Learn Danish with Babbel's fast, fun and easy courses
Denmark may be a relatively small country, but learning Danish opens doors to a rich Nordic culture, career opportunities, and a deeper connection with one of the world's happiest nations. Whether you're planning a trip to Copenhagen, considering a move abroad, or simply fascinated by Scandinavian languages, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about learning Danish, from pronunciation challenges to practical tips that will have you speaking confidently in no time.
Why Learn Danish?
Danish belongs to the North Germanic language family and is spoken by approximately 5.5 million people globally. While most Danish speakers live in Denmark, the language is also spoken in parts of Greenland, Norway, and Germany. It was once an official language in Norway (until 1830) and Iceland (until 1994), and today remains the primary second language taught to Icelandic students.
Learning Danish offers numerous benefits beyond just communication. When you learn Danish, you:
Enhance your travel experience — From deciphering road signs to connecting with locals, Danish proficiency makes exploring Denmark's cities and cultural gems more rewarding.
Gain career advantages — Knowledge of Danish can boost your professional opportunities, especially in the European market where Danish companies maintain a strong presence.
Improve cognitive abilities — Learning Danish provides a mental workout that nurtures flexibility, problem-solving, and active listening skills.
Access authentic culture — You can experience Danish literature, media, and culinary traditions in their original form without translation barriers.
Connect with heritage — If you have Danish-speaking roots, mastering the language creates a profound connection to family history.
How Hard Is It to Learn Danish?
Understanding Danish Difficulty
The Foreign Service Institute, which trains U.S. diplomats, classifies Danish as a Category I language, meaning it's one of the easier languages for English speakers to learn. According to FSI, it takes approximately 575-600 hours or 23-24 weeks of study to reach proficiency in Danish. This puts Danish in the same category as other relatively accessible languages like Spanish, French, and other Scandinavian languages.
However, if you ask Danes themselves, many consider their language quite challenging for foreigners. This perception stems primarily from Danish pronunciation, which can indeed be tricky to master.
The Challenge Of Danish Pronunciation
Are the Danes correct? Here are a few of the aspects of the language that make it a bit tough for English speakers to pronounce.
The "stød" (glottal stop): This unique feature can completely change word meanings. For example, hun ("she") and hund ("dog") sound similar to untrained ears, but the latter uses the glottal stop.
Silent letters and word blending: Many Danish words aren't pronounced as written, creating a significant gap between written and spoken Danish.
Unique counting system: Danish uses a base-20 counting system for numbers above 50, which can confuse learners. For instance, halvtreds ("fifty"), short for halvtredje-sinds-tyve (literally "half third times twenty") which is kind of like saying "two and a half score" in the old sense where "score" means "twenty."
What Makes Danish Easier to Learn
Despite its pronunciation challenges, Danish has several features that make it relatively accessible for English speakers:
Germanic roots: Danish and English are in the same language family, with many grammatical similarities and cognates (words that look and sound alike in both languages).
Simple grammar: Compared to languages like German or Russian, Danish grammar is straightforward. Verbs don't change based on the subject, making conjugation much simpler than in many other European languages.
Familiar word order: Danish follows the Subject-Verb-Object structure similar to English, making sentence construction intuitive.
Cognates with English: There are hundreds of words that look and sound similar between English and Danish, such as:
hus — house
kat — cat
fisk — fish
brød — bread
mor — mother
Essential Danish to Get You Started
Learning basic vocabulary and phrases is the first step toward Danish fluency. Here are 10 essential Danish expressions to begin with:
Hej — Hello (The standard greeting in Danish, used throughout the day.)
Tak — Thank you (An important expression showing gratitude in daily interactions.)
Hvordan har du det? — How are you? (A common conversational phrase for checking in with others.)
Jeg forstår ikke — I don't understand (Useful for language learners when you need clarification.)
Kan du hjælpe mig? — Can you help me? (Essential for asking for assistance.)
Hvor er toilettet? — Where is the bathroom? (A practical phrase for travelers.)
Jeg vil gerne bestille — I would like to order (Useful in restaurants and cafes.)
Hvad koster det? — How much does it cost? (Important for shopping.)
Jeg elsker dig — I love you (A phrase that can be useful, but you probably won't use it with strangers.)
Farvel — Goodbye (The standard way to end interactions.)
How to Learn Danish Effectively
Embrace Danish Pronunciation
The key to mastering Danish is focusing on pronunciation from the beginning. Here are a few ways to get started.
Listen actively: Immerse yourself in Danish sounds through podcasts, music, and TV shows to train your ear.
Practice the stød: This glottal stop is essential for proper Danish pronunciation. It involves suddenly closing off your breath while pronouncing certain words. One example in English is the pause between the syllables of "uh-oh."
Accept the gap between written and spoken Danish: Danish pronunciation often differs significantly from spelling.
Use speech recognition tools: Babbel's Danish courses include AI-powered speech recognition technology to help you perfect your pronunciation.
Practical Learning Strategies
To make consistent progress in Danish:
Practice regularly — Even just a few minutes daily is more effective than occasional longer sessions.
Focus on practical vocabulary — Learn words and phrases you'll actually use in everyday situations.
Complement apps with cultural immersion — Listen to Danish music, watch Danish films, or follow the news in Danish to enhance your learning experience.
Join language communities — Connect with other learners or native speakers for conversation practice. Can't find anyone in your area? Try searching online!
Visit Denmark (if you can) — Nothing accelerates language learning like immersion in the country where it's spoken. Plus, it's great excuse for a vacation.
Learn Danish with Babbel
Babbel offers a comprehensive approach to learning Danish that addresses both the challenges and advantages of the language.
Why Choose Babbel for Danish
Structured curriculum: Babbel's Danish course takes you from beginner to intermediate level (up to B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
Focus on pronunciation: Babbel's speech recognition technology helps you master the challenging aspects of Danish pronunciation.
Practical conversation skills: Lessons focus on real-world dialogues and scenarios you'll encounter in Denmark.
Cultural context: Learn not just the language but also insights about Danish culture and customs.
Flexible learning: Babbel's bite-sized lessons fit into your schedule, allowing you to learn at your own pace.
FAQ: Common Questions About Learning Danish
How long does it take to learn Danish?
For English speakers, reaching proficiency in Danish typically takes around 575-600 hours of study (approximately 23-24 weeks). However, this varies depending on your learning intensity, prior language experience, and natural aptitude.
What language is closest to Danish?
Swedish is the language closest to Danish, followed by Norwegian. These North Germanic languages share many similarities in vocabulary and grammar, though their pronunciation differs significantly. If you already know another Scandinavian language, learning Danish will be considerably easier.
Is Danish difficult for English speakers?
While Danish pronunciation presents challenges, the language is considered one of the easier ones for English speakers to learn due to shared Germanic roots, similar grammar structures, and numerous cognates. The FSI classifies Danish as a Category I language, indicating relatively low difficulty for English speakers.
What are the biggest challenges when learning Danish?
The main challenges include mastering the unique pronunciation features (especially the "stød" or glottal stop), adapting to the many vowel sounds, understanding the base-20 counting system, and dealing with the significant difference between written and spoken Danish.
Is Babbel Good for Danish?
Babbel stands out as an excellent option for learning Danish for several reasons.
Comprehensive approach: Babbel covers all aspects of the Danish language, including reading, listening, pronunciation, and writing.
Expert-developed content: Babbel's courses are created by a team of over 200 language experts to ensure quality and accuracy.
Authentic accents: Hear Danish words and phrases spoken by native speakers for authentic pronunciation.
Progress tracking: The dynamic review dashboard helps you monitor your learning progress.
Community support: Connect with fellow learners for motivation and practice opportunities.
Learners particularly appreciate Babbel's ad-free interface and the ability to learn at their own pace, which is especially beneficial for those who might feel held back or left behind in traditional classroom settings.
Your Danish Language Journey Starts Here
With the right resources and consistent practice, you can start speaking Danish faster than you might expect. Babbel's comprehensive approach to Danish learning provides the structure, tools, and cultural context needed to progress confidently.
Ready to start your Danish language journey? Try a free Danish lesson today and discover how enjoyable and accessible learning Danish can be. With Babbel's expert guidance, you'll be on your way to confidently speaking Danish in no time.