Depending on how you approach it, learning Danish can be easy and hard. While Danish vocabulary and grammar aren’t too difficult to master, learning how to pronounce Danish words is a bit tricky. Bear in mind that the Danes won’t make learning Danish any easier for you. They’ll laugh at you if you get the pronunciations wrong, and still judge you if you can’t speak the language.
However, once you understand that the best way to learn Danish is by using it in conversations regularly, you’re on the track to success. Simple conversations can teach you what textbooks can’t: how the language sounds in real life. This guide will help you take those steps from basic understanding to confident conversation.
Reasons to Learn Danish as an Expat
Learning Danish as an expert in Denmark isn’t about survival—you’ll get by fine with English. But if you stick to English, you’re missing the real Denmark. The quick chats in the corridor, casual banter at bars, and the inside jokes in meetings—the true Danish experience—will stay out of reach.
Take it from someone who started here as a student: even with classes in English and a community of foreign students, learning Danish opened doors. Danish fluency improved job prospects. While classmates who didn’t speak Danish struggled with basic jobs, Danish speakers found real career opportunities, networked better, and broke into local companies. In fact, speaking Danish became the advantage that outweighed even GPA for landing top positions.
Learning Danish is also essential for social integration. Danes will speak English with you for a while, but if you’re here long-term, you can’t expect everyone to switch for you forever. Conversations at lunch, family gatherings, even group meetings eventually shift back to Danish. Being able to join in rather than sit on the sidelines makes the difference between just getting by and truly belonging. So yes, you could skip Danish, but if you’re here for the long haul, learning it will change your experience in Denmark.
Best Resources for Learning Danish Online
If you’re serious about learning Danish, here are the best online resources to get you going:
- Babbel: Covers the basics and adapts to your progress. You’ll get lessons in reading, writing, listening, and speaking—all in one spot.
- Pimsleur: Audio-based. You listen, you speak. Each lesson takes about 30 minutes, so it’s easy to fit in daily.
- Mondly: Interactive lessons with speech recognition. Daily practice keeps you on track, especially with pronunciation.
- DanishClass101: Audio and video lessons led by native speakers. Comes with lesson notes and a forum if you need extra support.
- Danish Uncovered: Story-based learning. Vocabulary and grammar come through context, so you’re not just memorizing but actually learning.
- italki: One-on-one lessons with Danish tutors. Choose based on experience, style, and rates—perfect if you want a tailored approach.
- Tandem: Language exchange with native Danish speakers. You’ll improve your conversational skills and get a feel for real Danish.
- Duolingo: For beginners, it’s gamified and covers the basics. Not super advanced, but it’ll build a foundation.
- Memrise: Focused on vocabulary. Uses spaced repetition to help you remember. Good if you like flashcards and memory tricks.
Check these out, find what clicks for you, and start speaking Danish that actually sounds Danish.
How the Danish Government Supports Expats Learning Danish
The Danish government backs you up if you’re an expat who wants to start learning Danish. As long as you’re over 18, have a CPR number, and live in Denmark, you can sign up for Danish language courses through your local municipality. It’s all part of the Danish Language Education Program to help you integrate better.
The program has three levels to match different educational backgrounds, with modules that end in official exams so you can build skills in a structured way.
The courses are free, but you’ll need to put down a refundable deposit of DKK 2,000. You get this back once you finish the modules within the set timeframe. Some groups, like au pairs or those in certain integration programs, don’t need to pay the deposit.
After you register your residence, you’ll get a referral letter from the municipality. Make sure you reach out to your language center within 30 days to set up your classes. These courses give you a solid shot at picking up Danish, making it easier to settle in and boost your chances for jobs and networking here.
Benefits of Attending a Language School in Denmark
Here’s why attending a language school in Denmark is worth it:
- Structured Learning: Language schools give you a clear path. Classes are organized by proficiency level, so you’re learning Danish in a steady, systematic way. No more guessing if you’re getting it right.
- Cultural Insight: It’s more than just language—schools also teach Danish culture, history, and the unspoken social rules. You’ll get context on why Danes do what they do, which makes everyday life and conversations smoother.
- Better Job Prospects: Knowing Danish can make a big difference in the job market. Many roles require or prefer Danish speakers, especially in jobs with customer interaction or teamwork. Speaking Danish can be the thing that puts you ahead.
- Building a Network: Language schools are filled with people like you trying to learn the ropes. It’s a great place to meet other expats, make connections, and start building a community here.
- Official Certifications: If you’re planning to stay long-term, an official language certification helps with jobs, further studies, or even residency. Language schools prepare you for these exams, giving you that extra edge when you need it.
Danish Language Proficiency Tests and Certifications
If you’re serious about proving your Danish skills, there are a few key tests you need to know about. Each test targets a different level, so pick the one that matches your goals.
Prøve i Dansk 1 (PD1) Is the beginner test, covering basic skills for everyday situations. If you’re just starting and want to show you can handle the basics, this test (at A2 level) is your go-to. It covers reading, writing, listening, and speaking—enough to get you by in casual conversation.
Prøve i Dansk 2 (PD2) steps it up to intermediate, for those who can manage familiar contexts, like work chats or social settings. It’s a B1-level test and digs deeper than PD1, with the same core skills. Perfect if you want to show you’re beyond the basics.
Prøve i Dansk 3 (PD3) is for those aiming higher, like studying or working in Denmark in a professional setting. This B2-level test covers the same skills as the others but at a level where you can handle real conversations, reports, or discussions. If university or a job is your goal, this is the one.
Studieprøven is for advanced learners. This C1-level test is serious business, often needed for university. It shows you can tackle complex Danish—think academic papers, structured arguments, and fluent conversations. If you want to prove top-level proficiency, this is the test to beat.
For residency or citizenship? Indfødsretsprøven (the naturalization test) covers Danish society, culture, and history. Medborgerskabsprøven (the active citizen exam) focuses more on Danish democracy and values, often required for long-term residency.
Best way to prepare? Sign up for courses that align with these exams. Many Danish schools structure their classes around these tests. Practice tests and study guides are also out there, so you can dive into the format and content. And here’s the bottom line: make Danish part of your routine. Practice speaking, reading, and listening every day. That’s how you get from learning to mastering.
Tips for Language Exchange with Native Danish Speakers
Doing a language exchange with native Danish speakers? Here’s how to get the most out of it.
- Choose the right platform: Look for places where you’ll actually find Danes interested in a language swap. You want a platform that makes connecting easy, with plenty of native speakers ready to chat.
- Set clear goals: Know what you’re after, whether it’s mastering pronunciation, building vocabulary, or just getting comfortable with everyday Danish. Having goals keeps you on track and helps you focus on what matters most.
- Keep it balanced: Language exchange works best when both sides get something out of it, so split the time between Danish and your native language. Fair is fair, and it keeps everyone happy to keep coming back for more.
- Prepare ahead: Have a few topics ready to go before each session—questions, specific words, or situations you want to practice. It saves you from awkward pauses and lets you dive into meaningful conversations.
- Don’t stress about mistakes: They’re part of learning. Get comfortable with slipping up because it’s one of the best ways to improve. Ask your partner for corrections and tips—they’re your best resource for real-world Danish.
- Be consistent: Regular sessions are key. Language learning isn’t a one-and-done thing, so make it a habit. It’ll build momentum and help you retain what you’ve learned.
Follow these tips, and you’ll get a lot more out of your language exchanges.
How to Overcome the Fear of Speaking Danish
Overcoming the fear of speaking Danish isn’t easy, but it’s possible if you take it step by step.
- Start with basic phrases: Don’t dive into complex conversations right away; begin with simple, everyday expressions. The more manageable the conversation, the less intimidating it feels.
- Make it a habit: Practice every day, even if it’s just for five minutes. Consistency makes a huge difference in building confidence. You’re not aiming for perfection here—just getting comfortable with the language.
- Try language exchange: Connect with native Danish speakers who also want to learn your language. Real conversations will push you to get past the fear.
- Sign up for classes: Whether online or in person, Danish classes give you structured practice with guided feedback. Knowing there’s a teacher to help you correct mistakes makes speaking a lot less scary.
- Immerse yourself: Surround yourself with Danish through music, movies, or podcasts. Hearing Danish spoken naturally will help you pick up on pronunciation and rhythm without overthinking it.
- Accept mistakes: The biggest hurdle is the fear of getting it wrong. Mistakes are part of the process—each one helps you learn. The more you speak, the more you’ll realize that mistakes don’t define your progress.
- Set realistic goals: Don’t expect fluency overnight. Celebrate small wins, like ordering a coffee in Danish or introducing yourself. These little milestones add up, making each conversation feel a bit easier.
Following these steps won’t make fear disappear overnight, but it will help you build the confidence to speak Danish one conversation at a time.
Learning Danish with Children – Tips for Parents
Learning Danish with your kids? It’s doable, and it can actually be a fun, shared experience. Here’s how to get started.
- Create a Danish-friendly environment at home: Label common items around the house in Danish, use simple Danish phrases at mealtime, and play Danish music or kids’ songs in the background. Immersing your home in Danish helps everyone pick it up naturally.
- Use children’s resources: Kids’ books, apps, and cartoons in Danish make language learning fun and age-appropriate. These resources are designed to be simple and engaging, so they’re great for both you and the kids to learn together.
- Find family-friendly language classes: Look for classes that cater to families or offer lessons for both adults and kids. Learning side-by-side or in age-appropriate classes lets everyone go at their own pace while keeping the experience shared.
- Make learning a game: Use Danish in play. Simple board games, flashcards, or interactive online games that incorporate Danish are a great way to keep kids interested while they learn. Learning through play helps everyone stay motivated.
- Be consistent and patient: Learning a new language takes time. Set small, realistic goals and celebrate each step. Daily practice, even if it’s brief, adds up to steady progress.
Try following these tips to make learning Danish a natural part of your family routine. Before long, you’ll all be picking it up, one phrase at a time.
Final Thoughts on Learning Danish
Remember, learning Danish isn’t really hard. Not really. The real challenge is the pronunciation. If you’re just starting, Danish words might sound like bunches of breathy vowels strung together. But once you accept that everyone sounds a bit “relaxed,” learning Danish becomes enjoyable.
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