Dänisch
/ˈdɛːnɪʃ/neuter
The English word 'danish' refers to the language in German as Dänisch.
Dänisch is the name of the Danish language.
Meaning: language (name)
Which one should you use?
The capitalized noun Dänisch refers specifically to the language. In contrast, the lowercase adjective dänisch is used to describe things originating from Denmark.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austrian German, the word for 'Danish' is the same as in standard German.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to the language itself, the noun is neuter and is capitalized.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdɛːnɪʃ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly capitalize the adjective dänisch in German. In German, adjectives are only capitalized if they are part of a proper name or appear at the start of a sentence.
Did you know?
- In German, the adjective dänisch can be used to describe a 'Danish pastry', but the pastry itself is often called Franzbrötchen in Northern Germany.
- While Dänisch describes the language, the German word for Denmark, Dänemark, uses the archaic word Mark, which historically referred to a borderland or territory.
- When you see the phrase Dänisches Design, it refers to a specific, globally recognized minimalist aesthetic rather than just any design from Denmark.
Examples in context
- Ich spreche kein Dänisch.I don't speak Danish.This sentence is useful for stating you do not speak Dänisch.Tatoeba #12772308 by Waldelfe, translation #12772303 by garynw
- Wo ist die dänische Botschaft?Where is the Danish embassy?This sentence uses the adjective form of Dänisch to describe an embassy.Tatoeba #5232409 by jaz1313, translation #1759192 by loghaD
- Mein Hund bekam einen dänischen Pass.My dog has got a Danish passport.This sentence uses the adjective form of Dänisch to describe a passport.Tatoeba #3521540 by Esperantostern, translation #3520690 by danepo
- Ich würde gerne Dänisch lernen.I would like to learn Danish.
- Dein Freund spricht Dänisch, richtig?Your friend speaks Danish, right?
- Die dänische Kultur ist faszinierend.Danish culture is fascinating.
- 41 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are discussing their language learning goals.
- SarahLernst du eigentlich Dänisch?Are you actually learning Danish?
- MaximilianNein, aber ich möchte Dänisch lernen.No, but I want to learn Danish.
- SarahIst Dänisch sehr schwer?Is Danish very difficult?
- MaximilianIch glaube, Dänisch ist ziemlich einfach.I think Danish is quite easy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “danish” translations and entries Dänisch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
