If you’re planning a trip to Denmark, getting to grips with some basic Danish vocabulary will undoubtedly enhance your travel experience. Understanding and using local words can help you navigate cities, savor the cuisine, and interact with locals, making your journey more memorable and authentic. Let’s explore some useful Danish terms that tourists should have in their linguistic toolkit.

Hej – Hello
This is the go-to greeting to use in Danish, suitable for most situations.
Hej, må jeg bede om menuen? – Hello, may I have the menu?

Farvel – Goodbye
You will use this phrase when parting ways or leaving a place.
Farvel og tak for denne gang! – Goodbye and thank you for this time!

Tak – Thank you
A fundamental part of being polite, ‘tak’ can be used in any situation where you would express gratitude.
Tak for hjælpen! – Thank you for the help!

Undskyld – Excuse me/Sorry
Use this word to get someone’s attention, to apologize, or when you bump into someone.
Undskyld, ved du hvor toilettet er? – Excuse me, do you know where the bathroom is?

Toilet – Bathroom
An essential word for those times when you need to find the facilities.
Undskyld, hvor er der et toilet? – Excuse me, where is a toilet?

Ja – Yes
A simple affirmation that can come in handy in many situations.
Ja, jeg vil gerne have en kop kaffe, tak. – Yes, I would like a cup of coffee, thanks.

Nej – No
Just as important as ‘ja,’ ‘nej’ will help you decline offers or answer negatively.
Nej tak, jeg er ikke sulten. – No thanks, I am not hungry.

Hjælp – Help
In case of emergency or when you need assistance, this word could prove crucial.
Hjælp, jeg har mistet mit pas! – Help, I’ve lost my passport!

Vand – Water
Stay hydrated by knowing how to ask for water, especially on a hot day.
Må jeg bede om et glas vand? – May I have a glass of water?

Øl – Beer
Denmark is famous for its breweries, so chances are you’ll want to order a ‘øl.’
Jeg vil gerne bestille en øl, tak. – I would like to order a beer, thanks.

Regning – Bill
When you’re finished with your meal or drinks, this word will help you ask for the bill.
Må jeg få regningen, tak? – May I have the bill, please?

Tog – Train
If you plan on using Denmark’s trains, this word will come up often in your travels.
Hvornår går det næste tog til Aarhus? – When does the next train to Aarhus leave?

Bus – Bus
The word for bus is easy to remember and useful for navigating Denmark’s excellent public transportation system.
Hvilken bus går til centrum? – Which bus goes to the city center?

Kort – Map/Card
This word can refer to a map that guides you or a card used for payments.
Må jeg se et kort over byen? – May I see a map of the city?

Pris – Price
When shopping or browsing, you may want to ask about the price of an item.
Hvad er prisen på denne souvenir? – What is the price of this souvenir?

With these basic Danish vocabulary words, tourists can improve their communication during their stay in Denmark. Learning even a small amount of the local language can deepen your connection to Danish culture and people, making your trip all the more enjoyable. Remember, Danes are often very proficient in English, but they will appreciate your efforts to speak their language. Held og lykke (good luck)!