Gand is a Flemish city in full transformation: a university capital, a creative metropolis and a major industrial hub, it attracts international companies that must adapt their communication to the Belgian Dutch-speaking market. The 1973 Flemish decree requires Dutch in all commercial advertising in Flanders, and Gand is no exception.
The 1973 Flemish decree in Gand
The decree of 19 July 1973 on the use of languages in social relations between employers and their workers, as well as in company acts and documents prescribed by law and regulations, is one of the most binding texts in Europe regarding commercial language. In Gand, as in all of Flanders, this decree requires Dutch in:
- Any public commercial communication: posters, advertising boards, shopfronts, signs
- Job offers distributed in Flanders: job title, description and conditions in Dutch
- Internal and social communication: service notes, work regulations, union communications
- Company legal documents: articles of association, minutes of general meetings, annual reports intended for workers
Companies that do not comply with this decree expose themselves to penalties: nullity of the acts concerned and administrative fines. TranslateBE supports foreign companies setting up in Gand to bring all of their communication into compliance with Flemish legislation.
The Gand market: university, industry and creative economy
Gand concentrates an exceptional economic profile. Ghent University (UGent), one of the largest universities in Belgium with more than 44,000 students, generates a constant demand for academic, scientific and institutional communications in Dutch, English and French. The industrial fabric is just as dense:
- Bekaert: world leader in steel wire transformation, B2B communications and multilingual annual reports
- Volvo Cars Gent: the only Volvo assembly plant in Belgium, HR and union communication in NL/SV/EN
- ArcelorMittal Gand: a major steel complex, technical documentation and multilingual HSE
- Deceuninck: manufacturer of PVC profiles, international technical B2B marketing
Alongside this industrial fabric, Gand asserts itself as a creative and sustainable city. Its "Design City" label (UNESCO) and its many cultural events (Gentse Feesten, Film Fest Gent) attract a young and international audience. Gand's creative agencies develop campaigns for Flemish brands that target both the Belgian market and the neighbouring Dutch and French markets.
TranslateBE
Marketing translation adapted to the Gand market
Flemish decree compliance, NL/EN/FR adaptation for your campaigns in Gand. Free quote in less than an hour.
Rates for marketing translation in Gand
Our rates for Flemish marketing content are clear and adapted to the volumes of Gand agencies:
- Social media post (FR/EN into NL): from 15 € per post
- Newsletter (500-800 words): between 120 € and 200 € depending on complexity
- Institutional brochure (4-8 pages): between 400 € and 900 €
- Flemish decree compliance audit: from 150 € (review and report)
- Agency pack (monthly volume): preferential rate negotiated on commitment
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does the 1973 Flemish decree also apply to online advertising targeting Flanders?
The question is debated but the case-law trend is clear: any commercial advertising distributed mainly in Flanders, including targeted advertising on social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) and geolocated Google Ads campaigns, must be available in Dutch. The Flemish authorities have increasingly more resources to identify and penalise digital infringements. It is better to plan the NL version from the creation of the campaign.
What is the difference between Belgian Dutch (Flemish) and the Dutch of the Netherlands?
Belgian Dutch - called Belgisch Nederlands or informally "Flemish" - differs from the standard Dutch of the Netherlands on several points: vocabulary (many gallicisms in Flanders), cultural references, and commercial register (generally more formal in Belgium). Our translators are all native Flemish speakers, which guarantees a cultural authenticity that is essential to reach Gand consumers.
Can you adapt our campaign to target both Gand and the Netherlands?
Yes, but we recommend two distinct versions: a Belgian Dutch version for the Flemish and Gand market, and a standard Dutch version for the Dutch market. The cultural codes and the local references differ enough to justify this investment, especially for campaigns with a strong emotional or humorous dimension. We offer a bundled rate for the two versions.
Urgent marketing translation in Gand?
NL/EN/FR adaptation delivered in 24h for your Gand campaigns. Free quote, immediate response.