What language is spoken in Denmark?
Short answer
Denmark's main language is Danish. English is widely spoken, and visitors can normally travel comfortably without Danish. This does not mean everyone speaks English or that every workplace, degree programme and official document is available in English.
Danish is not Dutch
The Danish name for the language is dansk. Its English name is Danish. Dutch means the language associated with the Netherlands and is a different language.
Danish appears on road signs, local news sites, menus and correspondence. The letters æ, ø and å belong to the alphabet. Keep them when copying a place name into a search where possible, so that you look for the intended location.
Denmark's official information website describes Danish as having around six million speakers. That rounded language figure is not an exact count of every resident's first language.
Can you travel using English?
VisitDenmark describes English proficiency as generally good. English is consequently useful on holiday, but asking is better than assuming.
“Taler du engelsk?” means “Do you speak English?”.
“Jeg taler ikke dansk” means “I don't speak Danish”.
“Kan du gentage det?” means “Can you repeat that?”.
Keep addresses, bookings and destinations in writing. This helps when pronunciation causes difficulty or background noise interrupts a conversation. A short message is often easier to follow than a lengthy explanation.
Check work and study separately
English working well on holiday does not establish the language requirements of a job. Read the vacancy and ask about meetings, customer contact and written tasks.
English-taught programmes exist, but Study in Denmark explains that applicants must meet their programme's language requirements. Consult the actual institution rather than treating general English proficiency as admissions guidance.
The University of Copenhagen describes an environment where Danish and English operate alongside each other. It illustrates why more than one language may be relevant within the same organisation.
Questions and answers
Yes. Danish is the English name for dansk.
No. Dutch is a different language.
Yes. English is normally a useful shared language for travel.
Do not assume so. Ask the person you are speaking to.
English-taught programmes exist. Check availability and admission requirements with the institution.
Normally not, but hej, tak and undskyld are useful starting points.
Official sources
Checked 11 November 2026.
Denmark.dk: The Danish language
VisitDenmark: Speaking English
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