Official language and civic integration

Being a new resident of the municipality will require some adjustment. The people around you speak a whole different language. Belgium has three official national languages: Dutch, French and German. These languages are taught in all schools, so people often speak more than one language. 

The language of communication for your municipality is Dutch. This means that civil servants, people at school and in shops will communicate with you in Dutch. It’s therefore best that you learn to speak the language as soon as possible. 

There are many Dutch language courses for adults available at various levels and intensities. 

To sign up for Dutch lessons, go to the  Agentschap Integratie en Inburgering (Flemisch Agency for Integration and Civic integration). You can combine these Dutch lessons with a course on living in Belgium and Flanders. In that case you will be assigned an individual coach who will try to answer any questions you may have. This course will be compulsory for some, but you may still take part even if that doesn’t apply to you. On completing the course, you receive an official certificate of completion for the the civic integration course.

Visit one of the branches during opening hours or call 02 701 76 00 for more information.

You can find conversation groups in Hoeilaart and its surroundings to practice Dutch together informally. Visit this website  to find local initiatives to learn and practice your Dutch.