Are you planning to study in Copenhagen? If so, learning Danish is something you should consider. This is because almost everyone speaks Danish there, so learning to read, speak, and understand it is appealing. Nevertheless, learning Danish can be difficult. How hard is it? Read on to find out.
Is Danish Hard to Learn?
There is no definite answer on whether Danish is difficult to learn. Depending on who you talk to, the language can be one of the hardest or easiest to master. But the good news is, learning Danish is usually not harder than similar languages such as French, Spanish, or Portuguese.
The level of difficulty depends on various things. The first one is your native language. For Swedes or Norwegians, for instance, learning Danish will be easier than learning German, English, or French. This is because Danish is more similar to Norwegian and Swedish than it is to German, English, and French.
Another thing is that languages are complicated entities. Syntax, sound systems, and morphology can differ from what an individual knows in their native language. Because of this, grammar and syntax can be relatively challenging, while sounds might seem easy or the other way around.
Other things include your education level, motivation, and whether you have learned other languages before. Your environment and the amount of time you have to dedicate also matter.
Why Is Danish Hard to Learn?
As mentioned, Danish is similar to German, French, and English, so if you are a native or a fluent speaker of these three languages, learning Danish may not be difficult for you. Otherwise, Danish is not easy to pick up, especially if your objective is to know how to speak like a native.
When speaking, words seem to blend, and there are some new letters in this language that you need to familiarize yourself with. In the beginning, they may seem confusing. However, you don’t have to worry since they are just like any other letter. Once you learn them, you can use them flawlessly in any word.
Also, you may find Danish challenging since numbers present themselves differently. For instance, the Danish (like the Germans) will read 21 from right to left, i.e., one and two. From number 49, Danish numbers are pronounced as halves, which can be hard for you to remember in the beginning.
Is Learning Danish Necessary?
If you plan to attend school in Copenhagen, you should consider studying Danish. This is because Danish is the official language in Denmark. You can start by learning the basics so that you can easily interact with the locals. Don’t worry if you get stuck. Many people speak English and German in Copenhagen, so if you’re familiar with those languages, you’re safe.
Learning this language can be helpful as a student since many practicals and lectures are in Danish. Some reading and training materials will be in Danish, too. Whether classes are taught in Danish or not depends on your university, the teacher, and the course you are taking.
However, a language barrier shouldn’t stop you from attending school in Copenhagen. You can hire professional Danish-to-English translators to translate your assignments or schoolwork. Remember, your academic success may depend on the translation service provider you select, so select a reliable one with a high accuracy rate.
A Final Word
Danish is a complex language to learn, especially regarding the number system and additional vowels. However, knowing English or German will give you a head start. If you’re likely to spend a few years studying in Copenhagen, you might as well pick up the language. Take advantage of valuable resources online and start learning Danish today.
