Quick question. Can you get by with English in Belgium? I was in Zaventem recently and tried to speak French to some shop staff but they seemed really annoyed at me - I think it might be a language thing
newbie_notes2Can you get by with English in Belgium?
newbie_notes2Accepted answer
super_belgium2Yeah you can totally survive in English mostly in Brussels and Flanders or if u go to touristy spots but it depends on age and where u are. Belgium has 3 official languages like Dutch, French and German but English isnt one of them so u gotta get to A2 in one of the official ones if u want residency. I try to stick to English in Brussels but talking French in the Flemish area around the city can get u some very unfriendly looks due to the politics here!!
Replies
PunsAndBeerJust keep in mind that if u want a job in production or supply chain u usually need to speak fluent Dutch even if u know English
flanders_buildsI always try to use a bit of French when I am in Wallonia and it makes things go much smoother 🤝
not_so_sure_guy3It is also hard to find work because local bilingual people are always competing for the same roles.
sunny_days_be3It seems like some older people here feel like you should learn the local language instead of assuming they must speak English. It can feel a bit rude to them even if u dont mean it that way.
Best wishes
expats_eyeenglish is much more common in the north than in the walloon part of the country