Today at the Luxembourg Expats Stories series, we are sitting down with Anne from Luxembourgish With Anne. For many expats and newcomers, learning Luxembourgish is a key step to integrating into daily life, connecting with the local community, and preparing for the Luxembourg citizenship exam (Sproochentest). Whether it’s using simple greetings at the bakery, feeling confident at work, or passing the exam, having the right guidance makes all the difference. That’s where Anne and her story with Luxembourgish with Anne (LWA) comes in. Anne is a pioneer in Luxembourgish language coaching with LWA has become one of the most trusted names for Luxembourgish courses - from beginner foundations to advanced workplace coaching. With her unique neurolanguage and communication coaching approach, Anne has supported learners to not only pass exams but also use Luxembourgish naturally in daily and professional life. In this exclusive interview with Luxembourg Expats, Anne shares her inspiring journey, the creation of her flagship courses, and her advice for newcomers on how to embrace Luxembourgish life with confidence. Let’s get started with Anne: Anne, could you kindly introduce yourself to our community and tell us a little about your background? I was born and raised in Luxembourg, where I also completed my schooling. I worked in the financial sector, but I soon realized the work wasn’t creative or engaging enough for me. Since I’ve always loved reading and telling stories, I began sharing them in Luxembourgish, which sparked a real passion for the language. Today, I’m the CEO and founder of LWA, and a leading pioneer for Luxembourgish coaching. I work with a wide range of clients — from those preparing for the Luxembourgish language exam to acquire citizenship, to professionals who want to improve their confidence in conversation classes and to anyone who simply wants to learn Luxembourgish for their day-to-day life. What's your entrepreneurial journey? How did you get started with Luxembourgish with Anne? I started teaching Luxembourgish in 2012, first with language schools and local communes. I soon realized that learners needed more than grammar — they needed confidence and real-life communication skills. That led me to train as a neurolanguage and communication coach and to found Luxembourgish with Anne. Since then, I’ve worked with individuals and groups — from citizenship exam candidates to professionals and everyday learners — helping them communicate naturally in daily and workplace situations. I expanded into online learning with programs like From Zero to Sproochentest. And in 2025, I was honored to be nominated as the Leading Pioneer of Luxembourgish Language Coaching. Today, my mission is to make Luxembourgish learning practical, engaging, and confidence-boosting, so learners can succeed in their goals and feel comfortable using the language in real life What courses does Luxembourgish with Anne offer? Who should contact you? At Luxembourgish with Anne, we offer a full pathway of online Luxembourgish courses. It starts with A1 Foundation and A2 Consolidation, and then moves into the flagship program From Zero to Sproochentest, which prepares beginners step by step for the citizenship exam. For learners beyond the basics, I’ve developed self-study courses such as the B1.1 Verstoen a Schwätzen and the Formal and Business Language course. And for professionals who want more targeted practice, my new program Speak Luxembourgish at Work combines practice, feedback, and coaching to help them feel confident using Luxembourgish in real workplace situations. So whether your goal is the citizenship exam, integrating Luxembourgish into daily life, or using it effectively at work, there’s a program designed for you What are you most proud of about Luxembourgish with Anne? What I’m most proud of is the tangible impact Luxembourgish with Anne has on people’s lives. Since founding the school, I’ve supported thousands of learners — from citizenship exam candidates to anyone looking to gain confidence and improve their Luxembourgish, whether for work or daily life. I’ve created structured and innovative programs like From Zero to Sproochentest, the conversation classes Schwätz mat eis, and Speak Luxembourgish at Work, which are unique in Luxembourg. But what truly makes it all worthwhile is seeing learners transform uncertainty into confidence, succeed in their exams, and use Luxembourgish naturally in everyday and professional situations, knowing that our conversation classes have supported them in building strong oral skills. What are your hobbies and interests? I enjoy reading, especially about Asian culture and Luxembourgish authors, which inspires me both personally and professionally. I also love spending time outdoors, taking long walks with my dog, and balancing my vacations between life in nature in Provence and relaxing by the sea in South of France. Recently, I’ve started a new hobby — calligraphy — which allows me to focus and be creative in a different way. What's your favourite spot in Luxembourg? My favourite spot in Luxembourg is the Vallée de Pétrusse — or Péitrussdall in Luxembourgish — which has recently been completely re-designed. I love going there for a walk with my dog, it’s such a beautiful green area right in the city. Another place I really enjoy is the Brasserie Häerz, where I like to go for coffee or breakfast. The Brasserie Häerz has a lot of history, because it’s located in the city center where Tapis Hertz stood for almost 80 years. Founded in 1946, it became a well-known family business, famous for its carpets and even supplying the Grand Ducal Court. The shop closed in 2019, so the café now carries on the spirit of a real Luxembourgish institution. What's your top 3-recommendations for newcomers in Luxembourg? My top three recommendations for newcomers would be: First, take the time to explore Luxembourg’s nature — the country is small, but it’s full of hidden gems like the Mullerthal or the Moselle. Second, try the local food and cafés, from a traditional Bouchée à la reine or Kniddelen to discovering new places like café Häerz. And third — and I think this is very important — start learning a bit of Luxembourgish right away. Even just simple greetings will make you feel welcome and open doors in daily life. What's your favourite quote? My personal quote is: “When a teacher is passionate about languages, that passion becomes contagious and inspires learners to love the language too.” That’s exactly what drives my work — sharing my passion for Luxembourgish so learners not only succeed in exams or at work, but also enjoy the language in their daily lives.” Anything else interesting we should've asked? One thing I’d like to add is that I’m very proud to have been recognized as the Leading Pioneer of Luxembourgish Language Coaching 2025 by the EU Enterprise Awards. For me, this recognition is not only an honor, but also a motivation to keep innovating and supporting learners in making Luxembourgish part of their daily and professional lives. That’s a wrap. Anne’s journey with Luxembourgish with Anne (LWA) proves that learning Luxembourgish can be practical, confidence-boosting, and even enjoyable. Through innovative programs like From Zero to Sproochentest, Schwätz mat eis conversation classes, and Speak Luxembourgish at Work, Anne has made it easier than ever for learners to succeed in the Luxembourgish language exam, integrate into daily life, and feel at home in Luxembourg. For expats and newcomers, her top advice is clear: explore Luxembourg’s stunning nature, enjoy its rich food culture, and most importantly, start learning Luxembourgish early. Even a few words can make a big difference in helping you feel welcome, connected, and part of the community. With passionate educators like Anne leading the way, learning Luxembourgish isn’t just about passing an exam - it’s about unlocking opportunities, building confidence, and embracing life in Luxembourg. Learn More About Luxembourgish With Anne :  luxembourgishwithanne.lu

A heartwarming effort has paid off in Luxembourg this year — 674 fawns were saved from deadly encounters with mowing machinery, the Ministry of Agriculture announced on Tuesday. Every spring, young fawns, hares, and ground-nesting birds instinctively hide in tall grass, unaware of the danger posed by mowers. To prevent tragic losses, the Ministry launched a national volunteer register in March 2025, connecting farmers with local helpers who locate and relocate wildlife before mowing begins. The initiative has proven a remarkable success. In 2025 alone, farmers, hunters, and members of the non-profit Sauvons Bambi Luxembourg worked together to rescue hundreds of animals. Volunteers used drones fitted with thermal cameras to scan fields from above, spotting hidden fawns. Once located, trained handlers gently moved the young deer to a safe area until mowing was complete — ensuring both their safety and their swift return to nature. With the 2026 season approaching, Sauvons Bambi Luxembourg is calling for new volunteers, including drone pilots and trained animal handlers. The organisation offers free courses and certification, even for those without previous experience. Anyone interested in helping protect wildlife during the next mowing season can sign up through the association’s website — a small act that can make a life-saving difference. Those interested in volunteering can register through the association's website: Volunteers – Save Bambi Luxembourg Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu   

Every nation has its treasures — those rare, irreplaceable pieces of history that define its cultural identity. In Luxembourg, the most valuable of these aren’t hidden in vaults beneath museums, but rather shared between two worlds: the Grand Ducal family’s glittering jewels and the country’s national art collections. The Royal Jewels of Luxembourg Unlike the stolen crown jewels that made headlines in Paris, Luxembourg’s tiaras and necklaces remain under the watchful care of the Grand Ducal family — and, officially, the State. For security reasons, their exact location is never disclosed. This secrecy became all the more understandable after a jewellery theft at the Grand Ducal Court in 2017, which led to an arrest in Belgium the following year. These jewels are not merely ornaments; they are pieces of history and national heritage. “You only have to remember the controversy when some of them were nearly sold,” recalls historian Robert L. Philippart. One of the most famous pieces is the tiara gifted by Grand Duke Jean to Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte — a stunning creation set with 854 diamonds. The jewel was briefly listed for auction in 2005 before the sale was cancelled and the tiara returned to Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, who continues to wear it for major state occasions. Its estimated value at the time ranged between €80,000 and €140,000, though its symbolic worth is far higher. Artistic Masterpieces Worth Their Weight in Gold Beyond the palace walls, Luxembourg’s museums hold treasures of their own. The National Museum of History and Art (MNHA) proudly houses an original Picasso, while the Villa Vauban’s Pescatore collection is a gem for art lovers, showcasing European masterpieces and centuries of cultural legacy. Equally remarkable is the Loschbour Man, one of Luxembourg’s most important archaeological discoveries. Unearthed in the Mullerthal region in 1935, the 8,000-year-old skeleton remains on display at the National Museum of Natural History, offering a rare glimpse into prehistoric life in the region. Safeguarding the Grand Duchy’s Heritage While Luxembourg has been spared the kind of high-profile art thefts seen in other European capitals, experts warn that its treasures are just as valuable — and just as vulnerable. “There have been cases elsewhere of stolen works resurfacing years later in private collections or antique markets,” notes Philippart. Whether it’s a diamond-studded tiara passed down through generations or an ancient skeleton preserved in a museum display, Luxembourg’s treasures are far more than glittering artifacts — they are living pieces of the nation’s identity, quietly reminding the world that even the smallest country can hold immeasurable wealth in history and heritage. Read More : Les trésors culturels du Luxembourg : la famille grand-ducale en première ligne - L'essentiel Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu   

Luxembourg often shines on global rankings — the richest country in the world, the highest minimum wage in the European Union, and a financial hub at the heart of Europe. Yet behind these impressive numbers lies a surprising reality: many of the country’s workers are struggling to make ends meet. Despite its reputation as a land of opportunity, Luxembourg’s poverty rate reached 18% in 2021, one of the highest in the EU, according to data from the French statistics institute Drees. The findings reveal a growing contradiction — a nation of prosperity where even full-time workers can fall below the poverty line. The Luxembourg Paradox Luxembourg’s poverty threshold — defined as 60% of the national median income — stood at €1,502 per month per adult in 2021, while the country’s median income was €2,503. That means anyone earning below that threshold is considered at risk of poverty, despite working in one of Europe’s best-paying economies. Worse, the country also ranks near the top of the EU for working poverty: 13% of employed residents aged 25–64 live below the poverty line, just behind Romania. High Wages, Higher Costs So, how can a country with such high wages have so many struggling households? The answer lies in Luxembourg’s skyrocketing cost of living, especially housing. “The country has a standard of living that becomes unaffordable for those who earn the minimum wage,” explains Sérgio Ferreira, Political Director of ASTI (Association de Soutien aux Travailleurs Immigrés). “Housing expenses alone eat up a huge portion of people’s salaries.” Luxembourg City consistently ranks among the most expensive places to live in Europe, with rental prices far above those of neighboring countries. Too Many Earning the Minimum Another key factor is the large share of low-income workers. Around 16% of Luxembourg’s workforce earns the minimum wage — well above the EU average of 11%. Ferreira notes that sectors like construction, commerce, and hospitality account for about half of all minimum-wage jobs, and the vast majority of these workers are immigrants. “In construction, 90% of workers are foreign nationals, and in retail, 80%,” he adds. Social Support Gaps Luxembourg is known for its strong welfare system, but even there, challenges persist. Ferreira points out that family benefits were frozen between 2006 and 2022, leaving many families exposed to rising inflation without any increase in aid. Worse, many people who qualify for support don’t apply. Studies show that up to 80% of eligible families never request rental or living-cost allowances, often because the process is complex or poorly understood. Still, without government assistance, the picture would be far bleaker. “Without social support, the poverty rate in Luxembourg would jump from 18% to around 40%,” Ferreira notes. Who Is Most Affected? Among those hardest hit are single-parent families — where the poverty rate reaches 44% — and young adults facing job insecurity and unaffordable housing. Despite generous child benefits and parental leave policies, the tax burden for divorced residents and the high cost of childcare continue to strain family finances. The Myth of the “El Dorado” For decades, Luxembourg has been viewed as a promised land for foreign workers, especially from neighboring countries like Portugal and France. But that dream is fading fast. “The El Dorado of Luxembourg doesn’t exist — and never really did,” says Ferreira. “Immigrants often arrive with high hopes, only to face the reality of low-wage jobs, high rent, and limited access to support.” Luxembourg remains a country of opportunity — but increasingly only for those who can afford it. As the gap between wages and living costs widens, the Grand Duchy’s challenge will be to ensure that its prosperity is shared by all who help build it. Read More : Luxembourg. How does the highest-paid country have the poorest workers in the EU? | Contact Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu   

Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie will make their first official trip abroad since their enthronement on October 3. The royal couple is set to visit Belgium on Friday, where they will be welcomed by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde. According to the Belgian royal palace, the visit will serve as a courtesy meeting to highlight the “excellent relations” between Luxembourg and Belgium — two neighboring nations with long-standing historical and cultural ties. As part of the program, a ceremonial review of the troops will take place at the Place des Palais in Brussels, followed by a formal lunch hosted by the Belgian royal couple. This marks the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess’s first state engagement outside Luxembourg since assuming their new roles, signaling the beginning of a renewed chapter in Luxembourg’s diplomatic and royal representation abroad.| Read More : Guillaume and Stéphanie make their first official trip to Belgium - The essentials Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu

A new nationwide campaign will begin on November 17 to detect familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) — a hereditary condition that causes dangerously high cholesterol levels from birth and increases the risk of early heart disease. The initiative, led by the Health Directorate, will invite the legal representatives of around 7,200 resident children and 1,000 non-resident children aged 18 months to participate in a free screening test. Families will receive a letter explaining how to schedule an appointment through MyGuichet for the painless test. A Silent but Serious Condition “The problem with familial hypercholesterolemia is that there are no symptoms before the infarction,” explains Dr. Marianne Becker, pediatric endocrinologist at the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg (CHL). The condition often goes unnoticed until it causes severe cardiovascular issues — sometimes as early as age 10. Left untreated, FH can lead to cardio-neurovascular diseases and even premature death. However, the disease is treatable. “The earlier it’s diagnosed, the better it can be managed,” says Dr. Becker. Pilot Tests Already Showing Results A preliminary phase of the campaign, conducted among primary school pupils in Luxembourg City, tested 1,860 children. Six were recalled for further analysis, and three were officially diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolemia. Because FH is hereditary, once a case is detected, parents and siblings are also screened, ensuring early intervention for the whole family. How the Screening Works The test consists of a simple, painless fingertip blood sample, with results available in about eight minutes. Families will receive results both orally and in writing. If a child tests positive, the family will be referred for medical follow-up and genetic screening. Appointments can be made at the Val Fleuri Medical Centre (Luxembourg City) or Esch-Belval, with plans to extend to Ettelbruck in 2026 to cover the country’s northern region. For non-resident families, participation will be possible by submitting a request through MyGuichet. Prevention for the Future Health Minister Martine Deprez emphasized the importance of early detection: “Prevention is better than cure. By identifying these cases early, we can protect children — and their families — from developing serious cardiovascular diseases later in life.” This marks a major step in Luxembourg’s preventive health efforts, aiming to identify at-risk families before symptoms ever appear. Read More : Screening: prevent your children from developing cardio-neurovascular disease | Daily life Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu   

Gambling machines found in cafés and bars across Luxembourg are the country’s leading source of gambling addiction — even surpassing online platforms and casinos — according to psychologist Hamadou Zarmakoye from the Centre for Excessive Behaviors and Behavioral Addictions (ZEV) in Luxembourg City. Zarmakoye, who treats individuals struggling with gambling disorders, says up to 30% of café machine players show signs of addiction. These machines, often found in social gathering spots like cafés and restaurants, are especially common within immigrant communities — notably among Portuguese residents — where they have become part of everyday routines. “You go to the café to talk, drink a beer, and since the machines are there, you play,” explains Zarmakoye. “That simple moment of leisure can turn into a dangerous cycle of addiction fueled by habit and the illusion of easy money.” A Hidden Public Health Problem According to Zarmakoye, these gaming machines represent a “real public health issue” that the government continues to underestimate. In neighboring countries, such machines are either banned or heavily restricted, while in Luxembourg, many remain illegal yet widespread. The psychologist argues that gambling should be confined to regulated environments like casinos or “Spielhallen”, where alcohol sales are restricted, minors are excluded, and state oversight is in place. Warning Signs of Addiction Early stages of addiction often go unnoticed. It starts with small, occasional bets — just a few euros — but gradually escalates as the brain becomes conditioned by the dopamine-driven “pleasure” of winning. “People begin to associate happiness with gambling,” says Zarmakoye. “Eventually, they play not for fun, but to escape problems or negative feelings. It becomes an obsession.” As addiction deepens, players often lie, borrow money, and face mounting debts, sometimes losing entire salaries in hours. Many deny having a problem until they hit a breaking point — when financial collapse or family pressure forces them to seek help. Support and Treatment At ZEV, psychotherapy-based treatment focuses on helping patients regain control of their behavior and avoid triggers. Recovery, however, requires complete separation from gambling environments. “If a patient keeps visiting the same cafés and friends who play, relapse is inevitable,” warns the psychologist. In severe cases, patients may require hospitalization in Luxembourg or referral to specialized centers in Germany for long-term care. “A Problem Luxembourg Can No Longer Ignore” Zarmakoye stresses that quick-result games — such as café machines or online betting — are far more addictive than slower games like lotteries or Euromillions, which have delayed outcomes. “The government says gambling is under control, but that’s not the reality. As long as slot machines remain in cafés and restaurants, they will continue to destroy lives. This is a public health issue Luxembourg can no longer ignore.” Read More : "Gambling addiction affects up to 30% of coffee machine players in Luxembourg, who deny addiction" | Contact Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu   

Researchers at EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) in Switzerland have unveiled a groundbreaking medical innovation — a bioprinter the size of a pill that can be swallowed and guided inside the body to repair damaged tissues in the digestive tract. Named MEDS (Magnetic Endoluminal Deposition System), the capsule can be magnetically directed to precise locations within the gastrointestinal tract, where it releases bio-ink — a living gel designed to help heal ulcers, lesions, and other soft tissue injuries. Currently, such injuries in areas like the esophagus, stomach, and intestines often require invasive surgery. The new technology offers a minimally invasive alternative that could transform digestive healthcare. Shaped like a tiny pen, the capsule uses a spring-loaded tip to release the biogel when triggered by a laser beam that safely passes through the body’s tissues. The capsule’s position is controlled externally with a magnetic robotic arm, functioning much like a joystick. So far, tests have been successful on simulated lab lesions and live animal models, but further studies are required before human trials. PhD researcher Sanjay Manoharan, part of the EPFL team, says the potential applications go far beyond the digestive system: “Our results highlight the promise of MEDS for future bioprinting technologies. We aim to extend its use to blood vessels and abdominal tissues.” Read More : Une bio-imprimante révolutionnaire répare le tube digestif par voie orale - L'essentiel Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu   

Residents of Luxembourg collectively held more than €48.6 billion in savings as of August 2025, according to data from the Central Bank of Luxembourg (BCL). This represents a 10% increase since 2020, when deposits totalled €43.9 billion. Based on the population of 677,000 (Statec data), this equates to an average of €71,000 per resident — though the figure is purely illustrative, as it includes all age groups. Despite this, Luxembourg households saved less in 2024 than at any point in the last 15 years. The national savings rate — the percentage of income not spent — fell to 12.39%, down sharply from the pandemic peak of 27% in 2020. Finance Minister Gilles Roth (CSV) highlighted a new initiative to better channel private savings into the national economy. The government has proposed a tax credit for investments in young and innovative companies, aiming to boost support for start-ups. The proposal is currently under review in the Chamber of Deputies as part of a broader ten-point action plan for start-ups launched in March 2025. Additionally, Luxembourg has joined the “Finance Europe” label initiative, alongside France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Estonia, to encourage more investment from European savers in local businesses. The Ministry of Finance is now studying how best to implement this framework nationally. Read More : Each resident in Luxembourg has an average of 71 thousand euros in the bank | Contact  Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu  

The Ministry of Health has released new data showing that 22 organ transplants were successfully performed in Luxembourg last year, while seven people donated organs in the country during 2024. According to the report, 104 patients were registered on the national transplant waiting list—17 more than in the previous year. Of these, 48 were newly added, while two were removed. In addition, 36 patients from Luxembourg received organ transplants abroad. Health Minister Martine Deprez emphasised the importance of individual responsibility in declaring organ donation preferences: “Organ donation is an essential act of solidarity. With the implementation of the Shared Care Record (DSP), it is important to give your opinion to clearly express your wishes.” Luxembourg residents can record their decision regarding organ donation through the electronic Shared Care Record (DSP). Upon first login, users can choose to accept or refuse organ donation, and this record can later be consulted by doctors after a person’s death. Under the amended law of 25 November 1982, anyone who has not expressed opposition is considered a potential organ donor. For more information on organ donation, visit: - www.luxtransplant.lu - Contact Luxembourg Transplant: (+352) 621 156 889 | luxtransplant@gmail.com - Learn more about the Shared Care Record (DSP) and how to update your declaration online. Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu