Brussels, with its 24 official EU languages and countless more spoken every day, is undeniably a linguistic jungle. For anyone who has lived here, navigating this rich tapestry of languages is both an art and an adventure. It’s a city where language isn’t just a tool for communication; it’s a part of one’s identity, a political statement, and a skill required for survival.
This is a common experience for many of us who call Brussels home. Our brains are constantly juggling multiple languages, and in the heat of the moment, the “right” word just refuses to come in the “right” language. If you live in Brussels, chances are, you’ve experienced this multilingual brain scramble.
But we come to realize that one of the best answers to this dilemma is quite simple: embrace it.
Language as an Identity in Brussels
Living in a city where most people speak at least three languages daily, language is more than just a tool—it’s an integral part of the cultural fabric. In Brussels, we don’t just speak; we mix. French, Dutch, English, and German frequently mingle within a single sentence. This fluidity is both a blessing and a challenge, but it is also what makes communication here so unique.
Yet, amidst this cacophony of accents and languages, how do you make yourself heard professionally without feeling like you have to become someone else?
The language of the EU Bubble is primarily English. But let’s be honest—it’s not the “Queen’s English.” It’s a delightful, practical, and often unpredictable mix of English peppered with French politeness, German efficiency, and the occasional phrase that no native speaker would ever use (like “I propose you to do this”). It’s a distinctive blend of cultures that works, because at the end of the day, communication isn’t about perfect grammar or flawless syntax—it’s about clarity and connection.
Own Your Voice
When it comes to public speaking or professional interactions in Brussels, the key to standing out is owning your voice. Your accent, your choice of words, the occasional grammatical hiccup—these aren’t mistakes. They’re proof of the linguistic marathon your brain runs every day. So, instead of worrying about fitting into a specific mold of “perfect” speech, focus on ensuring your message resonates with your audience.
Speaking confidently is the real trick. Enunciate when necessary, slow down if you need to, and don’t underestimate the power of a well-timed pause. These are the tools that will help you make an impact, regardless of your linguistic background.
The Fluidity of Language in Brussels
Living in Brussels means constantly navigating the fluidity of language. The question many of us find ourselves asking is: What language do I think in? Plan in? Dream in? For most, the answer is, “It depends.” It depends on the situation, the person we’re speaking with, and perhaps even our mood. For some, it’s even about swearing in a particular language when their train is delayed yet again!
This fluidity can feel disorienting at times. It might make you feel like you don’t fully belong to any linguistic tribe. But here’s the truth: That’s okay. Brussels itself doesn’t belong to just one culture, so why should you?
Instead of trying to chase a mythical “perfect” way of speaking, we should embrace the beautiful mess that is multilingual communication. The key is to stay connected. Listen actively. Adapt when necessary. If you don’t understand something, ask. If someone doesn’t understand you, rephrase. In Brussels, language is not about rigid correctness—it’s about connection and understanding.
Celebrating Linguistic Chaos
Your voice matters—not despite its uniqueness, but because of it. Whether you’re speaking French, Dutch, English, or a blend of all three, your multilingual identity is part of what makes you stand out in this diverse, dynamic city.
In the end, language in Brussels is not just about making yourself understood; it’s about embracing the rich diversity of communication and using it to connect, share, and grow. And that’s something we should all take pride in.
Sources: https://welovebrussels.org/2025/03/finding-your-voice-in-city-of-accents-brussels-languages/
