Danish Language and Culture Courses

Enhance your experience abroad, learn how to navigate cultural contexts, and gain the tools to better understand Denmark’s people, history, and traditions. Find out why 60% of all DIS students take a Danish Language and Culture course!

Apply Your Danish to Real-World Contexts

Explore the ambivalent concept of hygge and the nuances of local culture by delving into Denmark’s history, literature, arts, and contemporary topics. You will gain a larger perspective and confidence to navigate cross-cultural discussions with your Homestay, Visiting Host, friends, and locals.

Master your pronunciation of Danish vowels Æ, Ø, and Å! Enjoy walking out of class to a nearby café where you will be able to buy a cup of coffee and wienerbrød in Danish.

To be honest, I was not extremely excited about learning Danish. However, this class ended up being one of my favorite classes of this semester. I think the cultural aspect of the class really shaped my experience here and gave me a deeper understanding of Denmark I would not have gotten even if I lived here for an entire year. Talking about happiness, trust, education, prison systems, national identity, and so much more complemented the experience of living here perfectly. I actually used a lot of our discussions in papers for other classes as well.”

Ladin, Pomona College

Uncover Copenhagen’s Rich Culture and History

Cultural assignments take you to unique historical sites in Copenhagen to interview Danes, walk in the footsteps of key figures, and analyze great art and structures. By uncovering the city’s past, you have meaningful cross-cultural debates about today’s society back in the classroom.

Course Options

Whether you come knowing quite a bit of Danish or none at all, we have levels to suite you:

Field Studies: Making Copenhagen Your Classroom

What better way to understand the culture in Copenhagen than to experience it! Examples of Field Studies include:

  • A historical tour of one of the many spectacular castles or cathedrals in the region
  • A screening of the Danish movie ‘A Royal Affair’ followed by a visit to Christiansborg Palace
  • See a thought-provoking performance at Tivoli, Copenhagen’s famous amusement park
  • Access significant historical sites to understand Denmark’s role in WWII
  • Engage in a cultural exchange with students at a local gymnasium (high school)