Luxembourg Languages

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Geographylogo.png In other languages: Français | Deutsch | Lëtzebuergesch


The national language is Letzebuergesch (Luxembourgeois), a Germanic language spoken by most of the population. French and German are also used in official publications and in schools. Parish registers are written in Latin and German for most years, and civil registers in French. Other official documents may be written in Latin, German or French.[1]

For word lists and help researching in Luxembourg records, see:

Reading the German Records

  • It's easier than you think! You do not have to be fluent in French and German to use these records, as there is only a limited vocabulary used in them. By learning a few key phrases, you will be able to read them adequately. Here are some resources for learning to read German records.
German Genealogical Word List
German Handwriting
  • These video webinars will teach you to read German handwriting:
  • Also online interactive slideshow lessons are available to help you learn to read these records:

This converter will show you how any phrase or name might look in German script:

  • Kurrentschrift Converter (enter German genealogical word, click on "convert", view your word in Kurrentschrift (Gothic handwriting)

Latin Records

Records of the Catholic church will usually be written in Latin:


How to Read the French Records

Learning to Read Enough French to Do Genealogy

  • It's easier than you think! You do not have to be fluent in French to use these records, as there is only a limited vocabulary used in them. By learning a few key phrases, you will be able to read them adequately. Here are some resources for learning to read French records.
French Genealogical Word List
French Handwriting.


References

  1. The Family History Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “Family History Record Profile: Luxembourg,” Word document, private files of the FamilySearch Content Strategy Team, 1988-1997.