From Copenhagen’s city hall to small settlements in the North Atlantic, Danish connects people across very different places and institutions. Its reach reflects long-standing ties, local government use, and cultural exchange beyond mainland Denmark.
There are 4 Countries that Speak Danish, ranging from Denmark to Greenland. For each, the table lists Flag (emoji),Official status,Estimated speakers to make comparisons easy — you’ll find below.
Is Danish an official language in all of these places?
No. Denmark uses Danish as the national language; in territories like the Faroe Islands and Greenland local languages hold official status, while Danish remains important in administration, education and media. Legal status and everyday use vary by territory, so official recognition doesn’t always match how commonly people speak it.
How many people speak Danish worldwide?
Roughly 5.5–6 million native speakers live primarily in Denmark, with additional speakers and communities in Greenland, the Faroe Islands and diaspora populations. There are also many second-language learners and regional Danish speakers across neighboring areas.
Countries that Speak Danish
| Country | Flag (emoji) | Official status | Estimated speakers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denmark | 🇩🇰 | official | 5,900,000 |
| Faroe Islands | 🇫🇴 | co-official | 45,000 |
| Greenland | 🇬🇱 | widely used | 30,000 |
| Germany | 🇩🇪 | recognized minority | 50,000 |
Images and Descriptions
Denmark
Danish is the national language of Denmark, spoken across the mainland and territories for government, media and education. Nearly the entire population uses it daily; notable as the primary language of the Danish Realm and an official EU language.
Faroe Islands
Faroese is the dominant local language but Danish is co-official and widely taught in schools. Danish appears in administration, higher education and intergovernmental affairs; notable that nearly all Faroese learn Danish as a second language.
Greenland
Greenlandic became the official language in 2009, yet Danish remains widely used especially in towns, courts and higher education. Many Greenlanders speak Danish as a second language; notable for its role in links with Denmark.
Germany
In Schleswig-Holstein the Danish minority is legally recognized and Danish enjoys minority-language protection. Danish-language schools, cultural associations and bilingual signage exist in parts of Southern Schleswig; notable for cross-border cultural ties with Denmark.
