The Danish Language Course
The Danish Language Course
What is The Danish Language Course?
“The Danish Language Course” is the official Danish Course (in Danish: DanskUddannelse = DU). It is a state-subsidized course designed for newcomers in Denmark and is free of charge.
The Danish Language Course can open doors to further education and employment opportunities. The exam is valuable if you wish to apply for a permanent residence permit, citizenship, admission to an educational program, or if you need to document your language skills, such as when applying for a job
At VSKdansk we offer:
- Minimum 9 lessons in daytime class
- 6 lessons in evening class
- Individual language training in a study centre
- Access to a library
- The possibility of online classes
How long it takes to complete the Danish Language Course differs from student to student, but if you follow the program and do not take long breaks, you are likely to complete it within two years.
Time and place
You can attend Danish classes during daytime, in the evening, on Saturdays and online. Onsite classes take place at our language schools in Greater Copenhagen (VSK Gostrup, VSK Ballerup, and VSK Amager). All three language schools are located nearby public transportation.
- Daytime classes are three days a week
- Evening classes are two days a week
- Online classes have flexible hours and are supported by an online learning platform in e-Sprogcenter.
Interview
Before you can start attending Danish classes, we would like to see you for an interview with one of our language counselors. Together, you will find out which course is most rewarding for you. We will also ask you to decide on day, evening or online classes.
You can choose to book an interview in Glostrup, Ballerup or Amager. If you wish to follow Danish Online and are unable to show up at our language schools, you can book an online meeting here.
Book an interview
Three programs
The Danish Language Course is divided into three programs – DU1, DU2, and DU3. We offer classes in each of them. The most suitable program for you depends on your educational background and experience in learning foreign languages
Model of what you learn in each Danish Language Course.
All three Danish Language Courses, DU1, DU2, and DU3, are divided into six modules. Each module concludes with a module test. Upon passing the module test, you progress to the next module. After completing the final module, you finish the Danish Language Course with a state-controlled exam – PD1, PD2, or PD3. At DU3, an additional module called ‘Studieprøven’ exists; it is at the highest level of The Danish Language Course. Exams are held twice a year – in summer and winter. Exam classes commence in August and January.
The Danish Language Course 1 (DU1)
DU1 is for those who haven’t learned how to read and write in their native language or are unfamiliar with the Latin alphabet.
The goal is for you to learn Danish at a level that enables you to manage an everyday life in Denmark. E.g. you will become capable of communicating in a practical job, speaking Danish when shopping, visiting the doctor, or attending a parent-teacher meeting at your children’s school.
We start out with the basics. You will learn the latin alphabet. We focus on your spoken language, but you will also learn how to read and write small texts. Additionally, you will learn about Danish culture and social norms in Denmark.
DU1 consists of six modules, and you complete module 6 with the test “Prøve i Dansk 1” (PD1). You can use PD1 as documentation for your Danish language skills when applying for jobs.
The Danish Language Course 2 (DU2)
The DU2 program is for those who have attended school for 8-10 years in their home country.
The program will educate you to master the Danish language at a level where you are capable of participating in qualifying professional courses, further education and succeed in the job market.
DU2 consists of 6 modules, and you complete module 6 with the test Prøve i Dansk 2 (PD2). The exam is useful if you wish to apply for permanent residence in Denmark.
The Danish Language Course 3 (DU3)
DU3 is a program for those who have attended school in their home country for more than 10 years and speak at least one other foreign language. DU3 is at the highest level within the Danish Language Courses Program.
DU3 will qualify you to be admitted to an education in Denmark using Danish as a learning language and succeed in a job function requiring good Danish skills. Furthermore, our ambition is that you will be capable of participating in the Danish society – for example by doing voluntary work or sitting in the board of an association – e.g. a sports club.
We emphasize that you become proficient in discussing, arguing, reading, and writing. In the lessons, you will also learn about Danish culture and societal conditions.
DU3 consists of 6 modules, and you complete module 5 with Prøve i Dansk 3 (PD3), which provides access to competency-giving courses, education, and the Danish job market. You can use PD3 to apply for citizenship.
Module 6 (Studieprøven) is an additional module. At this level you will learn how to write and speak Danish at an academic level. You will need Studieprøven if you wish to be admitted to a higher education (university level) in Denmark.
Grades
The students at VSKdansk perform well on exams. You can see their grades here.
Rules
Many rules are associated with The Danish Language Course, and it is important that you have knowledge of the overall principles.
5 years
All newcomers have the right to 5 years of free Danish lessons from the day they receive their CPR-number – that is, “sundhedskortet” (the yellow health care card).
Free of charge
The Danish Language Course is free of charge, but employees and students have to pay a deposit of 2000 DKK.
Refugees
Refuges are obligated to learn Danish and exempt from paying a deposit.
How much is the deposit?
The deposit is 2000 DKK and only paid once. Learn more and pay here.
Who is required to pay a deposit?
You are required to pay a deposit if you are working, studying, or otherwise self-supporting in Denmark. Refugees are exempt from paying a deposit.
When do you need to pay a deposit?
You pay a deposit when you have been enrolled at the language school by an advisor. You cannot start a course until we have received your payment.
How do I pay the deposit?
You pay from our website. You can pay here.
When do I get my deposit refunded?
You will have the deposit refunded when you pass the Danish Language Course, or when you pass a module test and do not wish to continue with The Danish Language Course.
Can I lose my deposit?
Yes, you can lose the deposit if you do not complete a module within a specified timeframe. Here you can see how much time you have to complete each module. The timeframe is the same per module across all three Danish Language Courses. You can still continue attending Danish classes even if you lose your deposit.
| Module | The number of months you have to complete the module |
| 1 | 6 |
| 2 | 6 |
| 3 | 7 |
| 4 | 8 |
| 5 | 9 |
| 6 | 9 |
Danish Online
Do you need flexibility to make ends meet? Learn about how we teach online in e-Sprogcenter.