Limburgish

Limburgish, also called Limburgs, is a West Germanic language variety spoken in the Limburg regions of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. It forms a dialect continuum with Dutch and German and comprises several local varieties that follow geographic boundaries along the Meuse and Rhine basins.

Most linguists classify Limburgish within the Low Franconian branch of West Germanic, closely related to Dutch. Whether it is best treated as a distinct language or as a set of regional dialects varies among scholars and speakers, reflecting different criteria for language versus dialect.

Speaker numbers vary by definition. Estimates commonly range from several hundred thousand to about one million. In the Netherlands and Belgium, Limburgish is recognized as a regional language and has a presence in media, culture, and local education, while Dutch remains the dominant language for official spheres.

There is no single official Limburgish standard. Multiple orthographies exist, and regional varieties often use spellings tied to local communities. A long tradition of oral transmission supports literature, folklore, and local media in various Limburgish varieties.

Limburgish shares substantial vocabulary and grammatical features with Dutch and German, reflecting a long history of interaction among border communities. It plays a role in regional identity and culture, with ongoing efforts in documentation, promotion, and linguistic research supported by universities, cultural organizations, and media outlets.