Hej! - Connect and communicate
Learn Danish
There are many advantages of learning Danish. Not only does it make a big difference for your future (Danish) employer, but you will also manage much easier in Sonderborg in terms of everyday life as a citizen here.
Online Danish lessons before moving to Sonderborg
Self-funded online courses:
Face-to-face Danish classes before moving to Sonderborg
If you prefer not to learn Danish online, you can also attend paid in-person language classes before moving to Denmark. Courses nearby Sonderborg are often offered during weekends or in vacation periods, e.g. at:
Danish library in Flensburg/ Germany (40 km from Sonderborg)
Jaruplund Højskole nearby Flensburg
In Germany the "Volkshochschule" might offer in-person language classes.
In Berlin bruunchristensen.com offers online and in-person classes.
Free Danish lessons when living in Sonderborg
As a newcomer (18+) you are entitled to attend free in-person Danish courses for up to 3.5 years during the first five years of your stay in Denmark. In Sonderborg, the Danish school UCplus is offering free Danish lessons.
The Danish lessons are divided into six modules. Depending on your qualifications and skill level, you will be placed on a course. You can attend courses during the day or in the evenings.
Before starting the Danish course at the language school you are obligated to pay a deposit of 2.000,- kr. (approx. 270,- Euro) which will be payed back to you after completion of the Danish course.
Extra Danish lessons for adults with basic Danish skills
If you have basic Danish skills and are 25 years or older, you can improve your Danish through free face-to-face FVU courses (Forberedende Voksenundervisning).
Following schools offer FVU courses:
You can start to attend the beginner´s course "FVU Start". FVU Start is a preparatory Danish course for adults with basic Danish skills, focusing on speaking and everyday communication.
After completing the course, your teacher will assess whether you are ready to continue with FVU Danish.
Before starting, you will complete a short screening to ensure you are placed at the right level.
The courses are free of charge and you do not have to pay a deposit.
Free Danish conversation groups in the Sonderborg area
Join a conversation group and practice your Danish skills. The conversation groups are runned by volunteers.
Please check the relevant facebook pages to confirm meeting times, as the overview of conversation groups on this website is not updated on a regular basis.
Dansk Café at the University SDU
Meet internationals and local volunteers and practice your Danish at the monthly Dansk Café.
When: Last Thursday of each month, 16:30–18:00
Where: University Library, Alsion 2, Sønderborg
Just drop in – no sign-up needed.
Conversation Café in Vemmingbund
Join a cozy and informal conversation café. Practice Danish and meet international and local citizens. Just drop in!
When: 4th Saturday of the month, 15:00–17:00
Where: Café Bocata, Vemmingbundstrandvej 82, Vemmingbund
Sønderjysk - a Southern Danish dialect
Sonderborg Municipality is located in Southern Denmark. Alongside standard Danish, many locals speak the regional dialect Sønderjysk, which can be challenging - but also charming - for internationals and visitors from other parts of Denmark. The first sønderjysk word you need to learn is Mojn - meaning hello and goodbye.