How common is German in Belgium?
German is the least prevalent official language in Belgium, spoken natively by less than 1% of the population. The German-speaking Community of Belgium numbers 77,000, residing in an area of Belgium that was ceded by the former German Empire as part of the Treaty of Versailles, which concluded World War I.
What country speak German?
German is the most widely spoken mother language and an official language in four countries in the European Union: Germany, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg. German is also an official language in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
How many Germans are in Belgium?
On 1 January 2019 there were 77,527 people living in the German-speaking Community (2005: 72,512; 2010: 75,222). These inhabitants account for 0.7% of the total population of Belgium.
Why were Eupen and Malmedy given Belgium?
Eupen-Malmedy is the name given to the two districts that Germany ceded to Belgium in 1920 as a consequence of the Treaty of Versailles. This cession and the semblance of a “referendum”, organised in 1920, turned the territory into a Belgian-German conflict space during the interwar years.
Why does Belgium speak 3 languages?
Historically speaking, the country has had quite a wide variety of rulers, influencing how multilingual and multicultural Belgians are today. Due to their close proximity to these three countries, they have three official languages that divide Belgium into three main regions.
Which cities speak German in Belgium?
Towns and cities in the German-speaking Community
- Amel.
- Büllingen.
- Burg-Reuland.
- Bütgenbach.
- Eupen.
- Kelmis.
- Lontzen.
- Raeren.
In which part of Belgium Do they speak German?
Belgium is officially home to three regions: the northern Flemish Region, the southern Walloon Region and the Brussels Capital Region. The German-speaking community is located in the eastern part of the Walloon Region.