Good afternoon!
When you move to Brussels, people always ask "do you speak French?" If you do, then naturally you assume it will be plain sailing – but that's not quite true. As is often the case in Belgium, things are a little more complicated than first appearances suggest.
If you have learned French as a second language, more than likely you learned standard "Larousse" French. But Belgian French is a whole other world, full of specific phrases and words, or "Belgicisms". As part of the run-up to the Belgian National Day, we at The Brussels Times have decided to look into some of the quirks, traditions, customs and rituals of the country we all share – one of those being the way people speak.
Of course, most of us are aware that Belgium is a country of several languages, and that there are very strict rules governing the use of these at the national level. What doesn't occur to most of us is that the French spoken here is in so many ways representative of Belgium's history as a country – with many outside influences and adoption of cultures over centuries. It's even less obvious if one doesn't speak fluent French to start with!
So if you are new to Brussels, or just about to embark on your French course, make sure you do one that equips you for your life in Belgium, not France. Ça va?
À tantôt.
Belgium in Brief is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your coffee break conversations. To receive it straight to your inbox every day, sign up below:
1. French Belgicisms 101: The quirky charm of ‘French à la Belge’
You won't find these words and expressions in standard reference dictionaries. Read more.
2. Belgian National Day: What will happen in Brussels on 21 July?
A variety of events are planned, including concerts, fireworks and a military and civilian parade. Read more.
3. Deadline to submit tax forms today: How does it work?
Tuesday 15 July is the last day for most people paying taxes in Belgium to submit their tax returns. Read more.
4. Young and exhausted: Why are so many young Belgians burning out?
A growing number of Belgians in their twenties are dropping out of work with burnout or depression, according to new government figures. Read more.
5. Hundreds of vape shops protest against flavour restriction
Health minister’s flavour ban could push Belgian vape market underground, retailers warn. Read more.
6. Europe to reach one million electric vehicle charging points
Wallonia's fast charger numbers double in a year, boosting Belgium's EV stance. Read more.
7. Only in Belgium: Brussels mijn amour
"I have a dream. Only I live in Brussels, so I’m not hopeful it will ever happen. Or not in my lifetime anyway." Read more.
