How to learn Danish

Foreign languages can be tricky to pick up, especially if it's a language you're not likely to encounter on a regular basis. With these tips, you'll be more likely to learn Danish.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Language software and books
• A language buddy
• Danish language classes information

1. A language software program like Rosetta Stone has dozens of languages to choose from (including Danish). It can cost a few hundred dollars, but it's an interactive software program that teaches you not only vocabulary words from native speakers, but you can learn several different ways of learning these words and phrases, and you can also record yourself speaking the words against a native speaker. It's fun to use (for both adults and children) and there are different levels and settings you can work up to.

2. 
    

   A Danish/English Dictionary is a good accompaniment to use with the Rosetta Stone program to have a hard-copy book to refer to on a day-to-day basis. If you can't afford the program, a Danish language book with a tape or CD packet can work as well. As long as you are able to hear native Danish speakers, you'll pick it up much more easily. Some Danish letters and sounds do not occur in the English language, and they can be tricky to pronounce and read at first. Referring to a book with vocabulary words and phrases is a good idea, so you can refer to it regularly.

3. If you can find Danish classes in your area, you may find them beneficial. San Francisco's Scandinavian School gives Danish language classes, as well as Swedish and Norwegian classes as well. Having homework assignments can get you more involved in your language studies, and you'll be able to practice your skills with other students and your teacher. You may also be alerted to any mistakes you might be making in your pronunciations that you may have not picked up on your own.

4. Find a Danish language buddy. This may include someone in your household who can help you speak and/or read and write Danish, or it may be someone you find through a Craigslist ad. If you post an ad inquiring about native Danish speakers in your area, you may be able to barter something (or pay) for Danish speaking sessions to practice your skills. If you can't find someone online, inquire with the language department at a local college, and they may be able to set you up with a native speaker or teacher.

5. Practice your Danish studies often. It's easy to get out of practice when you don't live in Denmark or have Danish relatives or friends. If you work at it regularly, you can also use these tips to learn any language.
   Held og lykke!

Tips & Warnings

• Flash cards of vocabulary words work, and you can use them while riding the train, or waiting in line
• Go to any public Danish events in your area and at least practice your greetings and a few simple questions
• If you have a question on a pronunciation, be sure to get it answered so you don't keep repeating the same mistakes

Resources

• Scandinavian School San Francisco
• Rosetta Stone

[pageviewer]

on 2/16/2009 Good article. This advice could easily apply to any language, thanks 5*

[hollie1974]

on 1/18/2009 I think Danish would be a cool language to learn! Thanks for the tips!

[JoyNmyHeart]

on 1/9/2009 This sounds like fun! Any language that you can learn is helpful. Other countries really have the US beat in this area. Kids are coming out of high school speaking 2-3 languages including their own. We need to catch up to speed. Thanks for the great article~!