Key Takeaways
• The Denmark citizenship test with 45 questions requires 36 correct answers, including at least 4 on Danish values.
• Test fee is 905 DKK (~121 EUR), offered twice yearly on May 27 and November 26, 2025.
• Additional citizenship requirements include language proficiency (PD3), residency of 6–9 years, and good conduct.
Denmark 🇩🇰 is known for its high quality of life, strong social systems, and rich cultural traditions. For many people, becoming a Danish citizen is a major goal that opens doors to new rights and opportunities. However, the process to get Danish citizenship is detailed and requires careful preparation. One of the most important steps is passing the Denmark citizenship test, officially called the Indfødsretsprøven. This test checks if applicants know enough about Danish society, history, and values to become full members of the community.
Below, you’ll find a clear and thorough explanation of the Denmark citizenship test, including who needs to take it, what the test covers, how to prepare, and what other requirements you must meet to become a Danish citizen. Real-life examples and practical advice are included to help you understand what to expect and how to succeed.
What Is the Denmark Citizenship Test (Indfødsretsprøven)?
The Indfødsretsprøven is a multiple-choice test that most adults must pass to become Danish citizens. The test is designed to make sure that new citizens understand the basics of Danish life, including the country’s history, political system, culture, and core values. Passing this test is a legal requirement for naturalization, which means becoming a citizen through application rather than by birth.
The test is not just about memorizing facts. It also checks if you understand the values that are important in Denmark 🇩🇰, such as gender equality, democracy, and respect for the law.
Who Needs to Take the Test?
Most adults who want to become Danish citizens must take and pass the Indfødsretsprøven. There are a few exceptions, such as:
- Children under 18 who become citizens with their parents
- People with certain disabilities who cannot take the test (with proper documentation)
- Some special cases covered by Danish law
For everyone else, passing the Denmark citizenship test is a key step in the naturalization process.
Structure and Content of the Indfødsretsprøven
The current version of the Denmark citizenship test is made up of 45 multiple-choice questions. Here’s how the questions are divided:
- 35 questions about Danish society, culture, and history
- 5 questions about current events in Denmark
- 5 questions about Danish values
To pass, you must answer at least 36 questions correctly out of 45. Importantly, you must get at least 4 out of the 5 Danish values questions right. This is a higher standard than before 2021, when only 32 correct answers out of 40 were needed.
Key facts:
– Test fee: 905 DKK (about 121 EUR) in 2025
– Test duration: 45 minutes
– Test language: Danish only
The test is offered twice a year, and you must register in advance. The fee is non-refundable, even if you do not pass.
What Topics Are Covered?
The Indfødsretsprøven covers a wide range of topics. Here are some examples:
- Danish history: Important events, famous people, and the development of the country
- Government and politics: How the Danish political system works, including the role of the monarchy and the Constitution
- Culture and society: Traditions, holidays, and daily life in Denmark
- Current affairs: Recent news and developments in Danish society
- Danish values: Questions about democracy, gender equality, freedom of speech, and respect for the law
For example, past tests have included questions about the Danish royal family, such as Queen Mary, and about the Danish Constitution. You may also be asked about the rights of children, the role of free and private schools, and whether certain practices are allowed under Danish law.
Sample values questions:
– Do free and private schools in Denmark have to teach respect for gender equality?
– Can families legally choose romantic partners for adult family members?
– Is it legal to demand gender-segregated swimming facilities in Denmark?
– Is it possible to go to prison for sending a child abroad under harmful conditions?
– Are religious marriages for minors allowed in Denmark?
These questions are designed to check if you understand and accept the basic values of Danish society.
How Difficult Is the Test?
The Denmark citizenship test is known for being challenging. After the 2021 update, the pass rate dropped sharply. In November 2021, only 40.7% of test-takers passed, compared to 66% before the changes. This shows that the test is not easy, especially for those who do not prepare well.
Interestingly, most people do well on the values questions. In the November 2021 test, 77.3% of participants answered at least four out of five values questions correctly. The general knowledge questions about Danish society and history seem to be harder for many applicants.
When and Where Can You Take the Test?
The Indfødsretsprøven is held twice a year. For 2025, the scheduled dates are:
- May 27, 2025 (13:00-13:45)
- Registration deadline: April 22, 2025
- November 26, 2025 (13:00-13:45)
- Registration deadline: October 22, 2025
The test is offered at several locations, including Frederiksberg and Helsingør. If too many people register for Frederiksberg, some may be moved to Hellerup. You will receive the exact location about two weeks before the test.
How to Register and Prepare
To register for the Denmark citizenship test, you must sign up online and pay the fee before the deadline. The official registration page and further details can be found on the Danish Ministry of Immigration and Integration website.
Preparation tips:
– Study the official learning material, which is updated regularly. The material for winter 2024 and summer 2025 tests will be updated by August 2025 for the following test periods.
– Take practice tests online to get used to the format and types of questions.
– Focus on Danish history, the Constitution, the monarchy, and current events.
– Pay special attention to Danish values and legal principles.
After each test, the questions and answers are made public, so you can review them to understand what is expected.
Other Requirements for Danish Citizenship
Passing the Indfødsretsprøven is just one part of the process. You must also meet several other requirements:
1. Language Proficiency
You must prove your Danish language skills by passing the Prøve i Dansk 3 (PD3) exam. This is a higher level than what is needed for permanent residency (which requires PD2).
- PD3 checks if you can speak, read, and write Danish well enough for daily life and work.
- You can find more information and register for the PD3 exam on the official Danish language test website.
2. Residency Requirements
You usually need to have lived in Denmark for 8-9 years. However, this can be shorter if you are married to a Danish citizen:
- 6 years if married for at least 3 years to someone who has been a Danish citizen for at least 3 years
- 7 years if married for at least 2 years to someone who has been a Danish citizen for at least 3 years
- 8 years if married for at least 1 year to someone who has been a Danish citizen for at least 3 years
3. Permanent Residency
Most people must first get permanent residency before applying for citizenship. The standard waiting time is 8 years, but this can be reduced to 4 years if you meet all four of these extra requirements:
- Language: Pass Danish 3 (PD3)
- Employment: Work for at least 4 of the last 4.5 years
- Active Citizenship: Take part in civil society or pass the Medborgerskabsprøven (Active Citizenship Exam)
- Income: Have an average annual taxable income of at least DKK 331,249.35 (2025 level) over the last 2 years
If you meet any two of these four, you can apply for permanent residency after 8 years. If you meet all four, you can apply after 4 years.
4. Good Conduct
You must not have a serious criminal record or owe money to the government. You must also have followed Danish laws during your stay.
Dual Citizenship in Denmark
Since September 1, 2015, Denmark 🇩🇰 allows dual citizenship. This means:
- Danish citizens can take another nationality without losing their Danish citizenship
- Foreigners can keep their original nationality when becoming Danish citizens
If you lost your Danish citizenship before 2015 because you took another nationality, you had a five-year window (until August 31, 2020) to apply to get it back.
Special Cases and Exceptions
Children
Children can usually become Danish citizens with their parents if they:
- Are under 18 and unmarried
- Live in Denmark with legal residency
- Have no serious criminal record
- Have consent from any parent not included in the application (if parents share custody)
The “Princess Rule”
This special rule helps children born in marriage to a Danish mother and a foreign father between January 1, 1961, and December 31, 1978, who did not get Danish citizenship at birth. They can apply for citizenship if they:
- Meet the general requirements
- Have no serious criminal convictions
- Can speak Danish in a normal conversation (reading and writing not required)
- Do not have to pass the Danish or citizenship test
Danish Nationals Born Abroad
If you were born abroad and are a Danish citizen, you may lose your citizenship when you turn 22 unless you apply to keep it. You must apply between ages 21 and 22.
Real-World Example: Preparing for the Test
Maria, a nurse from the Philippines, has lived in Denmark for 10 years. She wants to become a Danish citizen. Here’s what her journey looks like:
- Permanent Residency: Maria got her permanent residency after 8 years by meeting the language and employment requirements.
- Language Test: She passed the PD3 exam after taking Danish classes.
- Citizenship Test: Maria registered for the Indfødsretsprøven, paid the fee, and studied the official material. She practiced with online tests and focused on Danish history and values.
- Application: After passing the test, she submitted her application, including proof of language skills, residency, and good conduct.
- Outcome: Maria became a Danish citizen and now enjoys full rights, including voting and access to all social benefits.
Practical Implications and Rights
Becoming a Danish citizen gives you important rights:
- Voting: You can vote in all elections, including national and European Parliament elections.
- Travel: You can get a Danish passport, which allows visa-free travel to many countries.
- Social Benefits: You have full access to Denmark’s social welfare system.
- Security: You cannot be deported from Denmark.
However, you also take on responsibilities, such as obeying Danish laws and respecting the country’s values.
Where to Get Help and More Information
If you have questions about Danish citizenship or the Indfødsretsprøven, you can contact the Nationality Division at the Ministry of Immigration and Integration:
- Phone: +45 72 26 87 00
- Email: [email protected]
You can also find official information and registration details on the Danish Ministry of Immigration and Integration website.
For more practical advice and analysis, VisaVerge.com reports that staying updated with the latest changes to the test and requirements is essential, as rules and materials are updated regularly.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- Start early: Begin preparing for the Denmark citizenship test well before your planned application date.
- Use official materials: Study the latest learning material and take practice tests.
- Meet all requirements: Make sure you have the right language skills, residency time, and a clean record.
- Register on time: Pay attention to test dates and registration deadlines.
- Ask for help: Contact the Ministry or use official websites if you have questions.
By understanding the process and preparing carefully, you can improve your chances of passing the Indfødsretsprøven and becoming a Danish citizen. Good luck on your journey to Danish citizenship!
Learn Today
Indfødsretsprøven → The official Denmark citizenship test assessing knowledge of Danish society, history, and values for naturalization.
Prøve i Dansk 3 (PD3) → An advanced Danish language exam required for citizenship, testing speaking, reading, and writing skills.
Permanent Residency → A legal status allowing long-term residence before applying for citizenship in Denmark.
Naturalization → The legal process of becoming a citizen through application rather than birth.
Dual Citizenship → The status of holding citizenships in Denmark and another country simultaneously.
This Article in a Nutshell
Denmark requires passing the Indfødsretsprøven citizenship test to naturalize, covering society, history, and values. Applicants must prepare thoroughly to meet language, residency, and conduct criteria. Success grants full citizen rights, including voting and social benefits, while emphasizing integration into Danish culture and law.
— By VisaVerge.com
