Language Guides
If you are considering or have already decided to learn Danish, then tillykke (‘congratulations’)! You have discovered one of the world’s most exciting languages. If you’d like to know more before enrolling on our Danish language course, then watch our in-depth videos here. Explore the Danes, their beautiful country and what it’s like to study the language.
Jante Law and Danish people
Your language guide will begin by giving you a brief introduction to the Danish people and their typical characteristics. For example, Danes are consistently ranked the happiest people in the world and are known for being welcoming and easy-going. However, they generally avoid superficiality and do not respond kindly to condescending discussion, even if it is well-intended. In fact, they have an unspoken social rule-set, called the Jante Law, which encourages modesty. Check out part one of the series for dos and don’ts of Danish social interaction.
If you plan to work in Denmark, then our guide will also give some insight into Danish working habits. For example, employers and employees discuss ideas openly and as equals. Holiday time is plentiful and encouraged. And most Danes place great importance on a satisfying work-life balance.
Whatever your reason for learning Danish, expect it to open new opportunities into healthy and sustainable living. Your guide will explain some delicious cuisines which are taking the world by storm. She describes how Denmark is one country on course to fulfil its carbon-neutral commitments. And our videos will offer some impressive facts about Danes and their love of cycling.
Danish-speaking countries and the different dialects
Your guide will discuss how widely used is the language and how it varies from place to place. While predominantly spoken in Denmark, it is also the primary tongue in several other countries and is a common language for the 20,000 speakers in northern Germany.
Dialects and accents vary, especially as Denmark has over 400 islands. But don’t worry! Your guide will reassure you that the vast majority of Danes speak and understand the standard version of their language, called Rigsdansk.
A worthy challenge
Danish is not the easiest of languages to master; we recommend 200 to 400 hours of classes plus self-study to reach fluency. Typically, this takes 2-3 years, although every language student will learn at their own pace. Your guide also explains the common difficulties that learners have, especially if they don’t already speak another Scandinavian language. For example, Danish has additional letters and non-typical pronunciations which can be fun to use but tricky to master.
But your guide will also reassure you that learning Danish is possible for everyone. Knowing the language will endear you to speakers and enable you to communicate throughout Sweden and Norway, too.
Start watching our series of short videos to learn useful facts about Denmark and its most popular cities, some of the country’s famous sports, political, artistic and scientific personalities, and our frequently asked questions about learning Danish.
