Danish Community in Birmingham

Where they come from

Denmark is the southernmost Scandinavian country, made up of the Jutland peninsula and hundreds of islands, with Copenhagen as its capital. It is known for its design, its cycling and its high quality of life. Danes in Birmingham include academics, professionals, students and families.

The community in numbers

At the 2021 Census, out of a city population of 1,144,919, 47 Birmingham residents described their ethnic group as Danish; and 67 residents gave Danish as their main language. Main language figures leave out the many bilingual residents who use English day to day, so the number who speak the language at home is higher still.

Working for Birmingham

Danish residents work in research, engineering, design, business and healthcare, and Danish expertise in wind energy, shipping and design is admired around the world. Danish academics and students contribute to the city's universities.

Birmingham is one of the youngest and most diverse cities in Europe, and its progress has always depended on people who chose to make it home. Its hospitals, schools and universities, its building sites, workshops, warehouses and kitchens all rely on skills brought from around the world. The Danish community adds its own share to that effort, and takes pride in giving back to the city that welcomed it.

Culture and community life

Hygge, the Danish art of cosiness, has become popular across Britain. Christmas, with its rice pudding and hidden almond, and Midsummer Eve bonfires are treasured traditions, and smorrebrod, open sandwiches, and pastries are much-loved foods. Lego, the world's favourite toy, is Danish.

Birmingham's strength lies in its variety, and the Danish community is a welcome part of it. As the city continues to grow and change, that contribution will remain part of the story of a place that has always looked forward.