Recommendation for Conversational Danish Program?

[Miriam in IL]

Do you have any recommendation for Danish language program? My family might be moving to DK in four months and we want to learn some of the basics. I am planning to use Rosetta Stone for my HS sons this year.

[Kareni]

Hello Miriam,

No personal experience with Danish; however, my teen enjoyed using Pimsleur CDs before a trip to Italy. I see Pimsleur does have a short Danish program.

http://ww5.pimsleurapproach.com/include/lp/19_95_c5/lp001.asp?Learn=Danish&Sid=CJBpimdanishGGL&s_kwcid=pimsleur%20danish|1356141009&gclid=CMaXl7rg0JICFQInlgod5lCHIA

Regards,
Kareni

[Lorna]

Hello Miriam,
We live in Denmark and study Danish. Our main experience was that it was difficult to get started in Danish on our own. There are many sounds in Danish that it is very difficult to replicate without having a teacher or native speaker to help you with.
Beginning Danish is rather like taking singing lessons. We use a book called Activt Dansk but it probably wouldn't be much good to you, it doesn't have the English translations. We also have 'Teach Yourself Danish' which I think it the best we could find (in Denmark).
One thing to note is that the Danes are very, very good at English and, unlike most European countries, will not expect you to speak Danish at all. In fact they usually light up when they realise you are American/English because then they can show off their incredible language skills. Their everyday speech is also punctuated with English (usually quotes from films).
We have mainly learnt Danish in phrases because the words are often 'blurred' together and it sounds more natural that way.
We are sadly only here for a month or so more. You will have a wonderful time here. The people are so friendly and kind and they will love you for saying even the basics!

Here is an entry from my blog with the Danish Alphabet (http://socksandbooks.blogspot.com/2008_02_01_archive.html) to give you a feel for the sounds.

Have a wonderful time!

[Gwen in VA]

I love homeschoolers -- we have SUCH a diversity of interests! This is SO cool that you are going to learn Danish! :)

[Miriam in IL]

Kareni,

Thank you for your suggestion and link. It looks great!

Miriam

[Miriam in IL]

Lorna,

Thank you for your insight. Would you be willing to share more of your insights and discoveries in DK? My personal e-mail is mdnielson@gmail.com.

Miriam

[Osmosis Mom]

Miriam,

I don't have any advice for you. I am Danish and I agree with Lorna that Danish is quite hard for foreigners to learn to pronounce. We used to make fun of Americans speakng Danish, but now I actually have kids who speak Danish with an American accent so I should keep my head low, haha!!!

Good luck. I'd say to start with rosetta to get acquainted with the sounds a bit, but that's just me!