Denmark’s linguistic map reaches beyond Copenhagen to the Faroe Islands and Greenland, where island and Arctic communities keep distinct tongues tied to local traditions and landscapes. These languages reflect long histories of contact, migration and local identity across the kingdom.
There are 9 Indigenous Languages in Denmark, ranging from Danish to Tunumiisut. Data are organized with columns: Native name,Region,Speakers (est.); you’ll find below.
Which of these languages have official status within the Kingdom of Denmark?
Status depends on the territory: Danish is the national language of Denmark proper, Faroese has official recognition in the Faroe Islands, and Kalaallisut (Greenlandic) is official in Greenland. Other indigenous varieties typically have regional use and varying degrees of legal protection and support, so check local government resources for specifics.
How reliable are the speaker estimates and where can I find up-to-date numbers?
Speaker counts are estimates based on censuses, surveys and linguistic research and can change due to bilingualism and small population sizes; for the most current figures consult Statistics Denmark, Greenland Statistics, Faroese authorities, UNESCO’s Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger or recent academic studies.
Indigenous Languages in Denmark
| Language | Native name | Region | Speakers (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Danish | Dansk | Denmark proper (nationwide) | 5,800,000 |
| Faroese | Føroyskt | Faroe Islands (all islands) | 72,000 |
| Greenlandic (Kalaallisut) | kalaallisut | West Greenland (major coastal towns) | 56,000 |
| Tunumiisut | Tunumiisut | East Greenland (Tunu coast) | 3,000 |
| Inuktun (North Greenlandic) | Inuktun (Avanersuarmiutut) | Northwest Greenland (Qaanaaq/Thule) | 800 |
| Danish Sign Language | Dansk tegnsprog | Denmark proper (nationwide Deaf community) | 5,000 |
| Faroese Sign Language | Føroyskt táknmál | Faroe Islands (Deaf community) | 250 |
| German (South Jutland minority) | Deutsch | Southern Jutland / North Schleswig (border region) | 15,000 |
| Greenlandic Norse (extinct) | Old Norse (Greenlandic Norse) | Medieval Greenland settlements (10th–15th c.) | 0 (extinct) |
Images and Descriptions
Danish
Danish is the North Germanic language of Denmark proper, used in government, education and everyday life. About 5.8 million native speakers; official and vigorous nationwide, with regional varieties but strong institutional support and broad media presence.
Faroese
Faroese is a North Germanic language of the Faroe Islands, descended from Old Norse. Around 72,000 speakers, official on the islands; actively used in schools, media and public life and central to Faroese identity.
Greenlandic (Kalaallisut)
Kalaallisut is the West Greenlandic Inuit language spoken by the majority in western Greenland. About 56,000 speakers; it is the official language of Greenland, widely used in education and public life, with strong cultural significance.
Tunumiisut
Tunumiisut is the East Greenlandic variety spoken along eastern coasts. Roughly 3,000 speakers; regionally important but vulnerable due to small population, limited services and pressure from Kalaallisut and Danish.
Inuktun (North Greenlandic)
Inuktun, spoken around Qaanaaq and the Thule area, is a distinct North Greenlandic variety. Only about 800 speakers; considered endangered with limited institutional support and strong influence from other Greenlandic dialects and Danish.
Danish Sign Language
Danish Sign Language grew within Denmark’s Deaf community and is used by thousands. Estimated 5,000 users; recognized in education and services to varying degrees, with active communities working on preservation and access.
Faroese Sign Language
Faroese Sign Language is used by the small Deaf community in the Faroe Islands. Roughly 250 users; limited formal recognition and resources, but culturally distinct and important locally.
German (South Jutland minority)
German has a longstanding native-speaking minority in Southern Jutland. About 15,000 speakers; protected as a national minority language with cultural rights, schools and media support within the region.
Greenlandic Norse (extinct)
Greenlandic Norse was the Old Norse language of medieval Norse settlers in Greenland from the 10th–15th centuries. Now extinct, it is historically significant for archaeology and the Norse chapter of Greenlandic history.
