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To work, study and communicate with people in Belgium, learning one of the country’s official languages can be very useful. Depending on where you live — Brussels, Wallonia (French-speaking region), Flanders (Dutch-speaking region) or the German-speaking Community — you can take French, Dutch or German language courses. German is spoken mainly in the German-speaking Community, located in the east of Belgium.

Assistance to find a language course

• Social assistances working for CPAS/OCMW: You can ask your social worker to help you find a suitable language course. The CPAS/OCMW can also provide information about training and support available in your area.

• Social workers working in welcoming/integration centres: Depending on where you live, different organisations can help newcomers find language courses and support them with their integration process. In Brussels, these include the BAPA (Bureaux d’Accueil pour Primo-Arrivants). In Wallonia, you can contact the Centres régionaux d’intégration (CRI). In Flanders, the Agentschap Integratie en Inburgering and its local services can provide information and guidance.

Financial support for language courses

• CPAS: If you receive social assistance from the CPAS/OCMW, ask your social worker whether the costs of your language course, registration fees or course materials can be covered. Support depends on your individual situation and the course you attend.

• Welcoming/integration centres: Some organisations offer free language courses or can help you access financial support. Ask the organisation responsible for your integration process about the options available in your area.

Language learning levels

Language courses in Belgium generally use the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR):

• A1–A2: Basic user
• B1–B2: Independent user
• C1–C2: Proficient user