Luxembourg Civil Service Concours key terms

Test in which the candidate reads a text in Luxembourgish, French or German and answers questions showing they understood the content, the main idea and specific details without translating word by word.

Test requiring the candidate to produce a coherent written text, such as a letter, a summary or an argument, assessed on grammar, vocabulary, spelling, register and organisation of ideas.

Reference scale from A1 to C2 describing what a learner can do in a language. Public-service recruitment usually requires a minimum level, often B2 or C1, depending on the post.

Luxembourgish used in official and administrative communication. Candidates must understand administrative vocabulary and produce correct written Luxembourgish, including its spelling conventions and common official formulas.

Principle under which Luxembourg's administration works in Luxembourgish, French and German. Citizens may generally address the administration in one of these languages, while legal texts are drafted in French.

Ability to understand spoken language in realistic situations such as a phone call with a citizen, an instruction from a supervisor or a public announcement. Some competitions test it alongside written skills.

Word or phrase such as 'toutefois', 'par conséquent' or 'en outre' that links ideas and signals contrast, cause or addition. Correct use is assessed in written expression and reading comprehension.

Level of formality of a text, from colloquial to formal. Administrative writing requires a neutral, respectful and precise register, avoiding slang, abbreviations and overly familiar wording.

Standard closing or opening phrase used in official correspondence, such as a formal salutation and a closing formula. Choosing the correct formula depends on the recipient's rank and the purpose of the letter.

Short internal written communication from a hierarchical superior to staff, giving instructions or information. It is factual, dated, signed and often structured with a subject line and numbered points.

Fundamental text organising the Grand Duchy's institutions, rights and duties. It was substantially revised in 2023, and knowledge of its main principles is expected in general-knowledge tests.

System in which a hereditary head of state, the Grand Duke, exercises functions defined and limited by the Constitution, while democratic legitimacy rests with the elected parliament and the government.

Luxembourg's unicameral parliament. Its members are elected by proportional representation for five years, and it votes laws, approves the budget and can withdraw confidence from the government.

Body of ministers led by the Prime Minister, responsible before the Chamber of Deputies. It implements laws through regulations and directs the public administration.

Principle that public power is itself bound by law: rules are public, applied equally, and acts of the administration can be reviewed by independent courts. It underpins citizens' protection against arbitrary decisions.

Division of state functions between legislature, executive and judiciary so that no single body holds all power. It is a structural guarantee of liberty and of impartial judicial control.

Basic rights guaranteed to every person, such as dignity, liberty, equality, privacy, freedom of expression and fair trial. In Luxembourg they are protected by the Constitution and international treaties.

European Convention on Human Rights, an international treaty whose rights are enforced by the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. Luxembourg is a party, and the Convention has direct effect in its legal order.

Rule that the administration may act only where the law authorises it, and must respect superior norms. A decision taken without legal basis or contrary to a law is unlawful.

Regulatory act adopted by the Grand Duke on the advice of the government, used to implement laws. It must stay within the framework set by the law it applies.

Norm voted by the Chamber of Deputies, following a defined procedure that may include a second vote and, for certain matters, consultation of the Council of State. It binds citizens and the administration.

Unilateral decision of an administrative authority that modifies the legal situation of a person, for example granting a permit or imposing a sanction. It can generally be challenged before the administrative courts.

Duty to state the legal and factual reasons for an administrative decision, especially an unfavourable one. Good motivation allows the citizen to understand the decision and to prepare a challenge.

Internal challenge asking the authority that took a decision to reconsider it. It is often a required first step before going to the administrative tribunal, and strict deadlines apply.

Requirement that a measure restricting rights be suitable, necessary and not excessive in relation to the aim pursued. Courts use it to review sanctions, refusals and other burdensome decisions.

Set of professional duties of public servants: loyalty, impartiality, confidentiality, integrity, courtesy and respect for hierarchy. Breach may lead to disciplinary sanctions.

Duty not to disclose information learned in the exercise of one's functions. It protects citizens' privacy and trust in the administration, and exceptions are narrowly defined by law.

Situation where a public servant's private interest could improperly influence a professional decision. The standard response is to declare it and withdraw from handling the matter.

Duty to decide on the basis of law and facts, without favouritism, prejudice or personal interest. It is closely linked to equality of treatment and to the appearance of fairness.

Rule that comparable situations must be treated alike and different situations differently, unless an objective justification exists. It applies to access to public employment and to service delivery.

Chain of authority within a public body, through which superiors give instructions and review subordinates' work. A civil servant must normally follow lawful instructions and report problems upward.

General Data Protection Regulation, an EU rule governing processing of personal data. Public offices must have a legal basis, collect only what is needed and respect data subjects' rights.

Main bodies of the EU: European Parliament, European Council, Council of the EU, European Commission, Court of Justice and European Central Bank. Knowing their roles is common in European-affairs questions.

EU area without internal barriers to movement of goods, persons, services and capital. It explains many Luxembourg rules and the country's role in cross-border work and finance.

Area in which internal border controls between participating states are abolished, with compensating police and judicial cooperation. Luxembourg is a founding participant and hosts several EU bodies.

Ability to draw valid conclusions from given premises, detect contradictions and complete sequences. Tests use syllogisms, ordering problems and abstract series, and reward careful reading over speed.

Skill in solving quantitative problems such as percentages, ratios, averages and rule-of-three calculations, often presented as tables or short word problems without a calculator.

Ability to understand relationships between words and statements, for example analogies, synonyms, antonyms and judging whether a conclusion follows from a short text.

Basic proportional tools: finding a part of a whole, an increase or decrease, or a fourth value from three known ones. Frequent in numerical tests and in budget-related exercises.

Test format presenting a realistic workplace dilemma with several possible responses. The candidate must rank or choose the most appropriate behaviour, judged against professional and ethical standards.

Front-line service to citizens, requiring clarity, patience, neutrality and respect for confidentiality. Good practice includes listening fully, explaining procedures and directing the person to the right service.

Prioritising tasks when time or resources are limited, for example handling a citizen's urgent deadline before routine filing, while informing colleagues and superiors of what is delayed.