The government is set to invest 68 million kroner to bolster German and French language education programs. This initiative aims to reverse the decline in student enrollment in these subjects.

Christina Egelund, Minister for Higher Education and Research, attributes the drop in admissions partly to negative publicity emanating from the Danish Parliament. She emphasized the need for action due to a substantial decrease in enrollment in fundamental language programs like German and French.

Between 2011 and 2025, overall admissions to general language subjects have decreased from roughly 1900 to around 1000. During the same period, German and French programs experienced a 60 percent drop in admissions, with only 84 students admitted in 2025.

This decline has occurred despite an overall increase in students pursuing higher education. Science and technology programs, in particular, have experienced an increase in applicants.

Egelund admits that political discourse has contributed to the issue. She suggests that statements questioning the necessity of humanities educations have dissuaded potential students from applying.

The allocated funds will be used to enhance the attractiveness of these educational programs. These funds will facilitate improvements in teaching quality, enhance exchange opportunities, and support various initiatives to improve foreign language programs. The minister will collaborate with universities to determine the most effective use of these resources.
50 million kroner is sourced from the 2026 budget, and an additional 18 million kroner is allocated from quality funds specifically for foreign language initiatives.