Denmark mulls mandatory Danish classes for foreign workers before arrival

Foreigners moving to Denmark for work may soon need to learn Danish before arrival. Danish Labour Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek proposed this rule in parliament. Employers would have to pay for the Danish lessons. The requirement would apply to staff hired from abroad. This idea was raised during the 2027 budget debate.

The minister said the proposal could save the state 100 million Danish kroner. He wants to send a clear message to foreign workers. People coming to Denmark to work should speak the local language. He noted a growing number of non-Danish speakers in Copenhagen. Many work in local restaurants and service industries.

Dybvad Bek expressed concern over low-paid foreign labor in simple roles. He argued that companies profiting from foreign staff should support integration. Paying for language classes would help workers integrate into local society. He warned that parliament risks creating parallel societies without action. The story was first reported by news outlet The Local.