Knowledge to go
How to Translate Danish Authentically – and How to Address the Queen Correctly
If you've ever been to Denmark, the friendly nature of the Danes likely left an impression. Denmark, with about 6 million residents, is a relatively small country, and it can sometimes feel like everyone knows everyone. While that’s not the case, the openness is reflected in the language: in Denmark, people use informal “you” (Du). Both in private and business contexts, it’s common to address one another informally in Danish – even among strangers. This is a crucial aspect of creating good Danish translations.
Translating formal (corporate) texts into Danish without adapting them to the informal tone might convey the message, but Danish native speakers would likely find the impersonal style noticeable. Especially when selling products or services, it’s better to adapt translations to the linguistic habits – primarily the informal “you.” Similarly, translated texts from Danish should be adjusted to a formal tone if needed. A professional translation by a native speaker solves this problem effortlessly, delivering texts that truly resonate with readers.
However, there is one exception in Danish: if you’re writing to a member of the royal family, using the formal “you” is still considered appropriate. While the royals have become more open to the informal “you,” the formal address remains a sign of respect.
More Letters & Two Genders – What a Good Translation Must Master
The Danish alphabet consists of the 26 letters of the Latin alphabet plus three additional characters: Æ (æ), Ø (ø), and Å (å). While these may seem unique, they don’t significantly complicate translations for trained professionals. The distinction between two grammatical genders – Utrum, which combines masculine and feminine terms, and Neutrum – also poses no major challenge for Danish translators.
The more demanding aspects lie in cultural and technical adaptation. Each field of expertise has its own language and terminology. Translations of technical documentation should use accurate technical terms. Legal translations into or from Danish must convey the original text precisely, leaving no room for interpretation (in such cases, the formal “you” is typically preferred over the informal “you” – see the earlier section). To ensure your technical texts are translated in the right style, it’s best to work with experts from a professional translation agency.
Danish, Swedish, Norwegian – Not the Same
To untrained eyes, Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian might look nearly identical at first glance (and they also sound similar). Indeed, they are closely related. All three languages belong to the Scandinavian language family and share many characteristics. However, there are differences. The grammar of all three languages is similar, with only minor variations. Danish has fewer cases than Swedish and Norwegian, and verb positioning varies between the languages.
Still, Norwegians and Danes generally understand each other quite well. Many words in both languages share similar roots and meanings, making communication easier. However, not all words and expressions apply equally across languages. If you want to address the entire Scandinavian region, translating into just one of these languages won’t suffice. To successfully convey your messages in Northern Europe, translate them into the specific language your audience speaks and fully understands.
