Associates Interview: Daniela Hummelgren

Daniela believes that there isn’t such a thing as a bad student - anyone can learn Danish, no matter their age or level, they simply need to find the system that works for them. The first thing I noticed when sitting down with her, besides her smile, was her passion for her profession and her students. During our hour together she shared some tricks and systems that could help anyone learn languages easily. 

Daniela inspired me to learn new things and discover new ways to speed up the process and I want to share her journey and insights with you. –Judy

Starting the Language Journey

What made you interested in teaching Danish to internationals who relocate to Denmark?

I teach Danish mostly to people, who have already lived here for a while. They might have studied some modules of Danish or even passed the PD3 exam, but they still cannot communicate in Danish as much as they need. During my Danish studies I learned so many techniques of how to learn languages. There are so many ways to make learning enjoyable and effective. When I realized that not being a native speaker is not my weakness but my strength, I knew that I can help others feel good living here by helping them speak the language. It’s incredibly rewarding to see my students gain confidence! 

How do you encourage your students to start speaking Danish?

The key is to set yourself up for success and set small, achievable goals. Choose a situation where you can predict the conversation topics and prepare for it in advance. For example, agree with a colleague to talk about the new season of your favorite show for just five minutes. 

These small victories build confidence and show you that people are generally supportive and willing to help. It’s about creating a fun, non-threatening, supportive environment where you feel comfortable and prepared, which reduces the fear of making mistakes and encourages continuous practice.

I also emphasize the importance of framing these small conversations around topics that interest you. Whether it's talking about a hobby or discussing the latest episode of a popular TV show, having a prepared vocabulary for the topic in mind can make the conversation flow more naturally. This approach not only helps in learning the language but also makes the process enjoyable and relevant to your interests.

Daniela talks about how relaxed Danes are with inserting English words into the conversation, making it easier to communicate. 

If you forget a word in Danish, it’s perfectly fine to use the English word. The important thing is to keep the conversation going and not get stuck. Actually the Danes do the same - they add many English words into their day to day conversations without even noticing it. This is just the highly international world we currently live in. So in a way, adding in English words makes you sound more native rather than less.

Background, Early Influences & Tips to Learning Danish

What inspired you to learn and teach languages?

I have always loved connecting with people from different backgrounds. It inspired me to study languages, starting with Danish and Dutch Language and Literature at Charles University in Prague. My own experience allows me to support others on the same journey.

What practical tips do you give your students for practicing Danish?

It is much more effective to study a little every day (maybe just 10 min) than just once in a while but for an hour or two. It helps a lot to create a routine around language practice. With my clients I try to find out what can be fun and doable for them and then help them make it happen by setting aside specific times during the day for short, focused language sessions. 

This could be as simple as reviewing vocabulary during your morning coffee, listening to Danish podcasts on your commute or talking to yourself about your day when you are cooking in the evening. Consistency is key, and integrating language learning into your daily routine can help you stick with it. 

When looking for a conversation partner, try to find someone who you will feel comfortable talking to. To improve your Danish, it doesn't have to be a native speaker. You get better when you recall vocabulary and form sentences. For some people it is a good solution to find a conversation partner who is also learning Danish, because they feel less self-conscious when speaking.

Building a Supportive Community

How can learners build a supportive community around them?

Denmark is the land of associations. People group around their hobbies and sports and it is a great way to get to know new people and make friends in a natural way. Everybody is welcome and there are often also social events that offer possibilities for networking or testing your Danish. 

I want to highlight the importance of these social networks, not only for language practice but also for building a sense of belonging. I recount my own experiences with local sports clubs, where I have seen firsthand how these communities support and encourage newcomers. By participating in such activities, learners can practice Danish in a low-pressure environment, making friends and building connections along the way.

Tailoring a Unique Learning Experience

Daniela's journey began at University in Prague, where she chose to study Danish. She pursued her passion and met a handsome Dane and eventually moved to Denmark. This experience, coupled with her personal struggles and triumphs, has profoundly influenced her teaching philosophy. Daniela understands the emotional and psychological barriers that come with learning a new language and works tirelessly to help her students overcome them.

How do you customize language learning for your students?

It’s essential to find what works for each individual. I help students see that they’re not bad at learning languages, they just need to find the right approach. Whether it's through structured practice or casual conversations, the goal is to create a positive learning spiral where success breeds more success. 

One of my clients went from being too scared to speak one word, to confidently conversing with colleagues and clients within twelve weeks. It is fair to say that she was not a beginner, she knew a lot of Danish and I just helped her to apply her knowledge.

I understand that every student has different needs and learning styles. Some might benefit from structured lessons and regular assignments, while others might prefer a more relaxed, conversational approach. I use my extensive experience to tailor my teaching methods to each student's unique requirements. 

For example, I might use role-play scenarios for someone needing to improve their business communications or incorporate cultural insights for those looking to better understand Danish society. For some students I may record voice messages if they need flexibility. It all depends on the clients and what helps them get confident with speaking the language.

Family influences

Could you share who have been your role models in the way you approach language learning?

Absolutely. My mother was a huge influence on me. She didn’t know languages well, yet she managed to get by during our travels due to her positive spirit and willingness to connect with people despite the language barrier. Her attitude taught me that confidence and a positive mindset are just as important as language skills. I also understood that there is no reason to fear making mistakes. It’s all part of the learning process.

Any other personal anecdotes that have impacted your views on language and communication?

Yes, I have a story from my own family life. My husband and our child are both native Danish speakers but there are times when she would ask him three times “Hvad” and he would just repeat the exact same sentence, just a bit faster. This kind of situation has nothing to do with language proficiency. My kid is not bad at Danish and my husband is not unfriendly or not willing to talk to her.

Danes just often don´t understand each other! I try to help my clients understand that not every communication hiccup is because their Danish is not good enough. It is essential to know that there are ways to learn to cope with it. The native speakers are often not aware of how to help the foreigners. So the learner needs to have strategies to deal with it. You can always say something like “Can you say it slower? Can you say it with other words please?’ or even “What do you mean with X?” You can learn to make the communication continue. It takes strategies and practice. And knowing that it is not personal!  

Community support

Your business provides much-needed community support to internationals living in Denmark. Can you elaborate on that?

Feeling like you have already spent so much energy on learning Danish and that you are still bad at it, can feel extremely isolating. I hope to bridge that gap by creating a community where clients can practice Danish in a supportive environment with my free Facebook group ‘Real Life Danish’. 

I'm also proud to be a part of Career Club DK, which supports the professional development of internationals in Denmark. It's a fantastic platform for networking and finding resources tailored to the needs of expats.

Additionally, I am actively involved with several Czech organizations in Denmark. The Czech association V Kodani.cz and “Den tjekkiske skole i København” host events and activities that help build a sense of community among Czech expats. 

We also receive support from the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Copenhagen, which has been invaluable in fostering a strong network of support. I think it is really important to acknowledge that while trying to integrate in Denmark, we must not forget where we come from. Being in touch with your fellow countrymen can give you the opportunity to relax without the fear of being misunderstood. I believe that it is where we sometimes can recharge our batteries to have energy to learn new things and work on integrating in Denmark.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Any advice for those looking to start their own businesses? What strategies have worked best for you?

Start by identifying a real need in the community. For me, it was clear that many foreigners in Denmark needed support with spoken, real life Danish. Focus on providing value and building relationships rather than just making a profit. Networking is also crucial. Attend events, join professional groups, and connect with other entrepreneurs. Lastly, be patient and persistent. Building a successful business takes time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it.

What habits do you believe are crucial for independent business owners to have?

Time management and organization are great things to master. Set realistic goals for yourself and assume that everything will take longer than expected. Be adaptable and open to feedback. 

The ability to pivot and make improvements based on client needs and market trends can make a significant difference in your business’s success.

Work-Life Balance

Balancing work and personal life can be challenging. How do you prioritize and maintain a healthy work-life balance?

It’s definitely a challenge, especially when running your own business. It’s important to stay connected with friends and family, and engaging in hobbies outside of work helps maintain a healthy balance.

Are there any specific practices or routines you follow to prevent burnout and maintain your well-being?

I like to go to Zumba classes and it is a pity that our fellow Career Club DK board member Claire has her lessons far from me, because she is so great at what she does.

Final Thoughts

Before we wrap up, any final thoughts, life mantras, or strategies you'd like to share with the Career Club DK community?

Embrace the journey and be kind to yourself. Learning a new language and adapting to a new culture takes time and patience. 

Celebrate small victories and don't be afraid to make mistakes. They are a natural part of the learning process. 

Remember to build a supportive community around you and seek out resources and networks like Career Club DK. These connections can make a huge difference in your experience and success in a new country.

Lastly, where can our readers follow your journey online? Do you have any social media pages you'd like to share?

My homepage is www.danielahummelgren.dk

People interested in getting tips for learning Danish, getting to know me, and others that are learning Danish and want to practice it, are welcome in my Free FB group Real Life Danish - From Learner to Language User - https://www.facebook.com/groups/reallifedanish

Or just to book a free call with me: https://www.danielahummelgren.dk/assesment

Feel free to connect on Linkedin  - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielahummelgren/

Interview by

Judy Cohen,
Career Club DK Advisory Board Member
Learning Development,  Talent Management, Neurodiversity Specialist, AI Prompt Engineer
Host in Radio ShalomDK

Connect with her on Linked-In