Applications to language studies in Denmark plummet

Applications to language degree programmes in Denmark have nearly halved in five years, according to figures from the Ministry of Higher Education and Science.

This year, 1,218 students were admitted to language programmes, down from 2,369 in 2021. Only 73 new students were admitted to general German and French teacher training programmes, a 13% drop from 2025.

SMVdanmark, the interest organisation for small and medium-sized enterprises, warns that the decline threatens future language skills in business. Germany remains Denmark’s largest trading partner, and demand for German proficiency remains high, said Jesper Beinov, director of policy, analysis and communication at SMVdanmark.

Helene Caprani, chair of Magisternes A-kasse and a Spanish teacher, called the annual admission figures a “bizarre, ritual stampede” and demanded political action to prevent language subjects from dying out.

Education Minister Christina Egelund (M) acknowledged the concern last year and allocated DKK 68 million in November 2025 to strengthen language education. She stated that such initiatives take time to show effect but pledged to monitor the situation closely.

Artificial intelligence poses new competition for translation and writing jobs, but Beinov argued that language studies provide cultural understanding that AI cannot replace. Unemployment among language graduates remains low, at 2–4% for those with German, French, Spanish, or Italian skills, according to Caprani.