Danish

Why did you decide to become a foreign language instructor?
Languages have always been more to me than mere tools of communication—they are gateways to alternative ways of thinking, cultural landscapes, and new identities. After extensive travel, I eventually chose to settle in Germany. It was precisely from a distance—perhaps a classic experience of exile—that I became acutely aware of how profoundly language and culture shape one’s identity. Motivated by this realization, I founded my company Dänisch Sprachservice, with a clear focus on cultural exchange and personal engagement. Alongside this work, I have authored several language-learning books and dictionaries, including publications for PONS and Langenscheidt.

In your opinion, what are the benefits of learning Danish?
Learning Danish means holding a key to a country that values innovation, strong social networks, and a culture that oscillates between Nordic simplicity and intellectual depth. Speaking Danish grants access to a modern labor market, unique academic literature—and to a national mindset shaped by equality, humor, and a deeply rooted sense of hygge.

Based on your experience, what are some common reasons your students choose to learn Danish?
The motivations are diverse: career opportunities, family connections, romantic relationships, or a deep cultural fascination. What unites them all is the desire to engage with the country not merely as tourists, but as active participants in a culture where language is the key to genuine inclusion.

Do you believe that cultural aspects should be integrated into language instruction, and which ones do you find particularly compelling?
Absolutely—language without culture is an empty vessel. In my courses, I intertwine language acquisition with the lived experience of Danish society: community and history, social values, traditions and holidays, and Nordic minimalism. As a result, students not only learn grammar and vocabulary but also how to engage with Denmark as participants in its cultural context.

Is there a uniquely Danish expression that cannot be translated?
One fascinating term is hygge. Unfortunately, it has often been commercialized and reduced to a cliché. In truth, hygge carries a deeper, historically grounded dimension: Danes have fought for and earned the social conditions that make true hygge possible. Only when basic needs are secured can one fully appreciate comfort, closeness, and candlelight—it is, at its core, about existential security.
 

What is your favorite Danish word?
My favorite word is Pyt med det. It encapsulates a quintessentially Danish sense of calm and the ability to let go of the trivial without losing one’s inner peace. For me, it’s more than a phrase—it’s a philosophy of life that also applies to language learning: a relaxed attitude, humor, and a willingness to shift perspective can make learning more enjoyable and open doors to authentic communication.