Continuing declining language interest: 61 have enrolled in French and German
Berlingske-Denmark in Denmark
Saturday, July 05, 2025 • 4:45 PM UTC - in Denmark
In this year, there has been a significant decrease in applications for advanced language programs.
The number of applicants for language programs has fallen by 23 percent, according to figures from the Ministry of Research and Education.
The data covers both quota 1 and quota 2 applicants.
Education and Research Minister Christina Egelund (M) is "very concerned" about the development.
- If you zoom in on language programs, which I consider to be absolutely essential in a well-educated society, they have fallen to a level that calls for action.
- And of course, I have thought about what to do about it, she says.
The minister refuses to reveal what initiatives she will present and when.
In total, 1,317 people have applied for a language program this year.
For general programs in German and French, there are 61 applicants. This is a decrease of 13 percent compared to 2024.
It is important that language skills are maintained, believes Christina Egelund.
- We must of course have trained teachers who can ensure that languages such as German and French continue to exist as competencies in their own right.
- And we also live in a world that is undergoing intense geopolitical change, and in this context, it is enormously important that we become better and not worse at understanding each other, she says.
The application deadline for enrollment in advanced programs via quota 1 was last Saturday at 12:00.
Quota 1 applicants are exclusively admitted based on average grades.
The application deadline for applications via quota 2 was in March, which are also evaluated based on various academic and general activities.
Overall, 85,508 people have applied for a higher education program this year. This is a small increase of 356 people compared to 2024.
Applicants will receive notification of acceptance to the programs on July 28.
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