Fact sheet 1 · Fakta-ark 1
School · Skole
There is compulsory education (undervisningspligt) in Denmark. All children must have at least ten years of schooling. Most parents choose to put their child in the public school (folkeskolen). However, parents can also choose for the child to receive education in places other than the folkeskole. They can, for example, choose to put the child in a free school (friskole) or a private school (privatskole). Here, parents must pay the school directly for the child's schooling. This is not required if the child attends the folkeskole. It is a requirement (krav) that children at free schools and private schools must learn the same as children in the folkeskole.
Der er *(There is)*undervisningspligt (compulsory education) i Danmark. Alle børn skal have mindst ti års undervisning (schooling / education). De fleste forældre (parents) vælger (choose) at sætte deres barn i folkeskolen (the public school). Forældrene (The parents) kan dog (however) også vælge, at barnet skal modtage undervisning (receive education) andre steder end i folkeskolen. De kan fx vælge at sætte barnet i en friskole (free school) eller i en privatskole (private school). Her skal forældrene betale direkte til skolen (pay the school directly) for barnets skolegang (schooling). Det skal de ikke, hvis barnet går i folkeskolen. Det er et krav (requirement), at børn på friskoler og privatskoler skal lære det samme som børn i folkeskolen.
THE PUBLIC SCHOOL (FOLKESKOLEN)
Most children in Denmark begin their schooling in the public school (folkeskolen). The folkeskole is free for all children and lasts 10 years. Children start in the kindergarten class (børnehaveklassen) when they are around six years old. Here, children begin to learn letters and numbers.
De fleste børn i Danmark begynder (begin) deres skolegang (schooling) i folkeskolen (the public school). Folkeskolen er gratis (free) for alle børn og varer 10 år. Børnene starter i børnehaveklassen (the kindergarten class), når de er omkring seks år gamle (old). Her begynder (begin) børnene at lære bogstaver (letters) og tal (numbers).
After the kindergarten class follows years 1–9 (1. – 9. klasse). Teaching in the folkeskole must ensure that children learn enough to be able to continue to a youth education (ungdomsuddannelse). Subjects include Danish, English, German, mathematics, physics, chemistry, history, social studies (samfundsfag), religious education (kristendomskundskab), music, physical education (idræt) and food studies (madkundskab).
Efter børnehaveklassen følger 1. – 9. klasse (years 1 to 9). Undervisningen (The teaching / instruction) i folkeskolen skal sikre (ensure), at børnene lærer nok til at kunne fortsætte (continue) på en ungdomsuddannelse (youth education). Der undervises (teaching takes place) i bl.a. dansk, engelsk, tysk, matematik (mathematics), fysik (physics), kemi (chemistry), historie (history), samfundsfag (social studies), kristendomskundskab (religious education), musik, idræt (physical education) (sport) og madkundskab (food studies) (madlavning/cooking).
Another important purpose (formål) of teaching in the folkeskole is to ensure that children learn to think critically (kritisk) and independently (selvstændigt) and thereby be prepared to be citizens (borgere) in a democratic society (demokratisk samfund). Children therefore learn to express their opinions (give udtryk for deres mening). Children can also form a school council (elevråd) and in this way gain influence (indflydelse) when decisions are being made at the school.
Et andet vigtigt formål (purpose) med undervisningen (the teaching) i folkeskolen er at sikre (ensure), at børnene lærer at tænke kritisk (think critically) og selvstændigt (independently) og dermed (thereby) forberedes (be prepared) til at være borgere (citizens) i et demokratisk samfund (democratic society). Børnene lærer derfor at give udtryk for deres mening (express their opinions). Børnene kan også lave elevråd (a school council) og på den måde (in this way) få indflydelse (influence), når der skal tages beslutninger (decisions are made) på skolen.
Finally, the social element (det sociale element) plays an important role in the folkeskole. Children learn to work together in groups and to solve problems (løse problemer) through cooperation (samarbejde). It is also often part of school life that pupils, together with teachers, take part in shared excursions (fælles udflugter) and residential school trips (lejrskoler).
Endelig (finally) spiller (plays) det sociale element (social element) en vigtig rolle i folkeskolen. Børnene lærer at arbejde sammen (work together) i grupper (groups) og at løse problemer (solve problems) gennem (through) samarbejde (cooperation). Det er også ofte en del af skolegangen (school life), at eleverne (the pupils) sammen med lærerne (the teachers) deltager (take part) i fælles udflugter (shared excursions) og lejrskoler (residential school trips).
A folkeskole normally has three stages (trin):Indskolingen (from the kindergarten class to year 3), Mellemtrinnet (from year 4 to year 6), and Udskolingen (from year 7 to year 9). After year 9, one can choose to continue to year 10 (10. klasse) before moving on in the education system, or go directly into the labour market.
En folkeskole har som regel (normally) tre trin (stages): Indskolingen (the lower school), som går fra børnehaveklassen til 3. klasse. Mellemtrinnet (the middle stage), som går fra 4. til 6. klasse. Udskolingen (the upper school), som går fra 7. til 9. klasse. Efter 9. klasse kan man vælge at fortsætte (continue) i 10. klasse (year 10), inden man går videre (further*) i* uddannelsessystemet (the education system), eller direkte ud på arbejdsmarkedet (the labour market).
Year 10 is voluntary (frivillig), but approximately half of all pupils sign up for year 10. Some pupils take year 10 at their own school. Others choose to take year 10 at a residential school (efterskole) or a free vocational school (fri fagskole), where you live and go to school with other young people. The framework (rammerne) for the folkeskole is laid down in the Schools Act (folkeskoleloven).
10. klasse (Year 10) er frivillig (voluntary), men cirka halvdelen af alle elever (pupils) tilmelder sig (sign up for) 10. klasse. Nogle elever tager 10. klasse på deres egen skole. Andre vælge**r (velia / choose)) at tage 10. klasse på en efterskole (residential school) eller fri fagskole (free vocational school), hvor man bor (lives) og går i skole med andre unge. Rammerne (The framework) for folkeskolen er fastlagt (laid down) i folkeskoleloven (the Schools Act).
The purpose (formålet) of the folkeskole is that, in cooperation with parents, it should give pupils knowledge (viden) and skills (færdigheder) that: prepare them to continue their education and give them a desire to learn more; make them familiar with Danish culture and history; give them an understanding of other countries and cultures; help them understand how humans and nature affect each other. Furthermore, the folkeskole aims to ensure that each individual pupil develops in a well-rounded way (alsidigt). This means, among other things, that the pupil must not only acquire academic knowledge, but must also develop personally and socially.
Formålet (The purpose) med folkeskolen er, at den i samarbejde (cooperation) med forældrene skal give eleverne (the pupils) viden (knowledge) og færdigheder (skills), der forbereder (prepare) dem til at uddanne sig videre (continue their education) og giver dem lyst til at lære mere (a desire to learn more); gør dem fortrolige (familiar) med dansk kultur (culture) og historie (history); giver dem forståelse (understanding) for andre lande og kulturer; hjælper dem til at forstå, hvordan mennesket (humans) og naturen (nature) påvirker (affect) hinanden. Desuden (furthermore) har folkeskolen som formål (aim), at hver enkelt (each individual) elev udvikler sig (develops) alsidigt (in a well-rounded way). Det betyder bl.a., at eleven ikke kun skal have boglig viden (academic knowledge), men også skal udvikle sig (develop) personligt (personally) og socialt (socially).
The folkeskole must also teach children to cooperate (samarbejde). Teaching is therefore sometimes organised so that pupils learn to work together in groups and solve problems through cooperation. Excursions and residential school trips with teachers may also be part of teaching. Here, children must learn new ways of cooperating and being together.
Folkeskolen skal også lære børnene at samarbejde (cooperate). Undervisningen (The teaching) er derfor ind imellem (sometimes) tilrettelagt (organised) sådan, at eleverne lærer at arbejde sammen i grupper og at løse problemer gennem samarbejde. Der kan også indgå (be included) udflugter (excursions) og lejrskoler (residential school trips) sammen med lærerne i undervisningen. Her skal børnene lære nye måder at samarbejde (cooperate) og være sammen med hinanden (be together with one another) på.
Pupils must also learn to think critically and independently. They must learn to argue for their opinions (argumentere for deres meninger). Most subjects therefore involve a form of teaching that ensures pupils can discuss the subject matter they learn and understand it in relation to their everyday life (hverdag).
Eleverne skal også lære at tænke kritisk (think critically) og selvstændigt (independently). De skal lære at argumentere for (argue for) deres meninger (opinions). Man arbejder derfor i de fleste fag (subjects) med en form for undervisning, der sikrer (ensures), at eleverne kan diskutere (discuss) det faglige stof (subject matter), de lærer, og forstå (understand) det i forhold til (in relation to) deres hverdag (everyday life).
The folkeskole must prepare pupils to have co-responsibility (medansvar), rights (rettigheder) and duties (pligter) in a society with freedom (frihed) and popular government (folkestyre). The school must therefore be characterised by freedom of thought (åndsfrihed), equality (ligeværd) and democracy. It is often in the subjects of history, Danish and social studies that pupils are taught about this.
Folkeskolen skal forberede (prepare) eleverne til at have medansvar (co-responsibility), rettigheder (rights) og pligter (duties) i et samfund med frihed (freedom) og folkestyre (popular government / democracy). Skolen skal derfor være præget (characterised) af åndsfrihed (freedom of thought), ligeværd (equality) og demokrati. Det er ofte i fagene historie, dansk og samfundsfag, at eleverne undervises (are taught) i dette.
At every school with year 5 or above, pupils have the right to form a school council (elevråd). A school council consists of at least one pupil from each class. The school council primarily has a say in matters that concern the pupils' own school day, such as food in the canteen. The school can also ask the school council for its opinion on larger decisions at the school. At least two pupil representatives also sit on the school board (skolebestyrelsen).
Ved hver skole, som har 5. eller højere klassetrin (year group), har eleverne ret til at danne (form) et elevråd (school council). Et elevråd består af (consists of) mindst en elev fra hver klasse. Elevrådet er først og fremmest (primarily / first and foremost) med til at bestemme (decide on) sager, der har med elevernes egen skoledag (school day) at gøre som fx mad i kantinen (the canteen). Skolen kan også spørge elevrådet, hvad det mener om større beslutninger (decisions) på skolen. Mindst to repræsentanter (representatives) fra eleverne sidder også med i skolebestyrelsen (the school board).
There are set common goals (fælles mål) for what pupils must learn in all subjects, and teaching is planned with a view to pupils achieving these goals. Teachers often work together in teams (team). Each pupil from the kindergarten class through year 9 also has a report book (meddelelsesbog), which is the teacher's assessment of how the pupil is doing academically. The class teacher (klasselæreren) can also assess how the pupil is doing socially.
Der er fastsat (set) fælles mål (common goals) for, hvad eleverne skal lære i alle fag, og undervisningen planlægges (is planned) med henblik på (with a view to) at eleverne kan nå målene (the goals). Lærerne (The teachers) arbejder ofte sammen i team (teams). Hver elev fra børnehaveklassen til og med 9. klassetrin har også en meddelelsesbog (report book), som er lærerens vurdering (assessment) af, hvordan eleven klarer sig fagligt (is doing academically). Klasselæreren (The class teacher) kan også vurdere, hvordan eleven klarer sig socialt (is doing socially).
If a pupil needs support for more than nine teaching hours per week, the pupil must be offered special education (specialundervisning). Pupils must as a starting point (udgangspunkt) be taught in a regular class and can only go into a special class (specialklasse) if they have a particular need for it.
Hvis en elev har brug for støtte (support) i mere end ni undervisningstimer (teaching hours) om ugen, skal eleven have tilbudt specialundervisning (special education). Elever skal som udgangspunkt (a starting point) undervises i en almindelig klasse (regular class) og kan kun komme i en specialklasse (special class), hvis de har et særligt behov (need) for det.
From year 0 (kindergarten class) to year 7, children do not receive grades (karakterer) in the folkeskole. But from year 8, pupils receive grades in a number of subjects at least twice a year. After year 9, pupils sit exams in many subjects. The grading scale (karakterskalaen) used in Denmark is called the 7-point scale (7-trins-skalaen). The highest grade is 12 and the lowest is -3.
Fra 0. klasse (børnehaveklassen) til 7. klasse får børnene ikke karakterer (grades) i folkeskolen. Men fra folkeskolens 8. klasse får eleverne karakterer i en række fag mindst to gange om året (the year). Efter 9. klasse aflægger (sit) eleverne prøve (exams) i mange fag. Den karakterskala (grading scale), der anvendes (is used) i Danmark, hedder (is called) 7-trins-skalaen (the 7-point scale). Den højeste (highest) karakter (grade) er 12, og den laveste (lowest) karakter er -3.
SCHOOL-HOME COOPERATION (SKOLE-HJEM-SAMARBEJDE)
Cooperation between the school and the home (skole-hjem-samarbejdet) is an important part of the work in the folkeskole. The goal of the cooperation is to support the pupil's learning and wellbeing (trivsel). Research into learning shows that pupils learn better when they talk at home about what they learn at school, and when the school ensures that parents know what is happening at school.
Samarbejdet (The cooperation) mellem skolen (the school) og hjemmet (the home) er en vigtig del af arbejdet i folkeskolen. Målet (The goal) med samarbejdet er at støtte (support) elevens læring (learning) og trivsel (wellbeing). Undersøgelser (Research / studies) af læring viser, at elever lærer bedre (learn better), når de hjemme taler om, hvad de lærer i skolen, og når skolen sørger for (ensures), at forældrene ved, hvad der foregår (is happening) i skolen.
SCHOOL-HOME MEETINGS (SKOLE-HJEM-SAMTALER)
At most schools, parents are invited at least once a year to a meeting with the child's teachers. This is called the school-home conversation (skole-hjem-samtale). In the older classes, pupils are usually included in the meeting. At the school-home conversation, the child's teacher or teachers talk with the parents and possibly the child about: how the child is doing socially in the class; the child's academic level; the pupil plan (elevplanen) and what should be focused on in the coming months; and how parents can help if there are problems. A school-home conversation usually lasts around 15 minutes.
På de fleste skoler inviteres (are invited) forældrene mindst én gang om året til en samtale (meeting / conversation) med barnets lærere. Det hedder skole-hjem-samtaler (school-home conversations). I de ældste klasser (older classes) er eleverne som regel med til samtalen. Til skole-hjem-samtalen snakker (talk) barnets lærer (the child's teacher) eller lærere med forældrene og evt. (possibly) barnet om: Hvordan barnet har det socialt (socially) i klassen; Hvordan barnets faglige niveau (academic level) er; Elevplanen (The pupil plan) og hvad der skal være fokus (focus) på i de næste måneder; Hvordan forældrene evt. kan hjælpe, hvis der er problemer (problems). En skole-hjem-samtale varer som regel omkring 15 minutter.
On some schools, a school-home adviser (skole-hjem-vejleder) has been employed, who can be a teacher or a pedagogue. The school-home adviser's task is to strengthen (styrke) dialogue and cooperation between the school and home in order to support pupils academically and socially.
På nogle skoler har man ansat (employed) en skole-hjem-vejleder (a school-home adviser), som fx kan være en lærer eller en pædagog. Skole-hjem-vejlederens (The school-home adviser's) opgave (task) er at styrke (strengthen) dialog (dialogue) og samarbejde mellem skolen og hjemmet for at styrke (support) eleverne fagligt (academically) og socialt (socially).
PARENT MEETINGS AND CLASS COUNCILS (FORÆLDREMØDER OG KLASSERÅD)
Parent meetings (forældremøder) in the class are held at most schools one to two times a year. Teachers can, for example, tell about how they have planned the school year and how work is done in the class. At parent meetings, parents can also discuss which rules they want to apply in the class, for example around birthdays, packed lunches (madpakker) or wellbeing in the class. At parent meetings, contact parents (kontaktforældre) or a class council (klasseråd) can also be elected.
Forældremøder (Parent meetings) i klassen holdes (are held) på de fleste skoler en til to gange om året. Lærerne kan fx fortælle om, hvordan de har planlagt (planned) skoleåret (the school year) og om, hvordan der arbejdes (work is done) i klassen. På forældremøderne kan forældrene også diskutere (discuss), hvilke regler (rules) de ønsker skal gælde (apply) i klassen, fx omkring fødselsdage (birthdays), madpakker (packed lunches) eller trivsel (wellbeing) i klassen. På forældremøder kan man også vælge kontaktforældre (contact parents) eller et klasseråd (class council).
SCHOOL BOARDS (SKOLEBESTYRELSER)
At all folkeskoler there must be a school board (skolebestyrelse). A school board consists of representatives for parents, staff (personalet) and pupils, and possibly up to two representatives from local business, local youth education institutions or local associations (foreninger). Parents make up the majority (flertallet) on the school board. The school board determines, among other things, how parent cooperation is to take place. The school board can also help decide how the money for teaching is to be used.
På alle folkeskoler skal der være en skolebestyrelse (school board). En skolebestyrelse består af (consists of) repræsentanter (representatives) for forældrene (the parents), personalet (the staff) og eleverne (the pupils), og evt. op til to repræsentanter fra det lokale erhvervsliv (business life), lokale ungdomsuddannelsesinstitutioner (youth education institutions) eller lokale foreninger (associations). Forældrene udgør (make up) flertallet (the majority) i skolebestyrelsen. Skolebestyrelsen fastsætter (determines) bl.a., hvordan forældresamarbejdet (parent cooperation) skal foregå (take place). Skolebestyrelsen kan også være med til at bestemme (decide), hvordan pengene (the money) til undervisning skal bruges (be used).
FREE SCHOOLS AND RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS (FRIE GRUNDSKOLER OG EFTERSKOLER)
Most children of an age group attend the folkeskole. Some attend the free basic schools (frie grundskoler) — for example religious free schools (religiøse friskoler) or private schools (privatskoler). Free basic schools are self-owning institutions (selvejende institutioner). They can also be schools that work with a specific pedagogy or teaching method, or are built on a particular religious foundation (religiøst grundlag). Teaching at free basic schools must measure up to what is generally required in the folkeskole. You must normally pay to have your child at a free basic school. Most free basic schools receive financial support from the public (det offentlige).
De fleste børn af en årgang (age group) går i folkeskolen. Nogle af børnene går i de frie grundskoler (free basic schools) (fx religiøse friskoler (religious free schools) eller privatskoler (private schools)). Frie grundskoler er selvejende institutioner (self-owning institutions). Det kan også være skoler, der arbejder med en specifik pædagogik (pedagogy) eller undervisningsmetode (teaching method) eller bygger på et bestemt religiøst grundlag (religious foundation). Undervisningen (Teaching) i de frie grundskoler skal stå mål med (measure up to), hvad der i almindelighed (general) kræves i folkeskolen. Man skal normalt betale (pay) for at have sit barn på en fri grundskole. De fleste frie grundskoler får økonomisk støtte (financial support) fra det offentlige (the public).
In years 8, 9 or 10, young people can choose to attend a residential school (efterskole). A residential school is a school where pupils live and receive education. Pupils have regular subjects such as Danish, English, mathematics and physical education, and can also choose a range of optional subjects (valgfrie fag) such as drama, music, visual arts, IT or cookery. Many young people choose to attend a residential school to try something new, get new classmates and try moving away from home for a period.
I 8., 9. eller 10. klasse kan unge vælge at gå på efterskole (a residential school). En efterskole er en skole, hvor eleverne bor (live) og får undervisning (education / teaching). På efterskolerne har eleverne almindelige fag (regular subjects) som dansk, engelsk, matematik og idræt. Og så kan de også vælge en række valgfrie fag (optional subjects), som fx kan være drama (drama), musik, billedkunst (visual arts), IT eller madlavning. Mange unge vælger at gå på efterskole for at prøve noget nyt, få nye klassekammerater (classmates) og prøve at flytte hjemmefra (move away from home) for en periode.
Videnssamfund Knowledge society
Notes
- What are the two main goals of folkeskole besides teaching academic subjects?
- Feedback: Great! The official goals from the text are:
- Holistic development (alsidigt udvikling): Academic knowledge + personal/social growth.
- Preparation for further education and a desire to learn more.
- Familiarity with Danish culture/history and understanding of other cultures.
- Collaboration and problem-solving (e.g., group work, field trips).
- Physical activities (idræt) are part of the curriculum but not a "goal" per se.
Why is folkeskole considered a cornerstone of Danish society?
- Your answer: "Because it teaches children how to think critically to prepare them to be active citizens and participate in democracy. It is where values are instilled as well. Also, Danish society is a 'knowledge society,' so this is the foundation."
- Feedback: Perfect! The text emphasizes:
- Critical thinking and independence (to prepare for a democratic society).
- Holistic development (academic, personal, and social growth).
- Foundation for a knowledge-based society (videnssamfund).
What is the role of elevråd (student council) in folkeskole**?**
- Your answer: "Elevråd is the student council that forms in 5th grade, I think 2 students per class, they can participate in decisions such as food in the canteen, etc."
- Feedback: Almost perfect! Clarifications:
- Forms in schools with 5th grade or higher (not just 5th grade).
- At least one representative per class (not necessarily 2).
- Role: Advise on daily school life (e.g., cafeteria food) and larger decisions (e.g., school rules).
- Bonus: At least 2 student representatives sit on the school board (skolebestyrelsen).
What is the purpose of lejrskoler (school camps) in folkeskole**?**
- Your answer: "For the kids to experience other settings to practice cooperation and problem-solving. (Also fællesskab.)"
- Feedback: Perfect! The text states:
- Teamwork and collaboration (samarbejde).
- New ways to interact (at løse problemer gennem samarbejde).
- Community building (fællesskab).
How does folkeskole prepare students to be active citizens in a democratic society?
- Your answer: "They teach them how to have critical thinking and express their opinions."
- Feedback: Correct! The text also highlights:
- Learning to argue for their opinions (argumentere for deres meninger).
- Participation in elevråd (student council).
- Understanding democratic values (freedom of thought, equality).
- What happens after 9th grade in folkeskole**? Name at least two options for students.**
- Your answer: "Kids can go to efterskole or they can stay in their school and move on to the 10th grade."
- Feedback: Correct! Other options include:
- Enter the workforce (ud på arbejdsmarkedet).
- Start a youth education (ungdomsuddannelse), such as:
- Gymnasiale uddannelser (e.g., STX, HHX, HTX, HF).
- Erhvervsuddannelser (vocational education).
Vocabulary
| Dansk | English | Context |
|---|---|---|
folkeskolen | the public school | Free, 10 years, for all children |
undervisningspligt | compulsory education | All children must have min. 10 years |
børnehaveklassen | the kindergarten class | Year 0, age \~6, start of folkeskole |
ungdomsuddannelse | youth education | Continues after year 9 |
elevråd | school council | Pupils' representative body at school |
skolebestyrelse | school board | Includes parent majority + staff + pupils |
skole-hjem-samtale | school-home conversation | At least once a year with teachers |
karakterer | grades | Given from year 8 onwards |
7-trins-skalaen | the 7-point grading scale | Highest: 12, lowest: -3 |
indskolingen | lower school (Primaria 1-3) | Kindergarten class – year 3 |
mellemtrinnet | middle stage (Primaria 2) | Years 4–6 |
udskolingen | upper school (Secundaria) | Years 7–9 |
efterskole | Boarding school (Secundaria) | Pupils live there, years 8–10 |
frie grundskoler | free basic schools | Private/religious/Montessori… alternatives to folkeskolen |
specialundervisning | special education | For pupils needing extra support |
meddelelsesbog | report book | Teacher's assessment of each pupil. Starts in grade 8 (end of middle school) |
samarbejde | cooperation | Core value in Danish schools |
folkeskoleloven | the Schools Act | Law governing the folkeskole |
forældremøder | parent meetings | 1–2 times per year per class |
trivsel | wellbeing | Key goal of both school and home cooperation |
modtage | Receive | |
forberede | Be prepared | |
Folkeskole | Primary and lower secondary school | Mandatory, 10 years, free |
Børnehaveklasse | Pre-school class | Age \~6, first year of folkeskole |
Indskolingen | Early stage (Pre-school to 3rd grade) | Focus: Social skills, basic literacy |
Mellemtrinnet | Middle stage (4th to 6th grade) | More academic focus |
Udskolingen | Upper stage (7th to 9th grade) | Prepares for youth education |
10. klasse | 10th grade (optional) | \~50% of students attend |
Bogstaver | Letters | Learned in børnehaveklasse |
Tal | Numbers | Learned in børnehaveklasse |
7-trins-skalaen | 7-step grading scale | Ranges from -3 (lowest) to 12 (highest) |
Kristendomskundskab | Religious studies (Christianity) | Subject in folkeskole |
Madkundskab | Home economics (cooking) | Subject in folkeskole |
Idræt | Physical education (sports) | Subject in folkeskole |