How to learn Danish: classes and free practice
Short answer
Start on two tracks: check eligibility for municipality-funded Danish classes and practise short everyday conversations alongside them. Many newly arrived adults can receive free tuition through a municipal referral. Free tuition can nevertheless involve a deposit. Rules and offers checked on 11 November 2026.
Start with your municipality
Ask your municipality of residence about a referral to danskuddannelse. If you already have a referral letter, check its start date and language-centre information.
The official scheme is distinct from an arbitrary private course. Confirm that your chosen offer is covered before enrolling and paying.
The offer generally runs for up to five years from the point when you can begin. Dansk og Prøver identifies the referral letter as evidence of that starting point. You should not assume the clock starts only when you first attend.
DU1, DU2 and DU3
The language centre assesses your appropriate programme and level in an initial interview.
DU1 includes learners who cannot read and write in their first language or are unfamiliar with the Danish alphabet and writing system.
DU2 is intended for learners with a shorter educational background.
DU3 is intended for learners with medium or extensive education and strong foundations for learning foreign languages.
The numbers do not rank motivation. The aim is suitable teaching. Explain your working commitments, previous language learning and any reading difficulties.
What does free mean?
S-course participants, including many workers and students, generally pay a DKK 2,000 deposit before starting. Exceptions apply; Copenhagen Municipality identifies au pairs and people following an Integration Act programme among them.
Repayment depends on passing the relevant module tests within the applicable deadlines. Ask the centre for your exact module deadline, pause rules and refund conditions. A deposit is different from a tuition fee, but repayment is not unconditional.
Free conversation practice
The Danish Red Cross offers language cafés and online conversation practice through Sprogland. This is practice with volunteers, rather than formal teaching or an official language examination.
Sprogland describes its adult offer as free and aimed at young people and adults over 16. Access requires a profile with its partner Boblberg. Check current availability with the programme itself.
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Questions and answers
No. Eligibility depends on your situation and the scheme. The municipality can clarify referral.
The language centre assesses the appropriate programme and level.
Generally DKK 2,000 for S-course participants covered by the requirement.
No. Refunds depend on the conditions and deadlines.
No. It provides volunteer conversation practice that can supplement classes.
Your starting point, teaching and opportunities to use Danish all matter. There is no universal fluency deadline.
Official sources
Checked 11 November 2026.
Dansk og Prøver: Danskuddannelser
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