Danish is classed by the US Foreign Service Institute as a Category I language, the easiest group for English speakers, with an estimated 600–750 class hours to reach professional working proficiency. Real timelines depend on how often you study and how much you listen and speak.
Rough timeline
| Goal | Typical study approach |
|---|---|
| Greetings and basics (A0–A1) | A few weeks to a few months of regular study |
| Everyday conversations (A2) | Several months of steady practice |
| Exam level (PD1, PD2) | Structured preparation over many months |
These are rough guides, not guarantees.
What speeds up progress
- A fixed weekly routine, such as 8 to 12 new words and a short text. See how to learn Danish.
- Daily listening, because spoken Danish is harder than written Danish. Read the pronunciation guide.
- Speaking from the start, even with short phrases.
- Spaced review of older words through quizzes and games.
Why Danish feels slower than expected
Written Danish looks similar to English and German, but spoken Danish drops and softens many sounds, so comprehension lags behind reading. Plan extra listening time and do not be discouraged by this early gap.