Culture, Customs and Etiquette in Luxembourg: A Traveller's Guide

A small country with three languages

Luxembourg is one of Europe's most multilingual societies. Luxembourgish (Lëtzebuergesch) is the national language, while French is used in administration and restaurants, and German appears in newspapers and shops. English is widely spoken in the capital. A simple Moien (hello) goes a long way and is always appreciated.

Greetings and first impressions

• A firm handshake with eye contact is standard when meeting someone for the first time.
• Among friends and close acquaintances, three light cheek kisses (starting on the left) are common.
• Use formal address (Monsieur, Madame, or the German Herr/Frau) until invited to switch to first names.
• Punctuality matters. Arriving on time for appointments and dinners is a sign of respect.

Dos and donts

• Do dress neatly. Luxembourgers tend to be understated but well-presented.
• Do bring flowers, wine or chocolates if invited to a home.
• Dont discuss someone's salary or assume the country is only about banking.
• Dont confuse Luxembourg with its larger neighbours, France, Germany or Belgium.
• Dont be loud on public transport, which is free nationwide.

Dining etiquette

Keep both hands visible on the table, wait for Gudden Appetit before eating, and try local specialities like Judd mat Gaardebounen (smoked pork with broad beans) or Gromperekichelcher (potato fritters). At a Stuff or brasserie, the host who invites usually pays.

Tipping norms

Service is included by law, so tipping is modest. Rounding up the bill or leaving 5 to 10 percent for good service is generous. In a cafe, leaving small change is normal. For taxis, round up to the nearest euro or two. Hotel porters appreciate one to two euros per bag.

Traditions and festivals

• Schueberfouer: a huge funfair in the capital each late summer, dating to 1340.
• Éimaischen: an Easter Monday pottery market in Nospelt, famous for whistling bird figurines called Péckvillchen.
• Bretzelsonndeg: men offer pretzels to sweethearts on the fourth Sunday of Lent.
• National Day on 23 June, with fireworks and a torchlight parade honouring the Grand Duke.

Stay connected in Luxembourg

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