Mastering Danish

5 tips to improve your speaking skills

You’ve been practicing for weeks. Heart pounding, you step up to the counter. “Hej, må jeg bede om en kaffe latte?” Close enough, you think. Until the barista replies, “Would you like to drink it here or to go?”

Just like that, your effort feels wasted. Defeated, you wonder if you’ll ever master Danish. It’s tempting to give up right then and there. But here’s the thing: you can get better. I’ve been there, and I’ll share how I went from fumbling sentences to confidently speaking Danish.

Hi, my name is Justina!

I am a new Communications Student Assistant at Danish Industry, responsible for the Expat in Denmark channels.

I moved to Denmark 4,5 years ago to study, and since then, I’ve completed my degree and worked full-time for 1,5 years while learning Danish. Today, I’m proud to be studying in Danish at the University of Copenhagen.

Integrating in Denmark has been an ongoing adventure, and I’ve gathered many valuable experiences along the way. I'm excited to share them with you!

Next week, I’ll be sharing my experience of living in Denmark – from studies and work to everyday tips and leisure activities on Instagram @expatindenmark. Be sure to follow along!

But now, let's get to my speaking tips!

1. Listen while you read

My pronunciation improved significantly when I started reading while listening! Here’s the trick: pick a book you enjoy, whether it’s a language-learning favourite like Harry Potter or a Danish classic. Make sure there’s an audiobook version available, too. You can borrow e-books and audiobooks for free from eReolen, a fantastic library service.

Slow the playback speed to 0.5x and follow along. This technique helps you recognize sounds, sentence flow, and intonation. Though starting slowly may feel unusual, it’s highly effective. I began my journey at 0.5x speed and soon after enjoyed reading at regular speed.

Prefer movies? Dive into Danish TV series that intrigue you. They're excellent for unwinding while sharpening language skills. Free options abound on DR TV, Filmstriben (yet another awesome library service) or you can go old-school and borrow a DVD from your local library.

Love singing in the shower? Practice Danish songs to blend fun with learning. It's a method that worked wonders for my English accent.

2. Practice is the way to fluency

Speaking Danish is like a sport; you need to train your mouth to handle new sounds. Practice with fellow learners as it helps you to improve without the pressure of speaking with native speakers. That’s because the stakes are lower, and you can relax more.

Look for local language cafés or start one yourself. If that feels too social, find a buddy from your Danish class or online and only speak Danish together. Having a friend to talk about everyday life in Danish was a game-changer for me as it made learning fun and less lonely. Volunteering in, for example, second-hand stores also provides opportunities for practice with friendly Danes.

Lastly, practice speaking to yourself. It might feel odd, but voicing your thoughts and daily reflections in Danish activates vocabulary and improves pronunciation, all without embarrassment (well, unless someone overhears that).

3. Build your vocabulary and sentence structure

Pronunciation is vital, but constructing clear sentences is equally important. Focus on grammatical correctness and resist mixing in English words. Strive for progress, not perfection. Even as I study and work in Danish, I make mistakes; but accepting them and moving on is key to mastering the language.

4. Find your weak points & work on them

If pronunciation issues persist or others find it difficult to understand you, it’s essential to pinpoint the cause. You have two ways to identify your weak points: you can seek feedback from native Danish speakers, such as your Danish teacher, colleagues, friends, or volunteers at language cafés.

Alternatively, try recording yourself speaking and listen to the playback. Listening to recordings of me speaking Danish highlights mistakes that I rarely notice in real-time. Although it feels awkward, it’s a powerful tool for spotting and correcting recurring errors. The Danish 'r' and I are lifelong enemies, but with dedicated practice, I’ve managed to forge a truce.

5. Stick with Danish

When someone switches to English, it can feel discouraging, but it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. They’re often just trying to help or they may not speak Danish themselves. Instead of giving up, stick to Danish. You can gently redirect the conversation with a polite phrase like, “Jeg prøver at lære dansk.”

Learning a language is a gradual process, and fluency takes time. Persist. Each interaction, no matter how small, strengthens your skills. Over time, these moments add up, helping you build both confidence and the ability to hold your ground in Danish.

And remember to take pride in your accent (as long as it’s understandable enough). Striving for correct pronunciation is important, but your Danish will always have a charming uniqueness influenced by your mother tongue. Flaunt it! And good luck!

Expat check-in: tell us about your life in Denmark!

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If you live or have lived as an expat in Denmark, please take a few minutes to answer some questions about your insights into life here 🚀

📅 The survey is open until April 14^th

🎁 As a thank-you, five lucky participants will win a €50 gift card (GoGift or Amazon)

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Language cafés

What would a newsletter about speaking practice be without suggestions for language cafés? Below you can find a collection of language cafés (click on the underlined text).

Can't see your city? Check out your local library's website. Many have language café offers that you can use.