Say What? The Big Differences Between Nordic Languages
Did you know that Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian are a bit like cousins? They look and sound alike—but they each have their own style, flavor, and fun surprises for young learners.
Same Alphabet, Different Sounds
All three languages use the Latin alphabet, and they even share letters like å, ä, and ø. But they don’t always sound the same! For example:
- In Danish, “r” can sound soft and throaty.
- Swedish sings its words—it’s super melodic.
- Norwegian sounds smooth and easy to follow.
Words That Almost Match
Some words are similar, but not quite the same. The word for “boy” is:
- dreng in Danish
- pojke in Swedish
- gutt in Norwegian
Kids love comparing how the same idea sounds in each language—like a puzzle with three fun answers.
Fun Nordic Activities
Language Detective
Make a chart with a few simple words (like cat, ice cream, or thank you). Let your child find the Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian versions—and spot the differences!
Flag and Word Match
Draw the flags of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Match a unique word to each flag and say it out loud.
Dinolingo makes it easy to start with one Nordic language (like Danish!) and build confidence through stories, songs, and games. Designed for kids ages 2–14, the program introduces fun vocabulary, pronunciation, and culture through play.
Best of all, kids can explore more than 50 languages—so they can jump from Danish to Swedish when ready. All on one account, across web, iOS, or Android.
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