Interest in Language Programs Continues to Fall

The declining interest in language studies continues in Denmark, with a further reduction in enrollments for higher education language programs this year. The number of students admitted to linguistic programs has fallen by nine percent compared to last year, according to data from the Ministry of Research, Education, and Digitalization.

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The number of admitted students to German and French programs has fallen by 55 and 38 percent, respectively, over the last ten years.

This year, a total of 73 applicants were admitted to general degree programs in German and French, marking a 13 percent decrease from 2025. Lasse Nielsen, a senior economist at the think tank DEA, highlighted that this downward trend has been ongoing for several years. "The number of admitted students to German and French programs has fallen by 55 and 38 percent, respectively, over the last ten years," he stated. Nielsen warned that this could lead to difficulties in offering German and French instruction in high schools in the future, emphasizing that these programs encompass not only language but also cultural understanding.

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The direct consequence is that we may have difficulty offering instruction in German and French in high school in the future.

This development is particularly concerning given the political desire to strengthen European cohesion. Minister for Research, Education, and Digitalization Christina Egelund described the situation as "enormously worrying" that enrollment in language programs is decreasing at a time of significant geopolitical tensions, which necessitate greater international awareness. "It is worrying that fewer are applying for studies in German, French, and Spanish, so it calls for reflection," the minister commented.

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It is enormously worrying that enrollment in language programs is decreasing at a time of significant geopolitical tensions, which necessitate greater international awareness.

Following last year's low application numbers for language programs, Christina Egelund had previously stated that language education had "fallen to a level that calls for action." At that time, she also stressed the importance of improving language skills. The current figures suggest that these calls for action have yet to reverse the concerning trend.

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It is worrying that fewer are applying for studies in German, French, and Spanish, so it calls for reflection.