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Meet Filip Zar from Ukraine

Filip came to Denmark in 2018 when he was seconded by his former employer, 3Shape. Filip is from Ukraine and brought his wife and daughter with him. They have lived in Denmark ever since and after a couple of years the need to learn Danish arose.

Danish promotes careers

Good reasons to learn Danish

Even though Filip’s working language is English, he quickly realised that learning Danish would help his career. – “I quickly realised that my career opportunities increased if I learned the language,” says Filip Zar. – “Being able to understand Danish means that I can apply for jobs I wouldn’t otherwise be able to apply for. Even though my working language is English, it means a lot for the social life at work that I can make small talk in Danish with colleagues when we meet at the coffee machine and at lunch.

There were also two other important reasons for learning Danish. – If we were to have any hope of getting a permanent residence permit, passing a Danish test was a prerequisite, says Filip. – “At the same time, it was a bit embarrassing that we didn’t speak Danish when we went to our daughter’s school/home interviews.

A significant milestone

Filip has so far completed 5 Danish courses at Speak. – It has been a significant milestone in my language journey and I am very grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in the beautiful Danish language, says Filip. – “It has broadened my cultural understanding and opened up exciting new opportunities.

– I am deeply grateful to all the amazing teachers who have guided me through the programme. Their dedication, expertise and unwavering support have been crucial to my progress. Learning Danish is not easy, but thanks to the patience of my teachers, I have overcome the challenges.

Colleagues are a great help

Flexible teaching for busy schedules

It’s important to challenge yourself and speak Danish in everyday life. My colleagues are a great help here. – They’re good at speaking to me in Danish and ask me how my weekend was, for example. It forces me to stick to Danish and not fall into speaking only English.

Filip is now quite proficient in Danish. But that doesn’t make him stop. Now he’s taking the next step and has enrolled in FVU (preparatory adult education) to become even better at Danish.

The adult education programme is very flexible, with the option of classes during the day, evening and weekends. – Flexibility is important in a hectic everyday life where you also have to find time for work, family and leisure,” Filip concludes.

“Completing this Danish language course has equipped me with the necessary language skills, broadened my cultural understanding and opened up exciting new opportunities.

3 tips from Filip for others who want to learn Danish fast

  • Get professional help on Speak

    I can only recommend studying Danish at Speak. They have the best teachers whose dedication, expertise and unwavering support have been crucial to my progress.

  • Speech, speech, speech

    Don’t be afraid to express yourself in Danish. It can be a little intimidating, but it’s good practice and helps you get the pronunciation right. Colleagues are good to practise on.

  • Read Danish newspapers

    I read Børsen to learn more about the Danish financial market as I trade shares in my spare time. The articles give me a good insight and at the same time strengthen my Danish.