Fathers in Denmark take longer parental leave

Fathers in private companies in Denmark are taking longer parental leave. An analysis by the trade union Djøf shows a clear rise. Last year, these fathers took an average of 15.2 weeks off work. In 2023, the average was 12.7 weeks.

• Djøf analysis: Privately employed fathers took 15.2 weeks of parental leave on average last year.
• Previous figure: Fathers took an average of 12.7 weeks in 2023.
• Leave rule: Each parent has 11 earmarked, non-transferable weeks of paid leave.

This shift follows new parental leave rules introduced in 2022. Under these rules, each parent gets 11 earmarked weeks of paid leave. Earmarked means you cannot transfer these weeks to your partner. If you do not use them, you lose them.

For international employees in Copenhagen, this system directly affects family planning. Both parents must plan their time off separately. Local workplace culture now fully supports fathers taking extended leave. Employers expect both men and women to use their full leave entitlement.