ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Belgian American

A Belgian American is someone who has both Belgian and American roots. They have family members or ancestors who come from Belgium, which is a country in Europe.

Belgium is a small country located between France, Germany, and the Netherlands. It is known for its delicious chocolate, tasty waffles, and famous beers. The people of Belgium are called Belgians.

When people from Belgium move to the United States, they become Belgian Americans. This means they become citizens of the United States, but they still keep their connection to Belgium.

Being a Belgian American often means that someone has two cultures in their life. They might speak both English and a language called French or Flemish, which are spoken in Belgium. They might also celebrate both American holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving, as well as traditional Belgian holidays such as Easter or Christmas.

Belgian Americans might also enjoy eating foods from both countries. They might have hamburgers and fries, like many Americans, but they might also enjoy eating Belgian favorites like moules-frites (mussels with fries) or Belgian waffles.

Being a Belgian American means having the best of both worlds - the traditions, languages, and delicious foods from both Belgium and the United States.