5 Things You Should Know Before Starting Your Mobility To Belgium
Hi there! If you’re reading this article, you’re most likely about to start your mobility to Belgium. Lucky you! Belgium is an amazing country, with a rich culture and history. Here are five things you should know before moving to the land of chocolate, beers and fries.
Belgium Has Three Official Languages
Dinant, Belgium
There is no such thing as a Belgian language. Belgium is a federal state divided into three different regions: Brussel-capital region, Wallonia and Flanders. As a result, the country has three official languages: French, Dutch (Flemish) and German. This is explained by the country’s proximity with France, The Netherlands and Germany. In Brussels, the country’s capital, the languages spoken are French and Dutch (Flemish). It is a great area to practice your French!
Dutch is spoken by about 40%. The version of Dutch spoken in Belgium is called Flemish Dutch and is spoken in the region of Flanders. While some people claim that Dutch and Flemish are very similar (as can be UK English and US English), some other consider them to be two separate languages.
Even though only 1% of the Belgian population speaks German, it is still an official language of the country. In addition, English is widely spoken in Belgium, especially in large cities. Last but not least, there are also many different dialects in Belgium, mostly spoken in rural areas, such as Wallon or Picard.
French is spoken in the region of Wallonia, by about 59% of the population. Although French Belgian accent and French accent are very different, the vocabulary and grammar are very similar. Except for a few words, it is very easy for a French person to understand a Belgian.
Ready to start your French language learning journey? In the « Spotlight » section of the French Learning Community and Resources, you will find the placement test/ assessment. Once you complete the assessment, the platform will recommend the course and learning materials that suit you best. As your level of French will improve throughout the year, feel free to take the test as many times as you want.
In addition, make sure to join the Practice your French Forum. There, you will be able to practice your French by having conversations in French on different topics with other members of the forum.
Do not hesitate to reach out to me or to other members of OLS through the Ask the Community Forum if you have any questions. Happy learning!
Getting Around in Belgium is Very Easy
Antwerp Centraal Train Station, Belgium
There are four public transportation operators in Belgium. In addition to nation-wide public trains that are operated by SNCB/NMBS, each region has their own bus, tram and/or metro networks: De Lijn in Flanders, TEC in Wallonia and STIB/MIVB in Brussels.
Belgian transportation system can be a bit confusing at first, but it is actually quite easy. It has proven to be efficient and accessible. Indeed, Belgium has introduced in 2018 the MoBIB card that can be used for all four transportation networks, which makes it very easy and quick to switch from company one to another.
The metro only exists in Brussels-capital area. There are four lines and three « pre-metro » lines that are similar to tram lines. Road traffic can be pretty dense in Brussels, especially during rush hour, so metro is a very nice way to travel through the city quickly.
To go from one city or another, or even from one country to another (it is relatively easy to reach European capitals from Belgium), train has proven to be the fastest and most efficient solution The Antwerp Centraal and Liège-Guillemins train stations are definitely worth checking, as they are both, beautiful pieces of architecture.
For budget travel, you want to consider bus companies such as FlixBus. Buses are a bit slower than trains but as Belgium is a small country (about 18 times smaller than France and 8 times smaller than the UK), buses are a great way to travel around. Bus companies such as FlixBus also operate outside Belgium. Therefore, is a great and cheap way to get around Europe from Belgium!
Finally, Belgian bicycle network is also pretty well developed. Commuting by bike has become a regular thing for town folks, even in Brussels and other large cities. Buying a second-hand bike can be a good option if you wish to get around by bike. Make sure to invest in a good lock and to always bring your bike in at night ;)
French Fries Are Actually From Belgium!
While the true origin of French fries is still a controversial topic, the Belgian tourism board claims that French fries should actually be called Belgian fries. Indeed, according to the board, fries have been incorrectly named « French fries » by Americans when they came to Wallonia. The legend says that, as the language spoken in Wallonia was French, American simply assumed they were in France and called fries « French fries ».
One thing is certain: everyone agrees that Belgian fries are delicious. They are fully embedded in Belgian culture as the « frietkots » are present at every corner of every Belgian village and city. Make sure to stop by one of these fries stalls and enjoy some delicious fries. If you want to enjoy your fries the Belgian-way, eat them with Mayonnaise. I can assure you it’s delicious. You may also want to try the « Moules-Frites », literally « Mussels-Fries », which is another Belgian specialty dish. Bon appétit!
As you may know, sweets and chocolate are a big deal in Belgium. Belgian is recognized around the world for the quality of its chocolate and chocolate treats. It is one of the world’s top producers of chocolate and Brussels airport is the place in the world that sells the most chocolate.
A typical Belgian desert you don’t want to miss out on during your mobility to Belgium: Belgian Waffles. They are made from a lighter dough than regular waffles and are delicious enjoyed with topics such as whipped cream, chocolate spread or fresh fruits. If you stop by the city of Liège, make sure to enjoy a Gaufre Liègeoise (Liège waffle). Café Liégeois and Chocolat Liégeois are also quite delicious.
Last but not least, while France is famous for its wine, beer is the way to go in Belgium. Belgian beers are extremely diverse and their history very rich. Did you know that there are more than 1000 varieties of beers in Belgium? While written proofs showed the existence of the first Belgian brewery in 805, beer became highly popular in Belgium around the 14th and 15th centuries. Belgian beer culture is so massive that it is even registered in the UNESCO intangible world heritage list! Cheers!
Belgium Culture is Wonderfully Rich
The Atomium, Brussels, Belgium
In addition of all the delicious Belgian foods that I just mentioned, there are many other aspects of Belgian culture that are worth discovering.
Let’s start with the country’s Capital City, Brussels. Make sure to stop by the Grand-Place, « the most beautiful place in the world » according to Victor Hugo, a renowned French author. Two of Brussel’s most famous landmarks are the Manneken-Pis and the Atomium. The Manneken-Pis is a statue of a peeing boy, whose clothes are regularly changed according to the time of the year and cultural events. It is located downtown, not far from the Grand-Place. The Atomium is a huge representation of the unit-cell of iron (and not of an atom!). It was built during the 1958 World Expo, and just as the Eiffel Tower, it was kept even though it was first supposed to be taken down after the Expo. If you go to the Atomium, my personal recommendation would be to visit the « Mini-Europe » open air museum, located at the feet of the Atomium. There, you’ll be able to witness small versions of Europe most famous monuments, including Pisa Tower and Big Ben. It is a great way to see Europe if you don’t have that much time to travel outside Belgium ;)
Belgium is full of beautiful cities and villages, lands of beautiful architecture and rich history. I would recommend to visit Anvers (Antwerpen) for its cosmopolitan atmosphere; Bouillon which is home of Belgium’s biggest fortress; Bruges (Brugge) for its medieval history and canals; and Liège for its nightlife.
Did you know that Belgium is the land of comic strips? Many famous comics, such as Tintin, Spirou, and Lucky Luke, are from Belgium. Their creators, renowned comic authors and artists, respectively Hergé, Rob-Vel and Morris, are all Belgian. Last but not least, the Smurfs, created by Peyo, are also from Belgium. Make sure to stop by the Belgian Comic Strip Center (« Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée (CBBD) ») when you’re in Brussels. It is definitely a must-see!
Belgium is also the land of festivals and parades. The country has some of the greatest music festivals: Tomorrowland, Rock Werchter and Dour Festival, to name only a few. There, you might have the chance to listen to some great French-speaking Belgian artists such as Stromae or Angele. Belgians also love parades. There are many famous parades around the country and Belgians take carnival and Mardi Gras very seriously. In Wallonia, Belgium’s French-speaking region, Carnival is celebrated in not less than 17 areas! If you have the opportunity, make sure to check out Binge’s Carnival. It will be un unforgettable experience!
Last but not least, Belgians are big fans of football (soccer). When the country’s national team is playing, Belgium’s three regions unite to support « The Red Devils », by wearing devil horns and decorating their cars with Belgian flags.
Belgium Is Full of Surprises!
Flower Carpet, Grand Place, Brussels
Did you know that Belgians are really good at making flower carpets? Did you know that Belgium is home of the world’s smallest city? Did you know that the world-wide web and the saxophone were invented by Belgians?
Belgium is definitely a country full of surprises. It is now your time to discover them all! Are there things in this article that you already knew? Or are there things that surprised you? I’d love to know! Feel free to leave a comment in the Living Abroad Forum. There you can share your thoughts with other people starting their mobility to Belgium.
The whole OLS team and myself are wishing you a great mobility to Belgium!