Belgium is a multilingual country where both French and Dutch are official languages, but there are also many other languages spoken. For those who are considering emigrating to Belgium, the question of what level of French language one should have may arise.
Firstly, it is important to note that the level of French required can vary depending on the specific region of Belgium you plan to live in. The French-speaking region, also known as Wallonia, is where French is the predominant language, while the Dutch-speaking region, also known as Flanders, is where Dutch is the predominant language.
In Wallonia, French is the main language used in official documents, signs, and public services, so having a good working knowledge of French is essential for daily life. It is recommended to have a level of French that is equivalent to the European level B1 or higher. This would allow you to understand and participate in everyday conversations, read and understand simple texts, and write simple texts.
In Flanders, the Dutch language is the main language used in official documents, signs, and public services, so having a good working knowledge of Dutch is essential for daily life. It is recommended to have a level of Dutch that is equivalent to the European level B1 or higher. This would allow you to understand and participate in everyday conversations, read and understand simple texts, and write simple texts.
In Brussels, both French and Dutch are official languages, but French is the main language spoken in the city, so having a good working knowledge of French is essential for daily life. It is recommended to have a level of French that is equivalent to the European level B1 or higher. This would allow you to understand and participate in everyday conversations, read and understand simple texts, and write simple texts.
It’s important to note that having a basic knowledge of French or Dutch will make a significant difference in your daily life and will help you to navigate the systems and institutions of the country.