Bridging Migration & Integration in Luxembourg

When moving abroad, people often get asked how they are getting along in their new country. Probably, one of the best answers would be, "I already feel at home", which might mean that the person is, at least to a certain degree, integrated.

Quoting the Cambridge Dictionary, integration is "the action or process of successfully joining or mixing with a different group of people". In Luxembourg, with a multi-cultural society, however, the meaning of the term becomes more complex.
Integration is a spectrum. It can happen professionally, socially, culturally, civically and linguistically. The European Commission identifies "learning the language of the host country" as one of the "key elements" of successful integration. I would also include: gaining a basic understanding of local laws; embracing social values; and becoming familiar with the country's history and geography.

Language

When I first moved abroad, to Italy in 2021, I had no choice but to learn Italian (in the south of the country there are not many other languages from which to choose). Everyday life depended on it and, looking back, that pressure helped me integrate much faster. Interestingly, in Luxembourg it has been the option to use English (at least when arriving), which has helped me better understand how the country functions.

Everyday life in Luxembourg revolves around several languages, and people naturally switch to the one that makes communication more efficient. Some of my Luxembourgish friends have even told me they were raised to do exactly that, which says a lot about the consideration Luxembourgers show towards others.

Many newcomers choose French or German because they are more useful professionally, which is understandable. Yet even a few words of Luxembourgish are always appreciated, as they not only serve as a communication tool but also help to better understand the way people think.
Luxembourg makes language learning accessible through the Institut National des Langues (INL) and language courses organised by many municipalities across the country.

Geography & history

It may sound boring, but taking a quick "back-to-school" course on Luxembourg may be also handy. With a country this small, there is hardly an excuse not to know at least a little about the territory.

It can start with something as simple as exploring a map, understanding which countries border Luxembourg and how they have influenced the place throughout time. It also makes following local news, conversations and recommendations much easier.

The same applies to history. Nobody expects newcomers to become historians, but understanding some of the country's past helps explain its present, such as the origins of its three official languages; why almost half of the population holds a foreign nationality; and why the country is so multilingual and internationally connected.

Community

If we integrate partly for our own wellbeing, then the goal should be to gain a sense of belonging. For me, that comes through finding a community.

And here lies Luxembourg's paradox. One of the things I love most about the country is its multidimensional nature. One week you can spend an evening celebrating Mexican culture, the next take part in the Indian Diwali, and the week after participating in a national "Liichtmëssdag" (the Candlemas lantern tradition). Would Luxembourg have the same charm without this diversity?

At the same time, I believe integration also hides in everyday details. Greeting people before asking a question, respecting neighbours on quiet Sundays, understanding how recycling works, arriving on time or simply saying "moien" to the cashier.

Perhaps this is where Luxembourg differs from many other countries. Integration is not only about adapting to Luxembourgish culture, but also about acknowledging the many cultures that have become part of the country's identity. That respect should go both ways, leaving no room for xenophobia, racism or the belief that one culture is somehow more valuable than another.

It starts with curiosity

Drawing back to the term "migrant", it is clear that not everyone living here has started from the same place. While some choose to move abroad, others are forced to leave because of war, persecution or circumstances beyond their control. Many arrive carrying trauma or with limited education and access to information. For them, integration may take more time.

Others come from neighbouring European countries with similar laws, values or even languages, making adaptation easier. Yet having that advantage does not automatically mean someone is more willing to integrate.

For me, the difference lies in the effort one makes, and that effort begins with curiosity. Being genuinely interested in the country, its people and the way it works is often the first step towards integration.

Finding common ground

For me, another thing that has helped build a sense of belonging has been following everyday life in Luxembourg. Joining local Facebook groups, even just to read the discussions, gives a better understanding of what people are talking about, what concerns them and what is happening around the country.

The same goes for social media. Pages such as @luxembourgish_memes, which has almost 130k followers, and @notclaireinluxembourg, which has close to 60k followers, create humorous inside jokes that only make sense once you begin to understand the local context.

Visiting local festivals, markets and, in general, "getting out there" has also made a huge difference. By doing so, one creates shared experiences and, with them, shared conversations. Instead of always referring to "back home" or "when I was living in...", conversations gradually begin to revolve around things happening here.

Perhaps the biggest misconception is that integration requires replacing one identity with another. In my view, the two are not mutually exclusive. People can preserve their own language, culture and identity while still making a genuine effort to contribute to the society they now call home.