It is never an easy task to begin learning a new language from scratch. It necessitates one to set clear goals, be motivated, and have a well-structured learning plan to be successful. With enthusiasm and some practice, it’s possible to learn Danish. You can begin by learning a few phrases and understanding some of the major aspects of pronunciation. You can get the sounds of Danish words by listening to Danish persons on TV programs. If you want online services to learn Danish from, you can always use Denmark’s national review sites such as Danskeanmeldelser to look out for Tv stations and Online services that offer programs suited to help you better understand Danish. You can also try out c more. Below are some essential tips that will help you learn Danish.
Emphasize the similarities
One advantage that accompanies learning a language as an adult is that you are already conversant with reading. Being an English speaker, you already know the Latin alphabet. This gives you a head starts as you are already aware of much of the Danish alphabet. You’ll only be required to learn three additional letters: Æ, Ø, and Å. Both Danish and English are Germanic languages, and thus they are closely related and share a good number of cognates. In addition, approximately a thousand years ago, the English language was influenced by the Vikings, leaving words such as Knife in Danish kniv, Thursday in Danish: torsdag and cake in Danish, kage. Modern English also left its impact on Danish with words such as computer, mobil, and elevator. This implies that there are many cognates to begin your learning with. You can try out planning your supermarket’s shopping list, and you will note how easy it is to remember things such as vin (wine), æble (apple), and mælk (milk).
Heed to pronunciations
To master the sound of Danish words and letters, you need to repeat and listen to them carefully. To develop pronunciation skills, you need to practice having conversations and speaking to people in Danish. However, before getting to this level, you can listen to online clips to build your confidence. You can always get the clips online.
Live with native speakers
You will advance your Danish language skills by being forced to speak in Danish. Move out of your comfort zone and get a room and spend time there with native Danish speakers. Just being in a setting where the Danish language is being spoken will help tune your ears to the new sounds they hear. This also helps to pick up slang words and colloquial phrases faster, an aspect of language that isn’t taught easily.
Take Danish course at school
One of the best ways to get you into the routine of learning a new language is by taking a language class. It will undeniably be less intimidating to rehearse a language with other non-native speakers. Denmark has lots of private and public language centers, which depending on your language level and schedule, you’ll get one that suits you. You can also sign for online classes if you’ve got a tight schedule.
Download language learning apps
Danish language learning apps will help you refine your language skills. You will find multiple apps that will help you get started with the essentials. Once you are well versed with the basics, you can proceed to an app that will offer you a deeper understanding of the language.
Hire a private tutor
If you want to be more focused on your study of the Danish language, you can consider a one-to-one lesson. By hiring a private Danish tutor, you will be able to have classes that are more intensive and which will need you to talk a little more in Danish, and this way, you will have greater exposure and thus more experience
Pay attention to Vowel Sounds
Normally, when working on a new language’s pronunciation, it is always wise to give attention to specific vowel sounds. Vowel sounds can have lots of variations in diverse languages, and they happen to be at almost every word’s center. For Danish, you can practice these vowel sound.
- a which is pronounced as ah.
- ä, æ – whose pronunciation is similar to the “a” sound in “ash” in English
- å, aa which is pronounced as “oh” or “aw.”
- e which is pronounced as “eh.”
- I, which is pronounced as “ee,” can also be shortened to “ih” before a double consonant.
- o which is pronounced as “oh.”
- ø, which is pronounced like the Swedish German letter “ö,” or “eu” in french
- u, which is pronounced like the “u” sound in “put” in English.
- y, which is pronounced like the French “u” or the German “ü.”
In conclusion, by paying close attention to these tips, you will learn Danish quickly.