Limburg dictionary
If you will soon be visiting (South) Limburg, it is important to know that Limburgers are proud of their dialect and love to speak it. All in all, the Limburg dialect is a beautiful and interesting language, an important part of the culture and identity of Limburgers. For non-Limburgers, it can sometimes be a challenge to understand the dialect properly
Limburg Language
What we call Limburgish is actually a collection of many, different Limburg dialects. It has been said that every village in Limburg has its own dialect, and this is no exaggeration. Anyone who has grown up with a dialect can often unerringly hear whether someone else comes from the same place or from a few kilometres away. But then again, these differences are not so great that people cannot understand each other.
Linguistic scientists have figured out that about five main streams of Limburg dialects can be distinguished: from Ripuarian as spoken in Kerkrade and its surroundings, through East Limburgish, Central Limburgish to West Limburgish, which extends into Belgium. And then there is the Kleverlands dialect in the upper part of the province.
In other words, our province is intersected from north to south by several language borders, also known as isoglosses. But however different all these dialects are, they have one thing in common: they do not remotely resemble standard Dutch as spoken on radio and television. That creates a bond
(Source: Veldeke.net)
V'r helpe uch gear
(Limburgish for: 'We will gladly help you')
Limburgers are generally proud of their origins and dialect. Perhaps we might even call it chauvinistic. But 'the Limburger' likes nothing better than 'U (Limburgish for: A Dutchman who speaks dialect).
The Limburg Acamdemie, supported by the province of Limburg, has developed a translation app (NL-LI and LI-NL) that could come in very handy during your stay in the south.
From our guests
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Naeve de Paort' mean?
'Naeve de Paort' is Limburg dialect and literally means 'Beside the gate'.
The reason for naming the hospitality area next to the hotel after it has to do with the fact that the property as a whole is a National monument is. It was given this monumental status by the keystone above the gate on the East/Street side of the property.
