French extends far beyond the borders of France itself. In Belgium and Switzerland, French thrives as an official language with its own distinctive character. While the core grammar and vocabulary remain consistent with standard French, these regional varieties offer fascinating differences that travelers should understand. Knowing these variations not only prevents confusion but also demonstrates cultural awareness that locals genuinely appreciate.
Belgium has three official languages, with French spoken primarily in Wallonia and Brussels. Switzerland recognizes four national languages, with French dominant in the western cantons known as Romandie. Both countries have developed their own expressions, pronunciations, and even different ways of counting. This lesson explores these regional characteristics to prepare you for traveling through French-speaking Belgium and Switzerland.
The Belgian Number System
One of the most practical differences travelers encounter involves numbers. The French counting system famously becomes complicated at seventy, where France uses mathematical constructions like soixante-dix (sixty-ten) for seventy. Belgian French simplifies this considerably with dedicated words that feel more logical to English speakers.
| Number | France French | Belgian French |
|---|---|---|
| 70 | soixante-dix (sixty-ten) | septante |
| 80 | quatre-vingts (four-twenties) | quatre-vingts |
| 90 | quatre-vingt-dix (four-twenty-ten) | nonante |
When shopping or discussing prices in Belgium, using septante and nonante will sound natural. However, Belgians understand French numbers perfectly, so either system works. The same applies in Switzerland, where septante is standard but huitante replaces quatre-vingts only in certain cantons like Vaud.
Swiss French Numbers
Switzerland takes the simplified numbering even further in some regions. The canton of Vaud and parts of the Fribourg region use huitante for eighty, creating a fully logical counting system from seventy through ninety-nine.
Belgian French Vocabulary
Belgium has developed unique vocabulary reflecting its culture, history, and sometimes Flemish influence. These words appear in everyday conversation and particularly when discussing food, daily activities, and local institutions.
Everyday Belgian Words
Belgian Food Terms
Belgian cuisine has contributed significantly to world gastronomy, and certain food terms are distinctly Belgian. Understanding these helps when ordering at restaurants and bakeries throughout the country.
Swiss French Characteristics
Swiss French, spoken in cantons like Geneva, Vaud, Neuchatel, and parts of Valais, Fribourg, Bern, and Jura, has its own flavor. The pronunciation tends to be slightly slower and clearer than Parisian French, which many learners find easier to understand.
Common Swiss French Expressions
In Swiss French, "adieu" is used casually as both hello and goodbye among friends and acquaintances. This differs dramatically from France, where adieu carries a sense of finality or permanent farewell. Using adieu in Geneva simply sounds friendly and local.
Navigating Brussels
Brussels presents a unique linguistic situation as an officially bilingual city where French and Dutch coexist. Street signs, metro announcements, and official documents appear in both languages. Most Brussels residents speak French as their primary language, but you will encounter Dutch in the northern districts and in all official signage.
Useful Brussels Phrases
Discovering Geneva and Lausanne
The Swiss cities of Geneva and Lausanne offer distinct experiences for French-speaking travelers. Geneva functions as an international hub with the United Nations and numerous international organizations, meaning English is widely spoken. Lausanne, home to the International Olympic Committee, has a more local Swiss character.
Useful Swiss Phrases
Meal Times and Dining
Both Belgium and Switzerland have their own dining vocabulary and customs. Meal names can differ from standard French, and local specialties require specific knowledge to order correctly.
Practical Differences Summary
When traveling between France, Belgium, and Switzerland, most differences are minor and easily navigated. The core French language remains consistent, and speakers from all regions understand each other without difficulty. However, being aware of these regional variations shows respect for local culture and can make your interactions more pleasant and authentic.
Belgians and Swiss speakers understand and appreciate visitors who use their local expressions. A simple septante instead of soixante-dix, or knowing that a praline is a filled chocolate rather than a nut candy, demonstrates cultural awareness. These small details transform you from a tourist into a more engaged traveler who appreciates the rich diversity of the French-speaking world.