Do Belgians Speak French? A Guide To Belgian French [2025]

French is everywhere. In movies, fashion, food, and now, in classrooms across the world. Everyone wants to sound a little more Parisian. However, did you know that there isn’t just one kind of French?

In fact, the French spoken in Brussels or Liège doesn’t sound the same as the one in Paris. Belgian French, one of the most interesting varieties, has its own flavor, expressions, and quirks that make it stand out. It’s French, yes, but with a twist that tells a story of history, culture, and pride.

In this post, I’ll break down everything you need to know. What languages are spoken in Belgium? How many Belgians actually speak French? What exactly is Belgian French, and how does it differ from standard French? I’ll also share some basic Belgian French words and phrases so you can spot (and maybe use) them yourself.

What Languages Are Spoken In Belgium?

Belgium officially recognizes three languages: Dutch, French, and German. Each one defines a region and reflects the country’s split identity. Dutch, called Flemish in Belgium, is spoken by most of the population and dominates the north in Flanders.

On the other hand, French takes over in Wallonia and in Brussels, where you’ll hear a mix of Belgian French and international French. Lastly, German, the smallest of the three main languages, is used by a small community in the east near the German border.

Many Belgians grow up bilingual, sometimes trilingual. In Brussels, French and Dutch are used interchangeably, and English is common, especially in schools, workplaces, and international settings. Immigrant languages like Arabic, Turkish, Italian, and Spanish are also part of daily life, showing how linguistically diverse the country has become.

What Is Belgian French?

Belgian French is the variety of French spoken mainly in Wallonia and Brussels. It’s fully understandable to anyone who speaks standard French but has its own rhythm, accent, and vocabulary shaped by Belgium’s mix of languages. The pronunciation tends to be clearer and more deliberate, with a rolled or throaty “r” and sharper nasal sounds. You’ll also notice different words for numbers—septante (70), huitante or octante (80), and nonante (90)—and Dutch-influenced words like un bic for pen instead of un stylo.

Some phrases reflect Belgium’s multilingual setting. Locals might say Tu viens avec ? (“Are you coming with?”) instead of Tu m’accompagnes ?, a direct borrowing from Dutch. The filler une fois pops up in casual speech, adding a friendly touch rather than literal meaning. These quirks don’t create barriers, just character. Belgian French is standard French with a Belgian identity—practical, colorful, and unmistakably local.

What are the differences between Belgian French and French?

Numbers

Belgian French uses a simpler number system than standard French. Instead of soixante-dix (sixty-ten) for 70, Belgians say septante. Instead of quatre-vingt-dix (four-twenty-ten) for 90, they say nonante. The only exception is 80, which stays quatre-vingts. It’s more logical and easier to learn, especially for beginners who find French numbers confusing.

Accent and pronunciation

Belgian French has a clearer, more pronounced sound than Parisian French. The “r” is rolled or guttural, and nasal vowels like an, en, or in are sharper and longer. The rhythm is also steadier, making it sound more deliberate. The Brussels accent is especially recognizable, often seen as softer and slightly more formal to French ears.

Vocabulary and meanings

Certain everyday words differ between the two. For example, un bic means “pen” in Belgium, borrowed from the brand name BIC, while in France it’s un stylo. A towel is un essuie instead of une serviette, and to use the restroom, Belgians say aller à la toilette instead of aux toilettes.

You might also hear je ne sais pas le faire (“I don’t know how to do it”) where a Parisian would say je ne peux pas le faire (“I can’t do it”). The meaning stays clear, but the choice of words feels distinctly Belgian.

Expressions

Belgians often end sentences with une fois, literally “once,” used as a friendly filler word with no real meaning—like “you know” in English. It adds warmth and rhythm to conversations. The phrase is so iconic that it’s even part of local humor and pop culture. Belgian French feels familiar to any French speaker but has a personality of its own—practical, expressive, and unmistakably Belgian.

Basic Belgian French Words And Phrases

Here are some basic Belgian French words and phrases that show how the language adds its own flavor to everyday French. These are widely used in Wallonia and Brussels, and though they differ from standard French, they’re easy to understand once you get used to them.

As for phrases, take note of the following:

• À tantôt — see you later (à toute à l’heure in standard French)
• Tu sais le faire ? — can you do it? (used instead of tu peux le faire ?)
• Il drache — it’s raining heavily
• Non peut-être ! — yes, of course! (sarcastic or emphatic)
• Oui sans doute — of course not (a polite negative)
• Une fois — a classic Belgian filler word, often added for emphasis or friendliness

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