Danish lessons help international employees at Landal Holiday Park
At Landal Holiday Park in Søhøjlandet, the management has introduced Danish lessons for the cleaning team, aiming to strengthen daily communication and build a genuine sense of community among the staff. The goal has been to create a solid foundation for teamwork, wellbeing, and staff retention, with language as the key.
The international staff in the cleaning team at Landal Holiday Park are learning Danish at work to improve their communication the sense of community.
Language improves team spirit and efficiency
When Kirstine Bruun took over as head of the cleaning team three years ago, she quickly recognised the need to bring the team closer together. Having previously worked with international employees in agriculture, she knew how crucial language is to creating a well-functioning team. So, she arranged for Danish lessons during working hours—and everyone agreed to take part.
“I wanted to create a ‘third culture’—a shared workplace culture where we could truly understand one another through language,” Kirstine explains.
It has proved to be a worthwhile investment. The Danish lessons have enabled staff to become more independent, take on greater responsibility, and engage more confidently in their work.
Kirstine herself plays an active role in supporting staff language development. In her office, she keeps a basket filled with useful Danish words relevant to the team’s work.
When new employees join, they each pick out two new words every day—words like ‘gulvmoppe’ (floor mop) or ‘køkkenbord’ (kitchen table).
“This helps them build their vocabulary day by day. It also shows we value them by investing in their development, and it boosts their confidence in speaking Danish,” Kirstine adds.
Lessons focused on Danish Society and workplace culture
The Danish course at Landal is part of an FVU Start programme, taught by UCplus language consultant Sussi Brøndum Riise. Lessons are built around the participants’ daily lives and experiences, both at work and as residents in Denmark. For example, they discuss Danish public holidays like Constitution Day and explore what it means to live in a democracy.
Grammar is practised to help participants speak clearly and accurately, while conversation exercises ensure they can put the language into use in practical situations. They discuss how to communicate effectively in a Danish workplace, the importance of greeting colleagues each day, and who to approach when in doubt.
These lessons provide a safe environment for employees to grow in confidence while gaining insight into how Danish workplace culture operates—making everyday life easier and more secure.
Building confidence and community
Polina from Bulgaria, who has lived in Denmark for over seven years, says the Danish lessons have made a real difference: “Each week I feel a little more confident because I understand more and more. It’s important for me to speak Danish because I live and work here—and I need to be able to talk with teachers and childminders.”
Anastasiia from Ukraine adds: “Learning the language helps me communicate better with my colleagues, and that makes life easier. I understand more than I can say, but I keep trying, and my colleagues help me.”
Staff—new and experienced alike—now share lunch together, chatting in Danish and supporting each other in their learning. Danish has become a shared project and a tool for both professional and social development.
Help your international employees learn Danish
UCplus offers a range of flexible solutions for company Danish. Lessons can take place at the workplace, at the nearest language center, or through online instruction.
UCplus handles all coordination and provides skilled instructors who conduct Danish lessons at the employees’ level.
It is possible to apply for lost earnings if the lessons are held during working hours. UCplus also helps with the application process.