Just like in any part of the one, language is one critical way for connecting with the people around you, building trust and getting life going in Denmark. Without the power of language, it is very difficult to get help and if you are lucky to get it, you shall have really struggled to explain yourself.
Another thing to note is that Denmark is a pretty small country with a population less than 6 million. To preserve the identity of this population, they guard their language, Danish, and hold it in high esteem. It means that even if a normal Dane can speak another language, he or she will always be happy to open up to you if you speak Danish as well.
At the workplaces, schools and in any public interactions, you will be challenged to at least learn conversational Danish. Maybe you will think this as being so much assimilating which is not the case.
As soon as you get to learn Danish, so many things that could seem blocked for you just begin to open. You will experience the love, openness and joy of living in Denmark. With enough knowledge of Danish, you will get the feeling of what it means to integrate with the society.
Learning Danish
When you move to Denmark, Danish is one important part of your integration process. Some people try to dismiss this reality but it comes back to haunt them later when they either want to seek permanent residence, citizenship or even a more professional job.
It is important to know that knowledge of Danish is considered one of the critical considerations when being employed because the Danish system is primarily run using Danish as a language of professionals and daily communication.
Ability to speak Danish is highly regarded by most employers and companies. A certified Danish examination and high language skills are among the key requirements to get a permanent residence and citizenship.
Requirements to learn Danish
As a foreigner, you must be 18 years and have a valid residence permit and registration in Denmark. Children born of immigrant parents are automatically taken through Danish language training at school.
The sooner you start Danish classes after arriving in Denmark, the better for you to make use of the time. It is important to make up your mind in good time whether you really intend to live in Denmark for a long time because you may not be amusing to struggle learning a new language which you may end up not using at all.
Actually Danish is not spoken outside Denmark so one needs to decide if It is important to learn it, especially if he or she is not going to live longer in Denmark.
Leaning Danish as a Foreigner
Danish language is a key component of the integration process for foreigners into Denmark.
In fact from day one, you will easily feel the urge to start on your language classes because everywhere, people will initiate conversations in Danish before changing to another in case they realize you don’t understand them. This may be an awkward experience which you may want to wade off especially if intending to live in Denmark for a long time.
As an international student, you are entitled to Danish lessons. The language requirements vary depending on the nature of ones residence in Denmark. So it is important to know what type of residence hold and what language expectations that come with it.
Components of Danish Language Lessons
Learning an entirely new language is admittedly not an easy process. You will obviously feel the weight especially if you are already an adult at the time of coming to Denmark. However, the course is designed in modules which take care of different language competency levels and ability to grasp the new words. The different levels of Danish are divided into modules each of which end with an examination to test how much you have been able to learn. In July 2020, a user fee of DKK 2000 is required for the trainee to pay.
The user fee is like a commitment fee to ensure that once you register, you study all the modules and complete in time. Its intention is not to force foreigners into paying for their integration but just to ensure that actually they learn Danish seriously. The amount is refundable when the applicant completes the language in time.
The Danish language lessons can either be administered in the evening or daytime depending on your arrangement with the teacher. It is important to be very consistent with taking Danish classes for the best learning experience. For all the modes of learning Danish, the end is marked with a state approved test as required under the Common European Framework for Languages.
Learn Danish Online?
It is possible to get Danish courses offered as an online activity even at the language school. The courses are organized in such a way that they offer different learning experiences for beginners, intermediates and advanced learners.
A student who wants to achieve the highest self-paced learning of Danish language can always use these online training as a supplement for language education. They are good for those who are self-driven to reach a good level of Danish proficiency in time.
Danish language training at higher education institutions
Learning institutions in Denmark consider Danish language as a critical requirement for student integration. For this reason, they offer intensive Danish language courses at the beginning of the academic year. The language training is given as part of the summer university programme and any student intending to learn Danish can register for it. This intensive learning is especially important for students whose courses will be administered and examined in Danish.
Fees and Prices
When you sign up for the official Danish language courses, you will be expected to pay a fee which will be refunded to you at the end. The fee is basically a commitment by the applicant to stay within the course until the end because some people often drop out along the way meaning that the resources already used to train them go into waste. Previously, each of the modules used to cost a fee but the government reversed this. Currently, you only need to pay the DKK. 2000 commitment fee and start your course.
Where to attend official Danish courses
There are various legally recognised centres for learning Danish. A check on the Danish ministry of immigration and integration webpage will give you a list of all the available places where you can physically attend classes and get tested. You will not regret learning Danish if you have to live in Denmark for a long time. It is more than just a necessity for a foreigner just as it is for Danes.
Best tips About Learning Danish
- Put up sticky notes.
- Study Online.
- Read Danish News.
- Find yourself a Tandem Buddy.
- Use what you can.
- Make people correct your language.
- Read children’s books.
- One day a word.
- Mingling with Danes.
- Watch something Danish.
- Make use of subs when watching movies.
- Listen to Podcasts.
- Make it fun: Board Games & Karaoke.
- Use Duolingo and Babbel (language learning apps).