Luxembourgish A1 : Class 2 📚

1. Learning Objectives (Léierziler)

1. Saying hello and goodbye (Moien an Äddi soen)
2. Asking and telling how one is doing (Soen a froen, wéi et geet)
3. Introducing oneself and asking someone’s name (Sech virstellen an nom Numm vun enger Persoun froen)
4. Stating one’s nationality and language(s) (Seng Nationalitéit a seng Sprooch(en) nennen)

2. Basic Pronunciation Rules

Vowel Sounds

• ä = äh (as in Äppel)
• äi = like “eye” (dräi, wäiss)
• au = like “ow” (sauer, Bauer)
• ë = like French “e” (ënnersträichen)
• éi = like “eye” (Déier, féieren)
• ei = like “ay” (Feier, deier)

Consonant Sounds

• ch = “sch” in words like Aarbecht
• ch = “ch” in words like gebrach
• g = “sch” in numbers (véierzeg)
• st = “scht” (Stull, stellen)
• sp = “schp” (spillen, Sport)
• v = “f”
• w = “v” (wat)

The -n Rule (Eifeler Regel)

Keep the final -n before words starting with:

• Vowels (A, E, I, O, U)
• Consonants (D, H, N, T, Z) Mnemonic: “UNITED ZOAH”

2. Essential Greetings

Greeting Examples

Formal Situations

• “Gudde Mëtteg, Madame!” - “Bonjour!” (at shops/services)
• “Gudden Owend, Madame Wagner!” - “Oh, gudden Owend, Här Michels!” (formal evening)
• “Awar, Madame Medinger! Nach e schéinen Dag!” - “Merci gläichfalls! Awar!” (formal goodbye)

Informal Situations

• “Moien Anna!” - “Hallo!” (greeting friends)
• “Salut Jang!” - “Moie Pierre!” (casual greeting)
• “Äddi!” (informal goodbye)

Evening/Night

• “Gutt Nuecht!” - “Schlof gutt!” (goodnight exchange)
• “Merci fir d’Invitatioun! Nach e schéinen Owend!” (thanks and good evening)

Informal Greetings

• Salut = Hello/Bye
• Awar/Awuer = Goodbye
• Moien = Hi

Courtesy Phrases

• Nach e schéinen Dag = Have a nice day
• Gläichfalls = You too
• Schlof gutt = Sleep well

3. Basic Conversation

Asking How Someone Is

Formal:

• Wéi geet et Iech? = How are you?
• Mir geet et gutt = I am good

Informal:

• Wéi geet et dir? = How are you?
• Mir geet et… = I am…
  • gutt = good
  • net schlecht = not bad
  • tipptopp = very good
  • guer net gutt = not good at all

Personal Pronouns

• Ech = I
• Du = you (informal)
• Dir = you (formal)
• Hien/Hatt/Si/Et = he/she/she/it
• Mir = we
• Si = they

4. Practice Tips

1. Start with pronunciation basics
2. Practice the -n rule with simple sentences
3. Learn greetings for different times of day
4. Master formal vs informal address
5. Practice basic conversations daily

5. Cultural Notes

• Luxembourgish uses formal address (Dir) with strangers and in professional settings
• Informal address (du) is used with friends, family, and children
• Greetings are an important part of Luxembourg culture
• It’s polite to greet people when entering shops or public spaces

Learning Resources

• Official language learning portal: https://www.quattropole.org/fr/info/actualites/news/detail/News/quattropole-lance-un-nouveau-portail-dapprentissage-des-langues
• Language practice apps
• Local language courses
• Language exchange meetups

Remember: Regular practice and immersion are key to mastering Luxembourgish!