Denmark is a linguistically rich country where multiple languages are spoken due to historical ties, immigration, and education. While Danish is the official language, many people wonder, “What language do they speak in Denmark besides Danish?” The answer is more diverse than you might expect.
In addition to Danish, Denmark is home to regional languages, minority languages, and foreign languages that are widely spoken due to globalization and the country’s emphasis on multilingualism. This article explores the different languages spoken in Denmark and their significance. For a detailed guide on this topic, visit this in-depth article on The Danish Dream.
Danish: The Official Language of Denmark
Danish (Dansk) is the official and most widely spoken language in Denmark. It belongs to the North Germanic language family, closely related to Swedish and Norwegian.
Key Facts About Danish
- Danish is spoken by over 5.4 million people in Denmark.
- It has three additional letters in its alphabet: Æ, Ø, and Å.
- The pronunciation is notoriously tricky for language learners due to soft consonants and silent letters.
- Danish is also the official language of the Faroe Islands (alongside Faroese) and Greenland (alongside Greenlandic).
Danish is essential for daily life in Denmark, but many Danes are multilingual, speaking several other languages fluently.
Minority and Regional Languages in Denmark
Denmark is home to two autonomous territories—Greenland and the Faroe Islands—where Danish is spoken, but other official languages exist as well.
1. Greenlandic (English)
- Greenland, a self-governing part of the Kingdom of Denmark, has Greenlandic as its official language.
- Greenlandic is an Inuit language that belongs to the Eskimo-Aleut family, making it entirely different from Danish.
- Danish is still widely spoken in Greenland, especially in administration, education, and media.
2. Faroese
- In the Faroe Islands, Faroese is the official language, but Danish is also widely spoken and taught in schools.
- Faroese is closely related to Icelandic and Old Norse, making it unique among Scandinavian languages.
- Most Faroese people are bilingual, speaking both Faroese and Danish fluently.
Both Greenland and the Faroe Islands have strong linguistic identities, but Danish remains a crucial language for communication with the rest of Denmark.
German: A Recognized Minority Language in Southern Denmark
Germany and Denmark share a long history, and the southern region of Denmark (Southern Jutland) is home to a Danish-German minority.
- German is a recognized minority language in Denmark, particularly in border regions.
- Danish schools in Germany and German schools in Denmark help maintain bilingualism among the local population.
- Many road signs and official documents in Southern Denmark appear in both Danish and German.
This linguistic diversity reflects the historical and cultural ties between the two countries.
Foreign Languages Spoken in Denmark
Denmark is known for its high level of English proficiency, but several foreign languages are widely spoken due to education and international business.
1. English: The Most Common Foreign Language
- Over 86% of Danes speak English fluently.
- English is taught from an early age in Danish schools and is widely used in business, tourism, and academia.
- Many Danish TV shows and movies are shown with subtitles instead of dubbing, helping Danes develop strong English skills.
2. German: A Popular Second Language
- About 47% of Danes speak German, making it the second most spoken foreign language in Denmark.
- Denmark’s geographic proximity to Germany and strong economic ties make German a useful language in trade and business.
- Many Danish students choose German as a third language option after English.
3. French and Spanish
- French and Spanish are less commonly spoken, but they are still offered in Danish schools as elective languages.
- Some Danes speak French or Spanish due to travel, study, or work experience in Europe and Latin America.
Danish education places a strong emphasis on multilingualism, encouraging students to learn multiple languages beyond their native tongue.
New Linguistic Influences: Immigrant Languages in Denmark
Due to immigration, new languages have entered Denmark’s linguistic landscape, particularly in urban areas like Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense.
1. Arabic, Turkish, and Urdu
- Denmark has large immigrant communities from Turkey, the Middle East, and South Asia.
- Languages like Arabic, Turkish, and Urdu are spoken within families and communities, contributing to Denmark’s multicultural society.
2. “Perkerdansk” (Multiethnic Danish)
- A unique multilingual urban dialect has emerged in Denmark, sometimes called “Perkerdansk” (Immigrant Danish).
- This dialect blends Danish with words and influences from Arabic, Turkish, and English, commonly spoken among youth in immigrant-heavy areas.
Denmark’s linguistic diversity continues to evolve, reflecting globalization and demographic shifts.
Conclusion: What Language Do They Speak in Denmark?
Danish is the official and dominant language in Denmark, but many other languages are spoken due to history, immigration, and education.
- Greenlandic and Faroese are official languages in Denmark’s autonomous territories.
- German is a recognized minority language in Southern Denmark.
- English, German, French, and Spanish are widely taught foreign languages.
- Immigrant languages like Arabic and Turkish are growing due to multicultural influences.
Denmark’s commitment to multilingualism makes it a highly English-proficient and globally connected country.
For a detailed breakdown of the languages spoken in Denmark, visit this informative guide on The Danish Dream.
So, what language do they speak in Denmark? The answer is Danish—but also so much more!
