What Topics Are on the Danish Citizenship Test?

What Topics Are on the Danish Citizenship Test?

The 45 questions on the citizenship test span Danish history, politics, culture, current events, and values. Here is what each section covers and what kinds of questions to expect.

Overview of Test Topics

The 45 questions on the Danish citizenship test are divided into three sections:

1. History, Society & Culture - 35 questions
2. Current Events - 5 questions
3. Danish Values - 5 questions

1. Danish History (Largest Section)

History is the biggest portion of the test. You need to know the major events from these periods:

Viking Age (ca. 750-1050)

• Harald Bluetooth and the Christianization of Denmark (ca. 965)
• The Jelling Stones ("Denmark's birth certificate")
• Viking expeditions, trade, and settlements

Learn more about the Viking Age

Middle Ages and Reformation

• The Kalmar Union (1397) - union of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden
• The Reformation (1536) - Denmark becomes Lutheran
• Jyske Lov (1241) - "With law shall a land be built"

Learn more about the Reformation period

Absolutism (1660-1849)

• Introduction of absolute monarchy (1660)
• The Royal Law (Kongeloven, 1665)
• Stavnsbaand (serfdom bonds) and their abolition (1788)
• Loss of Norway (1814)

Learn more about Absolutism

Constitutional Era (1849-1920)

• The first Constitution (June 5, 1849)
• The Schleswig Wars and loss of Schleswig-Holstein (1864)
• Women's suffrage (1915)
• The September Agreement (1899) - "Labor market constitution"
• Introduction of parliamentarism (1901)
• The Reunification (1920)

World War II (1940-1945)

• German occupation (April 9, 1940)
• The cooperation policy
• Rescue of Danish Jews (October 1943)
• Liberation (May 5, 1945)

Modern Denmark (1945-present)

• UN membership (1945)
• NATO membership (1949)
• Constitution of 1953 (female succession, unicameral system)
• EEC/EU membership (1973)
• Maastricht Treaty rejection (1992) and Danish EU opt-outs
• Euro referendum (2000)
• Abdication of Queen Margrethe II and King Frederik X (2024)

2. Society and Politics

The Political System

• The Constitution (Grundloven) and Constitutional Day (June 5)
• The Folketing: 179 members, including 2 from Greenland and 2 from the Faroe Islands
• Negative parliamentarism: the government cannot have a majority against it
• The role of the monarch (ceremonial, appoints Prime Minister)

Administrative Structure

• 98 municipalities (kommuner) - handle schools, childcare, eldercare
• 5 regions (regioner) - handle hospitals
• The Structural Reform of 2007

The Welfare State

• Flexicurity: flexible labor market with strong social safety net
• Progressive taxation
• Free healthcare and education
• The Danish labor market model (September Agreement)

The Realm

• Greenland (home rule since 1979, self-government since 2009)
• The Faroe Islands (home rule since 1948)
• Both are NOT members of the EU

3. Culture and Traditions

Famous Danes

• H.C. Andersen - Fairy tale author (The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling)
• Soren Kierkegaard - Philosopher, father of existentialism
• N.F.S. Grundtvig - Hymn writer, founder of folk high school movement
• Arne Jacobsen - Architect and designer (the Egg Chair, SAS Royal Hotel)
• Jorn Utzon - Architect (Sydney Opera House)
• Poul Henningsen - Designer (PH lamp)

Traditions

• Grundlovsdag (June 5) - Constitution Day
• Sankt Hans (June 23) - Midsummer
• Fastelavn - Danish carnival
• Christmas traditions (julefrokost, nisser)

The National Church

• The Evangelical-Lutheran Church is the national church (Folkekirken)
• Supported by the state, but there is full freedom of religion

4. Current Events (5 Questions)

The 5 current events questions can cover anything that has happened in Denmark in the past 12-18 months. Common topics include:

• Political events: Elections, government changes, new legislation
• Royal events: Ceremonies, milestones in the royal family
• Sports: Major achievements by Danish athletes or teams
• International: Treaties, agreements, or events involving Denmark
• Social: Major cultural or societal events

Strategy: Follow Danish news (DR.dk, TV2.dk) daily for at least 6 months before the test. Read about current events on the citizenship test.

5. Danish Values (5 Questions - Critical!)

The value questions test your understanding of fundamental Danish democratic principles. You need at least 4 out of 5 correct to pass.

Key Value Topics

• Freedom of speech - You can criticize the government, religion, and politicians. But threats and incitement to violence are not protected.
• Gender equality - Men and women have equal rights by law. Discrimination based on gender is illegal.
• Religious freedom - Everyone can practice their religion, but religious rules do not override Danish law.
• Rule of law - Everyone is equal before the law, regardless of background.
• Non-discrimination - Discrimination based on race, gender, sexuality, or religion is prohibited.

How to Prioritize Your Study

1. Start with history - it's the largest section
2. Master the values - they have the strictest passing requirement
3. Follow current events throughout your study period
4. Take practice tests to identify your weak areas

Start practicing with Borgerklar

---

This overview reflects the test content as of 2026. The specific questions vary between test sessions.