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Worried about decreasing linguistic education: Denmark grapples with dwindling student interest in language studies

Low enrollment in language programs at Danish universities has prompted the Minister of Education to consider taking action.

Denmark expresses worry over declining interest in language studies among students
Denmark expresses worry over declining interest in language studies among students

Worried about decreasing linguistic education: Denmark grapples with dwindling student interest in language studies

In a recent statement, the Danish Minister of Education, Christina Egelund, expressed concern about the decreasing number of applicants for language programmes at Danish universities. According to Egelund, European cooperation and community are crucial for Denmark, and improving language skills in European languages and cultures is vital for broadening cultural horizons and understanding.

The minister's concerns are well-founded, as the number of applicants for language programmes has decreased by 23 percent compared to earlier figures. In the academic year starting in September 2025, there were 85,508 applications to Danish Universities, but only 1,317 were for language courses. The breakdown of the figures reveals a particularly concerning trend, with only 61 applicants for degree programmes in German and French, representing a 13 percent decrease compared to 2024.

Egelund believes that a combination of strong professionalism and practical language skills is attractive to many companies, and the ability to speak foreign languages, such as German and French, is beneficial for engineers and lawyers in the workforce. However, the minister did not reveal any planned action regarding the low number of applicants for language degrees.

Research suggests that a psychological barrier exists for students when it comes to studying languages or abroad, especially in non-Anglophone countries. Students may lack confidence in their language skills and feel intimidated, which can reduce interest in language degrees or international programs. Broader higher education challenges, such as shifts in student demographics, financial concerns, and changing student preferences, may also affect enrollment in certain fields, including languages.

To address low enrollment in language programs, a typical approach a Minister of Education might consider could include increasing support and incentives for language studies to make them more attractive, enhancing the internationalization of programs to reduce barriers and boost confidence, promoting the benefits and career opportunities linked to language skills, and possibly integrating language studies more closely with other disciplines or applied fields.

Egelund considers language education to be fundamental to a civilised society and finds the low numbers alarming. If you are a student considering a language degree, it's worth noting that language skills are becoming increasingly valuable in the modern workforce, and a language degree could open up a world of opportunities. If you are a parent or educator, you may want to encourage young people to consider language studies as a worthwhile and rewarding investment in their future.

The decreasing number of language program applicants in education-and-self-development sectors, such as German and French degrees, is alarming for the minister, considering the potential benefits these skills can bring in arts, culture, and news industry, as well as in professional fields like engineering and law. With a lack of language skills limiting our understanding and cooperation within the European community, it's crucial to consider ways to boost interest in language learning, such as increasing support, promoting advantages, and enhancing internationalization of programs.

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