Learning navigational and direction phrases in a new language is essential for travelers and anyone interested in having a proper conversation. Danish, a North Germanic language spoken primarily in Denmark, has its own set of phrases you can use when trying to find your way around the beautiful cities of Copenhagen, Aarhus, or while exploring the Danish countryside. Here are some key phrases to help you get started.

Venstre means “left” in Danish. It is used to give directions indicating a left turn or movement to the left side.
Kan du dreje til venstre ved lyskrydset?

Højre means “right.” This word is crucial for directions, especially when you need to make a right turn or when referring to the right side.
Du skal gå til højre ved næste gade.

Rett frem translates to “straight ahead.” This directional phrase is useful when you need to continue in the same direction without turning.
Fortsæt rett frem i to kilometer.

Bag refers to “behind” or “back.” Use this word when you need to express that something is positioned behind something else.
Parken ligger bag biblioteket.

Foran means “in front of” or “ahead.” When an object or destination is ahead of you or others, this is the word to employ.
Mødet finder sted foran rådhuset.

Ved siden af translates to “next to” or “beside.” It’s useful when describing something that’s adjacent to another object.
Apoteket er ved siden af supermarkedet.

Overfor means “across from” or “opposite.” This preposition is used when something is on the other side of a road or pathway, for example.
Hun bor overfor skolen.

Inde translates to “inside.” Use this word when you want to express that something is within a building or space.
Det er for koldt, lad os gå inde.

Ude means “outside.” This is the opposite of “inde” and is useful when you refer to being outside a place or area.
Vi ventede ude i regnen.

Rundt om hjørnet literally translates to “around the corner.” It’s a commonly used expression to indicate something is just a short distance away, usually by turning a corner.
Bageriet er lige rundt om hjørnet.

Tæt på means “close to” or “near.” You can use this phrase when you are close to your destination or an object is nearby.
Hotellet er tæt på banegården.

Langt fra means “far from.” Contrastingly, this phrase is used when something is a considerable distance away.
Stranden er langt fra hotellet.

Implementing these navigational and direction phrases will surely improve your ability to move around and understand basic instructions in Danish. Practice by asking for directions, or better yet, by giving directions to others when you’re confident enough. Remember, the best way to learn a language is by actively using it, so don’t be afraid to ask “Kan du hjælpe mig med at finde vej?” (“Can you help me find the way?”) when exploring Denmark. God rejse! (Safe travels!)