She Never Thought She’d Learn Danish. Now She Has Applied for Danish Citizenship

7. September 2026

She Never Thought She’d Learn Danish. Now She Has Applied for Danish Citizenship

When Adriana arrived at DTU from Mexico, she never imagined she would stay in Denmark. Almost ten years later, she has built a life here, and her message to new international students is simple: don’t wait to start learning Danish.

When Adriana moved from Mexico to Denmark to study at DTU, she had no plans of staying. And learning Danish was certainly not a priority.

“I expected that I would return to Mexico. I focused on my studies and didn’t think I had time to learn Danish,” she explains.

Fortunately, a fellow student changed her mind and convinced her to start Danish classes as a welcome break from her engineering studies.

Today, almost 10 years later, her life looks very different from what she had expected. She has stayed in Denmark, built a career with a permanent job and an industrial PhD, gotten married, and completed the entire Danish language programme. She has even applied for Danish citizenship and is now waiting for a decision.

None of this was something she could have imagined when she first tried, in a fit of laughter, to pronounce æ, ø, and å.

Her advice to new international students:

Start learning Danish as early as possible. You never know what the future may bring.

It’s Easier Than You Think

Many international students are intimidated by the reputation of Danish as one of the world’s most difficult languages.

Adriana knows that feeling well.

“I used to think Danish was impossible. But looking back, it was really my own perception of how difficult it would be that held me back.”

The first modules are not about perfect pronunciation or complicated grammar. They are about getting started, learning the most basic vocabulary, and becoming familiar with the language.

“Module 1 was actually a lot of fun. We laughed a lot in class, and when you have a good teacher, it becomes a really enjoyable experience.”

You’ll Meet Others in the Same Situation

Danish classes are not only about learning a language.

They also provide an opportunity to meet other international students who are in exactly the same situation as you.

For many newcomers, building a network in a new country can be challenging. Danish classes can therefore be a natural place to form new friendships and connections.

Adriana is still in touch with several of the people she met through her Danish courses.

“Many of my friends met through Danish classes, even though they were enrolled in different programmes at DTU. Several of us are still friends today.”

For international students, the social community can be just as valuable as the language instruction itself.

You’ll Be Busier Later

Many people think they can postpone learning Danish until they have more time. But after graduation come jobs, deadlines, responsibilities, and perhaps even a family. Finding the time and energy to learn the language becomes more difficult. On top of that, the free language programme is only available for a limited period.

“As a student, you often have more flexibility. If you start now, you can build your language skills gradually,” Adriana emphasizes.

She points to several friends who started early and had already passed advanced Danish language exams by the time they completed their degrees.

No One Can Predict the Future

Over the years, Danish language education has changed in both cost and accessibility. At the moment, courses are free of charge against a refundable deposit, which is returned upon successful completion. However, it was not long ago that participants had to pay for the courses themselves, and there is no guarantee that the current model will remain in place.

But perhaps the most important message is that you do not need to have your future figured out.

For many international students, plans change along the way. You find a student job, meet a partner, discover exciting career opportunities, or simply realize that you enjoy living in Denmark. That’s exactly what happened to Adriana.

“I never imagined that I would still be here ten years later.”

Today, she uses Danish in everyday life, in meetings, at the doctor’s office, and when interacting with public authorities and businesses. And although she is still working on improving her skills, she has no doubt that starting early was worth it.

My Advice to New Students

If Adriana could give just one piece of advice to new international students, it would be this:

“Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start now. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be willing to try.”

Maybe you’ll stay in Denmark. Maybe you won’t. But either way, you’ll gain new skills, new experiences, and new people in your life.

Events bring UCplus students together

25. August 2026

Events bring UCplus students together

Professional talks, social activities, workshops, and community events provide students with more opportunities to practice Danish in real-life situations, meet new people, and build relationships both inside and outside the classroom.

Social life at UCplus Language Center Copenhagen is thriving.

So far in 2026, more than 50 events have been held, in addition to the weekly pronunciation and language cafés. The ongoing focus on fostering a strong social environment at the language center is based on a clear belief that community and well-being go hand in hand with language development.

“There is great interest in our events. Participants are very curious, and we receive a lot of positive feedback. These events help strengthen both the sense of community and the feeling of belonging, not only at the school but also in Copenhagen,” says Ida Nicole Mølgaard, Language Consultant and Events Coordinator at UCplus.

Spaces for Dialogue and Community

For many students, the events are not just about the experience itself, but also about gaining more opportunities to actively use Danish and meet new people. Great emphasis is therefore placed on creating settings where dialogue, language practice, and community can develop naturally.

“We put a lot of effort into creating spaces for dialogue and interaction. Many participants come alone and do not know anyone beforehand, so we help get conversations started and create an environment where participants have something in common to connect around,” says Ida Nicole Mølgaard.

Student Selena recognizes this experience, having taken part in several of the activities.

“I think it is fantastic that UCplus offers both regular language cafés, pronunciation workshops, and a wide variety of social events where everyone can participate and meet new people outside our regular Danish classes. We quickly became friends through fun activities and enjoyable conversations, and we have created our own local community around them,” she says.

Something for Everyone

The events cover a wide range of interests, from professional presentations and career-focused events with external speakers to workshops and social activities such as winter swimming and build-your-own smørrebrød sessions.

“This gives students points of reference that they can continue to build on both linguistically and socially afterwards. Ultimately, it is about talking together and building relationships,” says Ida Nicole Mølgaard.

See upcoming events as well as weekly language and pronunciation cafés here

Do you have a great idea for our next event?
We would love to hear from you. Send your suggestion to Ida Nicole Mølgaard at im@ucplus.dk.

From Employee to Citizen Through Danish Language Training

28. July 2026

From Employee to Citizen Through Danish Language Training

At Guldsmeden Hotels, the working language is English. For that reason, the company sees it as an important responsibility to support international employees in learning Danish and becoming part of society beyond the workplace.

“We have many employees who should, of course, still have the opportunity to learn Danish,” says Hotel Manager Mette Katrine Baasch.

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.

UCplus renews the contract for Danish language education in Copenhagen

4. February 2026

UCplus renews the contract for Danish language education in Copenhagen

For the next six years, we will continue the important work of providing high-quality Danish language education and creating opportunities through the language.

Contract signing for Danish language education in municipality of Copenhagen on February 4th with a signing ceremony at Copenhagen City Hall.

The Danish language education is about more than just language. It is about creating competent, engaged citizens who can actively contribute to the community. To carry this responsibility forward, the municipality of Copenhagen has once again chosen UCplus!

“We are very proud to once again have won the important task of offering Danish language education to adult foreigners in Copenhagen. It is a huge vote of confidence and recognition of our efforts over the past eight years. A trust that obligates and motivates us in our work to ensure participation, opportunities, and a lasting connection to Denmark,” says Simone Aagaard, CEO of UCplus.

Quality in teaching and relevant offerings

High quality in teaching and a strong focus on practical language use will continue to be our priority, so our students can use the language both in everyday life and in the workplace.

At the same time, we continuously develop our didactics and pedagogy and use digital solutions in our teaching so that learning remains modern, flexible, and closely connected to the student’s needs.

“Our skilled teachers, administration, and management have created fantastic results over the past eight years. We are very excited to continue the work of developing Danish language education in Copenhagen,” says Mette Lherbier, Head of Language Center Copenhagen.

Teaching will continue to be supplemented with social and professional events. We will keep inviting relevant partners and offering job- and education-oriented activities. This gives the students the opportunity to apply the language in practice, build networks, and strengthen their participation in society.

Simone Aagaard signs the contract at Copenhagen City Hall.

Value-creating partnerships

Danish language education helps ensure a qualified workforce and a lasting connection to Copenhagen and Denmark. Over the next six years, we will continue the strong collaboration with the municipality, businesses, and educational institutions.

Through flexible and targeted programs, the Danish language will be made accessible and relevant for our students, so they can actively and meaningfully become part of the Danish community and translate their knowledge into real value for themselves, society, and the labor market. Finally, we will continue celebrating, recognizing, and supporting our fantastic students who show engagement, courage, and the will to learn and develop!

How UCplus Adapts Danish Language Teaching for Blind and Visually Impaired Learners

10. December 2025

How UCplus Adapts Danish Language Teaching for Blind and Visually Impaired Learners

Imagine a Danish teacher. She stands at the board, pulls the cap off the marker, and quickly scribbles: I’m going for a walk. With circles, crosses, numbers, and underlining, she points and explains that the verb goes in second position and the subject in first. “There are also a couple of good examples on page 54,” she says encouragingly.

Does that make sense?

Now imagine that you are a foreigner — and blind.

When you can’t see the materials the rest of us take for granted, you need entirely new approaches. John Morgan, his Danish teacher Tine Karlsson from UCplus, and Sabina Andersen, social worker at the Institute for the Blind and Partially Sighted (IBOS) in the City of Copenhagen, offer insight into how Danish language education can be adapted for people with visual impairments.

Photo by Simon Klein, IBOS

John’s Path into the Danish Language

John Morgan is 63 and a former linguistics researcher in the U.S. military. He lost his sight at the age of 18 and today lives with complete blindness. Together with his Danish wife, he moved from the United States to Denmark in 2021. He wanted to learn Danish quickly to apply for citizenship, but the language challenged him more than he had expected.

“I thought it would be easier because I’ve learned several languages. But it has been difficult. I needed a place that understood my needs,” he says.

Fortunately, there was a good solution: UCplus’ Danish classes at IBOS.

Specially Adapted Courses

Teaching blind and visually impaired learners requires a different approach.

Classes are small, solutions are flexible, and the focus is always on the individual participant. The teaching is also organised as part of a broader rehabilitation programme.

Tine Karlsson has a background in linguistics, further education in dyslexia, and experience with communication disabilities. After four years at IBOS, she has — together with the learners and the professional staff — built a solid foundation for this tailored form of instruction.

Above all, the teaching must be flexible and practical. If John couldn’t attend in person, Tine moved the lessons online. At the same time, they worked with language in real-life situations.

“We walked out of the classroom and trained physically. Once, we walked around the institute, and I could ask questions in the situations that arose. It was very helpful and gave both of us a better understanding of what we needed to work on,” John explains.

Language was no longer just theory — it became something he could use directly in everyday life.

One of the themes that became especially important in the lessons was transport — an area where many people with visual impairments face challenges.

“I’ve taken the wrong train several times because I didn’t know which direction it was going. Sighted people just check the screen, but we blind people have to ask,” he explains.

Methods, Materials, and Technology

Tine also adapts materials and working methods so participants with different levels of visual impairment get the greatest possible benefit.

The teaching builds on listening exercises, dialogue, and repetition.

“I prioritise a smooth flow in the lessons rather than having learners spend time writing things down. So I take notes and send them afterwards,” says Tine Karlsson.

Word documents with a clear structure generally work better than PDFs — partly because they allow easier menu navigation, adjustable font size, screen-reader compatibility, or — in John’s case — conversion to braille.

“Tine was open to doing things differently, and she was very patient. When she sent the materials, I could translate them myself. That was important for my learning process,” John says.

Significant Progress

John now feels a marked difference in his daily life. The language opens new social spaces and gives him more confidence.

“My friends have stopped speaking English in front of me. I can sit with my friends, and they speak Danish. I also stand in the metro and understand what’s being said. I feel much more comfortable,” he says.

Municipal Interest in Flexible Teaching

John’s development shows how targeted, adapted instruction can help people with visual impairments become more active participants in society.

“The importance of knowing Danish is the same for people with visual impairments as it is for sighted people. It matters socially in private life, at work, or in education. In addition, Danish skills support active participation in society and social communities,” says Sabina Andersen, social worker at IBOS.

“We greatly value the collaboration with the teacher from UCplus. We have also heard from another municipality that they are interested in a similar setup, and we have shared our experiences with them,” she says.

If you would like to hear more or discuss options for a tailored course for a specific target group, you can contact your local UCplus language centre. We provide guidance on classes, assistive tools, and collaboration models so Danish language education becomes more accessible and useful for everyone.

Fast Track to Danish at Work

17. September 2025

Fast Track to Danish at Work

The textbook Sådan 1 gives newly arrived foreigners the vocabulary, ready-to-use lines, and confidence to dive into Danish at work and in everyday life. The book’s author is a language consultant at UCplus Copenhagen.

Small talk like “What are your plans for the weekend?” or “Where do you live?” is essential when you start at a new workplace in Denmark—but it can be tricky for newcomers. The textbook Sådan 1. Beginner’s Danish for Foreigners helps learners quickly use Danish in the situations they meet at work and in everyday life. The book’s author is a language consultant at UCplus Copenhagen.

“Many of our newly arrived course participants are already working and have busy lives, so they need to learn functional Danish quickly and effectively. With Sådan 1, learners get a toolbox with pronunciation exercises, useful vocabulary and practical grammar they can put to use immediately,” says language consultant Frank Sebastian Hansen, author of Sådan 1 and a language consultant at UCplus Copenhagen. He has just returned to Denmark and to UCplus after four years as a Visiting Lecturer in Danish at the University of Texas in Austin, USA.

Rapid progression

Sådan 1 is designed for beginners at the language centres’ Danish Education 3. The book consists of 21 chapters on everyday topics such as family, work and education. Each chapter is organised into clear “universes” with familiar exercise types and structures.

“Everything is in a fixed place, so learners quickly feel comfortable with the material and can spend their energy on using the language in the right context. The clear structure allows for fast progression in teaching,” explains Frank Sebastian Hansen. The book also includes set dialogue formats and partner activities that get learners speaking in class—and encourages them to go out and practise at work. “The book unites the best of two worlds: a tight structure and plenty of opportunities to talk and develop language in practice,” says the author, who holds an MA in Danish and has previously taught at, among others, Studieskolen and KISS.

A strong fit for online and university classes

Frank Sebastian Hansen co-wrote Sådan 1 with Einar Helleland. Together they have published a handful of other textbooks, including the follow-up classic Så kan du lære det for learners on Danish Education 3. At UCplus Copenhagen, these books are a core part of our classroom materials, says Deputy Head and Pedagogical Lead Jakob Bang Termansen.

“We use Sådan 1 in our online and university classes, where it helps learners make fast progress with their Danish skills. The books are well-crafted and built on functional Danish,” says Jakob Bang Termansen, adding that it’s a major advantage to have textbook authors in-house: direct access to the source when questions arise, and a writing process that includes sparring with colleagues and testing materials with classes—spreading insights across many teachers.

There is also a Sådan 2, and a revised edition of Sådan 1 is on the way—expected in spring 2026.