Basic Danish Words And Phrases For Travelers

Traveling to Denmark and want to pick up some basic Danish?

Learning a few keywords and phrases in the local language makes starting a conversation or asking about elementary needs easier.

As an expat living in Denmark for a few years and completed Level 3 in Danish, I’ve created this beginner-friendly guide, carefully reviewed by native Danish speakers for accuracy.

So, if you are planning to visit Denmark soon, master these essential Danish phrases before your trip to make your experience more engaging.

Let’s get started— Velkommen til Danmark! (Welcome to Denmark!)

Do I need to Speak Danish in Denmark?

In short, No. You don’t have to. Danes speak excellent English. However, using their language—even just a little—can make their faces smile bright.

I can assure you that knowing simple words like tak (thank you) or hej (hello) can make your trip more immersive! Locals will definitely appreciate you for trying.

Did you know? The Danish alphabet has standard English letters and three additional vowels, å (aa), æ (ae), and ø (oe).

Common Danish Words and Phrases

1. Hello – Hej (Pronunciation: Hi)
2. Thank you – Tak (Pronunciation: Tak)

The most common way to say thanks or thank you is “tak.” If you wish to say “many thanks” or “thanks a lot,” use “mange tak.”

3. You’re welcome – Selv tak (Pronunciation: Sel tak)
4. Excuse me – Undskyld mig (Pronunciation: Unskul my)
5. Please

The Danish language has no word for “please”.

6. Sorry – Undskyld (Pronunciation: Unskul)
7. Yes – Ja (Pronunciation: Ya)
8. No – Nej (Pronunciation: Nay)
9. I don’t know – Jeg ved ikke (Pronunciation: Ya vel ikke)
10. Wait – Vente (Pronunciation: Vente)
11. Stop – Hold op (Pronunciation: Hol op)
12. Good day – God dag (Pronunciation: Go day)

Danes usually prefer to say good day instead of good morning. But you can also say good morning.

13. Good morning – God morgen (Pronunciation: Go moren)
14. Good evening – God aften (Pronunciation: Go aften)
15. Goodbye – Farvel (Pronunciation: Farvel)
16. Bye Bye – Hej Hej (Pronunciation: Hi hi)
17. See you soon – Vi ses snart (Pronunciation: Vi ses snart)
18. Do you speak English? – Taler du Engelsk? (Pronunciation: Taler du Engelsk?)
19. I don’t speak Danish – Jeg taler ikke Dansk (Pronunciation: Ya taler ikke dansk)
20. How are you? – Hvordan har du det? (Pronunciation: Hvordan har du de?)

The literal translation of these phrases means “How are you feeling?”. There is no exact translation of “How are you?” in Danish.

21. I am fine – Jeg har det fint (Pronunciation: Ya har de fin)
22. What is your name? – Hvad hedder du? (Pronunciation: Hva heller du?)
23. My name is <yourname> – Jeg hedder <yourname> (Pronunciation: Ya heller <yourname>)
24. I don’t understand – Jeg forstår det ikke (Pronunciation: Ya forsto de ikk)

Public Signs

25. Entrance – Indgang (Pronunciation: Ingang)
26. Exit – Udgang (Pronunciation: Ulgang)
27. Toilet – Toilet (Pronunciation: Toilet)
28. Men – Mænd (Pronunciation: Maend)
29. Women – Kvinder (Pronunciation: Kvinner)
30. Open – Åben (Pronunciation: Oben)
31. Closed – Lukketm (Pronunciation: Lukkel)

Emergencies and Assistance: How to Ask for Help in Danish?

32. Help – Hjælp (Pronunciation: Hiaelp)
33. Hospital – Hospital (Pronunciation: Hospital)
34. It Hurts – Det gør ondt (Pronunciation: De gor ondt)
35. Call the Police – Ring til politiet (Pronunciation: Ring til politiet)
36. Fire – Brand (Pronunciation: Brand)

Call 112 to access police, ambulance, and fire brigade services

Useful Danish Phrases to Use While Shopping

37. How much does this cost? – Hvor meget koster dette? (Pronunciation: Hvor ma-al koster de?)
38. What is this? – Hvad er dette? (Pronunciation: Hval er de?)
39. Do you accept credit cards? – Accepterer du kreditkort? (Pronunciation: Accepterer du kreditkort?)

Almost all stores accept credit cards. But if you are not sure, use this Danish phrase.

Handy Danish Phrases for Tourists

40. Where is <placename>? – Hvor er <placename>? (Pronunciation: Hvor er <placename>?)
41. Can you take me to this address – Kan du tage mig til denne adresse? (Pronunciation: Kan du ta mig til denne adresse?)
42. One ticket to <place name> please – En billet til <place name> tak (Pronunciation: En billet til <place name> tak)

Danes use the word “tak” frequently.

43. Can you take a photo of me? – Kan du tage et billede af mig? (Pronunciation: Kan du tae et billel af my?)
44. I have a reservation – Jeg har en reservation (Pronunciation: Ya har en reservation)
45. Taxi – Taxa (Pronunciation: Taxa)
46. No Parking – Ingen parkering (Pronunciation: Ingen parkering)
47. When is the next bus/ train? – Hvornår er næste bus/tog? (Pronunciation: Hvornor er naeste bus/tog?)
48. I Love Denmark – Jeg elsker Danmark (Pronunciation: Ya elsker Danmark)

Denmark is called Danmark in Danish.

49. Hygge – Hygge (Pronunciation: Hooge)

Unique Danish word that means coziness but it is so much more than that. Danes use the word hygge a lot.

Food and Drinks: Using Danish in Restaurants

50. Do you have any recommendations? – Har du nogle anbefalinger? (Pronunciation: Har du noole anbefalinger)
51. Menu card, please? – Menukort tak? (Pronunciation: Menukort tak?)
52. Tap water, please? – postevand tak? (Pronunciation: van tak?)

When you ask for water in a restaurant, they usually give you Danskvand or carbonated water. So, be specific about what you want.

53. Do you have vegetarian food? – Har du vegetarisk mad? (Pronunciation: Har du vegetarisk mal?)
54. Cheers – Skål (Pronunciation: Skol)
55. This is nice – Det er dejligt (Pronunciation: De er dailit)
56. Beer – Øl (Pronunciation: Oul)
57. Wine – Vin (Pronunciation: Veen)
58. Coffee – Kaffe (Pronunciation: Kaffe)
59. Tea – Te (Pronunciation: Te)
60. Breakfast – Morgenmad (Pronunciation: Morenmal)
61. Lunch – Frokost (Pronunciation: Frokost)
62. Dinner – Aftensmad (Pronunciation: Aftensmal)

Pronunciation Tips

The first step to nailing Danish is getting the accent right—it’s all about mastering those unique sounds! While many Danish letters resemble English ones, a few will definitely surprise you.

• a pronounced like “a” in “cat”
• e pronounced like “e” in “even”
• i pronounced like “i” in “email”
• o pronounced like “o” in “most”
• u pronounced like “oo” in “food”
• æ pronounced like “e” in “energy”
• ø pronounced like “u” in “hurt”
• å pronounced like “o” in “open”
• j pronounced like “y” in “you”
• y pronounced like “u” in “use”

Quick Danish Language Facts

• Danish language has 32 different dialects but there is no word for “please.” 
• Dansk translates to Danish.
• Denmark is called “Danmark” in Danish and Copenhagen is København (Pronounced as Kubenhavn)
• The Danish alphabet includes the standard English letters plus three extra vowels: å (aa), æ (ae), and ø (oe), which comes after the letter Z.

Danish Language Book and Other Resources to Learn

• Lonely Planet Fast Talk Danish
• YT channels like Danish Mastery and Learn Danish with DanishClass101.com
• Mobile applications such as Duolingo, Babbel, etc.
• Google Translate

Best Language Schools in Copenhagen

If you’re curious about learning Danish like I am, there are plenty of excellent language schools across Denmark to help you get started.

Many cater specifically to expats, offering flexible schedules and tailored programs. Some of the best ones to consider include Studieskolen and UCPluss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Basic Danish Words and Phrases for Travelers

Knowing basic Danish words and phrases can genuinely enhance your travel experience in Denmark.

From my personal experience, Danes truly value the effort when someone tries to speak their language, even if it’s just a few words. Danish is mostly spoken here and learning the language not only shows respect for the local culture but also opens up opportunities for meaningful interactions with locals.

Don’t be shy—Even if you know a little Danish, give it a try! Your effort will always be met with kindness and encouragement!