Key
Concepts
The population of the Grand Duchy is of approximately 449,000. The
Luxembourgers are generally fluent in French, German and English
in addition to their mother tongue, Luxembourgish. French is frequently
used as the administrative and business language, although German
and English are also quite common in business circles.
This multilingualism is a great advantage of Luxembourg whose business
environment is reined by the international spirit of the people.
The very diverse cultural aspect has historical, demographic and
economic origins and is the consequence of the chronic lack of workforce
on the national labour market.
This language situation is also a direct result of the size of the
country and associated with both France and Germany. When going
abroad which is not very far, the Luxembourgers have to speak other
languages, simply because their own is not understood elsewhere.
Thus, there is no surprise that many Luxembourgers speak so many
languages.
Obviously, there is a need for at least 2 foreign
languages (English or French) for people wishing to work in business
areas of Luxembourg.
The Luxembourgers are known for their politeness and intelligence.
In addition to their multilingual skills the Luxembourg people have
other professional qualities such as punctuality, perseverance,
practical approach to business and remarkable capacity for work.
Breadth of views, cosmopolitism and diversity of cultures may also
be considered to be the main characteristics of the Luxembourgers.
On other hand, Luxembourgers are careful and prudent. They take
time before they trust people and approach getting to know you in
a deliberate, measured manner, which cannot be rushed.
Business Practice and Etiquette
- The average working week is from 09am to 6pm.
- Appointments should be made 1 to 2 weeks in advance and punctuality
is highly emphasised. Meetings adhere to strict timetables.
- In general, the Luxembourg business etiquette is very formal.
It is common in Luxembourg business to address partners by their
honorific titles, Monsieur or Madame, and their surname.
- Luxembourgers compartmentalize their business and personal
lives.
- Building of a successful relationship with Luxembourg businesses
requires a sincere interest in the country and the people.
- Luxembourgers expect prompt replies to requests for information,
price quotes and terms.
- Foreigners who are fluent in the country’s languages
are well respected.
- Business attire is formal.
- Greetings are reserved and formal until a relationship has
been established. The most common greeting is a brief handshake.
- This is a hierarchical culture, so it is crucial that you show
proper respect and deference to those who have attained positions
of importance.
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