Austrian born Language Center Manager builds UCplus Language Center in Sønderborg up from scratch
Learning Danish was the path into Danish society
When Isabella moved to Denmark in 2013, she made one decision: she would learn the language. Not just a little. She wanted to be able to use it, understand it – and feel at home in it. She joined a choir, listened to conversations in cafés, and forced herself to use three new words every single day. In just two weeks, she completed the first module, and she finished the entire Danish language program in only 10 months, whereas most people typically take two and a half years.
“Danish is a language without fixed rules – it was a big change for me. But it fascinated me. I had to find my own way into the language,” Isabella explains.
After teaching both German and Danish, Isabella noticed a job listing in 2016 that caught her interest: starting a new branch of UCplus Dansk in Sønderborg. She got the job – with no office and no students. On her first day, she dropped her computer and thought, “This is going to go terribly wrong.”
But a year later, she had 80 students, and today UCplus Language Center Sønderborg is the official provider of Danish language courses in Sønderborg Municipality. The language center on Sundsmarksvej is buzzing with activity, now that there are 755 students enrolled.
A new surname – and a strong connection to Denmark
Isabella started researching early on what was required to become a Danish citizen. She quickly felt more Danish than Austrian, and it became important for her to belong fully to the society she now calls home.
“I have a strong emotional connection to Denmark. It felt natural to take the step,” she says.
In 2019, she took the citizenship test and prepared thoroughly: she watched the entire TV series Historien om Danmark (The History of Denmark), followed the news, and listened to the radio. But even though she passed the test, she still had to wait four years before she could finally stand in the city council chamber in March 2025 and receive her citizenship.
As a final personal step, she chose to take a new surname. The Austrian “Farnleitner” was replaced by the Danish “Friis Johansen” – a decision that, for Isabella, is more than just practical.
“I feel more Danish than Austrian,” she says. “Denmark is my home, and it’s important for me to be part of it all – officially as well.”
About UCplus Sønderborg
UCplus Language Center Sønderborg is located at Sundsmarkvej 12A, 6400 Sønderborg.
The language center offers all levels of the official Danish Education programs (Danskuddannelse 1, 2, and 3) as well as FVU Danish courses.
Classes take place at the language center, online, and at companies and educational institutions, including SDU Sønderborg, SDU Esbjerg, and AAU Esbjerg.
All teachers have extensive experience guiding participants successfully through their courses and helping them achieve their goals. Our own goal is to help every participant get off to a great start in Denmark through high-quality Danish instruction.