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With the number of trips I’ve taken to Denmark now into double digits, safe to say as soon as I step foot off the plane I feel instantly at home. Yet despite knowing Copenhagen like the back of my hand, reeling off recommendations for Aarhus in a heartbeat, or being able to tell you which train to catch if you want to go to Odense, there’s always one thing that lets my ‘living like a local’ experience down, my use of the Danish language.
That’s why I was super excited to be approached recently by none-other than Sigga Hansen of Lingua Danica. A Danish language teacher for over a decade, Sigga has helped thousands of people heading to Denmark through her online courses and content, and now over the next few months, hopefully me too.
With my next trip handily coinciding with this year’s 3 Days of Design festival, I’ve set myself the challenge of completing a series of lessons over the coming months through her handy app, so I can put my newfound skills to the test.
I will of course be reporting back on the results, but before I get started, I chatted with Sigga about what to expect and what her top tips for learning Danish are. Over to Sigga to tell us more:
Can you start by telling us a little about your background, and where in Denmark you call home?
I grew up in Farum, a town northwest of Copenhagen, surrounded by beautiful forests and the legendary Farum Lake. After a short stay in Istanbul, I returned to the Danish capital in 2010 to study and then teach, first at two of the largest language schools in the city and later as an independent.
How did you become a language teacher and what inspired you to start your courses?
The longer my time as a language teacher went on, I wanted to have more control over my teaching style and methodology. So, when I became an independent, I started using social media to connect with students, and that’s when my courses really took shape.
My mission is to empower newcomers to Denmark by equipping them with the language skills they need to integrate into society, to find jobs, and feel at home. I also work with learners outside Denmark too, such as people with Danish heritage or family connections who want to learn the language for personal reasons.
What for you sets your courses apart, who are they aimed at and how are they structured?
For me it’s all about flexibility, accessibility, and focussing on real-life Danish. Lingua Danica courses are designed to be self-paced, so learners can study anytime, anywhere, without being tied to fixed schedules, making them ideal for busy professionals, parents, or people living in different time zones.
My approach is also highly practical, with the video and audio breaking down complex aspects of Danish into simple, easy-to-understand explanations, making it more approachable for learners. My students appreciate that I focus on everyday language, cultural context, and the nuances of spoken Danish, which can be quite different from the written form.
What do your courses cover, how do you choose what each one offers and how long do they take to complete?
My courses cover all aspects of Danish, whether vocabulary, grammar or conversation-based skills. Designed for different proficiency levels too, ‘Beginner’, ‘Intermediate’ and ‘Advanced’, they address common challenges faced including writing, pronunciation and comprehension. They also teach you how to use authentic Danish phrases naturally and offer insights into Danish traditions and society.
If someone is looking to learn Danish what would be your top tips?
My top tips for learning Danish are:
- The difference between written and spoken Danish can be confusing, so get comfortable with pronunciation from the start.
- Listen to as many Danish podcasts, TV shows, and songs as possible as this will improve your pronunciation.
- Learning a language takes time, but by being consistent small, daily efforts add up, even 10–15 minutes a day makes a difference.
- Practice is key and Danes appreciate it when people try to speak their language, so don’t worry about making mistakes.
- Learn common phrases and expressions, this helps you get comfortable with the rhythm and flow of the language, making real-life conversations easier.
Want to know more?
Thanks again to Sigga for taking the time to chat with me, and for the Lingua Danica Beginners Course! I’ll be sure to let you know how I get on over the summer.
To find out more about Lingua Danica or to sign up for a course yourself, visit the website or give Sigga a follow on Instagram.
Exclusive offer for Nordic Notes readers
If you would like to join me on my language learning journey, Lingua Danica are offering Nordic Notes readers 500 DKK off any course, just add the code NORDICNOTES at checkout.
All images by Nicola Capper.
Enjoyed this post? Then read my recommendations for travelling to Copenhagen with the kids.
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