Learning Danish
Many Danes speak English. Not only do they start learning it in school around the age of ten, many also speak English in their everyday lives. But when it comes to the workplace, many prefer to speak Danish only. Consequently, it is an advantage to learn Danish if you wish to succeed in the Danish labour market. There are numerous offers to newcomers to help them learn Danish.
In this section of the guide you will find answers to many of the questions you might have regarding how to learn the Danish language, such as: Where do I find a language centre? Will I have to pay for the course? Can I learn Danish online?
Danish courses
Danish courses are offered by both public and private language schools. Many of the courses on offer are tailored to suit both individuals and businesses. As well as language education these courses also teach newcomers about the culture and society of Denmark including a basic introduction to the labour market, the educational system and Denmark's democratic traditions.
If you are over the age of 18, have a valid Danish residence permit and a Danish CPR number, or if you fall under the EU rules on freedom of movement, you are entitled to up to three years' Danish language tuition.
Your municipality pays for your Danish language tuition and it is required to offer you language tuition no later than one month after you have applied for it. You are entitled to language tuition until you have passed a final language proficiency test. However, this must take place within a three-year period.
It is also possible to attend an intro Danish course. The courses are particularly intended for newly arrived foreign nationals who have come to Denmark in connection with work. If you are over the age of 18, are working in Denmark and have a valid Danish residence and work permit, you may attend the course even if you have not yet received your Danish CPR number.
The offer of Danish education is also available to EU border commuters, i.e. nationals of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland who are residing outside of Denmark, but have a job or business in Denmark.
You can learn about the various kinds of Danish education programmes under the topic "Danish and social studies for adults" in the publication "Citizen in Denmark".
Language centres
Here you will find an overview of public and private language centres (available in Danish only).
Learning Danish online
If you want to prepare yourself before your arrival in Denmark you can learn Danish online. Here you can find a list of online Danish courses.
At workindenmark.dk you can also learn more about Danish language courses.