Language in Liechtenstein

Article 6 of the Constitution establishes German as Liechtenstein's state and official language. Standard German, also called Hochdeutsch, is the language of instruction, writing and formal communication. Public administration, courts, schools and most official information therefore operate in German. The Constitution and Liechtenstein's legal information system provide the basis for this language status, while the responsible authorities apply it in their procedures. The 2020 census recorded German as the main language for 92.4% of the population. Household-language figures show the difference between formal standard language and everyday speech: 72.6% reported a Liechtenstein dialect, 11.9% another German-speaking dialect and 7.7% Standard German. These figures describe household use and do not mean that dialect replaces German in official procedures. Liechtenstein dialects are Alemannic dialects. The Walser dialect is particularly associated with Triesenberg. Dialect has a strong everyday, identity and cultural function, but it is not an official language. Mundart literature and poetry preserve local speech, and the Liechtenstein National Library holds literature archives and dialect collections. Standard German remains dominant in formal publications, while dialect can signal local authenticity. Liechtenstein has no regional or minority language under the European Charter framework, according to its 1997 declaration, and no legally privileged minority language is documented. This does not prevent people from using heritage languages in private, family and cultural settings. Italian, Portuguese, Turkish, Spanish and Serbian or Croatian each accounted for approximately 1% of main languages in the 2020 census; other languages each accounted for no more than 0.5%. Schools combine German-language instruction with foreign-language education. English begins in the first year of primary school as the first foreign language. French begins in secondary school as the second foreign language; it is generally compulsory in the Realschule and Gymnasium and an elective in the Oberschule. Latin is available at the Liechtensteinisches Gymnasium, commonly called LiLe. Children and young people whose first language is not German can receive German as an additional language support in regular schooling. Intensive support for newly arrived pupils, called IK DaZ, is usually available from the second year of primary school. Heritage language and culture courses, known as HSK, take place outside regular lessons and are usually supported by language communities. They strengthen first-language and heritage-culture skills, but access and local coverage vary. HSK is a non-formal community-based option rather than a replacement for German-language schooling. English and French also support education and work, but their role does not change German's official status. German affects several residence and citizenship procedures. Under the Foreign Nationals Act, people staying in Liechtenstein for a longer period have a duty to learn German orally and in writing as part of integration. Third-country nationals seeking family reunification generally need an A1 German certificate before entry. A settlement permit uses an A2 certificate and a civics test, with the relevant timing depending on the residence pathway and, in some cases, a five-year period. Naturalisation requires knowledge of German and civics, subject to legal exceptions; Liechtenstein's citizenship law does not set one general CEFR language level for every naturalisation case. The civics test has 27 questions, and published information states that at least 18 answers must be correct. Recognised German courses are available for people living in Liechtenstein, including some provisionally admitted people and holders of residence categories B, C and D. Funding support is subject to conditions and is generally available during the first five years after entry. There is no general entitlement to a free language course documented in the available information. For supported participation, the course provider normally has to confirm at least 90% attendance. The government website is primarily in German, although selected content is available in English. Since 2025, Regierung.li has also offered some information in Leichte Sprache at approximately A1/A2 level. Courts and administrative authorities can use approved interpreters and translators when German is insufficient for the procedure. The Office of Economic Affairs maintains the relevant list. Approval costs CHF 200 and entry on the list costs another CHF 200; the user's cost for a specific assignment depends on the case, and no general central schedule is documented. Local press, television and online services are predominantly German-language. The Landeskanal carries official information from the Princely House, the Landtag, the government and the national administration. Radio Liechtenstein ended broadcasting on 3 April 2025. Since 30 January 2026, Radio SRF 1 has been available on the Landeskanal for alerting and German-language access. Language use in Liechtenstein therefore depends on the setting. German is required for official status, schooling and many residence or citizenship procedures. Dialects are central to everyday identity and culture. Heritage languages remain available through families, communities and HSK courses, while interpreters, translated services and selected English or easy-language information can support access where German creates a practical barrier.