Danish is not the easiest language to learn. The first struggles come when Danes switch to English while you try speaking Danish, and when your lips don’t fully follow your brain to pronounce words correctly. If you believe you can keep learning and want to improve, there are some ways to polish your skills.
Firstly, there are many accessible media that are ready to help you. In the variety of podcasts, YouTube channels, news, and blogs, you can find something interesting to keep in touch with the Danish language. Following Instagram accounts of Danish teachers can help you build your vocabulary and accept the ups and downs of your progress.
There are plenty of accounts you can follow. Those who teach you Danish and some accounts of native speakers you can observe to improve your language. I am a fan of the funny ones you need to understand to be able to laugh at the jokes. I can especially recommend @thiasbach and @parastouns on Instagram. They create hilarious content where you can not only learn the language, but also get to know “Danish inside jokes” and cultural nuances. Here are the Instagram accounts made especially to teach Danish I can recommend:
- @linguadanica – created by Sigga Hansen. Read one of her articles here
- @danskmedmartha – presented as “your Danish teacher” teaches new expressions used by Danes daily and explains culture, find her here
- @nearlydanishdame – led by Brook Fossey, who has started to become more recognized in Denmark; read an article about her here
- @dane__ish – the first account about Denmark I personally started following; she talks about living and habits in Denmark while naturally blending Danish expressions in her posts.
For entry-level speaking, I can recommend older but still valid content from @EasyDanish channel on YouTube. You can find short interviews and street polls with Danes explained with English subtitles. If you prefer podcasts, I’d listen to @DanishwithChristina for intermediates. And for advanced level, all informative Danish websites are open to you, like DR or Berlingske podcasts.
You can master your Danish by combining business with pleasure while watching Danish movies and series. You have a wide range of choices, as Danish film has earned many international awards. One of the most recognized movies is called “Jagten” with Mads Mikkelsen as the main character. You may know him from “Hannibal” and he also appeared in the James Bond saga. “The Hunt” (English title for “Jagten”) was nominated for the Palme d’Or at Cannes, and Mads Mikkelsen was awarded Best Actor.
If you’re a fan of dark thrillers, I highly recommend “Nattevagten” (“Nightwatch”) from 1994. This award-winning Danish classic follows a university student who takes a night job as a security guard at a forensic institute. As a series of mysterious events unfolds and more bodies are discovered, he finds himself caught in a chilling investigation—and soon becomes the prime suspect.
If you prefer longer stories, Danish TV series are another great way to immerse yourself in the language and culture. One of the most acclaimed is “Borgen,” translated as “The Government”, a political drama that follows the inner workings of Danish politics and parliament. Although inspired by real-life political dynamics, it is a work of fiction rather than a documentary. The series features an outstanding cast, including Birgitte Hjort Sørensen and Pilou Asbæk, both of whom later gained international recognition for their roles in Game of Thrones. You’ll also see Sidse Babett Knudsen, one of Denmark’s most celebrated actresses, in a leading role.
Of course, I cannot miss three very famous police series. They are widely known globally and translated into many languages, but you can follow them in their original language. The first one is “The Killing” (“Forbrydelsen”), which tells the story of a Danish detective who comes across a complicated criminal case of a raped and killed victim. Sarah leads the investigation with her partner in trying to solve the crime. One of the most famous Danish actresses, Sofie Gråbøl, plays a leading role. The second police series I recommend is “The Bridge” (“Broen”), which relates to the bridge between Denmark and Sweden – Øresundsbroen. The crime in the series is committed on the bridge, so two police teams – Danish and Swedish – need to cooperate to solve the case. The latest series is a collection of ten stories and is called “Department Q” (“Afdeling Q”). The series is an international success and also has an English adaptation.
If you’re looking for something lighter, “Doggystyle” is a great choice. The series follows a young woman who appears to have the perfect life on social media, but behind the scenes, she’s struggling to make ends meet. Unless she finds a job soon, she’ll have no choice but to move back in with her parents. Set in Copenhagen, the series also offers plenty of recognizable locations, making it especially enjoyable if you’ve visited the Danish capital.
For a more relaxing watch, consider Danish comedies such as “Yes, No, Maybe”, which follows the humorous dating adventures of a single man trying his chances on dating apps, or “Far from Las Vegas” (“Langt fra Las Vegas”), a sitcom about the everyday lives of employees at a television news station. Both are light-hearted, entertaining, and perfect for a lazy afternoon.
As an international in Denmark, you might have had the chance to take a Danish course for free if you are registered in the country. It is the most convenient way to pass a PD3 exam, required for Danish citizenship. Lessons are structured in modules, and every module brings you closer to desired fluency. However, as Daniela Hummelgren notes, there is still plenty to do after you receive your PD3 certificate. Private tutor lessons can also do the work. Paulina Stachnik tells her story and shares her experience being taught by a tutor here.
To get into the Christmas spirit, don’t miss the traditional Danish TV advent calendar (julekalender). Every December, a new series is released, with one 25-minute episode airing each day in the run-up to Christmas. Although these shows are primarily made for children, their simple language and festive atmosphere also make them an excellent choice for adults learning Danish. One of the latest productions, “Tidsrejsen 2” (2024), features Princess Josephine of Denmark, who made her acting debut while attending a performing arts school. It’s a fun, uniquely Danish way to experience the country’s Christmas traditions while practicing the language.
As you can see, opportunities to practise Danish are everywhere — on social media, in movies, and even on the streets of Denmark. So don’t give up on your practice! Make the most of the many options available to you and find the ones that make learning Danish both enjoyable and effective.
