Beginner Danish I

Teacher: Melissa Lucas

Saturday mornings 9:30-11:00 am (1 hour 30 minutes) (Pacific Time)

Spring term 2023: April 15th – June 10th (9 weeks)
Online format: Zoom only
Cost: $225 for NWDA members; $250 for non-members

This class is for completely new students and also a review for students who have taken Danish I already.

In this class, students will:

• learn the basics of pronunciation
• use note-taking symbols to help them recall pronunciations
• get tips for producing some of the unusual sounds of Danish
• learn vocabulary for use in simple conversations about common themes
• practice reading aloud and speaking to others in short dialogues

About this Class:

We will use the textbook “Aktivt dansk” to introduce students to the basics of the Danish language. Supplemental materials will be available to students on the teacher’s website, including audio dialogues. We’ll focus a lot on pronunciation, and the complex relationship between spoken and written Danish, as well as basic phrases and idioms used to talk about subjects such as greetings, family, food, illness, time, etc. The class atmosphere is one of respect, encouragement, fun, and delight. Questions are always welcome as are some “bunny trails” (unplanned teaching moments sparked by students’ questions and interests).

Important info about the Textbook!

The textbook, called Aktivt dansk 3^rd edition, has several editions. We will use the most recent, which is significantly different from other editions. It is the same book used in the Danish II and Danish III/IV classes, as well. Do not order the textbook online unless you can get it for cheaper than $65. The publisher sends the books from Denmark and charges the same shipping cost whether we order 1 or 100 books. It is therefore most cost-effective to make a bulk order rather than asking each student to order their own (shipping is close to $100).  During the first class, Melissa will explain how to order and pay for a copy.  Students will receive copies of chapters online until their books arrive. The final textbook price for each student has historically been $60-$65. The exact price depends on the shipping charges and the exchange rate at the time the order is made. Tax on the textbook will be charged to WA state residents (sorry guys!). Other students will not be charged tax but may owe usage tax depending on the state they live in.

If you have an Aktivt dansk book with a cover that looks like the picture, please email Melissa at taldansk@outlook.com and let her know, so she does not order one for you. Even if you have an older copy with a different cover, you will need to get the new book which will correspond to the class content and exercises.

If you have an Aktivt dansk book with a cover that looks like the picture , please email Melissa at taldansk@outlook.com and let her know, so she does not order one for you. Even if you have an older copy with a different cover, you will need to get the new book which will correspond to the class content and exercises.