Applicants for Luxembourg nationality must pass a language test at A2 (spoken) and B1 (listening) level, unless they are exempt from the language requirement. This is, for example, the case for people reclaiming the nationality of their ancestors or applicants with a disability that prevents them from learning Luxembourgish.

To enable people outside of the country to learn Luxembourgish more easily, some of the country’s embassies are planning on offering one-week intensive courses. The Luxembourg embassy in Paris offered such a programme in February 2020. “After the pandemic, this initiative will be resumed,” said Meisch in answer to a parliamentary question.

The courses, however, aren’t free of charge, Meisch said.

In addition to these programmes, the national institute of languages is working on facilitating online learning. “The INL is developing an informatic tool, that allows people across the world to learn Luxembourgish for free by e-learning,” Meisch said.

A public call for tender for the technical aspect of the project is in the process of being concluded, Meisch said, with the INL developing the content. The minister did not indicate a timeline for the tool to become available.