lANGUAGE schools Autumn 2014
discover The danish
language Finding the right language school for you
Cultural integration
Through language
Language
And your livelihood
Don’t
despaire
ad Danish m doable
LANGUAGE SCHOOL SUPPLEMENT
DISCOVER
THE DANISH LANGUAGE Are you looking to ‘taler den snak’ so to speak? Learning Danish has never been easier with a range of A+ language schools available to equip you with all you need to know about life in Denmark, (as well as teach you to read, write and speak the language).
New to Denmark, where to begin? It is, of course, entirely possible to live comfortably in Denmark without ever picking up an English-Danish dictionary. In a city boasting an international community as vibrant as Copenhagen, one can easily get by without any Danish skills whatsoever. And considering that to most foreign ears, Danish sounds a rather amusing language, learning the language can start to seem a little unnecessary. However for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the Danish culture, excel in the job market and make Danish friends, then learning the language is a must! In this supplement you will read about several institutions and receive practical advice on how you can better your Danish conversing ability. Aside from the valuable information that you will pick up in this supplement, a good place to begin your learning adventure is with De Danske Sprogcentre (The Danish Language Centres). The DDS brings together in one easy-to-use website, all state-approved language centres in Denmark so that prospective students are able to decide on which institution will serve them best. The language centres’ core service is teaching the Danish language to adult foreigners. Many of
the language centres also offer a wide range of other courses, including courses focusing on the Danish labour market, special youth courses and courses on Danish culture and society.
Language schools The vast majority of language centres admit students on an ongoing basis and offer instruction as daily, evening or Saturday courses. The courses are also often planned in
President and Publisher: Ejvind Sandal ● Editor: David Nothling ● Layout: Lyndsay Jensen ● Sales & Marketing Director: Hans Hermansen, hans@cphpost.dk, Tel: +45 2420 2411 ● Picture credit for images: Thinkstock & various language schools
DANISH COURSES IN HELLERUP AND LYNGBY
SmIlE!
IT’S EASY TO LEARN DANISH Sign up for intensive courses at www.sprogcenterhellerup.dk
T: 3946 3050 Bernstorffsvej 20, 2900 Hellerup • Klampenborgvej 221, 2800 Lyngby
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LANGUAGE SCHOOL SUPPLEMENT
cooperation with job centres and companies so to ensure that students are afforded the necessary time to learn the language.
as well as gaining respect from Danes who “know that their language is not an easy one for a non-Dane to learn”.
A beginner’s course for foreign workers, accompanying spouses, students and au pairs is the first step in learning the language, and often comes in the form of a Labour market-oriented Danish language course. On completion of the course and subsequent examination, students can enrol in a more specialised programme.
Sharon, from Israel has lived in Copen-
Why learn Danish? We chat with three members of the expat community who share their views on why and how they went about learning the Danish language:
Franklin, 25, a Portuguese artist and ballet dancer, says that despite having done very well with his English skills, he is of the belief that speaking Danish is a way of communicating your respect towards the culture,
Whether you’re a first-time learner or looking to kick-start your Danish lessons again, you have to admit: There is more than one reason to take a few classes. Source: Language school Supplement 2013; http://dedanskesprogcentre.dk/
Kirsten, an American stay-at-home mother, sent her children to a Danish school. Like Franklin, Kirsten felt learning Danish was a sign of respect for the Danish culture. She began learning Danish through a course pro-
“
The vast majority
of language centers
admit students on an ongoing basis and offer instruction as daily, evening or Saterday courses.
“
In addition to classroom instruction, many of the language centres offer students the option of learning Danish via online courses. Online courses can also be completed with module testing – and can be taken individually or in groups. With online Danish courses, students can learn Danish when it fits with their work, family and school schedules – regardless of time and location.
hagen as a stay-at-home mom with her Danish husband for two decades without speaking Danish. Sharon decided, after being against learning the language because she didn’t want to commit to a move to Denmark, to attend six hours of private lessons to acquire the basic skills required for communicating in Danish. However, whenever she tried to put her Danish into practice, most people simply responded in English. “So,” she thought “Why bother?” “I don’t speak Danish because I don’t need to,” she said.
vider paid for by her local council. Although the classes provided a fun and free opportunity for her to meet “people of different ages and social groups with a common interest in learning Danish”, she felt that her progress was too slow, and that she needed to take part in smaller, more intensive classes tailored to her level of understanding. Instead, she began taking intensive classes four times a week for half a year until she was fluent in Danish.
Welcome to Denmark
- would you like to learn the language?
VUF offers courses in Danish at all levels for all foreigners - regardless of educational background. Start very quickly on day or evening courses Our courses aim specifically at adult foreigners. We emphasize proficiency and challenges but also allow our students to enjoy a comfortable and developing study environment with teachers and other students.
The counsellors, teachers and administrative staff are highly committed to making your Danish course at VUF a positive experience.
Call 38 15 85 21 or mail: du-vejledning@vuf.nu
Free access to all school facilities As a VUF student, you have access to all school facilities, e.g. canteen with student room, study centre offering teacher counselling, language lab and IT facilities including wireless Internet connection, and we offer individual counselling to ensure that you complete your course VUF has a total of 200 teachers and 4,000 students of myriad nationalities. Approx. 850 students taking the Danish course for foreigners. This diversity is part of the strength of the study environment at VUF.
is a great place to be “VUF – a nice building, good classrooms, competent and sympathetic teachers, a high level in classes, good friends and fine opportunities for learning
”
Wang, 34 years, from China
Check:
vuf.nu
Falstersvej 3-5, 2000 Frederiksberg, Telefon 3815 8500
LANGUAGE SCHOOL SUPPLEMENT
Find the language
school for you Learning a new language is a challenge for most adults, but often a necessity if you are wanting to learn more about the culture surrounding the language or if you are wanting to integrate into the society. Foreigners living and working in Denmark choose to learn the language for different reasons; whatever these are, finding a suitable language school that is right is the first step in the learning process.
Starting Danish lessons There are plenty of opportunities to learn Danish in Denmark and many types of courses are available for free if you have a CPR number or a work contract. There are several private and public organisations that offer lessons in Danish at various levels. There are long courses that run during the academic year, short intensive courses and summer courses. Depending on your needs, time, interests and prior qualifications, the main options below are available to you: ❖ Courses at Danish higher education institutions ❖ Programmes and courses offered by the local council (kommune) ❖ Courses in Danish at adult learning centres (VUCs) ❖ Private language schools or classes offered by private language teachers ❖ Courses at Folk High Schools (Folkehøjskoler)
Courses at Danish higher education institutions Many institutions offer intensive Danish language courses at the beginning of the academ-
ic year, during the semester or as a part of a summer university programme. Students who are enrolled at the institution are not usually charged a tuition fee. However, if you’re not studying at the institution but plan on joining a language class, then you could be charged a fee of around 2 500 – 5 000 DKK per course.
Programmes and courses offered by the local council (kommune) Local authorities are required by law to offer Danish language and culture courses to all foreign residents. The local language schools
Get In2Danish
Sign up for free
Danish courses
Unique customized concept Fast progression Events - practice your Danish skills Digital materials for people on the move Central locations in Copenhagen and Lyngby www.clavis.org
LANGUAGE SCHOOL SUPPLEMENT
Danish language courses at adult learning centres (VUCs) The adult learning centres offer courses in all general subjects for adults at lower and upper secondary school level. In addition to the general courses offered to Danes, some of the VUCs offer Danish language courses for foreigners. Each course lasts between six to 12 months and comprises 240 lessons. A small tuition fee of around 200 DKK is charged for each course. You can get more information on these courses from your local council or from the individual adult learning centre. If you are interested in a more intensive or perhaps a more individually designed course, you can enquire at one of the local language centres about private language teachers.
Courses at Folk High Schools (Folkehøjskoler) Some Folk High Schools offer residential courses in Danish language and culture either during the summer holiday (three to four weeks) or during the autumn and spring semesters (four to five month duration). These
courses do not normally include formal tests or examinations. The Secretariat for the Danish Folk High Schools will provide you with further information about courses, admission and tuition fees. Please visit www.hojskolerne. dk for more information. Source: http://denmark.dk/en
“
The adult learning
centres offer courses in all
general subjects for adults at lower and upper secondary school level. In addition to the general courses offered to Danes, some of the VUCs offer
“
offer courses at all levels. The courses usually consist of 18 lessons a week, though some schools offer more intensive courses or weekend courses. The target groups for these courses are new immigrants and refugees. For some of the courses, you might be charged a nominal fee. It is possible to enrol in the courses at several times during the year mandatory examinations being held twice a year.
Danish language courses for foreigners.
LEARN
DANISH DAN
FREE DANISH COURSES AT ALL LEVELS – DAY, EVENING OR ONLINE NEW COURSES EVERY MONTH
W W W. K B H - S P R O G C E N T E R . D K
MORE THAN GOOD TEACHING
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VALDEMARSGADE 16, 1665 KØBENHAVN V ADM@KBH-SPROGCENTER.DK / PHONE +45 33213131 WWW.KBH-SPROGCENTER.DK
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LANGUAGE SCHOOL SUPPLEMENT
GET THE MOST out of
learning DANISH
So you have recently acquired the skill of being able to successfully read, write and speak Danish, what now, what do you gain from learning this new language? When you move to Denmark learning Danish can be an important part of the process of
settling in. Surveys have shown that learning Danish benefits you both professionally and socially in Denmark. Learning Danish will give you an insight into Danish cultural and social norms. This is important for successful communication and networking, whether on a personal or a business level. Speaking Danish is thus a key competence valued by many Danish companies.
Benefits of learning Danish
Tina Pedersen, a language teacher, explains how to get the most out of learning Danish. “It’s obviously good to go to a language school, but you will need to start using it out
Although there are many, there are three main reasons why expats living in Denmark choose to learn the language. Firstly for employment opportunities and being able to fully access the labour market. Secondly, it is for cultural
in the real world, so try and soak up as much as you can. Watch TV with subtitles, or look at newspapers, and start looking up words in the dictionary. The classes will give you an introduction, though they won’t give you a communicative competence, so you need to practise outside of the classroom,” explains Tina.
Social integration “There has been a lot of different analyses recently about how important it is to learn Danish, and all the research shows that if you’re planning to stay here, learning the language is the key to integrating into society,” says Tina. A number of international students who want more from their stay in Denmark, who want to become a part of Danish culture, identify the need to know the language as essential to this. Students are able to integrate better into universities and can socialise with ease if they are able to converse with the Danes in their own language. For parents with children, who will have to attend school and will be taught Danish, it is important that they too learn the language to be able to communicate with their children in Danish.
Job satisfaction The philosophy behind Denmark’s integration programme is to combine work and language training wherever possible, as it is more motivating to be able to use the Danish language instantly in a work environment. “If you work for an international company, you will still be working with Danes who won’t be speaking English all the time, so if you want to have a social life as well, it’s important. So for your wellness here, it’s fundamental,” explains Tina. Also, one of the best places to improve your Danish language skills is in a Danish workplace.
Official purposes Adequate Danish language skills - including a certified exam - are also essential if you wish to get a permanent residence permit or eventually Danish citizenship. It pays off to give Danish language acquisition a high priority during your first few months in Denmark. All experience shows that the sooner you start attending Danish lessons – the faster and the better you will learn the language. Ways to improve your Danish: ✔ Watch television – preferably with Danish subtitles. ✔ Say hello to your neighbours when you meet them. ✔ Take a free newspaper when it is offered to you. ✔ Watch your favourite movies with Danish subtitles. Sources: http://www.eukn.org/; http://www.expatindenmark.com/; http://internationalcommunity.dk/; http://denmark.dk/
“
There has been a lot of
different analyses recently about how important it
is to learn Danish, and all the research shows that if you’re planning to stay here, learning the language
“
and social integration, and forms part of building a life in Denmark; making friends and being able to network. Finally there are the legal reasons such as being able to apply for Danish citizenship.
is the key to integrating into society.
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When a Danish vocabulary is not enough… Learning Danish can be a challenge for anyone who, well, isn’t Danish. And this is where Copenhagen Language Center makes a difference. Situated in the heart of Copenhagen, the Language Center offers courses in Danish from beginner to advanced level. With professional and dedicated teachers, who know what it takes to learn Danish, the school is definitely a popular choice among internationals living and working in Copenhagen. “We’re a different kind of school with a fresh approach to modern teaching,” explains department manager Julie Henriques. She goes on to say, “Classes are not necessarily confined to the classroom, but are frequently held in museums, parks or even Copenhagen Zoo.” Danish society and culture is introduced and discussed in class using movies, music and books as a natural part of the language programme. This deliberate mix of practical and cultural experiences enables students to learn not only the necessary vocabulary but also how to handle everyday life in Denmark. But it’s not all work and no play; “Obviously, students must be prepared to work and willing to learn, however our school is about far more than the exam results,” says Julie. Learning the language is only one part of life in a new country, and social integration such as building new friendships and forming a professional network is just as important. “That’s where I think we’re different, not only does the
school help non-native speakers perfect their Danish, but a huge amount of effort is also put into assisting newcomers to build a network, both socially and professionally,” Julie explains. The career development programme is led by Casper Hernandes Cordes and offers CV workshops and individual career guidance. The programme also hosts several career evenings throughout the year designed to help students build a career in Denmark. There are also an amazing number of extra-curricular activities and events. The film club, school choir, school magazine and language cafés all add a valuable dimension to the entire learning experience. The social and cultural club ‘Connecting Friends’ also organises dinners and cultural excursions every month. Becoming fluent in Danish may never be easy, but Copenhagen Language Center will lead you through all aspects of learning the language and provide the tools you need to get settled in Denmark. Just as important, the school offers a great opportunity to immerse yourself in a favourite activity, or try something new, and meet people with common interests.
Facts Centrally situated in Vesterbro with easy access to buses and trains Flexible learning at all levels – day, evening or online 3 000 students from more than 110 different countries First-rate school facilities and a lively student environment
Antonio Tredanari
I moved to Denmark in 2009, mainly because I’m interested in Scandinavian culture. After my graduation from Copenhagen University, I devoted myself to Danish language studies in order to gain a more thorough understanding of Danish society and boost my chances of finding employment. I chose to carry out my studies at Copenhagen Language Center. The quality of teaching exceeded my expectations: The teachers were dedicated and highly professional and the programme intensive with small groups. I therefore strongly recommend Copenhagen Language Center to anyone who wants to embrace the same challenge.
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KISS – Excellence in Danish learning Sign up for the country’s most efficient Danish course producing top marks! KISS, Copenhagen Intensive Language School, has been around for 42 years, and is known for having the country’s most effective teaching concept for educated foreigners who want to make a determined effort to learn Danish in speech, understanding and empathy. School director Steen Allan Christensen says that the school’s programme follows the official module system, taking their students to PD3 and Studieprøven. “Through all these years, KISS has consistently had the shortest programme, the highest grade averages at PD3 and Studieprøven and the highest attendance rate of the 50 state-approved languages centres in Denmark,” he proudly boasts.
why choose kiss KISS has students that want to learn Danish for all possible reasons. “The important ques-
tion here is not why they want to learn Danish, but why – or why not – they want to continue learning Danish once they have started. Motivation is the key word in everything that has to do with learning Danish,” says Christensen. To motivate his own student he goes on to say that they should be as much of a perfectionist in the language as possible. “It will save you so much time and trouble later. It is important to get the correct foundations of the language in place from the start,” he says. Here are a few reasons why you should choose KISS to perfect you Danish, according to Christensen: Pronunciation – KISS has the most successful pronunciation instruction in the country, using their own models and techniques. Students can say “rødgrød med fløde” perfectly after just three weeks. Possibly the most effective teaching – Cutting classroom resource consumption by more than a quarter to about half of the number
of teaching hours and months as a course on Danish Education 3, but still maintaining high standards. Social relevance – Economics estimate that 35 000 people have become faster and linguistically better qualified to enter the labour market than would have been possible without KISS. Being a private, independent school outside the official sprogcenter system since 2007, students do have to pay for the classes at KISS. Christensen does however say that some municipalities will pay for students to attend KISS, because his school produces tax-payers like no other school, he optimistically says. Advertisement
Denmark’s most effective Danish courses! www.kiss.dk
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Study one of 30 languages at Studieskolen A language school in the heart of Copenhagen! Studieskolen is organised into three departments, catering for students who require specific language skills in different contexts.
Foreign Languages (open courses) Studieskolen’s foreign language department offers classes in more than 30 languages. Courses start at six different times a year, and require some knowledge of Danish since some explanations, elaborations and more will be conducted in Danish. This, however, does not apply to English as all English courses are taught only in English.
Danish for Foreigners Studieskolen’s Danish Language Centre teaches Danish to foreigners and is under contract with the Municipality of Copenhagen. Our classes are designed for students who have a solid academic background. We offer Danish Education 3 and Intro Danish (labour market orientated Danish), as well as a range of intensive Danish classes for beginners and non-beginners in the city centre of Copenhagen. Danish classes are offered in the mornings, afternoons and evenings.
Business Languages The schools’ Business Department offers language courses for the Business Community, aimed at companies who wish to offer their
employees further education in a foreign language. As well as group classes, we also offer individual training for people who wish to develop their language skills for professional or private purposes. Why choose Studieskolen? ✔ We teach Danish Education 3 and start both day and evening classes every six weeks. ✔ We have a rapid progression; high level courses and skilled teachers. ✔ In every course round we start over a hundred classes and have on average 1600 Danish students enrolled. ✔ We have students from all over the world and we are pleased to also welcome you. Advertisement
SPEAK DANISH NOW LOOK BETTER LATER
Visit studieskolen.dk Learning Danish can be quite a mouthful. But with a fasttrack language course, you will learn it in no time. We have classes up to four times a week in the heart of Copenhagen. We also offer customized corporate language courses, taught where and when it suits you. Call +45 3318 7900.
DANISH FOR FOREIGNERS
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Berlitz – A global education company Berlitz is a global leadership training and education company with a comprehensive portfolio for building communications skills development, global leadership training and customised dynamic solutions for cultural competency.
quality education in the Danish language, in-
learning experience, this is what she had to
cluding children and private individuals, to join
say:
the programme. “All kinds of people join Ber-
Patience: You are not going to learn Danish
litz. We have students at all ages, from four
overnight. Accept that Danish is a different
years of age to adults” says Johnsen.
language and that the pronunciation may be hard. It takes time to get used to the new
“Our language portfolio is very wide, we offer
sounds and it sometimes takes time to be
private lessons, group lessons, Virtual Class-
able to produce them.
room (one-on-one lessons), Cross Culture,
Jump into
Global Leadership training, testing and as-
everything, many times you say certain things
sessment as well as courses for young chil-
a certain way “just because”.
dren and teenagers,” she goes on to say.
Expose yourself to the language as much as
Corporate language offering
it: Don’t
try
to
rationalise
possible: Listen to the radio, hear Danish mu-
The Danish Berlitz language school caters
Berlitz Denmark is currently enrolling students
sic, and watch Danish films and Danish TV.
mainly for corporates, and companies who
for courses in Danish and English starting
Practice what you learn: Be stubborn and
wish for their employees to learn the Dan-
January 2015. Enrollment starts in October.
continue in Danish even though the Danes
ish language. School director Dorrit Johnsen
Visit www.berlitz.com for more information.
switch to English. Let them know that you
says that being a private school catering for a
really want to practice. Make a goal of mak-
largely business market, the school is not sup-
Advice for beginners
ing 20 mistakes per day – it means you’ll be
ported by the Danish government. She does
We asked Dorrit for her advice to those of
speaking it and learning. See it as way into a
however encourage anyone who is seeking a
you who are just starting out on your Danish
new culture, and most of all, enjoy it. Advertisement
LANGUAGE SCHOOL SUPPLEMENT
discover danish
online In the age of internet communication and discovery, learning a new language has taken on a new dimension in the form of various online platforms. In addition to professional tuition, as you would get at various state and private language schools across the country, the internet offers you endless possibilities to expand your knowledge of the language and even practice your newly-found tongue. Online dictionaries, chat and social networking platforms and even online courses are great ways not only to learn Danish, but to perfect it through practical engagement.
Social platforms – exchange languages Meet2Talk is one such social/ chat platform that is founded in Denmark and can be used to interact with other members near you, who would like to ‘swap’ languages. You learn their language, and they learn yours. Once you are connected, you decide where and when to meet. You continue the meetings, speaking the two languages alternately. The company was founded in 2013 as part of an academic project by a Master’s student at the University of Copenhagen, with the aim of getting like-minded people together and helping them to improve their language skills. Meet2Talk is a unique concept, where you can meet speakers of other languages and swap your language with them. This can help you improve your fluency and comprehension of another language.
Meet2Talk is a unique concept, where you can meet speakers of other languages and swap your language with them. This can help you improve your fluency and comprehension of another language.
The service is free, however you may wish to pay a small fee to become a confirmed member. Confirmed member status will make it more likely that other members will wish to connect with you and you may find it easier to arrange meetings, as confirming your membership means you have confirmed your identity. If you would like some inspiration for your meetings, visit the Inspiration page at Meet2Talk.com, where you will find a wide range of different topics to use as your inspiration. You will also be able to upload your own ideas, so that others can benefit from your ideas. Other social media such as Facebook and Google Plus are also networks that expats living in Denmark can make use of. You are able to ‘meet’ new people and interact with others who too may be learning the Danish language.
Online Danish Courses If you prefer online learning in the comfort of your own home and in a time that is convenient to you, consider one of the following online courses: ✔ Copenhagen Language Center: Flexible online course - where and when it suits you! ✔ OnlineDansk: Online courses for newcomers ✔ 101 Languages: Basics in phrases and vocabulary. ✔ Myngle: Interactive online courses for all levels. ✔ Netdansk: Developed for students. ✔ Irsam: A Danish course for German-speakers ✔ Vores Fælles Sprog: Compares Danish grammar with that of other languages ✔ Netdansk.eu: Offers Danish language tuition for persons with higher education
Dictionaries and translation There aren’t that many free online dictionaries, but one of them is the W3 Dictionary and bab.la Dictionary. Ordbogen.com is another that provides comprehensive dictionary services for only a few hundred kroners per year. There is also Google Translate - excellent for short machine translations and for translating entire websites. In many cases where Danish public/ private websites aren’t translated in to English, Google will actually generate a very usable instant translation. Sources: http://www.meet2talk.com/; http://www.expatindenmark.com/
LANGUAGE SCHOOL SUPPLEMENT
simple, yet
essential phrases Hej! Hi
little easier by mastering
Goddag Hello (formal)
these important every-
Hvordan har du det?
day words and phrases:
Hvad så? (informal) What’s up? Farvel
Tak!
How are you?
Good bye
God morgen God nat
Good morning
Good night
Thank you
Sources: www.denmark.dk; www.visitdenmark.co.uk
Make life in Demark a
Undskyld mig Excuse me Jeg elsker dig I love you
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Free Danish classes for people on the move We know… the Danish lan-
2danish is a free Danish class offer, which is given to most foreigners who come to Denmark to work or study.
guage isn’t easy. We also know that time is short for most of us. And we have a solution. These last years, we at CLAVIS have moved from a focus on how many hours can each
Our material is designed for busy people
students have, towards how fast can the
and people who are on the move. It can be
learning take place. We have shifted our focus
accessed via iPhone and other smartphones,
from more to better – from quantity to quality
iPad and other tablets, computers, smartboard
and the learning has increased.
and of course also in hardcopy. The hardcopy has QR-codes, making audio files and digital
Fast progression has been reached through
exercises from the paper lessons available to
innovative course planning and methodology
practice via smartphones and tablets as well.
– especially by creating our own teaching ma-
‘Velkommen’ takes into account all the min-
terial. Hence, we have chosen to use the last
isterial, progression and module test require-
2-3 years and many resources to develop our
ments and it is developed to meet the job
own blended learning material ‘Velkommen’.
market and study related focus of Introdansk
This is an advantage for busy language stu-
which we, at CLAVIS, have named In2danish.
dents.
As of January 1st 2014, Introdansk/CLAVIS In-
We started using the material around the turn of the year in our classes in Copenhagen and it has been very well received by our new students. At CLAVIS, we are focused on making it as easy as possible to learn Danish. We have chosen to have our classrooms right by Nørreport Station and we have made sure that students who are on the move can follow the lessons from a distance, if necessary. CLAVIS is a nonprofit organization. And precisely the nonprofit aspect makes is possible for CLAVIS to invest potential profit in development activities that will benefit the students.
Welcome to CLAVIS.
Lærdansk
Language is the key to integration Lærdansk is the coolest shortcut
Learning Danish gives you:
Lærdansk is:
Integration
Biggest
Understanding
Best
Fun
Most efficient
Learn the Danish language; at work, at university at Lærdansk Centers and online. Our skilled teachers use unique educational material and digital media, to ensure that you learn the language fast and efficient. For more information, please visit www.laerdansk.dk and www.netdansk.eu
LANGUAGE SCHOOL SUPPLEMENT
Danish 101:
Introduction to the Danish Language Learning a new language is said to be good for the brain, but just how much of a mental workout is it to learn Danish? Difficult Danish Danish is the official language of Denmark, Greenland and the Faeroe Islands. Both Greenland and the Faeroe Islands have their own language too, which most of the people speak, but Danish is used for official purposes and taught in schools. The Danish language has several dialects even though Denmark is a small country. The standard language that is called Rigsdansk originated around Copenhagen, and was originally based on the sociolect of the upper class of Copenhagen. Almost every island has its own dialect, which can be difficult to understand for Danes in other parts of the country. However, the vast majority of the population speak either standard Danish or a social variation of it. Danish is not exactly known as one of the most beautiful languages in the world. Actually, the sound of Danish always seems to amuse foreigners which gives the language a certain entertainment value. Foreigners often characterise Danish as a monotone-like drawl, and many people say that Danes speak like they have a hot potato in their mouth. Of course, the Danes themselves find their language both charming and pretty though they are aware of the fact that Danish can be difficult to learn for people from other countries. The written Danish is characterised by a very strict norm, but the spoken language may
an online dictionary. You now have the additional option of searching for Danish words and English translations online! With more than 100 000 words and 12 500 expressions where you get to know how exactly the word is being spelled as well as the correct meaning of the term itself. Visit this website Den Danske Ordbog (http://ordnet.dk/) which is available in both Danish and English so whatever language you prefer all you have to do is click on either Danish or English and should you have any questions just ask. Sources: http://dkheadlines.com/learndanish.htm; http://denmark.dk/
Interesting Facts ❖ The Danish alphabet has 29 letters and uses the basic 26 letter Latin alphabet plus the three additional letters Æ, Ø, Å.
vary considerably in pronunciation. The Danish vocabulary is not based upon an enormous amount of words but it is in principle unlimited, as new words can freely be formed by means of compounding or deriving. Existing words are simply used to create new words and as a result of this, the largest Danish dictionaries contain more than 200 000 words.
Online dictionary If you are already learning or plan to start learning the language, or maybe you are able to speak a little; a great tool exists in the form of
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De Danske Sprogcentre
De Danske Sprogcentre (The Danish Language Centre) is an association of more than 50 state-approved language schools and centres across Denmark. The core service of these language centers is teaching the Danish language to adult foreigners. These courses are typically free for students, as Danish law ensures that all newly arrived adult foreigners have a right to free Danish lessons. Many of the language centres also offer a wide range of other courses, including courses focusing on the Danish labour market, special youth courses and courses on Danish culture and society. Our members are the only language centres in Denmark that offer state-approved Danish
courses and programmes. Our members are also the only institutions to conduct the exams required by the state for permanent residency and citizenship.
courses. Upon completion of the course, students then have a right to enroll in a specialised Danish programme.
Depending on a foreigner’s residential status, one of the following is offered: Labour market-oriented Danish – a 250-hour course for beginners Danish 1, 2 or 3 – programmes divided into six modules
These are divided into three individual Danish programmes. Each programme has six modules with the last module of each programme concluding in a state-administered Danish exam. This exam is a prerequisite for obtaining permanent residency and Danish citizenship.
Before a course begins, students take part in an assessment of their language skills to ensure they are provided instruction at the right level.
You can find a language school in your region on our website: www.dedanskesprogcentre.dk
Labour market-oriented Danish This is a beginner’s course for foreign workers, accompanying spouses, students and au pairs. The course comprises up to 250 hours of instruction over a maximum period of 18 months, and is divided into five 50-hour
The Danish courses
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DANISH LESSONS WITH A SEAL OF APPROVAL
dedanskesprogcentre.dk
Learn Danish with Berlitz Virtual Classroom A PERFECT SOLUTION TO THE CHALLENGES OF TIME, LOCATION AND BUDGET, ACCORDING TO THE FAMOUS BERLITZ METHOD. You get many benefits with Berlitz online language training solution: Live individual instruction by professional and native speaking teachers Structured proficiency A set time frame for goal completion Private and business courses Focus on oral as well as writing skills Flexibility – log in wherever you are Save time – and spend it on learning the language instead For all levels Book a course before October 1st. 2014 and save DKK 1.100 Normal Price: 14.600 incl. material Your Price: 13.500 incl. material
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