Danish is one of the oldest languages in Europe and is spoken not only in Denmark but also in other countries. It is unique in its linguistic features, which are closely related to the various dialects.
Want to learn Danish effectively online?
While many language learning apps do not offer Danish, I have found and tested ten apps that do offer this beautiful and interesting language. After I tested the Danish learning apps on quality of courses, variety of exercises, cost, usability, design and user feedback, I am ready to introduce you to the highlights. Join me in discovering which app is best for you!
The Danish Language, its Status and Specific Features
Before we explore language learning apps, it’s important to understand the specific features of the Danish language. Understanding its nuances lays the foundation for effective learning.
Danish, or Dansk, belongs to the East Scandinavian group within the Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family. Spoken by around 5.4 million people in Denmark, its influence extends to countries such as Canada, Germany, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates and the United States, for a total of around 5.6 million speakers worldwide.
Derived from the Old Norse language, Danish is closely related to Norwegian and Swedish. Old Norse was historically spoken in the Scandinavian regions that include present-day Norway, Denmark and Sweden. This linguistic heritage shapes Danish’s unique identity and forms the basis for its modern expressions.
I noticed this first hand at my first job in Malta. There, as an online marketing manager for the Norwegian market at a Swedish online affiliate company, I noticed Norwegians talking to their Danish and Swedish colleagues in their own language. Despite the different languages, communication flowed easily and fluently.
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The key facts and unique features of the Danish language summarised:
Status: Danish is the official language of Denmark and is also used in Greenland, where Greenlandic Inuktitutomi is also significant. In the Faroe Islands, Danish is a compulsory subject in primary schools. In addition, Danish is spoken by the Danish minority in Southern Schleswig, a region of Germany close to the Danish border, where it has the status of a protected minority language.
Dialects: Danish is generally divided into two main dialect groups, namely Bornholmsk (East Danish) and Sønderjysk (South Jutlandic). Standard Danish is based on East Danish, which is spoken in and around the capital, Copenhagen, and is used in major cities, educational institutions and the media.
Due to the geographical diversity of Denmark, which consists of numerous islands and peninsulas, there are many other regional dialects, which are not always mutually understandable. There are 32 dialects, which are often difficult to understand even for native Danish speakers.
Phonetics: Danish phonology also features long and short vowel phonemes, with a total of 10 pairs. Consonants are typically short. The emphasis is on the root syllable. A uvular or laryngeal “r” has developed, similar to a phenomenon in some Norwegian and Swedish dialects. Strong aspiration of unvoiced plosives and fortition of voiced plosives are also noticeable.
High accent (Stød): There is a noticeable accent in Danish called “stød”. This accent is realised through a glottal stop or a creaky voice and is sometimes called “laryngealisation”. In laryngealisation, the vocal cords are pressed tightly together, resulting in vibrations below the frequency of normal speech. In most Danish dialects, “stød” only occurs in stressed syllables that end with a voiced consonant.
Word formation: In Danish, words are formed by adding suffixes to nouns and adjectives, prefixes to verbs and nouns, and by creating new words – both nominal and verbal. Danish has a great potential for creating new words, and the most detailed Danish dictionaries can contain up to 200,000 words.
Word order: In declarative sentences, the normal word order follows the subject/verb/object pattern. In questions, however, the order changes to verb-subject-object.
Alphabet: The Danish alphabet consists of 29 letters, 26 of which match the Latin alphabet and three additional letters: Æ, Ø, Ã….Â
The letters C, Q, W, X and Z do not exist in Danish, but are retained in some foreign names and loanwords.
Is it Easy to Learn Danish?
The main challenge is pronunciation. In this language, pronunciation is very loose and all consonants appear voiceless, while each vowel conveys different sounds.
The phonetic structure of the language is very different from other Scandinavian languages. For example, a Norwegian can read a Danish text without difficulty, but often finds the spoken language more challenging, partly due to significant differences in pronunciation.
It’s important to learn all these nuances and understand the difference, because even slight variations in sound can change the meaning of a word. For example, the meaning of the word “tør” depends on how the vowel is pronounced. If the sound is flat [ø], it means “thaws”. If it is pronounced like the English word “turn”, the meaning changes to “laughs”. A vowel pronounced with a guttural sound means “dry”.
Danish is a language with many vowels and few consonants. The consonants can help to identify the beginning and end of a word, but the large number of vowel sounds makes it more difficult to learn.
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Brief Summary of my Comparison of Apps for Learning Danish
There are many apps for learning languages, but not all of them offer a comprehensive Danish course. My selection of the top 10 apps for learning Danish is based on various criteria, including:
- The volume and structure of the learning materials,
- Teaching methods,
- Costs and subscriptions,
- User-friendliness,
- Presentation of the learning content,
- User reviews.
These factors guided me in making my list of the best apps for learning Danish
Before I go into the details of each app and give you the pros and cons based on my tests, I’d like to give you my personal ranking.
Highly recommended:
Babbel: This app allows you to learn various aspects of Danish quickly and effectively, including grammar, pronunciation, reading and writing.
Mondly: An essential tool for effective vocabulary learning. The app offers a variety of categories and topics related to different areas such as family, countries and languages, food and drink, romance and more.
Italki: A flexible and convenient way to learn Danish. Thanks to its interactive format, you can improve your reading, speaking and writing skills in a short time.
Recommended:
Rosetta Stone: Uses a child-friendly method of learning that combines pictures with listening, speaking and reading. The lack of grammatical explanations or translations for Danish vocabulary is a major drawback of Rosetta Stone.
Memrise: The quality of the lessons varies, often only the basic forms of verbs are taught without conjugations. There is also no audio pronunciation for some Danish words
FunEasyLearn: Allows you to learn over 6000 Danish words in a short time, but doesn’t offer grammar or sentence structure exercises.
LinGo Play: Free, simple vocabulary learning app which helps you learn new words in various subjects. However, it doesn’t cover many aspects of the language, such as grammar, speaking or listening comprehension, for which you should use other apps such as Mondly.
Less recommended:
Duolingo: There’s a free version of the app, but you won’t lose much if you choose the premium version. However, Duolingo’s effectiveness and learning methods are somewhat questionable.
Pimsleur: The Pimsleur method uses daily 30-minute audio files that repeat and mix sentences and vocabulary. The app is expensive and doesn’t include grammar explanations, conjugation tables, etc.
Drops: Offers a wide range of new vocabulary. However, it does not cover more complex topics such as verb conjugations, sentence structure or cultural aspects.
Review of Various Apps for Learning Danish
Below I’ll talk about my own experiences with different language learning apps and tell you which ones I like best. I’ll go into detail about the different courses and lessons, how much they cost, and the pros and cons of these apps.
#1. Babbel
PROs
- Interactive learning exercises.
- Modern speech recognition technology
- Lifelong 24/7 access with free updates
CONs
- Limited focus on grammar
- Limited development of conversational skills
- No learning materials for advanced learners
Founded in 2007, Babbel has won a reputation for its simple approach to language learning. The app offers short, easy to follow lessons that fit smoothly into the daily life of the user.
Babbel focuses heavily on everyday conversations and practical vocabulary, making it an attractive option for those who want to learn a language quickly and effectively.
Here are the current Babbel prices (as of March 2024):
- Three-month subscription: US$15.25 per month
- Six-month subscription: US$13.45 per month
- Twelve-month subscription: US$8.95 per month
- The lifetime subscription is available for a one-time payment of US$349.
#2. Mondly
PROs
- Interactive feature to improve speaking and listening skills
- Focus on practical, everyday conversations.
- Precise language recognition technology
CONs
- Style of the exercises doesn't change as you progress
- Some sentences and translations may contain errors
- No advanced reading or listening exercises
Mondly has over 90 million users around the world and an increasingly large number of successful language learners. The app offers learning plans for 41 different languages worldwide.
Mondly has set itself apart in the language learning industry by combining language learning with Virtual Reality (VR) elements. Mondly has become particularly popular with users looking for an alternative and involving method of language learning.
The Mondly app uses fun learning techniques and advanced language technology to keep you interested in learning Danish. You’ll focus on learning phrases, not just words, and listen to native speakers to improve your pronunciation. You can also practice real conversations with a smart chatbot that’s almost like talking to a real person. For more details, check out our comparison review “Mondly vs Duolingo: Which One’s Better for Learning Languages?“.
Mondly’s subscription plans are flexible, offering monthly, 6-month or yearly options to learn Danish. Keep an eye out for special offers if you’re serious about learning Danish.
#3. Memrise
PROs
- Optimised repetition spacing to improve long-term memory
- Playful approach makes language learning fun
- Focuses on building vocabulary and grammar skills.
CONs
- No focus on advanced grammar exercises
- Lack of professional writing guidance
- Teaching quality often needs improvement
With Memrise you can learn lots of new words and phrases in Danish. Learning is enjoyable through fun games and entertaining video lessons. The app uses innovative teaching methods that allow you to delve deeper into the language. It avoids unnecessary phrases rarely used by native speakers and focuses on essential words for everyday communication.
Memrise offers a user-friendly menu and interface, making it easy to find courses, track progress and practice vocabulary. For more information about the app, read “Memrise vs Duolingo Review: Which App Is Better?”
Memrise Danish language course provides the following:
- Numerous short videos of everyday expressions where you learn not only the word and pronunciation, but also the accent.
- Practical phrases suggested by real native speakers.
- Interactive completion tests to check and reinforce your knowledge.
The Memrise app offers both free and paid subscription options. If you’re after a premium quality service, there are a number of subscription plans available and there are a number of convenient payment options. The main differences between the free and pro subscriptions to Memrise are the additional benefits that are offered by the pro subscription.
#4. Rosetta Stone
PROs
- Complete immersion method
- Progressive lessons and systematic learning path
- Promotes basic language skills
CONs
- No grammar explanations and exercises
- Subscription needed for full access.
- Limited real-life conversation practice
Rosetta Stone offers a comprehensive method of language immersion. You learn Danish through the language itself. With this approach you will quickly start to understand and speak Danish.
Initially available as PC software only, Rosetta Stone is now available on many platforms. Rosetta Stone not only allows you to learn a large vocabulary, but also gives you a high level of confidence so that you feel extremely comfortable in communication. For more details about the app, see my comparison reviews “Babbel vs Rosetta Stone: Which Language App Stands Out?” and “Pimsleur vs Rosetta Stone: Which Language App Suits You Best?“
Rosetta Stone lessons are presented in a clear, interactive style that immerses users directly in the Danish language without feeling overwhelmed, as can happen with other approaches. The language is taught in context, accompanied by images and audio, so it feels less like schoolwork and more like an authentic language experience.
Rosetta Stone’s free trial allows users to try the immersive approach to language learning, though with a limited number of lessons. Full access to all of Rosetta Stone’s lessons and features is only available with a subscription to one of Rosetta Stone’s premium plans. These premium plans, including monthly, annual and lifetime options, provide unlimited access to the platform’s extensive learning resources.
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#5. LinGo Play
PROs
- User-friendly and effective platform
- Interactive games and social interaction options
- Online tournaments between learners
CONs
- Excessive amount of advertisements
- Frequent and annoying notifications
- Low content loading speed
LinGo Play offers an extensive selection of 70 languages and is available for both mobile devices and desktop computers. The app is designed for learners of all levels, from beginner to advanced, and allows them to expand their vocabulary and deepen their language skills.
The app provides access to a wide range of new foreign words and phrases, offers a large dictionary and provides the opportunity to retain new knowledge for many years to come. LinGo Play offers a wide range of features and resources to support language learning, including interactive lessons, flashcards, exercises and quizzes.
The app allows you to study lessons, discover thousands of new words and phrases, and participate in tournaments with learners from around the world.
These tournaments use a ranking system where students are awarded prizes based on their ranking. At the end of the Danish language course, you will receive an electronic certificate from LinGo to show that you have successfully completed the course.
#6. Duolingo
PROs
- Offers various gamified exercises
- Uses native speakers for pronunciation exercises
- Covers vocabulary, grammar, and interactive tasks
CONs
- Emphasis on translation exercises
- Lack depth, especially for advanced language learners
- No detailed grammar explanations
With Duolingo, anyone can learn Danish without any payment. This free language learning app is used by everyone from students to celebrities. Duolingo’s learning method is based on playful learning, which makes learning Danish fun and keeps you engaged even after several months.
Please note that currently only the English – Danish course is available.
The courses are divided into different topics and offer different levels of difficulty. Duolingo promotes both spoken and written language skills, allowing users to reach their desired language level at their own pace.
To access all features, users can opt for a paid premium account, available on a monthly, yearly, or lifetime subscription basis.
Duolingo’s dashboard includes daily goals, challenges, leaderboards, user profiles, streaks, and a point system, providing a comprehensive overview of progress and achievements.
For further details about the app, you can explore the following articles: “What Languages Are Offered on Duolingo?” and “Spanish with Duolingo: Is it Effective for Spanish Language Learning?”Â
#7. FunEasyLearn
PROs
- Offers 3 language levels
- Learn 6000 Danish words in no time
- Learning through interactive games and exercises
CONs
- Too many nouns and not enough verbs
- No grammar or sentence exercises
- The Danish alphabet is not taught
FunEasyLearn allows you to learn 62 of the world’s spoken languages, including Danish. The learning process takes place primarily through the use of games, which are an effective method of teaching new material. Users can select from 30 fun learning games to improve their language skills.
Certified language experts and experienced teachers develop FunEasyLearn courses to teach all the necessary skills for fluent language speaking. This involves the improvement of your vocabulary, the mastery of Danish pronunciation and the learning of the necessary word forms and sentence structures.
The app offers more than 6,000 Danish words, over 5,000 Danish phrases, approximately 11,000 illustrations, and 300,000 audio recordings.
#8. Drops
PROs
- Engaging visual method for a fun learning experience
- Offline learning option for on-the-go practice
- Short daily lessons fit into busy schedules
CONs
- Lack of grammar or conversation exercises
- Higher cost of premium subscription
- Not suitable as a sole learning tool
Drops made learning Danish vocabulary fun. You can start to learn effectively with as little as 5 minutes of practice a day, using the structured learning material in short thematic blocks.
Drops provides engaging illustrations for each word, to help you understand it visually.
Drops updates its vocabulary database often, and adds new words and topics on a regular basis. This feature allows learners to expand their vocabulary and learn about new topics. The platform is a dynamic and continuously updated learning resource.
#9. Italki
PROs
- Tailored to individual needs
- Cost-effective, typically under US$10 per session
- Personalized instruction for specific learning requirements
CONs
- Lack of a free trial version
- Finding a suitable time slot can be time-consuming
- Community features in mobile app only
Italki offers personalised Danish language learning. Instead of pre-taped audio or video, the platform connects you with real, personal tutors.
You can interact with these tutors through video calls and choose from a variety of teachers to meet your specific learning needs. Costs can vary depending on the teacher, and you can switch between them if you’re not satisfied.
Prices typically start at around US$5 for a trial lesson and can go up to US$10-15 per hour depending on the tutor’s experience. You can use filters to find the perfect teacher based on your learning goals, availability and the teacher’s background.
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Italki has a higher price level, but offers high quality and effective language lessons. If you have specific needs, such as professional learning, Italki is an excellent choice.
#10. Pimsleur
PROs
- Practice areas cover speaking and listening comprehensively
- Audio exercises with authentic pronunciation
- Limited free trial version available
CONs
- Sole focus on speaking and listening
- Learning approach may feel dull and repetitive
- Relatively high cost.
Pimsleur is unique in its immersive, audio-based approach to learning, which focuses on pronunciation and real-life communication skills. Pimsleur offers courses in 51 different languages and emphasises audio-focused learning experiences.
Pimsleur structures its lessons to improve speaking skills, with an emphasis on pronunciation and conversation. Pimsleur’s key features include audio-focused learning, step-by-step progression, spaced repetition of exercises, focus on core vocabulary, practical teaching scenarios, active participation and cultural insights.
The courses are usually organised into ‘levels’, each of which consists of 30 lessons. Some language courses have more levels than others, ranging from one to five. The programme has a logical structure that many competitors do not have, and is particularly suitable for learners who want to perfect their pronunciation.
The interface is straightforward, and shows progress in completed lessons and individual achievements.
Pimsleur offers a limited free trial to give you a taste of the engaging audio lessons. For full access to the entire library of audio lessons, a subscription model is used, requiring users to pay for the service.
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Conclusion: the Choice is Complicated
Learning Danish with language learning apps is very convenient: you only need a little time each day, you can learn anywhere and anytime, and you have access to a wealth of information and learning materials. In addition, the apps offer plenty of opportunities to practise the language, pronunciation and specific constructions.
As the apps I tested have been proven to be effective in language learning, I recommend that you decide which apps to use based on your personal goals and preferred learning methods. My top choices for language learning include:
- Babbel, thanks to its variety of exercises,
- Mondly, which stands out for its chatbot interaction,
- Italki, where you can learn with a tutor at affordable prices, and
- FunEasyLearn, ideal for learning vocabulary in a playful way.
To find the one that best suits your individual learning needs and preferences, you can experiment with different learning apps.
No matter which language learning app you choose, remember that continuous learning and practice is the key to learning Danish successfully.
Choose the one that suits you best and start your exciting journey into the fascinating world of Danish today!
If you enjoyed my article, please feel free to share it. Have any questions? Don't hesitate to email me!
Disclaimer: I select and review independently. If you buy through affiliate links, I may earn commissions that help support my testing at no extra cost to you. Please read my full disclosure for more information.
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