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DANISH CITIZENSHIP

One in two failed Danish citizenship test

Half of all naturalisation hopefuls that took Denmark’s citizenship test in June failed.

Published: 28 June 2017 13:15 CEST

One in two failed Danish citizenship test

Last year's version of Denmark's citizenship test famously contained a question about the birth date of composer Carl Nielsen. Photo: Iris/Scanpix

Only one in two of the thousands of people that took the citizenship test (indfødsretsprøven) at language centres across the country in June managed to pass, according to Ministry of Immigration figures.

49.8 percent passed the test by correctly answering at least 32 out of 40 questions on the test, which covers subjects such as society and culture, as well as having a strong focus on historical events and figures.

READ ALSO: Reading the runes: Denmark's tough citizenship test

The figure is significantly lower than the pass rate for the previous exam cycle in December 2016, but better than in June 2016, when as many as two thirds failed to reach the pass score.

The new test replaced an earlier and easier citizenship test (statsborgerskabsprøven) that was introduced by the previous government in 2014.

When the new test was introduced, a number of Danish media outlets posted it on their websites, with even natural-born Danes having a hard time passing it, leading to political calls to revamp the exam.

“It is a somewhat lower pass rate this time, and that just shows how important it is to prepare thoroughly – which is also the point,” immigration minister Inger Støjberg told news agency Ritzau on Wednesday.

“Danish citizenship is a great privilege, so we demand that applicants have knowledge of basic elements, as well as the culture and history, of the society they want to be a part of,” the minister continued.

Applicants for Danish citizenship must also meet requirements for financial self-reliance and language and have clean police records.

Do you need to get a Danish passport after obtaining citizenship?

When you become a citizen of Denmark, you are eligible to apply for a Danish passport, but it’s not a legal obligation.

READ MORE: How to apply for citizenship in Denmark

This approach offers flexibility for those who may already have a travel document from other nations or do not wish to apply for a Danish passport immediately.

However, while not a legal requirement, there are considerable benefits to holding a Danish passport.

Why it’s a good idea to get a Danish passport

The document allows hassle-free travel across the European Union (EU) and numerous other countries, as it’s a reflection of the country’s strong diplomatic ties worldwide.

While new citizens of Denmark are not restricted to using a Danish passport for international travel travelling with a non-Danish passport might require additional visas or entry permits, depending on the destination.

Therefore, the Danish passport serves as a form of identification, simplifying bureaucratic and ID processes within and outside Denmark.

They also highlight to the Danish border force that you are exempt from any restrictions or requirements when crossing onto Danish soil.

Consular assistance for passport holders

With a Danish passport, you can access consular services and assistance provided by Danish embassies and consulates worldwide.

They effectively extend the reach of Denmark’s government into foreign territories, offering a broad range of services – including emergency assistance, legal services, passport replacement, travel information, and others – that can be vital to Danish passport holders who encounter challenging situations during their travels abroad.

If you face a medical emergency, the consulate or embassy can help you locate medical facilities, contact your family, and provide guidance on dealing with local authorities.

Furthermore, they also offer notarial services such as document legalisations and certifications, often required for legal proceedings in foreign countries.

You can find the contact information for Danish embassies and consulates on this page of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Dual citizenship and passports

Dual citizenship, which refers to people legally recognized as citizens of two countries simultaneously, makes things somewhat different.

READ MORE: What does gaining Danish citizenship mean to dual nationals?

Until 2015, Denmark’s policy was generally against dual citizenship. It required people to renounce their previous nationality when becoming Danish citizens.

In September 2015, Denmark changed its laws to allow dual citizenship. This means that you can now hold Danish citizenship and another nationality without giving up one of them.

Once your second citizenship is granted, provided it’s Danish, you’ll be eligible (though not obligated, as we’ve already explained) to apply for a Danish passport.

You’ll have to follow the standard application process, which involves applying at a local police station in Denmark or Danish consulates abroad if you’re residing overseas.

Furthermore, you’ll need to hand in the required documentation (proof of citizenship, ID, etc.) and pay a fee.

The Local has a deep-dive explainer on the rules for dual-nationals travelling in Denmark, where you can find more details on the issue.

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