COMPLETE DANISH COURSE

THE DANISH LANGUAGE: GATEWAY TO YOUR FUTURE

Welcome on behalf of the Danish Institute!

If you wish to learn Danish you are in right place. We have created the world's most Complete Danish Master Course to take you from absolute beginner to native speaker in 30 days. In this section you will find all the information and answers you need about learning Danish, such as: the best learning method, reasons to learn this language, the costs associated, the difficulty spikes to watch out for, how to improve your prior skills if you are stuck in a plateau, as well as the differences and similarities to other commonly spoken languages.

First of all, you should know that Danish, known as "Dansk" in its native form, is a language that embodies both history and modernity in Northern Europe. It belongs to the North Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family, closely related to Swedish and Norwegian, and more distantly to Icelandic and Faroese. Danish is primarily spoken in Denmark, where it serves as the official language, but it is also spoken by communities in Greenland and the Faroe Islands, as well as by Danish minorities in northern Germany and expatriate groups around the world. With about 6 million speakers, Danish is one of the smaller but culturally influential Scandinavian languages. While Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish share a high degree of mutual intelligibility, pronunciation and vocabulary differences can occasionally challenge even native speakers.

Danish is not an easy language to learn. Its distinctive features lie in its Vocabulary, Grammar, and Pronunciation, which have developed in unique ways while absorbing influences from Low German, French, Latin, and English over the centuries. The language’s sound system, with its soft consonants and characteristic glottal stop known as stød, often presents challenges for learners. Danish grammar, though relatively simple compared to some other European languages, includes nuances in word order and pronunciation that require time to master. Vocabulary has been shaped by Denmark’s long history of trade, cultural exchange, and political unions within Scandinavia and Europe, making Danish a language rich in both history and modern expression.

The challenge with many learning methods is that they only take you part of the way. Mobile apps are fun and motivating, but they often stay on the surface, giving you basic vocabulary without real depth in grammar or conversation. Live courses offer great interaction with teachers but can be inflexible and expensive, making them difficult to sustain long term. University programs are academically rigorous, but they demand years of commitment and come with high living and tuition costs. Textbooks provide structure and clarity, but they lack immersion and often don't provide the practical information that learners actually need.

If you are serious about learning Danish, commit to a method that makes you actually speak the language. With the right system, you can go beyond memorised phrases and truly speak, read, and think in Danish. The journey is demanding, but the rewards — access to Danish news, cinema, music, history, personal connections and work opportunities — are immense. Our Complete Danish Master Course that has been designed to give you nothing less than complete fluency.

Start learning and speaking Danish today!

NATURAL METHOD TO LEARN DANISH

Our language courses are based on the Natural Method, also known as the Natural Approach, developed by linguist Stephen Krashen and language educator Tracy Terrell. This approach focuses on creating an environment that mimics how individuals naturally acquire their first language, emphasizing comprehension, communication, and a stress-free learning experience.

While other language courses rely on rote memorization and drills, a heavy academic approach to grammar, repetitive exercises, expensive and time-consuming formal tutoring sessions or ineffective and shallow phone apps, we will have you gradually build your language skills like a child learning his/her mother tongue.

There are essentially 5 Core Principles in the Natural Method:

1. Comprehensible Input (i+1)
   Learners acquire a language when they are exposed to materials slightly beyond their current level of understanding (represented as i+1). By hearing or reading content they mostly understand, learners can gradually internalize new vocabulary and grammar structures.

2. Focus on Communication
   The Natural Method prioritizes fluency and the ability to communicate over grammatical perfection. Errors are seen as a natural part of the learning process and are not heavily penalised, reducing anxiety and encouraging learners to express themselves.

3. Emotional Element
   Emotional factors like anxiety, motivation and enjoyment greatly influence language acquisition. When learners are in a relaxed state, achieved by removing the anxiety linked to the pressure to produce perfect grammar, it is easier for them to get through the initial phase which is arguably the hardest and where most give up. It is also proven to be easier for the brain to absorb and retain new information if the learner is actually interested in the language and its underlying culture, which is why he have included extensive cultural insights, historical and modern pop culture elements in our language course.

4. Stages of Language Acquisition
   Scholars have identified the following stages in the language acquisition process of young children:

   • Pre-production: The "silent period," where learners focus on listening and understanding without speaking.

   • Early Production: Learners begin using simple words and phrases.

   • Speech Emergence: Learners can construct longer sentences and express ideas more freely.

   • Intermediate Fluency: Learners develop more complex language skills and can engage in meaningful conversations.

   • Advanced Fluency: Learners achieve near-native proficiency.

     The goal of our courses is thus to mimic the natural language acquisition process without overwhelming the learner with long and tedious lessons but ensuring gradual gains so that he/she remains committed to his/her fluency goal. 

5. Meaningful Interaction
   Instead of rote memorization of single words and grammar rules over and over, the Natural Method encourages activities that involve real-world communication to help retain information. This is why we have included storytelling and role-playing scenarios that simulate everyday situations, with exercises that allow the learner to understand his/her current level and thus improve upon specific elements.

EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE

If you are serious about learning Danish, we recommend that you download the Complete Danish Master Course.

You will receive all the information available on the website in a convenient portable digital format as well as additional contents: over 15.000 Vocabulary Words and Useful Phrases, in-depth explanations and exercises for all Grammar Rules, exclusive articles with Cultural Insights that you won't find in any other textbook so you can amaze your Danish friends thanks to your knowledge of their country and history.

With a one-time purchase you will also get hours of Podcasts to Practice your Danish listening skills as well as Dialogues with Exercises to achieve your own Master Certificate.

Start speaking Danish today!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

5 reasons to learn Danish

1. It's Fun! Join a Unique Club
   Danish is a fascinating and distinctive language that captivates learners with its soft sounds, fluid rhythm, and subtle pronunciation patterns. As part of the North Germanic family, it shares roots with Swedish and Norwegian but stands apart through its unique phonetics and expressions. Learning Danish offers a stimulating mental challenge and a rewarding sense of accomplishment. With around six million speakers, Danish is not a global language but a gateway to an exclusive linguistic and cultural community. Few non-Danes take the time to master it, which makes learning Danish a truly special achievement.

2. Gain a Deeper Understanding of Scandinavian History and Culture
   Studying Danish opens a window into centuries of Scandinavian heritage, from the Viking Age to the modern welfare state. Denmark has played a vital role in shaping Northern European history, influencing art, architecture, philosophy, and design. Learning Danish allows you to appreciate Denmark’s literary figures like Hans Christian Andersen and Søren Kierkegaard, its democratic traditions, and its pioneering role in sustainability and social equality. You gain access to the original versions of Danish films, literature, and media that reflect the country’s refined yet minimalist worldview.

3. Danes Appreciate When You Speak Their Language
   Danes are known for their modesty and friendliness, and while many speak excellent English, they genuinely appreciate it when foreigners make the effort to use Danish. Even a simple “Hej!” (Hello!) or “Tak!” (Thank you!) can warm interactions and help you connect on a deeper level. Speaking Danish demonstrates cultural respect and opens the door to more authentic experiences, especially in smaller towns or local settings where you can better understand Danish humor, traditions, and everyday life.

4. Business Opportunities in a Thriving Nordic Economy

   Denmark has one of the world’s most stable and innovative economies, with leading sectors such as renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, design, and shipping. The country’s reputation for transparency, high-quality infrastructure, and strong digital governance makes it an attractive environment for business and investment. Knowing Danish provides a competitive edge in building professional relationships, understanding workplace culture, and navigating local regulations. Whether you’re collaborating with companies like Maersk, Novo Nordisk, or LEGO, speaking Danish signals long-term commitment and cultural integration.

5. Visit Denmark for an Inspiring and Memorable Experience
   Denmark consistently ranks among the world’s happiest nations, offering a remarkable balance between culture, nature, and modern living. From the charming streets of Copenhagen and the colorful houses of Nyhavn to the windswept beaches of Jutland and the fairy-tale castles of North Zealand, Denmark is a country that invites exploration. Visitors can experience the concept of hygge—the cozy sense of comfort and contentment that defines Danish lifestyle. With its efficient transport, safe environment, and rich culinary scene, Denmark promises an unforgettable journey at a pace both relaxed and inspiring.

Why learn Danish?

How much does it cost to learn Danish?

Danish Mobile Apps

Mobile apps have become one of the most popular entry points for learning Danish in recent years, especially among young people, due to their accessibility on phones. These apps allow learners to repeat basic vocabulary on the go, through gamified systems that aim to keep learners engaged to sell them as many ads as possible. No one has ever really become fluent in Hungarian by using these apps but they can make daily studying more approachable, especially for people that are not completely sure if they want to commit to a more comprehensive language course.

Costs:
Many apps (e.g., Duolingo, Babbel, Pimsleur, Rosetta Stone) use paid monthly subscriptions averaging $20/month without ads or one life-time purchase for $200-$600.

Pros:

• Self-paced content great for daily bite-sized repetition.

• Fun language based games with flashy animations.

• Good for absolute beginners to decide if interested.

Cons:

• Quality and depth are overall quite low.

• Subscription costs can accumulate quickly unless you opt for a lifetime deal.

• Gamification makes it seem like you are progressing when you actually aren't.

Danish Textbooks

Textbooks are a cost-effective and time tested resource for studying Danish, or any language for that matter, just like when you were at school. Their adoption in academic settings has brought a lot of needless information into these books which on the contrary should be strictly practical. Textbooks offer a fixed progression with lots of grammatical terms and scholarly explanations that risks making the learning process feel like a chore. As with mobile apps, it is impossible to actually become fluent in the Hungarian language with one single textbook, due to the lack of real life practice and interactivity, which is why even the most diligent learners only achieve a basic language level. 

Costs:

Text-only textbooks cost around $20-$35 per volume. These usually include grammar explanations, vocabulary lists and exercises but do not provide any listening material. Textbooks with good quality accompanying audio resources are available for about $50-$60.

Pros:

• One-time cost, no ongoing fees.

• Textbooks with audio build solid grammar and listening comprehension.

• Ideal for structured, self-paced study.

Cons:

• Audio may be outdated or limited (if included at all).

• Less interactive, needs self-discipline.

• Might lack cultural/contextual immersion.

Studying Danish at a University

University programs provide the most academically rigorous and comprehensive Danish training. You will become fluent if you attend the courses and get a degree. These courses require many years of commitment and are best suited for those pursuing careers directly connected to the knowledge of the Danish language like translators or teachers, which given the current state of the market might not be the wisest career choices, especially since you will be competing with native speakers that do not require any formal training to speak their mother tongue. 

Costs:
Tuition for foreign students in Denmark typically ranges from US $7,000 to US $17,000 per academic year, depending on the university and program of study. Monthly living expenses are relatively high, averaging between $1,200 and $1,800, especially in cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus. Rent for a shared student apartment or room can cost between $600 and $1,000 per month, while food and groceries usually amount to around $300–$400. Public transportation passes for students cost about $40–$60 per month, though many choose to cycle, given Denmark’s excellent bike infrastructure. Overall, the total yearly cost for international students generally ranges from €15,000 to €22,000, depending on location, accommodation, and lifestyle.

Pros:

• Deep, structured academic immersion.

• Degree qualification or recognized certifications.

• Full immersion thanks to real Danish speakers and situations that require language use.

Cons:

• Time-intensive and long-term commitment with limited professional opportunities compared to other degrees.

• Costs of living in Denmark add up quickly.

• Difficult to find Danish university courses outside of Denmark.

Online Danish Courses

Online courses represent the most time and cost effective solution, with a personalised and immersive approach to language learning, thanks to structured lessons guided by professional teachers. When taken online these classes allow students to interact with their teachers in real time, providing opportunities for conversation practice, immediate feedback and progress tracking. Online courses come with three major downsides due to the extremely high costs of private tuition especially for beginners, varying teaching quality that depends on the individual teacher's experience and the fact that they don't allow the flexibility of other significantly cheaper self-study alternatives.

Costs:
Average Danish 10-week course online with 3-5 live sessions costs US $600-$1,000/month

Private Tutors (available on Preply or Italki) cost US $10–$100 per hour, depending on the teacher’s qualifications

Pros:

• Highly interactive with real-time feedback.

• Customization, especially with one-on-one sessions.

• Accountability and access to experienced teachers.

Cons:

• Very expensive with no guarantee of success.

• Lower flexibility compared to mobile apps or self-study since it depends on teacher's schedule.

• Teaching quality may vary greatly between tutors.

How difficult is Danish?

The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) of the United States Department of State classifies Danish as a Category I language, meaning it is among the easier languages for native English speakers to learn compared to most non-Germanic languages. This relative ease comes from shared vocabulary and similar grammatical structures, though Danish still presents unique challenges due to its pronunciation and subtleties in usage.

Several factors influence the learning experience for English speakers studying Danish:

1. Pronunciation and Intonation – Danish pronunciation is often cited as the most challenging aspect of the language. The soft consonants, reduced vowels, and the glottal stop known as stød make spoken Danish sound quite different from how it is written. For example:

   • Hvad (what) – often pronounced more like “va.”

   • Tog (train) – the “g” is silent, sounding like “toh.”

   • Rødgrød med fløde (red berry pudding with cream) – a famous tongue-twister that even some Scandinavians find hard to pronounce correctly.

2. Shared Vocabulary with English and German – Danish shares a large portion of its vocabulary with English and German due to historical and linguistic connections. Words like restaurant, telefon, and computer are instantly recognizable, which makes reading and vocabulary acquisition easier than in unrelated languages.

3. Relatively Simple Grammar – Compared with many European languages, Danish grammar is straightforward. There are no noun cases, and verbs do not change with person or number. However, learners must pay attention to the two grammatical genders (common and neuter) and the placement of the definite article, which attaches to the end of nouns (e.g., huset – the house).

4. Distinct Spoken and Written Forms – One of the trickiest aspects for learners is that written Danish and spoken Danish can differ significantly. Many letters are not pronounced, and words often merge in fast speech. Understanding natural conversation takes time and exposure to authentic Danish media.

Our Danish language course is designed to make this journey both efficient and enjoyable. Through practical dialogues, clear pronunciation guidance, and progressive grammar lessons, you’ll start speaking confidently from your first week. Instead of memorizing isolated rules, our method focuses on real-life communication—helping you listen, respond, and think in Danish naturally within 30 days.

Why can't I improve in Danish?

One of the biggest challenges in learning Danish isn’t necessarily the grammar—it’s finding learning resources that effectively guide students from basic understanding to genuine fluency. While there are many beginner-friendly materials, comprehensive intermediate and advanced Danish resources remain limited. Learners often reach a plateau after mastering the basics because few structured courses, textbooks, or multimedia programs help bridge that gap. Unlike languages such as Korean or Spanish, which benefit from global exposure through pop culture, music, and film, Danish culture—though rich and sophisticated—has not achieved the same widespread presence internationally. As a result, fewer people embark on learning Danish, which in turn limits the market for extensive learning materials.

This situation is further compounded by the fact that Danish is primarily spoken in Denmark, with smaller communities in Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and northern Germany. Outside Scandinavia, opportunities to use Danish in daily life are rare. While English proficiency in Denmark is high, this can make it even harder for learners to practice speaking Danish in real-world settings, as locals often switch to English out of convenience. Moreover, Danish’s subtle pronunciation and accent make authentic listening practice essential, yet such material is still underrepresented in mainstream language education.

We understand that this lack of high-quality, structured Danish learning resources presents a real challenge. Our mission is to fill this gap by creating content that supports learners at every level—especially those moving beyond beginner courses. From in-depth grammar explanations and practical dialogues to cultural insights and listening exercises, our lessons are designed to help you reach true fluency and confidence in Danish.

If you have suggestions for future topics or lesson themes, we’d love to hear from you. You can contact us anytime at pr@danishinstitute.org so we can tailor our materials to your specific learning goals and continue improving your Danish learning experience.

Should I learn Danish, Swedish or Norwegian?

Choosing between Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian largely depends on your personal goals, interests, and how you plan to use the language.

Danish is spoken by around six million people, primarily in Denmark but also in Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and northern Germany. It has a strong cultural identity, a rich literary heritage, and historical influence that stretches across Scandinavia and beyond. Danish pronunciation can be challenging for beginners due to its soft consonants and the glottal stop known as stød, but the grammar is relatively straightforward. Its close relationship with Swedish and Norwegian means that learning Danish also gives you access to a broader understanding of the entire Scandinavian language family.

Swedish, with roughly ten million speakers, is the most widely spoken of the three and serves as a major language in both Sweden and Finland. It’s considered the most internationally visible Scandinavian language, thanks to Sweden’s global reputation in design, innovation, and culture. Swedish has a melodic sound and clear pronunciation, making it somewhat easier for learners compared to Danish. It’s also the working language of many Nordic organizations, which makes it practical for those interested in regional cooperation, travel, or work in Northern Europe.

Norwegian, spoken by about five million people, stands between the two both linguistically and geographically. Its written forms—Bokmål and Nynorsk—reflect Norway’s diverse linguistic history. Pronunciation is generally easier for English speakers than Danish, and its vocabulary is familiar to both Danish and Swedish learners. Norway’s strong economy, stunning nature, and high standard of living attract many students and professionals, making Norwegian a rewarding choice.

If your main goal is cultural and historical depth, Danish is the strongest choice, with its role as the oldest of the Scandinavian written traditions and its close link to Nordic heritage. Ultimately, all three languages share deep cultural roots and mutual intelligibility, so whichever you choose, you’ll gain access to a broader Nordic world rich in history, creativity, and shared identity.

Is Danish similar to other languages?

Danish belongs to the North Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family, which also includes Swedish, Norwegian, Icelandic, and Faroese. These languages all stem from Old Norse, the language of the Vikings, spoken throughout Scandinavia and parts of Northern Europe during the early Middle Ages. This shared heritage makes Danish part of the broader Scandinavian linguistic continuum, with strong cultural and historical ties to its neighboring languages. Despite this closeness, Danish has developed its own distinct pronunciation, rhythm, and vocabulary over the centuries, making it both familiar and unique within the Nordic world.

Throughout history, Danish has been shaped by extensive contact with other European languages, leading to the incorporation of numerous loanwords. Influences come from:

Low German and German – Due to centuries of trade through the Hanseatic League and close political ties, Danish absorbed many words from Low German and later from High German, especially in commerce, administration, and technology.
Kælder (cellar) – from Low German kelder
Betale (to pay) – from Low German betalen

French – During the 17th and 18th centuries, French culture was fashionable among the Danish elite, bringing numerous loanwords related to art, cuisine, and social life.
Menu (menu) – from French menu
Ballet (ballet) – from French ballet

English – In modern times, English has become the most influential source of new vocabulary, especially in business, technology, and pop culture.
Computer (computer) – from English computer
Weekend (weekend) – from English weekend

Latin and Greek – As in other European languages, Danish borrowed many scholarly and scientific terms from Latin and Greek, particularly in education, medicine, and law.
Universitet (university) – from Latin universitas
Demokrati (democracy) – from Greek demokratia

These are just a small sample of the hundreds of words in Danish that originate from other languages such as German, French, English, Latin, Greek and Dutch. Check out our dedicated article page for the complete collection of Danish loanwords, organized by their language of origin, and discover how much of the language you already understand—often without even realizing it.

How to become fluent in Danish?

These are 5 proven methods that we have developed as language learners (not only as teachers!) that will help you achieve complete mastery of any language:

• 1. Immerse Yourself Completely

  • Surround Yourself: Change the language of your phone, computer, tv, console, news sources, radio stations, song playlists and streaming apps to the language you want to learn.

  • Engaging Content: Listen to native music, watch original movies, learn about the Culture and history of the country on Youtube. This will help you stay motivated and reduce the initial frustration.

  • Make Mistakes: Travel to the country where the language is spoken and don't be afraid to engage with the locals. People will be amazed at your efforts to learn their language.

  2. Focus on the Most Useful Words and Phrases

  • Study Efficiency: Learn the top 3,000 words in the language, as they often cover 80-90% of everyday conversations. Learning takes time but that doesn't mean it has to take very long to see results.

  • Real Conversations: Start by practising with common phrases you'll

  • actually use in real-life situations, like greetings, ordering food, asking for directions, etc.

  3. Use Memorization Techniques 

  • Spaced Repetition: Our Courses are based on spaced spaced repetition systems (SRS) to help you memorize words and grammar in the long term and with miminal effort by showing them to you in progression.

  • Mnemonic Devices: trick your brain and speed up the learning process by trying to think of an example or "story" for each new word / expression you struggle to remember.

  4. Learn the Language based on the Context

  • Practice Makes Perfect: Remember that your grammar doesn't have to be perfect as long as you can be understood! There is no shame in using simple phrases to get you point across.

  • Shadowing Technique: Repeat in your head after native speakers in real-time while listening or watching videos with original subtitles to improve your comprehension. 

  5. Consistency is Everything

  • Daily Practice: Even just 30 minutes a day is more effective than sporadic, long day study sessions. Take breaks often when reading and always have fun to increase productivity.

  • Compound Results: Small, achievable goals like reading 5 pages daily, or even just watching a movie or playing a videogame every evening produce results over time if you don't see them immediately.

EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE

If you are serious about learning Danish, we recommend that you download the Complete Danish Master Course.

You will receive all the information available on the website in a convenient portable digital format as well as additional contents: over 15.000 Vocabulary Words and Useful Phrases, in-depth explanations and exercises for all Grammar Rules, exclusive articles with Cultural Insights that you won't find in any other textbook so you can amaze your Danish friends thanks to your knowledge of their country and history.

With a one-time purchase you will also get hours of Podcasts to Practice your Danish listening skills as well as Dialogues with Exercises to achieve your own Master Certificate.

Start speaking Danish today!