When I moved to Denmark, I expected to fall in love with the coastlines, how this society takes children seriously, and how everything here seems to be celebrated with kaffe og kage. And I did. I was also genuinely touched by how kind and helpful people can be here. What didn’t I expect? That I’d eventually be standing in a room full of Danes, holding a printed-out lyric sheet, surrounded by friendly faces, singing along to a song I didn’t fully understand—completely off-key—and loving every minute of it.
Yes, Danes sing. A lot. Together. And not just at concerts or karaoke bars. They sing in schools, cinemas, folk high schools (folkehøjskole), birthday parties, and national events. They even sing in times of crisis. It can initially be surprising and a little intimidating to an international newcomer. But over time, I’ve seen communal singing as one of the most charming and meaningful aspects of Danish culture.
Let me take you on a tour of this tradition: where it comes from, what it looks like today, and why you, too, should give it a try (even if you think you can’t sing).
Why Danes Love Singing Together: The Heart of Fællesskab
If there’s one Danish word you’ll hear repeatedly, it’s fællesskab. It loosely translates to community, togetherness, or fellowship. And singing together—fællessang—is one of the most beautiful expressions of it.
Group singing in Denmark isn’t just about melody. It’s a way to create an emotional connection and shared experience. It fosters belonging and bridges generations. From the outside, it might look like just a group of people warbling their way through a folk song, but from the inside? It’s about being part of something bigger.
And—good news!—you don’t have to be a trained singer. Nobody expects you to be.
From Hymn Books to High School Songbooks: A Tradition with Roots
You have to go back in time to understand why Danes sing so much. Singing together in Denmark has deep roots in the 16th century. The Protestant Reformation brought hymn books into everyday life, encouraging congregational singing. Music became a way for people to engage directly with their faith and community.
But it wasn’t until the 1800s that group singing became a cultural institution, thanks to one man: N.F.S. Grundtvig. He was a theologian, educator, poet, and something like the unofficial granddad of modern Danish values. Grundtvig believed in educating not just the intellect, but the heart. He saw singing as a tool for personal growth, community bonding, and nation-building.
The country needed a morale boost after Denmark lost the war to Prussia in 1864. Grundtvig’s ideas inspired the folk high school movement—educational spaces for adults (no exams!) focused on dialogue, creativity, and lots of singing.
These schools adopted daily communal singing using the Højskolesangbogen (Folk High School Songbook). The book is still strong today—constantly updated, widely beloved, and often gifted for Christmas. If you ever want to impress your Danish friends, just mention you’ve been browsing the latest edition.
Singing in Schools: More Than Just Music Lessons
Even in Danish public schools (folkeskoler), singing is a core part of the week. Most schools begin the day or week with morgensang (morning song). Students gather—often with teachers—and sing together. No pressure. No solo performances. Just voices joining in.
And the government supports it. In recent years, Denmark has invested in initiatives like the morgensangskorps, a corps of professional musicians who visit schools and help keep the tradition alive. Research shows singing increases students’ sense of well-being, helps with focus, and creates stronger classroom communities.
It’s more than music education. It’s emotional education. And an excellent way for kids (and their parents!) to build confidence in speaking—and singing—Danish.
Singing as Celebration
One of the things I love most about Denmark is how they make space for small, meaningful rituals. Singing is one of them. At birthdays, confirmations, weddings, and anniversaries, it’s common to break out in song. But not just any song—custom songs with new lyrics set to familiar tunes. ABBA? Elvis? A Danish folk melody? All fair game.
Friends or family members usually write these songs to celebrate the guest of honor and print them out so everyone can sing along. You’ll find heartfelt verses, inside jokes, and plenty of rhymes. The result is both hilarious and deeply touching. Even if you don’t understand every word, you’ll feel the warmth.
And here’s a secret: even Danes don’t always understand every word. Some songs have delightfully old-fashioned or poetic language. Others are packed with idioms or dialect words. If you get stuck, just smile and mumble. That’s practically a Danish skill in itself.
Singing Through Crisis: Harmony in Hardship
Singing together isn’t just for good times. During Denmark’s darkest hours, music has been a source of strength.
During World War II, Danes sang national songs together as an act of peaceful resistance. It was a quiet, brave way to assert their cultural identity under Nazi occupation. Singing became a declaration: “We’re still here. And we’re still us.”
More recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Danes revived the tradition of communal singing in new ways. People joined national TV sing-alongs from living rooms, balconies, and Zoom screens. It didn’t matter if you were alone—your voice joined thousands of others nationwide.
It was moving. It is also a powerful reminder that shared songs can carry us through isolation, grief, and uncertainty.
Meet MGP: The Sparkle-Fueled Joy of Singing Kids
If you’re a parent in Denmark or have access to a television in early spring, you’ve probably encountered Børnenes MGP (Children’s Melodi Grand Prix). Imagine Eurovision—glitter, pop beats, voting, drama—but for kids.
It might seem like a sugary spectacle at first (and yes, there is a LOT of glitter), but MGP is a surprisingly powerful platform. Kids don’t just perform—they write their songs. Topics range from friendships and breakups to online loneliness and standing up to bullies.
What’s beautiful about MGP is how it teaches kids to find their voice. Literally. They’re encouraged to be bold, creative, and expressive. Even better, they see their peers being celebrated not for being perfect, but for being themselves.
And yes, families make a whole night of it. Think MGP parties with themed snacks, homemade voting cards, and tiny dance-offs in the living room. It’s Denmark at its most glittery and joyful.
But Not Everyone Loves It
Now, before you imagine all Danes linking arms and singing joyfully in perfect harmony, let’s take a little reality check.
A new study published in the book Så syng da, Danmark! shows that 22% of Danes find fællessang uncomfortable, and 26% feel it easily becomes embarrassing. So if you feel awkward or hesitant, you’re not alone.
Why the hesitation?
Part of it is voice shame. It’s that quiet fear that your voice isn’t “good enough,” often rooted in old school experiences or critical comments. Another part is that Denmark has changed. It’s no longer the culturally and ethnically uniform society it once was. Singing about “blonde girls and beech forests” might not resonate with everyone today, and for some, it can even feel outdated or alienating.
There’s also a growing trend toward individualism and critical reflection, especially among the highly educated. Not everyone enjoys the groupthink vibe or songs with a national-romantic tone.
Yes, communal singing has a special magic. But like many traditions, it carries both light and shadow. And maybe that’s what makes it worth exploring.
Okay, But… What If I Can’t Sing?
Let me say this clearly: You don’t have to be a singer. In Denmark, singing together isn’t about talent. It’s about community.
I’ve sung quietly under my breath at birthday parties. I’ve accidentally mumbled through lyrics with three “ø”s in a row. And I’ve seen Danes—strong, silent types—tear up halfway through a favorite hymn. It’s not about hitting the notes. It’s about showing up.
So, yes, your Danish might be a bit shaky. You might not know the melody. And you might feel self-conscious. But that’s okay. That’s part of the charm.
The more you participate, the more you start to recognize patterns in the language. You get curious. You ask, “What does that word mean?” And suddenly, you’re not just learning vocabulary—you’re connecting to Danish history, humor, and heart.
How to Start: Your Beginner’s Guide to Danish Singing Culture
Curious to try it for yourself? Here are a few easy ways to dive in:
- Buy the Højskolesangbogen. You can find it online or in most bookstores. There’s even a digital version.
- Attend a fællessang event. Libraries, community centers, and festivals often host group sing-alongs open to the public. Just show up!
- Join a choir. There are choirs for all levels—even beginner-friendly ones that don’t require you to read music.
- Say yes to the song sheet. If you’re handed lyrics at a party, go with it. The people next to you will carry the tune. You just need to join the vibe.
Final Thoughts: Your Voice Belongs Here
Singing together might feel foreign at first. It did to me. But the more I joined in, the more I saw what it meant—not just to others, but to myself.
It’s not about performance. It’s about presence.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about connection.
So the next time someone says, “Vi synger lige en sang,” take a deep breath and say, “Okay.” Even if your Danish isn’t perfect. Even if you sing off-key.
Because here in Denmark, your voice matters. Just as it is.
And who knows? You might even find yourself singing “Hesties Besties” (a sparkly, bouncy song from Børnenes MGP) at full volume before the year ends.
