Other Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, access to local news is provided in several languages, including Luxembourgish, French, German, and English. This reflects the country's multilingualism and allows immigrants to receive current information in a language they understand.

Print editions and their online versions

Luxemburger Wort: one of the oldest and most widely read newspapers, published in German.

Tageblatt: a daily newspaper in German covering a wide range of topics.

L'essentiel: a free newspaper in French, also available online.

Online platforms

RTL Today: provides news in English, including articles, videos, and podcasts.

Luxtoday.lu: an information portal in Russian offering news, relocation guides, and interviews with expats.

Radio and television

RTL Radio: broadcasts in Luxembourgish, French, and German, offering news and entertainment programs.

100,7: a public radio station that broadcasts programs in Luxembourgish.

Additional resources

Wel2Lux: provides information about the press in Luxembourg in various languages, including Russian, German, and English.

Thus, immigrants in Luxembourg have a wide choice of sources for obtaining local news in various languages, which facilitates their integration and awareness of events in the country.

Luxembourg, a small state in the heart of Europe, is surrounded by many stereotypes. Let's look at the most common ones and assess their reality.

Luxembourg is purely a financial center

Stereotype: Luxembourg is known only as a financial hub with numerous banks and tax benefits.

Reality: Although the financial sector plays a significant role in the country's economy, Luxembourg is also known for its rich culture, history, and natural attractions. The country is famous for its castles, wine regions, and diverse cultural events.

Luxembourg is a monolingual country

Stereotype: Only Luxembourgish is spoken in Luxembourg.

Reality: Luxembourg is a multilingual country with three official languages: Luxembourgish, French, and German. Many residents also speak English, reflecting the country's cultural and linguistic diversity.

High living standards make Luxembourg inaccessible to immigrants

Stereotype: Due to high living standards and prices, Luxembourg is not suitable for immigrants.

Reality: Despite high prices, Luxembourg offers quality social services, high salaries, and diverse opportunities for immigrants. Almost half of the country's population are foreigners, which indicates its openness and attractiveness to expats.

Luxembourg is a boring and conservative country

Stereotype: There is little entertainment in Luxembourg, and the country adheres to strict traditions.

Reality: Luxembourg offers diverse cultural events, festivals, and an active nightlife. The country combines respect for traditions with a modern lifestyle, offering many leisure opportunities.

Luxembourg is a rural and backward country

Stereotype: Luxembourg is primarily a rural country with low development levels.

Reality: Luxembourg is a modern state with developed infrastructure, a high level of urbanization, and an innovative economy. The capital city is a dynamic place with many international organizations and companies.

Understanding the real situation in Luxembourg helps break these stereotypes and see the country in its true light.

Transport and navigation

Mobiliteit.lu: the official app for planning public transport routes throughout the country. Provides real-time information on bus, train, and tram schedules.

CFL mobile: an app of the National Railway Company of Luxembourg, allowing you to check train schedules, purchase tickets, and receive delay notifications.

Citymapper: a popular navigation app for cities, including Luxembourg. It helps plan routes using various modes of transport and provides travel time information.

Housing and Real Estate

AtHome.lu: the leading app for real estate search in Luxembourg. It allows you to find rental and purchase options with detailed descriptions and photographs.

ImmoScout24: a popular platform for real estate search, offering a wide range of apartments and houses for rent or purchase.

Food and Delivery

Letzshop: an online platform that brings together local stores in Luxembourg. It allows you to order groceries and goods with home delivery or pickup.

Food4All: an app that helps find restaurants and cafes with special offers and discounts, as well as order takeaway food.

Health and Safety

eSanté: Luxembourg's electronic medical platform, providing access to personal medical data, test results, and information about scheduled doctor visits.

GouvAlert: the official app of the Luxembourg government for receiving emergency notifications and information about crisis situations.

Language Support and Integration

Luxembourgish: an app for learning the Luxembourgish language, offering lessons, exercises, and audio materials for quick mastery of the language basics.

Duolingo: a popular app for learning foreign languages, including French and German, which are widely used in Luxembourg.

Finance and Banking Services

Digicash: a mobile payment app allowing fast and secure payments via smartphone in stores, online, and between users.

Payconiq: a mobile payment platform supported by many banks in Luxembourg, simplifying the process of payment and money transfer.

Despite its small size, Luxembourg offers diverse entertainment and cultural events reflecting the country's rich heritage and modern dynamics.

Festivals and Cultural Events

Schueberfouer: an annual fair held at the end of August in Glacis, Luxembourg. Founded in 1340, it is one of the oldest and largest in the region, offering rides, games, and gastronomic delights.

The Dancing Procession of Echternach: a traditional event held during Trinity week in the town of Echternach. Participants, holding white handkerchiefs, dance through the streets of the town in honor of Saint Willibrord.

Luxembourg National Day: celebrated on June 23 with parades, concerts, and fireworks throughout the country, symbolizing the unity and culture of the nation.

Museums and Galleries

National Museum of History and Art: located in Luxembourg's old city, offering exhibitions dedicated to the country's history, art, and archaeology.

Museum of Modern Art Grand Duke Jean: showcases contemporary art and design, collaborating with international artists and curators.

Theatres and Concert Halls

Grand Theatre of Luxembourg: the main stage for dramatic performances, opera, and ballet, hosting international troupes and conducting its own productions.

Philharmonie Luxembourg: a modern concert hall known for its architecture and acoustics, where world orchestras and soloists perform.

Music and Gastronomy Festivals

Blues'n Jazz Rallye: an annual festival held in July in the historic districts of Grund and Clausen, bringing together blues and jazz enthusiasts.

Moselle Wine Festivals: in October, wine-growing villages hold celebrations in honor of the harvest, offering tastings of local wines and traditional dishes.

Parks and Natural Areas

Park Merveille: a family park with attractions, a zoo, and a botanical garden located in Bettembourg.

Mullerthal National Park: known as Luxembourg's "Little Switzerland," offers picturesque hiking trails amidst cliffs and forests.

Sports Events

ING Europe Marathon: an annual marathon held in June through the streets of Luxembourg, attracting thousands of runners and spectators.

Cycling Tours: the country offers numerous cycling routes, including international trails passing through scenic regions.

In Luxembourg, public restrooms are widely available and generally free of charge, providing comfort for both locals and visitors to the country.

Location of Public Restrooms

City of Luxembourg: Since August 1, 2014, all public restrooms in the capital have been free. They are located at key points in the city, including: Cercle Cité; Aldringen Underground Passage; Glacis Underground Parking; Guillaume II Square; Constitution Square; Théâtre Square; Martyrs' Square; Bock Area; Playground with a Pirate Ship.

In many shopping centers, museums, and galleries, there are free public restrooms available for visitors.

Opening hours and maintenance

Cleaning and maintenance of public restrooms in the capital are carried out from 8:00 to 18:00, ensuring their cleanliness and hygiene.

Additional amenities

In some areas, such as the Lower Town, clean free restrooms can be found near public elevators, which is especially convenient for tourists.

Thus, Luxembourg provides a well-developed network of public restrooms, making the stay in the country comfortable for everyone.

Learning the Luxembourgish language is an important step for successful integration into Luxembourg society. Let's consider the main options available for immigrants.

National Institute of Languages:

Offers structured Luxembourgish language courses for adults, corresponding to levels from A1 to C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It also conducts a mandatory language test for obtaining citizenship.

Private language schools

There are several language schools in Luxembourg offering courses in Luxembourgish: Berlitz, Inlingua, Learn Luxembourgish, Prolingua, SpeakUp, Etic Lëtzebuergesch.

Online resources and mobile apps

LLO.LU: A free digital platform developed by the Ministry of National Education and the National Institute of Languages, available to anyone wishing to study Luxembourgish online.

uTalk: An app offering interactive Luxembourgish language lessons focused on practical situations.

Aurelux and Battaklang: Educational games for smartphones that help learn Luxembourgish in a playful manner.

Video and audio materials

YouTube channels: Channels such as Luxdico, Lëtzebuergesch mam Leslie, Luxembourgish with Anne, Learning Phrases with Chris & Friends, and Lëtzebuergesch léieren offer educational video lessons in Luxembourgish.

Audio lessons: Resources such as Sproochmates on the RTL website provide audio lessons for self-study.

Individual lessons with a tutor:

Platforms like Preply allow you to find online tutors for individual lessons in Luxembourgish, offering a personalized approach to learning.

Immersion in the language environment:

To speed up the learning process, it is advised to listen to Luxembourgish music, radio, podcasts, watch TV shows and films, and practice conversational skills with native speakers.

By combining various resources and actively practicing the language, you can effectively master Luxembourgish and successfully integrate into the local community.

Luxembourg, a small country in Western Europe, possesses a rich cultural heritage and many traditional holidays reflecting its history and values.

Main public holidays

New Year (January 1): Celebrated with family and friends, accompanied by fireworks and festive events.

Easter Monday (date varies): Follows Easter Sunday and is an official holiday.

Labor Day (May 1): Dedicated to labor and workers' rights, accompanied by demonstrations and cultural events.

Europe Day (May 9): Celebrated since 2019, emphasizing Luxembourg's commitment to European values.

Ascension Day (date varies): A Christian holiday celebrated 40 days after Easter.

Whit Monday (date varies): Follows the Pentecost and is a holiday.

Luxembourg National Day (June 23): Originally celebrated as the birthday of the Grand Duke, but since 1961 has been celebrated on June 23. Includes parades, fireworks, and public celebrations.

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 15): A Catholic holiday accompanied by religious ceremonies.

All Saints' Day (November 1): Dedicated to the memory of the deceased, it is customary to visit cemeteries and churches.

Christmas (December 25): The main winter holiday, accompanied by markets, family gatherings, and church services.

St. Stephen's Day (December 26): Follows Christmas and is an official holiday.

Traditional holidays and customs

Burgsonndeg: Celebrated on the first Sunday of Lent. Residents light large bonfires, symbolizing the expulsion of winter and the welcoming of spring.

Bretzelsonndeg: Celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Men give pretzels to their loved ones; if the feelings are mutual, women give eggs at Easter. In leap years, the roles are reversed.

Lichtmesdag: On February 2nd, children with lanterns sing traditional songs outside homes, receiving sweets or small change as a reward.

Eimaischen: Held on Easter Monday in Nospelt and at the Fish Market in the capital. The fair sells clay whistles shaped like birds, known as "Peckvillerchen."

Octave: A two-week religious festival in April dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of Luxembourg. The highlight is a procession through the streets of the capital.

The Dancing Procession of Echternach: Held on Trinity in honor of Saint Willibrord. Participants dance through the streets of the town, holding white handkerchiefs.

Schueberfouer: The largest fair held from the end of August at Glacis in Luxembourg. Founded in 1340, it includes attractions, games, and culinary delights.

Luxembourg, a small state in Western Europe, offers numerous attractions that combine rich history, culture, and picturesque landscapes.

Old Town of Luxembourg
Included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, this area enchants with narrow streets, historic buildings, and cozy squares. A walk through the old town allows you to immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere and enjoy unique architecture.

Bock Casemates
A system of underground tunnels and fortifications carved into the rock of Le Bock. These tunnels, about 17 km long, served as a refuge and defensive structure for centuries. Today, they are open to visitors and offer a unique insight into the military history of the city.

Grand Ducal Palace
The official residence of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. The building, constructed in the Renaissance style, impresses with its elegance and architectural details. During the summer months, tours are held to explore the interiors of the palace.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame
The only cathedral in the country, built in Gothic style with elements of the Renaissance. Inside, there are magnificent stained glass windows and sculptures, as well as a crypt with tombs of the Grand Ducal family members.

MUDAM - Museum of Modern Art
Located in the Parc Draï Eechelen, the museum showcases works of contemporary artists and designers. The building, designed by architect Ieoh Ming Pei, is a work of art itself.

Visiting these attractions will provide a deeper understanding of Luxembourg's cultural and historical heritage, as well as the chance to enjoy its unique atmosphere.

Luxembourg possesses a unique blend of cultural traditions and customs, shaped under the influence of neighboring countries – France, Germany, and Belgium.

Greetings and forms of address

Formal greetings: At first meetings, it is customary to shake hands, accompanied by direct eye contact and a smile. In official situations, addressing by surname with a title, such as "Monsieur" or "Madame," is used.

Informal greetings: Among friends and relatives, a three-kiss cheek greeting, starting from the right side, is common. However, the degree of closeness and context may influence the choice of greeting.

Punctuality

Luxembourgers value punctuality. Being late for a meeting, whether business or personal, is considered disrespectful to another person's time. It's advisable to arrive on time or slightly early.

Public behavior

Quietness and respect: In public places, such as transport, shops, or restaurants, it is customary to speak quietly so as not to disturb others. Loud conversations and displays of emotion in public are not welcomed.

Queues: Observing queues is an important aspect of local culture. Attempts to bypass a queue are viewed negatively.

Dress and appearance

Luxembourgers prefer an elegant and restrained style of dress. In a business environment, men wear suits and ties, while women wear formal dresses or suits. In everyday life, clothing should also be neat and appropriate for the situation.

Gifts and hospitality

Invitations: If invited to a home, it is customary to bring a small gift, such as flowers, chocolate, or wine. However, it is not customary to give chrysanthemums, as they are associated with funerals.

Table Manners: During meals, it's important to observe good manners: don't start eating until the host offers, keep your hands on the table but not your elbows, and use cutlery appropriately.

Language Policy

Luxembourg is a multilingual country with three official languages: Luxembourgish, French, and German. French is often used in business and official correspondence, German in the media, and Luxembourgish in everyday life. Knowing at least the basics of these languages will be an advantage and demonstrate respect for the local culture.

Environmental Responsibility

Luxembourg citizens place great importance on environmental protection. Waste sorting is mandatory, and non-compliance with the rules may result in fines. It is important to follow the established waste disposal norms and maintain cleanliness in public areas.

Pets

Pet owners are required to provide them with proper care and attention. Leaving a pet alone for a long time may cause concern among neighbors, who may report it to the relevant authorities. Therefore, it is important to look after the well-being of your animals and consider the opinion of others.

Respecting the local customs and traditions of Luxembourg contributes to successful integration and the establishment of positive relationships with local residents. Learning and adhering to these norms will help avoid misunderstandings and create a favorable atmosphere for living and working in the country.

Luxembourg is a constitutional monarchy with democratic principles of governance, where local self-government plays a key role in ensuring effective management at the local level.

Administrative Division

The country is divided into three districts: Diekirch, Grevenmacher, and Luxembourg. Each district consists of cantons, which in turn are divided into communes, the primary units of local self-government.

Communes

The commune is the basic administrative unit, possessing significant autonomy. There are 102 communes in Luxembourg, each governed by its own authorities.

Local Authorities

Communal Council: A representative body elected by the residents of the commune for a six-year term. The number of council members depends on the commune's population. The council is responsible for making decisions on local issues, including budget, infrastructure, and social services.

College of the Mayor and Deputies: The executive body of the commune, consisting of the mayor and several deputies appointed from the members of the communal council. The college is responsible for implementing the council's decisions and the day-to-day management of the commune.

Mayor: The head of the commune's executive authority, appointed by the Grand Duke on the proposal of the Minister of the Interior from among the members of the communal council. The mayor represents the commune, chairs college meetings, and ensures the execution of communal council decisions.

Role of the Central Government

Although communes possess significant autonomy, the central government, through the Ministry of the Interior, supervises their activities, ensuring compliance with national laws and policies.

Financing

Communes are financed by local taxes, governmental subsidies, and other income sources. They have the right to independently manage their financial resources to provide local services and develop infrastructure.

This structure of local self-government in Luxembourg promotes effective local management, ensuring citizen participation in decision-making and the adaptation of policies to the specific needs of each commune.