The inhabitants of the German-speaking Community.

Photo P.-A. Massotte

The inhabitants of the German-speaking Community live at the heart of a European area easily accessible from the neighbouring countries (France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands).

They identify themselves with the German language and are linked to German culture through the media and daily cross-border contacts with Germany. They enjoy the direct neighbourliness of the Walloons and the Flemish and share their rather unworried lifestyle.

They are loyal Belgians, mainly in favour of the Monarchy; they feel respected by the State since German has been recognized as one of three administrative and constitutional languages. The political recognition of the German-speaking Community has contributed to the fact that the German-speaking population considers itself as an integral part of the Belgian State.

Language

Most of the inhabitants speak High German in administration, schools, churches and social fields. However, like before, dialects still play an important role in the social relationships:

• in the canton of Eupen: Rhenish Franconian and Low Franconian
• in the canton of Sankt-Vith: Moselle Franconian and Rhenish Franconian

There is a French-speaking population minority mainly in the municipalities of Kelmis, Lontzen and Eupen. However, on account of the Belgian territorial principle, no survey has been conducted into the ratio of French- and German-speakers.

Religion

Roman Catholic religion prevails in the German-speaking Community (3 deaneries with 32 priests belonging to the diocese of Liege), but there is a small Protestant community.