Learning Danish

You can both live and thrive speaking nothing but English while studying in Denmark. Most Danes are more than happy to speak English. And the younger generations are very apt at switching between languages in both social and academic settings.

But there is no getting around the fact that Danish is a working language that you will encounter in daily life on campus, in public, on governmental websites and in social settings.

And if you really want to learn Danish culture and immerse yourself with fellow students of Danish origin, learning some Danish is going to pay of incrementally.

If you also are looking for a student job while studying and thinking about a career in Denmark after graduation, learning the language to some extent is essential.

Where can I learn Danish?

The majority of universities in Denmark have Danish language courses for international students either pre-semester or in the beginning of the semester. Check with your local international office when you arrive if it is not mentioned in your admittance package. There are no tuition fees, but there is a deposit.

If you just want to try it out without committing to a whole schedule, you can check out your local library. They may offer Tal Dansk (Speak Danish) café´s on a weekly basis, where you can drop in and practice your Danish with a volunteer.

If you would like to continue studying Danish, there are numerous private and public centers offering language courses for internationals. Contact your local citizen service center or municipality to get specific information about your options. Be sure to ask about any potential tuition fees or deposits that may be charged when taking continued language courses.

Foreign professionals who have lived in Denmark for less than 5 years can get free Danish language classes through their municipality at a state-approved language center. To qualify, you must be over 18 years old and have a residence permit and a social security number (CPR nummer).

You can read more about the requirements and how to get started on the Danish Language Center website.