Work · Denmark
Danish Language
Free courses, test requirements & apps
Free Courses
Free Danish Language Classes
Denmark offers free Danish language education (danskuddannelse) to all adult immigrants within the first 5 years of residence. There are 3 tracks depending on your educational background. Classes are held at sprogcentre across the country, typically 2–3 evenings per week or full-time.
- Cost for new residents (first 5 years)
- Free
- Danskuddannelse 1 (DU1)
- For limited formal education
- Danskuddannelse 2 (DU2)
- For short/medium higher education
- Danskuddannelse 3 (DU3)
- For long higher education (most expats)
- Time to complete DU3 (typical)
- 1.5–3 years part-time
- Register at your local sprogcenter within 30 days of CPR registration
- Take the placement test to be assigned DU1, DU2, or DU3
- Attend classes consistently — missing 3+ sessions without notice may lose your free place
- Pass module tests to progress (6 modules in DU3)
- Complete the full programme to receive a certificate recognized for permanent residence
Official sources
Test Levels
Language Tests & Requirements
Denmark has specific Danish language requirements for permanent residence and citizenship. Prove i Dansk 2 (PD2) is needed for permanent residence. Prove i Dansk 3 (PD3, B2 level) is required for citizenship. Both are formal exams held at certified test centres twice a year.
- Permanent residence requires
- Prove i Dansk 2 (PD2) minimum
- Citizenship requires
- Prove i Dansk 3 (PD3, B2 level)
- Exam sessions per year
- 2 (May/June and November/December)
- Exam fee (PD3)
- DKK 2,520
- PD3 pass rate (first attempt)
- 61%
- Confirm which test you need (PD2 for permanent residence, PD3 for citizenship)
- Register at your sprogcenter or at uvm.dk at least 6 weeks before the exam
- Pay the exam fee (DKK 2,520 for PD3)
- Complete both the written and oral components on exam day
- Receive results within 4 weeks by Digital Post
Official sources
Apps & Practice
Apps & Daily Practice Tips
Learning Danish pronunciation is notoriously difficult — Danes swallow half their consonants. Supplement formal classes with apps, podcasts, and daily immersion. The best learners use a combination of structured study and forcing Danish into everyday situations.
- Best free app for beginners
- Duolingo Danish (A1–A2)
- Best paid app for pronunciation
- Babbel Danish (DKK 89/month)
- Podcast for learners
- Dansk iansen (DR)
- Free online resource
- netdansk.dk (Ministry of Education)
- Language cafes (free)
- 200+ libraries across Denmark
- Download Duolingo and complete 15 minutes daily for basic vocabulary
- Enroll in your free sprogcenter course for structured grammar
- Join a sproecafe at your local library for weekly conversation practice
- Switch your phone and Netflix language to Danish for passive immersion
- Practice ordering in Danish at bakeries and cafes — start with small transactions
Official sources
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