DR has no official guidelines for when English loanwords are acceptable, its language editor says, while he waits for the culture minister’s announced initiative to protect Danish in the media.
Danish public broadcaster DR reported on September 19, 2026 that it receives a steady stream of complaints about English words in its articles, radio programs and DRTV content. The messages range from mildly critical to furious, according to the broadcaster’s own account.
DR’s language editor, Martin Kristiansen, says the organization has no formal rules on how and when English loanwords are acceptable. He is waiting to see what comes from the culture minister, who has announced an effort against English words in the media, as reported by DR.
Kristiansen says it is healthy for journalists to consider whether they themselves understand the English expressions they use. Per the language editor, studies have shown that Danes are not as strong in English as many assume.
Three words that draw complaints
DR listed three recurring terms from messages sent to its audience contact service. The first is “spotte”, which one user argued means to mock rather than to catch sight of something. According to Den Danske Ordbog, the word has also been used in Danish in the sense of spotting something since 1973.
The second is “artist”, used in Danish coverage of musicians. One user wrote in capital letters that the Danish word for actors, dancers, singers and musicians is “kunstner”, and that an artist performs in a circus.
Kristiansen notes that several Danish words shift meaning over time. Dansk Artistforbund was founded in 1918 for circus performers and today also covers musicians. A Dansk Sprognævn study from October 2024 found that the word “skuespillerinde” now sounds dated.
The third word is “doorstep”, used in Denmark for a short press briefing where politicians answer questions. One user asked DR directly what it means when the government holds a doorstep about defense measures.
Another user suggested the term may be a Danish invention. In English, doorstepping refers to reporters waiting outside someone’s door to force an answer. In Danish usage, politicians themselves invite the press to stop by.
Kristiansen says some find the English term inflated compared with what it describes, while others find it sounds smart. He attributes part of that to English words lacking the same imagery for Danish speakers as a Danish metaphor would carry.
The language editor also links the reactions to DR to identity. According to Kristiansen, people often respond when something in the language does not match their own norms. He says English words enter Danish because speakers are influenced by the language around them.
DR notes that its podcast series “På dansk” is working through Danish alternatives for English expressions. All 40 episodes are available in DR Lyd.
