English Reference

Word

danish

Phoneticsdan·ish, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈdeɪnɪʃ/

UK/dˈeɪnɪʃ/

Definitions

01from Denmark

A2 · Elementary

adj. coming from or relating to the country of Denmark.

adj. relating to Denmark, its inhabitants, or their culture.

“We visited a small Danish village during our summer holiday.”

“The exhibition showcases Danish design principles, emphasizing the functional minimalism that became famous in the mid-twentieth century.”

02the language

A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun

n. the language spoken by the people of Denmark.

n. the North Germanic language spoken primarily in Denmark and parts of Northern Germany.

“He decided to learn Danish before moving to Copenhagen for work.”

“Although she was fluent in German, she found the phonology of Danish quite challenging to master during her first semester abroad.”

03sweet pastry

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Cooking Informal

n. a sweet, light bread or cake often filled with fruit, nuts, or cheese.

n. a multilayered, laminated sweet pastry of the viennoiserie tradition, typically topped with fruit or cream cheese.

“I grabbed a coffee and an apple danish on my way to the office.”

“The bakery is famous for its almond danish, which features a delicate glaze and a rich frangipane filling.”

Usage

Often used as a countable noun in American English to refer to a single pastry.

Synonyms

04the people

B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun

n. the people who come from Denmark.

n. the people of Denmark collectively.

“The Danish are known for their high quality of life and happiness.”

“Historically, the Danish maintained a significant maritime empire that influenced trade routes throughout the Baltic and North Seas.”

Usage

Usually preceded by 'the' when referring to the people as a group.

Synonyms

Etymology

Alteration of Middle English Denish, Dench (under the influence of Dan — compare Dane), from Old English Denisċ (“Danish”), from Proto-Germanic *daniskaz. By surface analysis, Dane + -ish.

Borrowed from Urdu دَانِش (dāniś), from Classical Persian دَانِش (dāniš).

From Dan + -ish.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Frequent
Level
A2 · Elementary
Updated

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