Summer Reading for Danish Learners
Summer is the perfect time to slow down, grab a book, and enjoy the Danish language in a more relaxed and personal way. Whether you’re lounging in a sunny park in Copenhagen or studying from your host family’s garden, reading in Danish can strengthen your vocabulary, improve your grammar intuitively, and deepen your understanding of Danish culture.
But what should you read—especially if Danish isn’t your first language?
This guide offers a range of summer reading recommendations for Erasmus students, international volunteers, and language learners at different levels. Whether you're a beginner or heading into more advanced territory, there’s something here for you.
So, Why Read in Danish?
Reading allows you to see how the language works in real life—not just in textbooks. You begin to notice how Danes express themselves, how sentences are formed, and how everyday vocabulary is used in context.
It also gives you access to Danish humor, history, and perspectives. Even short or simple texts can offer deep insight into the country you’ve chosen to live in or learn about.
For Beginners (A1–A2): Start Small and Build Confidence
At this level, it’s important to read simple, clear texts with familiar topics and everyday vocabulary. If you do not know a word, make sure to write it down, and look up the definition so that you can use it in a later context.
“Anna og Tobias” – Læseklub A1–A2
This short story is part of the Læseklub series published by Dansk Lærerforening and is designed specifically for new language learners. It deals with everyday themes like family and friendship, and the story is written in short chapters with clear sentence structure and plenty of repetition, which makes it a great confidence-builder for A1–A2 students.
Peter og Ping by Storm P.
A classic Danish comic strip by humorist Storm P., Peter og Ping features short, humorous dialogues between a man and his penguin companion. The combination of simple language and illustrations makes it perfect for beginners, while also offering a gentle introduction to Danish humor and cultural references.
For Lower-Intermediate (A2–B1): Everyday Stories with Cultural Insight
Once you’re more comfortable with basic grammar and vocabulary, you can explore richer stories that still feel accessible.
Kender du Kim Larsen? – Læseklub B1
This biography of the beloved Danish musician Kim Larsen is written in simple Danish, with clear structure and lots of repetition, making it ideal for learners at B1 level. It’s part of a larger series of easy-to-read biographies that include titles like Kender du H.C. Andersen? and Kender du Natasja?. These books are a great way to learn about Danish cultural icons while reinforcing language skills.
Hvis det er by Helle Helle
Helle Helle is known for her minimalist and accessible writing style. In this novel, a man and a woman meet by chance in a forest, and although very little actually happens, their quiet connection and the unspoken tension between them make it a compelling read. The language is straightforward and contemporary, making it a good choice for learners looking to bridge from learner-specific material into native texts.
For Upper-Intermediate to Advanced (B2–C1): Literature with Depth
For those with several years of Danish study, reading novels in the original language can be a rewarding challenge and a way to engage with more nuanced cultural themes.
Frøken Smillas fornemmelse for sne by Peter Høeg
This modern classic is a blend of literary fiction and crime mystery. It follows Smilla Jaspersen, a Greenlandic-Danish woman living in Copenhagen, who becomes involved in investigating the mysterious death of a child she knew. The novel touches on themes of belonging, isolation, and Denmark’s colonial past, offering both a gripping story and a rich cultural experience. The language is sophisticated, making it most suitable for B2 learners and above, but many readers find it deeply rewarding.
Planen by Morten Pape
Set in the working-class, multicultural neighborhood of Amager, Planen is a powerful autobiographical novel about growing up in public housing in Copenhagen. It offers an honest, sometimes raw, depiction of life on the margins of Danish society and challenges the idea of Denmark as a completely egalitarian country. The language is modern and expressive, ideal for advanced learners who are interested in social issues and contemporary Danish life.
Useful Vocabulary for Reading
Danish
English
en roman
a novel
en tegneserie
a comic/graphic novel
letlæselig
easy to read
dagligdag
everyday life
en hovedperson
a main character
en sætning
a sentence
at forstå
to understand
Tips for Reading in Danish
Don’t worry about understanding every single word—focus instead on the overall meaning of the sentence or paragraph. If possible, try using audiobooks alongside your reading to support your pronunciation and listening comprehension. Keep a small journal where you can jot down new vocabulary, useful expressions, or short summaries of each chapter. And if you’re reading something more advanced, don’t hesitate to reread sections or even use a parallel English version to help bridge the gaps.
Final Thoughts: Reading as Cultural Exploration
Reading in Danish isn’t just a language exercise—it’s a way to experience Denmark’s cultural landscape, hear different voices, and explore stories that aren’t found in your coursebooks. Whether you’re reading comics, short biographies, or modern novels, every page brings you a little closer to fluency—and to feeling at home in the language.
So this summer, make it a goal to read at least one Danish book. Let it be a slow and enjoyable part of your daily routine, whether you’re at the beach, on a train, or simply sitting on your balcony in the evening sun.
Have you read a great Danish book? Share your recommendations with others in the community—we’d love to hear what you’re enjoying this summer.
God læselyst og god sommer!
Alison, OLS Community Manager – Danish
Summer is the perfect time to slow down, grab a book, and enjoy the Danish language in a more relaxed and personal way. Whether you’re lounging in a sunny park in Copenhagen or studying from your host family’s garden, reading in Danish can strengthen your vocabulary, improve your grammar intuitively, and deepen your understanding of Danish culture.
But what should you read—especially if Danish isn’t your first language?
This guide offers a range of summer reading recommendations for Erasmus students, international volunteers, and language learners at different levels. Whether you're a beginner or heading into more advanced territory, there’s something here for you.
So, Why Read in Danish?
Reading allows you to see how the language works in real life—not just in textbooks. You begin to notice how Danes express themselves, how sentences are formed, and how everyday vocabulary is used in context.
It also gives you access to Danish humor, history, and perspectives. Even short or simple texts can offer deep insight into the country you’ve chosen to live in or learn about.
For Beginners (A1–A2): Start Small and Build Confidence
At this level, it’s important to read simple, clear texts with familiar topics and everyday vocabulary. If you do not know a word, make sure to write it down, and look up the definition so that you can use it in a later context.
“Anna og Tobias” – Læseklub A1–A2
This short story is part of the Læseklub series published by Dansk Lærerforening and is designed specifically for new language learners. It deals with everyday themes like family and friendship, and the story is written in short chapters with clear sentence structure and plenty of repetition, which makes it a great confidence-builder for A1–A2 students.
Peter og Ping by Storm P.
A classic Danish comic strip by humorist Storm P., Peter og Ping features short, humorous dialogues between a man and his penguin companion. The combination of simple language and illustrations makes it perfect for beginners, while also offering a gentle introduction to Danish humor and cultural references.
For Lower-Intermediate (A2–B1): Everyday Stories with Cultural Insight
Once you’re more comfortable with basic grammar and vocabulary, you can explore richer stories that still feel accessible.
Kender du Kim Larsen? – Læseklub B1
This biography of the beloved Danish musician Kim Larsen is written in simple Danish, with clear structure and lots of repetition, making it ideal for learners at B1 level. It’s part of a larger series of easy-to-read biographies that include titles like Kender du H.C. Andersen? and Kender du Natasja?. These books are a great way to learn about Danish cultural icons while reinforcing language skills.
Hvis det er by Helle Helle
Helle Helle is known for her minimalist and accessible writing style. In this novel, a man and a woman meet by chance in a forest, and although very little actually happens, their quiet connection and the unspoken tension between them make it a compelling read. The language is straightforward and contemporary, making it a good choice for learners looking to bridge from learner-specific material into native texts.
For Upper-Intermediate to Advanced (B2–C1): Literature with Depth
For those with several years of Danish study, reading novels in the original language can be a rewarding challenge and a way to engage with more nuanced cultural themes.
Frøken Smillas fornemmelse for sne by Peter Høeg
This modern classic is a blend of literary fiction and crime mystery. It follows Smilla Jaspersen, a Greenlandic-Danish woman living in Copenhagen, who becomes involved in investigating the mysterious death of a child she knew. The novel touches on themes of belonging, isolation, and Denmark’s colonial past, offering both a gripping story and a rich cultural experience. The language is sophisticated, making it most suitable for B2 learners and above, but many readers find it deeply rewarding.
Planen by Morten Pape
Set in the working-class, multicultural neighborhood of Amager, Planen is a powerful autobiographical novel about growing up in public housing in Copenhagen. It offers an honest, sometimes raw, depiction of life on the margins of Danish society and challenges the idea of Denmark as a completely egalitarian country. The language is modern and expressive, ideal for advanced learners who are interested in social issues and contemporary Danish life.
Useful Vocabulary for Reading
Danish
English
en roman
a novel
en tegneserie
a comic/graphic novel
letlæselig
easy to read
dagligdag
everyday life
en hovedperson
a main character
en sætning
a sentence
at forstå
to understand
Tips for Reading in Danish
Don’t worry about understanding every single word—focus instead on the overall meaning of the sentence or paragraph. If possible, try using audiobooks alongside your reading to support your pronunciation and listening comprehension. Keep a small journal where you can jot down new vocabulary, useful expressions, or short summaries of each chapter. And if you’re reading something more advanced, don’t hesitate to reread sections or even use a parallel English version to help bridge the gaps.
Final Thoughts: Reading as Cultural Exploration
Reading in Danish isn’t just a language exercise—it’s a way to experience Denmark’s cultural landscape, hear different voices, and explore stories that aren’t found in your coursebooks. Whether you’re reading comics, short biographies, or modern novels, every page brings you a little closer to fluency—and to feeling at home in the language.
So this summer, make it a goal to read at least one Danish book. Let it be a slow and enjoyable part of your daily routine, whether you’re at the beach, on a train, or simply sitting on your balcony in the evening sun.
Have you read a great Danish book? Share your recommendations with others in the community—we’d love to hear what you’re enjoying this summer.
God læselyst og god sommer!
Alison, OLS Community Manager – Danish