Danish classes at the office gives international employees more opportunities at Danske Bank

More flexibility

“Now it’s possible to attend lessons right after work for most of us,” says Christelle Launay, Audit manager for LC&I Group Internal Audit. Originally from France, she is learning Danish at intermediate level in a UCplus class at Danske Bank. “Because classes take place here at the office, I save a lot of time. I also attend more often. We can even join online if we’re not in Copenhagen. Our colleagues also help keep us motivated – we go to class together, share news, help each other with homework and reach out easily.”

Stronger connections to colleagues

“We want to create a great workplace for all employees,” says Lars Aabling-Thomsen, board member of Finansforbundet at Danske Bank. Together with the Danske Bank Internationals Community Network, the bank and the union launched the language class initiative, alongside activities such as International Lunch Roulette. Lars Aabling-Thomsen has seen a clear increase in interest since the international network began promoting it. “It helps create connections – both across departments, where colleagues become classmates, and with Danes they work with daily.”

For Christelle Launay, the Danish lessons are also about building both professional and social networks. After living abroad for many years including a long-term stay in Hong Kong, she chose to settle in one of her favorite European cities, Copenhagen. “When I learn Danish, my colleagues can see I really mean it. If you invest in yourself and show long-term commitment to living here, your relationships respond the same way. That’s when deeper connections can grow,” she says.

Pride and responsibility for employees

At Danske Bank, logistics are handled by volunteer employees who act as Class Leads. They coordinate lessons, welcome the teacher, manage logistics and gather feedback. As a Class Lead, Christelle Launay says she feels more engaged: “When I welcome the teacher, I’m proud to show our beautiful building, and I want them to feel at home here.”

According to Henriette Romme, the Class Lead role also develops useful skills: “We see people grow with the responsibility, and they gain competencies that they can use in other parts of the company.”

Danish by the coffee machine

“At the coffee machine and at lunch, conversations are often in Danish, and it can be difficult to join in without everyone switching to English – so that’s often where we start,” says UCplus teacher Daniel Tandberg. “On beginner levels, we focus on small talk, weekend plans and everyday expressions. At higher levels, we work with current news and cultural topics.”

Christelle Launay confirms: “I use Danish mostly during small talk at lunch and coffee, and when I travel outside Copenhagen. I also read Danish newspapers at the office, like Børsen.”

“The teacher becomes a real partner at the workplace. We share the same experiences, practice through role plays and then discuss how it worked in real life the following week,” says Daniel Tandberg.

“Language and culture are important to learn because they help reduce misunderstandings at work,” adds Henriette Romme. “Many internationals bring their families, and the better prepared they are for life in Denmark, the more possibilities and motivation they have to stay.”

Danish classes for companies

UCplus offers flexible corporate Danish solutions, either on-site, at the nearest language center or online. UCplus handles all coordination and provides teachers at the right level. It is also possible to apply for compensation if lessons are held during working hours – something UCplus supports as well.