Studying
Learning Danish, free lessons for five years
The one-line versionEvery newcomer gets up to 5 years of free municipal Danish lessons (Danskuddannelse) from the day they get a CPR. Workers and students pay a refundable DKK 2,000 deposit, returned when you pass modules on time.
The free entitlement
One of Denmark's best deals for newcomers: up to 5 years of free Danish lessons (Danskuddannelse) from the day you receive your CPR. It is run through the municipality and delivered at language centres (sprogcenter) - daytime, evening, weekend or online. Most people finish in around two and a half years.
Three programmes, by background
| Programme | For | Ends with |
|---|---|---|
| DU1 | Little formal schooling / new to the Latin alphabet | Proeve i Dansk 1 (PD1) |
| DU2 | Short-to-medium schooling background | Proeve i Dansk 2 (PD2) |
| DU3 | Secondary/higher-education background | Proeve i Dansk 3 (PD3), then optionally Studieproeven |
A placement interview decides your programme and starting module. See Proeve i Dansk explained for what each exam unlocks.
The DKK 2,000 deposit - and how to get it backIf you are working, studying or otherwise self-supporting, you pay a refundable DKK 2,000 deposit. You get it back as you pass module tests within the set timeframes. Miss a module deadline and you can lose the deposit and have to pay again. Au pairs and refugees are exempt.
How to start
- Register your address and get your CPR - a referral (henvisning) from your municipality usually follows, often to your Digital Post.
- Choose a language centre (you can pick any with a municipal agreement) and book a placement interview.
- Pay the deposit if required, and start your module.
The 5-year clock starts on arrivalThe free entitlement covers your first 5 years of residence. After that you can still learn Danish, but you pay. Start early - both to use the free window and because Danish matters for permanent residence, citizenship and daily life.
Common questions
Is it really free?
Yes for your first 5 years, via the municipality. Self-supporting learners pay a refundable DKK 2,000 deposit, returned as you pass modules on time.
Which programme am I in?
A placement interview assigns DU1, DU2 or DU3 based on your educational background. DU3 is the academic track ending in PD3.
How long does it take?
On average about two and a half years for the full programme, though it depends on your effort and pace.
Verified July 2026 against official sources: the Danish Language Classes Act, lifeindenmark.borger.dk, municipal language-centre guidance, nyidanmark.dk and university/agency pages. Figures are 2026 levels and reset annually. General information, not legal advice.