The Deaf community in Luxembourg, numbering around 300 people, has built a vibrant network around German Sign Language (DGS), with regular meetups, recognised rights, and growing access to interpretation and education, though challenges in higher education support and formal training remain.
Sign language interpreters are often visible at large events or inset on TV broadcasts, as the Deaf community in Luxembourg relies daily on German Sign Language (DGS).
For deaf individuals, signing, which consists of hand movements, facial expressions, and body movements, is the primary form of communication. At the Escher Kafé, monthly meetups are organised by Ngoc-Phung Dang to bring the community together.
The idea for the gathering originated when a woman who knew sign language worked behind the counter at the bar some years ago. From there, the concept of a regular get-together was born. Both Luxembourgers and internationals take part. One recent visitor from Ukraine, for instance, used Ukrainian Sign Language. Although different from DGS, the visual nature of sign languages allowed basic understanding through simple gestures.
No universal sign language
There are about 300 different sign languages worldwide, with no universal standard. Some of the best-known include American Sign Language (ASL), used in the US and Canada. Countries with multiple official languages often have more than one sign language, such as Belgium, which has French and Flemish sign languages, or Switzerland with German, French, and Italian sign languages.
Luxembourg does not have its own national sign language. Instead, DGS is widely used. One challenge for local deaf people is the French vocabulary: since many only know German, French words often need to be spelled out when there's no equivalent sign.
Communication between deaf and hearing people also takes various forms. Jackie, a graphic designer working in the public sector, relies heavily on lip-reading because her colleagues communicate with her in German. However, this method has limits, as only around 30% of speech can be accurately read from lips. For this reason, important information is usually written down for her.
Official recognition since 2018
German Sign Language was officially recognised in Luxembourg in 2018, bringing some tangible improvements. Deaf individuals now have the right to state-funded interpreters when dealing with government institutions. Family members can receive up to 100 hours of free DGS training, and support is also provided to deaf pupils at both primary and secondary school levels.
However, access becomes more limited after school. Aaron, a 23-year-old student, explained that support officially ends after the final year of secondary education. He relies on AI-generated transcription tools at university. In his view, this gap in support is a major problem and the law should be changed to ensure that everyone, regardless of hearing ability, has the opportunity to pursue higher education.
Learning DGS in Luxembourg
DGS courses are offered in several locations across the country, including the Université Populaire, Luxembourg City, Mamer, and Beggen. Ngoc-Phung Dang, Jackie, and Marie-Jeanne Kremer are among the few DGS instructors in Luxembourg.
Jackie and Phung both trained at the University of Cologne. Phung is still completing her qualification and regularly commutes between countries. Because there is no official degree programme for DGS instruction in Luxembourg, she receives no financial support from the state.
Jackie, who has been teaching sign language courses for 14 years, recalled how the initiative began: back in 2010, when Xavier Bettel was working for the City of Luxembourg, he sought to make the city more accessible. According to Jackie, this led to the idea of offering sign language courses. Jackie was approached and gladly accepted the opportunity, saying it was important to show how the Deaf community communicates and to raise awareness about the language.
