Belgium has two recognised sign languages - Vlaamse Gebarentaal (VGT) in Flanders and Langue des Signes de Belgique Francophone (LSFB) in Wallonia and Brussels. TranslateBE connects Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals with certified sign language interpreters for medical, legal, administrative and professional settings across Belgium.
Sign language interpreting in Belgium: VGT and LSFB
Belgium's linguistic community structure extends to its sign languages. VGT and LSFB are fully distinct languages - not mutual dialects - and are each recognised by their respective community governments. VGT was officially recognised in Flanders in 2006; LSFB received official recognition in the French Community in 2003. Both languages have their own grammar, syntax and lexicon that differ substantially from spoken French and Dutch.
Approximately 6,000 to 8,000 people use VGT as their primary language in Flanders, while LSFB serves a community of around 5,000 to 7,000 signers in Wallonia and Brussels. Both communities face daily challenges in accessing public services, healthcare, legal proceedings and employment without qualified interpreters. TranslateBE works with certified VGT and LSFB interpreters who are registered with their respective professional bodies.
When is a sign language interpreter needed in Belgium?
Sign language interpreting is required across a wide range of situations:
- Medical appointments: GP visits, specialist consultations, surgical pre-assessments and hospital admissions where informed consent and symptom description are critical
- Legal proceedings: police interviews, court hearings, notarial acts and administrative tribunal hearings
- Administrative procedures: commune appointments, CPAS/OCMW social services, unemployment (ONEM/RVA) and disability benefit (INAMI) assessments
- Professional settings: job interviews, HR meetings, workplace training and disciplinary hearings
- Educational contexts: university lectures, parent-teacher meetings and examination supervision
TranslateBE
VGT & LSFB interpreters across Belgium
Certified sign language interpreters for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Medical, legal, administrative and professional settings. Request a quote today.
Rates and booking process for sign language interpreting in Belgium
Sign language interpreters in Belgium are highly skilled specialists whose rates reflect the complexity and cognitive demands of their work. TranslateBE provides transparent pricing based on the assignment duration, location and notice period. A minimum booking of two hours applies for most on-site assignments; for conferences and full-day events, two interpreters working in relay are strongly recommended to maintain quality.
Certain costs may be partially or fully reimbursed through Belgian public schemes. In Flanders, the Tolkenaanbod voor Doven en Slechthorenden managed by vzw Fevlado provides subsidised VGT interpreting hours for qualifying Deaf individuals. In Wallonia and Brussels, the Service d'Interprétation en Langue des Signes de Belgique Francophone (SILS) offers subsidised LSFB interpreting. TranslateBE can advise on eligibility and help you navigate these funding mechanisms alongside our professional services.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between VGT and LSFB?
VGT (Vlaamse Gebarentaal) is used by the Flemish Deaf community and LSFB (Langue des Signes de Belgique Francophone) is used by the French-speaking Deaf community. They are entirely separate languages with different signs, grammar and syntax. An interpreter qualified in VGT cannot interpret in LSFB without specific additional training and vice versa.
Can I request a sign language interpreter for a medical emergency in Belgium?
Yes. For medical emergencies, TranslateBE offers video remote sign language interpreting (VRI) that can be connected rapidly via a tablet or smartphone. This allows a Deaf patient to communicate with emergency medical staff through a certified interpreter in real time. We recommend hospitals and GPs to register in advance with our VRI service to minimise response time in urgent situations.
Are sign language interpreters bound by the same confidentiality rules as spoken language interpreters?
Absolutely. VGT and LSFB interpreters working with TranslateBE are bound by the same professional code of ethics as all our interpreters, including strict confidentiality, impartiality and accuracy. They are also subject to GDPR obligations regarding any personal data they encounter during an assignment.