium called in its own language?
Belgium is called "België / Belgique" in Dutch.
What writing system does Dutch use?
Dutch is written in the Latin alphabet. Dutch is written in the plain Latin alphabet, with the vowel pair ij behaving almost like a single letter (both are capitalised together in IJsselmeer). The language is instantly recognisable on the page from its doubled vowels (maan, zee), the cluster sch as in Scheveningen, and long transparent compounds built like German ones.
Is Dutch a tonal language?
No, Dutch is not a tonal language. Its most distinctive sound is the famous guttural g, made in the back of the throat, which takes English speakers some practice.
How do you say hello in Dutch?
"Hello" in Dutch is "hallo".
Is Dutch hard to learn?
Dutch is regularly ranked among the very easiest languages for English speakers, in the US Foreign Service Institute's easiest category at around 600 to 750 class hours. The grammar is milder than German's and the vocabulary is full of near-English words. The classic obstacles are the guttural g, the word order, and the fact that Dutch people speak English so well that learners struggle to get practice.
How many official languages does Belgium have?
Belgium has 3 official languages: Dutch, French, German.
Do I need to speak Dutch to visit Belgium?
It is not required but learning basic phrases in Dutch is strongly recommended and appreciated.
What is the calling code for Belgium?
The international dialling code for Belgium is +32.
What is the population of Belgium?
Belgium has a population of approximately 11.6M, all of whom use Dutch / French / German as the official languages.