Become A Political Influencer for the Change You Expect: Denmark’s strong culture of politically engaged young people

Denmark has a long and rich history of youth involvement in politics. Since the early 1900s, young Danes have organised through political youth wings, participated in elections and conducted youth parliament sessions. Student movements at universities and high schools played an important role in shaping the public debate in the 1950s and 60s. As in most countries, civic education is a core part of school programs in Denmark. Today, young people continue to engage through youth councils, forums, and democratic institutions. Youth in Denmark also organise informally through peaceful marches or meaningful protests.

How Do Young People in Denmark Get Involved in Politics?

Voting and Turnout:

The voting age in Denmark has been 18 since 1978. Youth voter turnout is high compared to many countries. In the 2022 national elections, about 85% of 18-year-olds and around 76-77% of 19-29-year-olds voted. Even in local elections, more than 58% of 18–21-year-olds turned out. In Denmark, the overall voter turnout is high at around 84%, and young voters come close to matching that. This, by EU standards, is an excellent youth turnout. 

Here’s a quick look at how Danish youth political engagement compares to other nations:

• Sweden: High youth turnout (80-90%) and active youth wings, but less formal government support than Denmark.

• Germany: Strong youth turnout (70-76%), large youth party memberships, and legal funding for youth groups.

• United Kingdom: Lower turnout (about 47% of 18-24-year-olds), limited youth participation, and mostly symbolic youth councils.

• United States: Youth turnout is low (about 50-60%). Engagement mostly happens through NGOs or campus groups rather than political parties.

Political Parties and Youth Wings:

Most Danish political parties have youth wings that operate independently but are closely tied to the main party. Young people between the ages of 12 and 30 can join, depending on the organisation. Although only about 1.3% of Danes aged 18-30 are members of a political youth organisation, this number has been steady and even grew slightly in the 2000s. It is a known fact that many of Denmark’s national politicians started their careers in youth wings.

To understand the process better, Last Week in Denmark spoke with Jesper Dyhrberg, Political Leader of the Socialist People’s Party Youth Wing (Socialistisk Folkeparti Ungdom – SFU). He told us, “I joined the party when I was 14. I was so dissatisfied with the election results that I thought the best way to make a difference was to become part of the system and work for change from the inside.”

We also spoke with Ida Veicherts, Chairman of the Copenhagen association of Liberal Alliance Youth (Liberal Alliances Ungdom). “I’ve always discussed politics with my parents and siblings at home,” she says. “In my early teens, I became somewhat rebellious. I lean quite far right politically and found myself in opposition to nearly everyone around me. I was looking for a community of people who were open to discussing ideological and practical political issues respectfully and constructively. That search led me to Liberal Alliance Youth, which I joined when I was 13 years old.”

Civic Organisations and Government Programs:

Outside of party politics, Danish youth can join local youth councils and NGOs depending on the cause they wish to support. The Danish Youth Council (DUF) brings together around 80 youth organisations and supports projects through government funding. In Denmark, programs such as the national Youth Parliament are encouraged, where 8th and 9th graders debate issues and propose ideas to real members of parliament. It is a very popular way for young people to get involved and gather first-hand experience of the political system. Local councils also include youth representatives in many areas, as it brings a fresh perspective and also gives an encouraging path for making future policymakers.

Culture of Participation:

Why are young Danes so engaged? Denmark has high trust in its political system, complemented by strong civic education and free access to quality education and healthcare. These factors help create a culture where young people desire to participate and are taken seriously.

Ida Werner Larsen told us some of the responsibilities she has with Liberal Alliance Youth: “I arrange events, communicate with members, and handle the day-to-day organisational work, as well as coordinate and delegate responsibilities within the board. This role helps me grow both personally and professionally.” She adds, “We don’t work with the Parliament daily, but we do communicate and collaborate with Members of Parliament (MPs), especially in the lead-up to elections.”

Jesper Dyhrberg has similar responsibilities for the Youth Wing of the Socialist People’s Party: “As the political leader of SFU, I help shape our political strategy, discuss local happenings and policy, and support our local branches. I spend a lot of time discussing political issues, organising events, and making sure our values are reflected in everything we do. Once in a while, I also meet with the board.” He adds, “We often work closely with Members of Parliament on issues that matter to young people. We’re not just observers, we contribute ideas, challenge decisions, and discuss how negotiations are going.”

Informal Youth Activism in Denmark

Not all youth political involvement happens inside the parliament or in political parties. Many young Danes get active outside the system through protests, climate marches, online campaigns, or creative projects. These activities are a big part of Danish youth culture, emphasising the importance of free speech and fostering political engagement.

Young people here often take a stand on what matters to them most, for example, climate, equality, mental health, education, and refugee rights. They make creative use of tools like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat/Facebook to organise themselves and create local events or peaceful protests to make noise and push for change.

Popular Youth Movements That Brought Change

Some of these movements and protests were created not only to change policy but to bring issues to the discussion table. 

Ungdomshuset Movement (1980s–2007)

• A radical leftist youth squat in Copenhagen called Ungdomshuset became a cultural hub for alternative music, art, and political activism.

• When the city sold the building in 2006, it sparked major protests, riots, and police clashes, after which activists were forcibly evicted in 2007. YouTube, DR and TV2 have documentaries on the subject.

• It very quickly became a symbol of youth autonomy, anti-capitalist resistance, and protest rights in Denmark.

• It led to the national debate on youth spaces and state violence.

Occupy Aarhus / Occupy Copenhagen (2011–2012)

• It was inspired by the global Occupy Wall Street movement from 2011.

• It focused mainly on income inequality, financial justice, and corporate power.

• Young people organised tent camps, sit-ins, and public talks in city squares.

• While it did not result in direct policy change, it put youth economic anxiety and anti-corporate sentiment into the national conversation.

Climate Marches & Mass Mobilisations (2018–Present)

• These marches are mainly organised for the youth by the youth. Fridays for Future, Den Grønne Studenterbevægelse (Green Student Movement), etc., are some of the few that are active.

• There are youth-led protests in Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense demanding more ambitious climate laws. Another common cause youth mobilise for is demanding higher SU (state educational grant) payments.

• These movements put pressure on political parties during election cycles; credit must be given to youth activism, which resulted in increased climate policy ambition in recent years.

Aarhus University Sexism Protest (2021)

• Anonymous reports of harassment and sexist culture in university settings caused mass sharing of #MeToo testimonies, student walkouts, and open letters to the administration.

• This forced several universities to investigate internal policies, which led to broader media coverage of sexism in Danish academic institutions.

Education Policy and Student Rights

• There have been several protests and petitions to push back on school budget cuts and education reforms.

• The youth are also often seen protesting the SU lofts as living expenses grow year-on-year.

• Groups like Danske Studerendes Fællesråd (DSF) involve young people in demanding better conditions for university students.

Why It Counts

When young people take to the streets or act out in protest, they awaken public consciousness, push policy debates, or force institutional responses. The people and the government take notice. They show that informal youth activism in Denmark can move the needle, even in a system that is already politically open.

There are few political parties in Denmark. However, they are strong and incredibly alert to voter concerns and wants. 

Let’s look at what these political parties are and what they stand for. 

Political Parties in Denmark (and What They Stand For)

How Can a Young Person Join a Political Party in Denmark?

Almost all major parties have youth branches where members are typically aged 12 to 30. You don’t need to be eligible to vote to join. For example: To join DSU (Social Democrats youth wing), you must be between 15–30 years old. Membership usually costs between 50-300 DKK per year, depending on the organisation.

Ida offers this insight for international citizens interested in Liberal Alliance Youth: “Anyone under 30 who shares our values and goals of creating a freer Denmark can join the party via our website. After joining, the chairman of the local association will contact the new member to inform them about upcoming local events and opportunities to get actively involved.”

When asked about accessibility for international members, Jesper shares a candid perspective, “If you are an international citizen who does not speak Danish yet, you might face some language barriers, especially in political discussions. But that should not stop you. Reach out. There is real value in just meeting for a coffee, having a conversation, and finding out how you can take part. The door is open if you are curious and committed.”

You can also sign up online. Most youth wings have websites where you can register and pay the fee digitally. Just fill out your name, age, email, and address.

Once you’re a member, you can:

• Attend local meetings and debates

• Vote in the youth wing elections

• Run for internal roles (e.g., local board or spokesperson)

• Join national events, summer camps, or political training sessions

• Get involved in campaigns and even help with real elections

Criteria to consider:

• Citizenship: You don’t have to be a Danish citizen; residency is enough

• Voting Rights: You can join before turning 18 (voting age)

• Membership Fee: Small annual fee (usually 50-300 DKK)

• Exclusivity: You can’t join multiple parties at once.

• Behaviour: Expected to follow a code of conduct; online and offline behaviour matters

• Time Commitment: No formal requirement, but active participation is encouraged

On what one should know before joining, Ida says, “To get involved, it’s important to be open-minded, motivated, and aligned with our values of personal freedom, responsibility, and a freer Denmark. After joining, staying updated through local events, social media, and newsletters helps you follow what’s happening. You don’t need any prior political experience, just a willingness to participate, share your ideas, and contribute where you can.”

This can be your fast track to influence

Getting politically active as a young person in Denmark is straightforward, and it matters! Many national politicians got their start in party youth wings. If you’re curious, motivated, and ready to learn, you can shape policies, speak on behalf of your generation, and build real influence starting now.