From Employee to Citizen Through Danish Language Training

The goal is not only to strengthen employees’ language skills at work but also to give them better opportunities to become active members of the community outside the workplace. In other words, to help them transition from employees to citizens.

Martin, who works in the hotel bar, and Kataryna from housekeeping have both lived in Denmark for four years. Martin has only recently started learning Danish, while Kataryna has taken it up again, both through classes offered at Guldsmeden Hotels.

Neither Martin nor Kataryna originally expected to remain in Denmark for so long, and because of that, learning Danish was not initially a priority in the way it is today. Martin explains that it can sometimes feel embarrassing not to speak Danish.
“Guests ask me, ‘How long have you been in Denmark?’ And when I say four years, I think to myself: why can’t I speak Danish?”

Small Investment, Big Return

Rather than placing the responsibility for learning Danish solely on the individual employee, Guldsmeden Hotels chose to offer Danish language training in partnership with UCplus, providing two weekly drop-in sessions at the workplace.

“When we are an English-speaking company, I believe we have an even greater obligation because we cannot speak Danish with our employees in everyday situations. Offering Danish lessons is the least we can do,” says Mette Katrine Baasch.

She continues:

“Retaining our international employees is not only about the working conditions we provide. It is also about whether they can build a life both at and beyond the workplace. Danish language training is a very small investment with a significant return.”

Since Martin started learning Danish, he has begun using the language directly in his daily work. He cannot hold long conversations yet, but he can ask questions, take orders, and better understand guests.

“You can tell that people appreciate the effort. Especially older Danes and guests from other Scandinavian countries,” he says.

Kataryna has had a similar experience. For her, it is primarily about confidence. When she understands even a little more Danish, she feels more comfortable listening and participating because she is no longer uncertain about what is being said.

Practical Language Skills That Make a Difference

At UCplus, language training is tailored to the specific workplace and focuses on practical, functional language. Employees learn the Danish they genuinely need in their daily roles.

As a result, lessons are based on situations employees encounter at the hotel. This may include conversations with guests, short messages between colleagues, or everyday phrases that make collaboration easier.

“It’s not about long texts. It’s about things we can use right away,” says Martin.

Kataryna adds that this approach also makes it easier to practise Danish outside of work, whether in the supermarket, on public transport, or in cafés.

“There are only a few situations you really need to handle. It feels manageable,” she says.

The content is continuously adapted to employees’ language levels, roles, and needs. This ensures that the training remains relevant and accessible, even for employees with very different backgrounds and job functions. It also creates an additional benefit.

“It has brought many employees together across departments. They realise they are not alone, and that strengthens the sense of community. At the same time, the classroom is a safe space. It is a place where people can make mistakes, experiment, and develop together with their colleagues,” says Mette Katrine Baasch.

Language Creates New Opportunities

Both Martin and Kataryna view Danish language training as an investment in their future. They may stay in Denmark, and the language may open new opportunities.

For Kataryna, who is from Ukraine and holds a temporary residence permit, it is also about keeping her options open. Danish language skills can lead to greater responsibility and broader career opportunities.

Both employees emphasise that the training works because it takes place at the workplace.

“It’s only an hour and a half a week. It doesn’t really feel like much, but it’s a good investment,” says Martin.

Mette Katrine Baasch agrees.

“Simply making the effort to speak Danish makes a huge difference. We can see that employees commit themselves in a different way when they learn the language. They begin to think more in terms of building a permanent life here rather than a temporary stay,” she concludes.