If you’re wondering what language do they speak in Denmark, the short answer is simple: Danish. It’s the official language, spoken by about six million people inside Denmark and across Greenland and the Faroe Islands. But the full story is more interesting. Danes also learn and use other languages fluently—English, German, and several minority tongues all play a role in Danish life, according to Denmark’s official portal.
This article unpacks everything you need to know, from Danish history and dialects to why most Danes are multilingual. If you’re new to the language, you may also enjoy our guide on the Danish alphabet to understand the special letters Æ, Ø, and Å.
Danish: The Official Language
Danish (dansk) is a North Germanic language that evolved from Old Norse. As Denmark’s official language, it dominates public life, education, and media. Almost everyone in Denmark can read, write, and speak it fluently. The language uses the Latin alphabet with three additional letters—Æ, Ø, and Å—giving it a distinct look compared to English or German. Danish is closely related to Norwegian and Swedish, making cross-border communication easier in Scandinavia. The Danish Language entry on Wikipedia notes that Danish shares many roots with its Nordic neighbors.
A Look at Danish Dialects
Even in a small country like Denmark, dialect variation is striking. From Jutlandic in the west to Zealandic near Copenhagen, accents and vocabulary can shift within just a few kilometers. Some dialects, like Sønderjysk (Southern Jutlandic), can be difficult for other Danes to understand. While television and mobility have standardized much of spoken Danish, regional speech patterns still hold cultural significance. As linguists studying Danish dialects explain, these regional differences remain a key part of Denmark’s linguistic landscape. Learners who start with resources like our list of basic Danish words often find it easier to recognize patterns across dialects.
Minority and Regional Languages
Denmark officially recognizes German as a protected minority language in Southern Jutland. Greenlandic (Kalaallisut) and Faroese also hold co-official status within their territories. This recognition reflects Denmark’s complex history and political ties across the Kingdom. In South Jutland, for example, you’ll find bilingual signs in both Danish and German, while in Greenland and the Faroe Islands, schools operate primarily in their local languages. These protections are consistent with UNESCO’s framework on minority language rights.
| Language | Region | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Danish | Nationwide | Official |
| German | Southern Jutland | Recognized minority |
| Faroese | Faroe Islands | Co-official (local) |
| Greenlandic | Greenland | Co-official (local) |
Why Danes Excel at English
One of the most striking things for visitors is how well Danes speak English. Denmark consistently ranks near the top of the EF English Proficiency Index, reflecting the high quality of English education in schools. Children begin learning English early, and exposure to subtitled media further strengthens proficiency. English dominates in business, higher education, and youth culture, making Denmark one of the most English-friendly countries in the world. If pronunciation is your main challenge, our deep-dive on whether Danish is hard to learn explains features like stød and the soft d with practical tips.
Other Languages Commonly Learned
German is traditionally taught as the second foreign language in Danish schools, particularly due to Denmark’s geographical and economic ties with Germany. French and Spanish are also popular options, reflecting broader European connections. Many Danes are multilingual, with surveys showing that a large share of the population can speak at least two foreign languages fluently. According to Education in Denmark’s official study guide, multilingualism is a core strength of the Danish education system. For polite essentials, see how to say thank you in Danish and use it naturally across situations.
How Danish Compares to Neighbor Languages
Because Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish all descend from Old Norse, they remain mutually intelligible to varying degrees. Written forms are especially close, but spoken Danish can be more challenging due to its unique pronunciation patterns—such as the famous stød (a glottal stop-like feature). For learners, Danish can feel less transparent than Swedish or Norwegian, though Danes often adapt their speech when speaking with neighbors. This is highlighted in research on the languages of Denmark. If you’re deciding where to start as an English speaker, our overview of the easiest languages to learn compares options (including Danish) with clear next steps.
Challenges for Learners of Danish
For foreigners, Danish can be a difficult language to master. Pronunciation is the biggest hurdle, as many consonants are softened or dropped entirely. The soft d (sounding almost like an English “th”), the large number of vowel sounds, and the stød all create challenges. Learners also find that spoken Danish differs significantly from its written form, adding to the complexity. As Denmark’s cultural site explains, committing to Danish study rewards learners with deeper cultural integration. If you’re just getting started, our curated list of basic Danish words is a friendly on-ramp before tackling advanced pronunciation.
Danish in Global Context
Although Danish is spoken by relatively few people worldwide, it holds cultural influence far beyond its numbers. Denmark plays an active role in the Nordic Council, and Danish culture—design, cinema, food, and politics—often carries international weight. Danish is also maintained as a heritage language among emigrant communities in North America and South America, where cultural societies keep traditions alive. The Languages of Denmark overview on Wikipedia shows how Danish persists globally despite its modest speaker base.
Conclusion: More Than Just Danish
So, what language do they speak in Denmark? The official answer is Danish, but the reality is richer. Denmark is home to recognized minority languages, strong ties with Greenland and the Faroe Islands, and a society where English and German are widely mastered. For travelers, expats, or language learners, this means you can easily navigate in English, but learning some Danish will deepen your experience and connection to the culture. If you’d like to take your next step, don’t miss our detailed guide on the Danish alphabet and build a solid foundation.