Integration in Denmark: English media helps, but is it enough?

Denmark often captivates the imagination of those who arrive from abroad. To many, it appears as a land full of vibrancy, colourful urban centres, ancient Viking history, minimalist architecture, rich traditions, and a sprinkle of serene countryside. So, the first impression for an international student like me, or a worker coming into the Danish society, is frequently that of vibrancy.

From the moment you exit the airport in Copenhagen, you are welcomed by the cool gush of wind and the relaxed environment that the country has to offer. People on their bicycles, and neighborhoods coming alive with the cozy warmth of hygge. However, when you reach Aarhus, you are welcomed by a different but good kind of balance. A balance between independence and the social fabric of the city. Yet beneath all this cultural richness lies an inevitable challenge: the language. Like in many countries, Denmark’s cultural openness sometimes meets the practical barrier of communication. A reminder that integration is not always seamless.

Denmark prides itself on its history of migration and its willingness to welcome newcomers. Whether they come for education, work, or research, internationals form a significant part of the country’s social and economic fabric. According to a report in The Local Denmark, one of the city councilors, Mette Skautrup, expressed in January that Aarhus has a new internationalisation strategy that calls for a total of 27 million kroner to be spent on attracting 7,500 more international workers to the city over the next five years.

Further, universities host students from across the world, while industries rely on foreign talent to keep businesses innovative and globally competitive. Culturally, the internationals does not just try to integrate themselves into the Danish culture, but they also bring a part of their homes within this culture, and it results in the creation of a unique and beautiful amalgamation. So, the state, municipalities, and communities frequently speak of inclusion and openness, highlighting Denmark’s place in an interconnected world. But, as with all ideals, the lived reality is nuanced.

Here lies the paradox. Denmark is eager to present itself as an inclusive society, yet the Danish language, which is intricate and sometimes intimidating, becomes a silent barrier for those who did not grow up with it. According to Shrae Nair, a master’s student at Aarhus University from Singapore, not knowing Danish is one of the biggest challenges for making meaningful connections and network.

“Although people know English here, they still prefer speaking and connecting in Danish, which is a good thing but we as internationals are definitely at a disadvantage,” says Shrae Nair.

This may be the case in any country, but for a new international student in a university city, language becomes one of the biggest hurdles. Something the public may overlook, forgetting that it takes time and patience to learn and build meaningful connections through it.

However, when we think about Danish representation and how the country is perceived, the first thing that comes to my mind is the media. More specifically, journalism becomes this bridge between not only the government and the public, but also between Danes and the internationals. And to further this goal, we have mediaoutlets like The Copenhagen Post, which produces its news in English, targeted towards the international community. But again, the question remains: is this enough to serve as a starting point toward achieving the greater goal?

The Copenhagen Post, Denmark’s only English-language newspaper, plays a central role in this ecosystem. It stands as a platform designed for internationals, but also for Danes who wish to view their own country through a global lens. 

”I have plans to move to Denmark for my higher education soon, and The Copenhagen Post is the only outlet that produces news that explains the country’s system and structure. What the outlet is doing single-handedly is commendable. Reading their content has explained to me more about the country than any other online pages,” says Siddharth Kumar, an Indian resident who plans to move to the country soon. 

When I enter my classroom, which consists of students from 40 different countries, there is consensus about how The Copenhagen Post is one of the few organisations that makes us feel included. And for Denmark, this is not simply a gesture of hospitality, but it is a pragmatic benefit. When we, as internationals, receive news in English, we can better understand Danish policies, workplace norms, social movements, and cultural values. This results in us participating more actively in the community, in the “Danish way.” Work of outlets like The Copenhagen Post then becomes a two-way bridge, where we learn more about Denmark, while Denmark strengthens its image as a society that values inclusivity on a global scale. 

Nevertheless, there is still a long way to go when it comes to accommodating internationals. 

“I do think Aarhus is trying its best to be welcoming to internationals. But I feel like it comes down more so and relies on the efforts of places like Studenterhus Aarhus when it comes to community building in our peer group. They do a good job, but the internationals mostly stay isolated from the Danish community still,” says Linda Weidner, a communications student from Germany. 

Similarly, Yash Shingan, a master’s student at Aarhus University, feels that the organisation has given a good platform for internationals to feel represented. However, he believes there is still a lot of work that needs to be done when it comes to inclusion and integration. 

The Copenhagen Post plays a significant role in providing a platform for the international community. But relying solely on one or just a few organizations to foster inclusion places an unrealistic burden on them.

The story of internationals in Denmark is not only about arrival but also about belonging. While organisations like The Copenhagen Post build important bridges in terms of language and representation, true integration demands on more than access to English media. It requires sustained efforts from everyone, both locals and internationals, to foster genuine connections across cultural divides. English-language platforms can open the door, but stepping through it into deeper inclusion and mutual understanding remains a shared responsibility. The question is then not only whether such initiatives are enough, but whether the Danish society and its newcomers are ready to walk the path together toward lasting integration.