Need Help with Danish Language?
Don’t worry if Danish sounds tricky—most internationals start at zero! Here’s how to learn, where to get help, and what makes Danish easier than you think.
Overview: Danish for Internationals
Nearly all Danes speak English, but learning Danish helps you feel at home, make friends, and access jobs. There are free courses, language cafés, and apps to help you get started at any age.
- No experience needed: Most expats begin from scratch—no pressure!
- Free courses: Municipalities offer free Danish lessons (with CPR number).
- Speaking helps: Even a few words go a long way for daily life and feeling included.
See below for course options, apps, and advice for making Danish work for you.
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Did you know? Many Danes are thrilled when you try Danish—even if you mess up. “Tak!” (thanks) and “Hej!” (hi) go a long way.
Why Learn Danish?
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Feel Included
Understanding Danish helps you join social events, understand signs, and feel like a local faster.
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Career Boost
Many jobs don’t require Danish, but speaking some gives you more career choices and networking opportunities.
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Day-to-Day Life
A few phrases make grocery shopping, banking, and doctor visits less stressful.
Where to Start?
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Municipal Language Centres: Nearly every city offers free or subsidized Danish classes for newcomers.
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Language Cafés: Relaxed meetups in libraries or cafés for informal conversation with volunteers.
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Online Classes: Many language schools offer live online lessons for all levels.
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Workplace Courses: Some employers provide Danish classes as a work benefit.
Free Danish Courses
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Municipal Language Schools: Free (with deposit) for all with a CPR number—find your local language center.
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DU (Danish Education): Structured programs (DU1, DU2, DU3) at language schools. Free for most new arrivals.
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Libraries: Many libraries offer “conversation cafés” and language support groups.
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NGOs & Volunteers: Groups like Frivilligjob.dk and local Red Cross branches run free classes.
Best Danish Language Apps
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Duolingo
Great for vocabulary and beginner grammar. Fun, free, and on mobile/desktop.
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Babbel
Paid app with conversational focus, pronunciation, and culture tips.
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Memrise
Short video clips of real Danes for listening skills and daily phrases.
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Speakdanish.dk
Free online lessons, audio, and grammar for beginners.
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Clavis Online
Official Danish school with online courses—often free with CPR number.
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Podcasts & YouTube
Try “DanishClass101” on YouTube and “Simple Danish Podcast” for easy listening.
Tips for Success
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Practice Every Day
Even 5 minutes a day helps. Listen to Danish radio, watch TV, or read simple signs.
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Don’t Fear Mistakes
Danes are patient. The effort matters more than getting every word right.
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Make it Social
Practice with friends, family, or language buddies for real progress and fun.
Useful Resources & External Links
Related on exploringdenmark
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Danish courses really free?
Yes—if you have a CPR number and are registered. You usually pay a refundable deposit.
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Can I learn Danish online?
Absolutely! Many apps and official schools offer remote options, including video classes.
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Is Danish hard to learn?
The pronunciation is tricky, but grammar is simple. Practice and patience make it easier.
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How do I meet people to practice with?
Join a language café, Facebook group, or ask your local library for “conversation cafés.”
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Best podcasts for learning?
Try “Simple Danish Podcast” or “DanishClass101” for easy listening and vocab.
