NewsCase StudiesEvents

Languages, Translation and Interpretation in Belgium

Belgium

Languages, Translation and Interpretation in Belgium

Recent forum posts

 

  1. Human Resource Assignment Help

    Looking for top-notch Human Resource assignment help? Look no further than MyAssignmentHelp.co.uk! Our platform offers comprehensive assistance tailored to your HR needs. Whether you're tackling topics like recruitment, employee training, performance evaluation, or organizational behavior, our expert team is here to guide you

    Total Posts: 1 Last post by ameliawillson

  2. Professional International SEO Services

    At Delante, we take pride in being a leading force in the digital landscape, offering exceptional International SEO services tailored to enhance your global visibility. Our commitment to excellence and results-driven strategies sets us apart as the go-to partner for businesses aspiring to conquer international markets. Delante specialises in crafting multilingual SEO strategies that speak directly

    Total Posts: 1 Last post by Delante

Belgium Language / Translation / Interpretation

Language

Language can be quite an issue when setting up a business in Belgium. The country has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. At business level English is widely spoken, however you should well know the area of the country you are targeting before choosing the language (for instance in advertising).

Doing Business in Belgium

You may quickly discover that your French translation now needs a Dutch Translation, and perhaps even a German translation as there are still a good many people speaking German in parts of Belgium. When it comes down to what languages are spoken in Belgium you have plenty of options as some 88% of Belgians believe that the improvement of language skills should be a policy priority. Despite what languages are spoken in Belgium, business documents are a different story altogether. Business documents must be drafted in French, Dutch, German, English, Spanish, Italian or Portuguese. If none of these languages are used for the business documents, the business documents must be both translated and certified in at least one of these many different business languages of Belgium. Any and all business document translations must then be certified as a “sworn translation” or what may more commonly be referred to as a “certified and true copy” of the original business documentation. If nothing else, that should give you a good deal of room if you ever really wanted to become a polyglot. If there is any consolation there, it is that you really only need to learn one ... or maybe two, or possibly three different languages if you want to get out and enjoy the many culinary treats of Belgium.

Don't wait until you're in Belgium to pick up the language. Would it not be wise to familiarise yourself with an adoptive tongue before making the big move abroad, ensuring you have the confidence and ability to interact with your customers, clients and business associates. There are many UK-based tutorial companies that can help you learn a foreign language in your own time. These companies cover all levels of ability, from understanding your first foreign word to refining your last. Sessions can be available either at your office, home, or organised classes.

Depending on the nature of your business or investment, foreign nationals generally prefer dealing with someone who they can form a good business relationship with. Communication and interpersonal skills are therefore paramount, as well as the ability to be enthused about a product, service or business plan.

Official Languages Of Belgium

No matter how many languages are spoken in Belgium, you should be prepared to deal with all of them, not just one or two primary languages, especially if you hope to do business there. You may want to get a head start on language learning though, or maybe even find an interpreter to help you as you adjust to the Belgian way of life. I do not know how many people would actually go to Belgium solely for the waffles, but there are still a great many additional Belgian festivals that make the journey and life in Belgium worthwhile. Among the more popular are the Bruges Beer Festival and the Salon Du Chocolat Brussels, a comparatively new addition to the list of Belgian festivals that highlights their mastery of chocolate delights. As was previously noted however, language is still a concern of great importance to most of the people living in Belgium, and throughout most of Europe if the truth were to be told. (The French are notoriously finicky about their language, but that is a subject for a different article) If you really want to experience the local cultural “flavors” as it were, you should at least be able to communicate your thoughts in one of the local languages.

Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. Close to 60% of the country's population speaks Dutch as their primary language. Dutch is the official language of the Flemish Community and the Flemish Region and, along with French, an official language of the Brussels-Capital Region.

The second-most spoken primary language, used natively by 40% of the population, is French. French is the dominant language in Wallonia as well as the Brussels-Capital Region.

German is the least prevalent official language in Belgium, spoken natively by less than 1% of the population.

Belgium is a multilingual country: the 60% of the Dutch speakers know also French or English, the 20% of the French speakers know Dutch or English.

Translation and Interpretation

When doing business in Belgium It is very likely, at some point, you will need to use a translator. Depending on who you are conversing with, it may be necessary for formal meetings and negotiations that you use an interpreter. Looking ahead, this will help eradicate even the slightest chance of misinterpretation or miscommunication.

Knowledge of the targeting area's language could mean the difference between a deal clincher or calamity, and therefore it would be advisable to hire a reputable translator. Translators will also be able to help you with marketing and advertising. They can ensure you avoid cultural and grammatical faux pas, which could otherwise be detrimental to your business.

Whether its documental, personal on interactive interpretation or translation youre after, there are many fine, highly-qualified companies who can assist you in doing business in Belgium, many of which can be found right here.

Click here to Ask an Expert about Languages, Translation and Interpretation in Belgium

Organisations that can assist with Languages, Translation and Interpretation

    You are not logged in!

    Please login or register to ask our experts a question.

    Login now or register.