You've landed in Luxembourg - congratulations on the move. Now you're settling in, and between navigating the commune registration, setting up banking, and figuring out which supermarket has what you need, you realize you could really use some help keeping the apartment clean.
Problem: the emails you're getting back from cleaning companies are in French. Or German. Or that interesting fourth language you keep seeing on street signs.
Don't worry. Luxembourg is one of Europe's most international countries, and finding English-speaking cleaning help is absolutely possible. Here's how.
The Language Landscape
Quick context: Luxembourg has three official languages (French, German, Luxembourgish) plus a massive international population. About 47% of residents are foreign nationals, and English is widely spoken in business.
In the cleaning industry specifically:
- Many companies have English-speaking office staff
- Cleaners often speak Portuguese, French, or Spanish as their primary language
- Larger agencies typically offer English communication
Finding English-Friendly Services
What to Look For
- Website in English - If they've translated their site, they expect English clients
- "International" in company name or description - Often signals English service
- Located in expat-heavy areas - Kirchberg, Belair, Limpertsberg agencies cater to internationals
- Good Google reviews in English - Shows they serve English speakers
How to Ask
When contacting companies, a simple opening works:
"Hello, I'm looking for regular cleaning services. Does your company offer English-speaking support or cleaners who communicate in English?"
Most will respond honestly. If they can't help, they often recommend someone who can.
Communication Tips That Actually Work
Even with a French or Portuguese-speaking cleaner, you can make things work smoothly:
Create a Visual Cleaning List
Pictures work in every language. Create a simple document with:
- Photos of each room
- Checkmarks for what to clean
- Priority markers for important areas
Use Translation Apps During First Visit
Google Translate with camera function helps both of you. It's not perfect, but it bridges gaps.
Leave Written Instructions
A note on the counter with simple requests works well, especially with Google Translate help.
Essential Vocabulary Cheat Sheet
Save this for your fridge:
Basic Requests (French)
| English | French | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Please clean | Nettoyez s'il vous plaît | net-wah-yay seel voo play |
| Kitchen | Cuisine | kwee-zeen |
| Bathroom | Salle de bain | sal duh ban |
| Bedroom | Chambre | shahm-bruh |
| Living room | Salon | sa-lon |
| Don't clean here | Ne nettoyez pas ici | nuh net-wah-yay pah ee-see |
| Products under sink | Produits sous l'évier | pro-dwee soo lay-vyay |
Basic Requests (Portuguese)
Many cleaners in Luxembourg are Portuguese-speaking:
| English | Portuguese |
|---|---|
| Please clean | Por favor limpe |
| Kitchen | Cozinha |
| Bathroom | Casa de banho |
| Bedroom | Quarto |
| Don't touch | Não toque |
Practical Setup Tips
For the First Visit
- Be home to walk through the apartment together
- Point out products and where they're stored
- Show any areas to avoid (home office, pet areas)
- Demonstrate any quirks (temperamental oven, sensitive surfaces)
Ongoing Communication
- WhatsApp works well - many cleaners prefer it over email
- Send photos of specific issues if needed
- Use simple, clear sentences
- Confirm schedule changes in writing
When English is Essential
Sometimes you genuinely need English communication - for complex instructions, discussing schedules, or handling issues. In these cases:
- Choose a larger agency with dedicated English support
- Ask specifically for a coordinator who speaks English
- Be willing to pay slightly more for this service
Red Flags to Watch
- Company can't answer basic questions in English when you call
- Contracts only available in French with no translation offered
- No response to English emails
If communication is already difficult before they start, it won't get easier.
Success Stories
We hear regularly from expats who found great solutions:
"My cleaner speaks French and I speak English. We use a shared note on WhatsApp with photos and checkmarks. Works perfectly after 2 years." - Tech worker from UK
"I specifically chose a company with English phone support. Worth the extra €5/visit for peace of mind." - American family in Kirchberg
Getting Started
On Botzen.lu, you can filter companies that specifically mention English service. Start there, send a few inquiries, and you'll find someone who fits.
Remember: Luxembourg is built on multilingual communication. Most people here are used to working across languages. With a little patience and preparation, the language barrier doesn't have to stop you from getting great cleaning help.
