# danish

/ˈdeɪnɪʃ/ (US) · /dˈeɪnɪʃ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/danish
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. from Denmark

adjective · CEFR A2

coming from or relating to the country of Denmark.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. the language

noun · CEFR A2

the language spoken by the people of Denmark.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. sweet pastry

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. the people

noun · CEFR B2

the people who come from Denmark.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- I bought a cherry Danish for breakfast.
- The bakery is famous for its almond Danish, which sells out every morning before ten o'clock.
- While the pastry is known globally as a Danish, in Denmark it is referred to as 'wienerbrød', reflecting its historical origins with Austrian bakers who settled in Copenhagen.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.