For UK companies exporting to continental Europe, Belgium is a prime opportunity — strategically located, multilingual, and highly industrialised. But understanding the country’s unique linguistic landscape is vital to making the right first impression.
One of the cultural delights of Belgium is how its languages — Dutch, French, and German — shape identity and regional pride. In the northern region of Flanders, Flemish is the dominant language, spoken by over 60% of the Belgian population. And while Flemish and Dutch are mutually intelligible, treating them as interchangeable can be a costly mistake when localising content for the Belgian market.
What Is Flemish?
Flemish is a regional variety of Dutch spoken in Flanders. Linguistically, it’s part of the broader Dutch language family, but it differs in important ways from the Dutch spoken in the Netherlands. These differences include:
- Vocabulary: Everyday words often vary. A computer, for instance, might be called computer in Dutch, but in Flemish, ordinateur (a French loanword) might be used depending on context.
- Tone and Style: Flemish tends to be more formal and polite, especially in written communication — something that can catch out even fluent Dutch speakers.
- Pronunciation: Subtle but significant accents and pronunciation differences affect how local readers or listeners perceive your brand.
Why This Matters for UK Exporters
When entering the Flemish-speaking market, using language that resonates locally builds trust and reflects respect for the audience’s identity. Generic Dutch translations often miss the mark in Flanders — leading to confusion, reduced engagement, or worse, appearing culturally tone-deaf.
For example, technical manuals written in “Netherlands Dutch” may be grammatically correct but feel alien to Flemish users. That can have serious implications in sectors like engineering, manufacturing, or medical devices, where clarity, precision, and cultural appropriateness are non-negotiable.
How Alexika Helps
At Alexika, we understand the nuances between Dutch and Flemish — and we know how to get them right. Our team includes native Flemish translators with subject-matter expertise in technical fields such as engineering and manufacturing. That means your content is not just accurately translated, but also culturally localised to resonate with your Flemish-speaking audience.
Whether you’re launching a new product, updating user manuals, or preparing technical documentation, we’ll ensure your message is clear, respectful, and effective — across linguistic lines.
Respect the Region, Speak the Language
Belgium might be a small country, but its linguistic complexity requires big attention to detail. Choosing the right variant of Dutch isn’t just a translation decision — it’s a strategic one.
Ready to export to Flanders with confidence?
Contact Alexika to ensure your content is expertly adapted for the Flemish-speaking market.