As I posted earlier, I have the opportunity to work in Luxembourg for a year. One issue most of us Americans face, is the language. How likely am I (and my wife and kids)to find the locals who speak English in Luxembourg. People had suggested a few German cities - Saarbruken, Neunkirchen and Trier - how likely are we to find English speaking locals there? Thanks for your help!
Other - Europe - 5 Answers
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1 :
yes, i spent 3 years in Germany .English is a second language in school but you will find that the older Germans won't speak much English unless you speak to them first. The Kid's to late 30's speak it very well and prefer to use it. But learn some German, it really isn't that hard and you will enjoy your time there more.
2 :
YES: luxembourg is a nice country to work in * while your there check with students on safari SOS
3 :
They most likely do,if they don't speak louder.
4 :
It depends. Generally you can expect educated Europeans to be able to speak English to some degree, they all learn it in school. The younger generation quite often speak it very well, with the slightly older people it depends. At any rate, you'll get around, and won't have to starve. If you do make an effort to pick up a few words of the local vernacular, it will be seen as a nice gesture and be appreciated.
5 :
Anyone who has received a high school education - which is a vast majority of the population in Luxembourg - will be able to comprehend and speak (albeit perhaps hesitantly) English. The elderly are often less likely to be able to speak English, but chances are you will be able to find a younger local to aid in translating when such situations arise. There is also a very large international community in Luxembourg, so finding respective English-speaking social groups for you, your wife, and your children should not be a problem. Note that almost a third of the population is NON-Luxembourgish; this, of course, mostly due to the abundance of EU institutions and banking systems in the country. Because of this, you will not only (a) find many English-speaking foreigners in Luxembourg, but also (b) note that Luxembourgers have become acustomed to speaking English, exactly because of the high concentrations of foreigners in their country. Having said that, however... Expect to learn a few phrases in French or Luxembourgish (or even German, although it is the least preferred language of Luxembourg's three official ones). Basic phrases to use in every day life - while taking public transport or buying groceries, for instance - will be sufficient. You'll most likely end up learning French just because of geographics (there's nothing like total immersion to kick the language-acquisition area of the brain into gear), but it is very possible to lead a comfortable and fulfilling live in Luxembourg getting by just with English.
