Learning Danish – A Great Investment
While it’s easy to stick to your "international bubble", we strongly encourage you to branch out and make Danish friends, alongside your international ones.
Studying, working, or doing an internship abroad is about so much more than the school or work itself. It’s also about improving your language skills, understanding new cultural norms, and becoming part of the community.
Nalyssa Oostenbrug, who spent six months in Denmark for her nursing internship, has one piece of golden advice: “Learn Danish.”
Even outside of a professional setting, speaking Danish is the key to deeper friendships and everyday confidence. Here is her advice on how to make it happen:
1. Surround Yourself With Danes
If you always go straight home and surround yourself with people who speak your mother tongue, it will be difficult to learn Danish. Instead, get out and meet people; for instance, go for a drink with Danish friends, join a local sports club, or participate in community activities. Just hearing Danish every day helps enormously.
Nalyssa also mentions, that Danes can seem a bit reserved at first, but once you break the ice, they are open and welcoming.
2. Prioritise Language School (Sprogskole)
Sprogskole is an excellent way to learn Danish while meeting people from different countries. You will be placed in a class that fits your level based on an introductory interview, so there’s no need to worry about it being either too easy or too advanced for you.
The teachers usually start with a mix of English and Danish, “levelling up” as you improve. Don’t be afraid of the exams – they are just there to track your progress and keep you moving forward.
3. If you’re invited, say YES!
An invitation is your best ticket to a social life. In Denmark, if someone invites you to a hyggelig evening or a party, they genuinely want you there. It might feel intimidating at first, but go anyway.
Danes will teach you their traditions, introduce you to their friends, and slowly open up. Interestingly, some Danes might actually be shy about their English skills, but once they feel comfortable with you, they’ll relax – often switching between English and Danish as your own skills grow.
Sprogskole or Danish lessons locally?
Please note that public language schools are generally reserved for students aged 18 and over.
If you are younger, you can often find Danish lessons through your school or via municipal evening classes at the Ungdomsskole.
For a flexible alternative, GKX partners with AB Danish, which offers specialised, fee-based online courses tailored for international students.