When you are living in Kolding
Here is what you need to know about living in Denmark and in Kolding
Now you are registered in Denmark and is ready to start your life in Kolding – but you still have a lot of questions.
Here you can find information about schooling, language practice, renovation, leisure time in Kolding and much, much more.
In Denmark we speak Danish, and even though the Danes are generally good at speaking English it is an advantage to learn Danish.
Why should I learn Danish?
Knowing basic Danish makes it much easier to get a job in Denmark and to feel more at home in your new contry. It is easier to get a relation to the Danes, having a social network and to understand Danish. You have a possibility of applying for permanent residency later if you learn Danish.
Kolding Sprogskole - Language School
Kolding Sprogskole is a public language school and is located central in Kolding.
The language school offers education in different levels and time of day, so it’s easy to find a class that suits you.
You can read more about how to sign up for a Danish class here .
Language cafes
The best way to learn Danish is by speaking it! In Kolding it’s possible to join language Cafes both physical and online, which is run by volunteers.
We have gathered the offers for you here:
Simon Peters Kirke The church is offering language café on Tuesdays from 4 PM - 6 AM at Simon Peters Hus, Islandsvej 4, 6000 Kolding.
The Danish Red Cross the organisation also has tools to help you practice Danish with their volunteer language trainers. You can book an online conversation at sprogland.
Moving to a new country can be tough – not least because you leave your network, friends, and family behind.
So, getting to know Kolding and finding new friends and networks is a high priority.
Here we have gathered an overview of where you can find events happening in Kolding, associations, and international networks you can join and cultural institutions you can visit.
What's happening in Kolding
In Kolding there are always something going on each day – whether you are into music, art, meeting friends at a community dinner, explore the beautiful nature or something else, then Kolding has a lot to offer.
To get an overview of everything – Kolding has some guides you must follow.
Kolding Guiden If you want to know about all the events happening in Kolding, then Kolding Guiden is the one to follow. You can either find the events at their webpage or download their app. The app is available in English.
Campus Kolding If you are a student or a young person, you can follow Campus Kolding on Facebook and Instagram. They are each week gathering a selection of events which is relevant for students and young people. Oplev Kolding Kolding has a lot of beautiful nature – both in the city and in the countryside. Oplev Kolding “Discover Kolding” is a guide for you who would like to get inspirations for you next activity, event in the nature or sustainable community. You can also find a list over the different facilities you can use in the nature, such as shelters and outdoor exercise equipment.
International networks and associations
Kolding has a vibrant international community, with a huge variety of different nationalities and networks. Some of the networks and associations are hosting events and activities.
We have gathered some of the networks and associations, so it’s easier for you to find a new community.
The Expats Association of Kolding (TEAK) Amongst other things TEAK can help you with:
• Finding a social network of expats • Getting guidance on the day-to-day challenges faced by newcomers • Participating in events to promote integration among expats • Counselling and support in finding a job • All expats are welcome to join TEAK. It doesn't matter if you moved to Kolding to study or to work, or whether you are new in Kolding or have lived here for several years. • Read more about TEAK and how to join at the website and join their Facebook group to get to know what is happening for internationals in Kolding.
Volunteer work
A good way to get to get friend in Denmark is to join a volunteer organisation. Kolding has several organisations you can join – and many of them are either run by internationals or are welcoming internationals.
Frivillig Kolding (Volunteer Kolding) can help you find a volunteer organisation within your area of interest. Frivillig Kolding is a volunteer centre that also hosts events that everyone can join.
Daycare (0-6 years)
Are you bringing your family to Denmark? Then you need to make decisions about your child's day care. We are here to help you make the right ones.
In Denmark, both parents (and other legal guardians) most often have full-time jobs. On average, around 80% of women return to full-time employment after giving birth, which is why most Danish children go to daycare.
In Denmark, both parents (and other legal guardians) most often have full-time jobs. On average, around 80% of women return to full-time employment after giving birth, which is why most Danish children go to daycare.
Childcare is given a high priority in Denmark. All children are guaranteed a spot in a public daycare institution. However, it can take up to three months for a spot to be secured. Childcare is financed partly by the family and partly by the municipality.
Watch a video about life in Danish daycare
The film provides an insight into what everyday life looks like for children in Danish early childhood daycare settings, and how these settings support children’s Danish language development, close cooperation with pareants, and children’s participation in peer communities.
Daycare in a Danish context
Daycare is an option for children aged 0-6 (More accurately: Until they start school).
The below list describes the daycare options offered in Kolding:
1. Daginstitutioner (Daycare centres):
There are three different kinds:
• Vuggestuer (Nurseries) offer daycare for children aged six months to three years.
• Børnehaver (Kindergartens) offer daycare for children aged three until they start school.
• Aldersintegrerede institutioner (Integrated institutions) offer both nursery and kindergarten in one institution.
2. Specialinstitution (Special-needs institutions):
Institution that cater to children with special needs aged one to years.
3. Dagpleje (Childminders):
This is a private service offered for children aged from 24 weeks old up to three years. The child is typically looked after in a private home.
Legestue (Playgroup):
This is part of the childminder service where different groups of children under different childminders meet to play with each other in a playgroup.
Register your child for daycare . You apply for a referral to a nursery, childminder, or kindergarten online at the Kolding municipality’s website.
You use your NemID/MitID.
Please note, that you and your child need to have CPR numbers in order to apply for childcare.
About daycare guarantee
Each municipality in Denmark is required to provide its residents with daycare facilities. Children aged six months to six years are guaranteed placement in a public daycare center within three months of signing up.
You are not guaranteed a specific daycare, but any appropriate daycare within the municipality.
Find a list of the public daycare providers.
Read about cost of childcare services. You pay for public childcare services 11 out of 12 months a year (the month of July is free, due to summer holidays). Sibling discounts are offered.
Private childcare
Private childcare is also an option. The structure and everyday life in a private childcare facility does not differ from that of a public one as they all adhere to same set of rules and obligations, but it is financed differently, and you sign up by contacting the childcare facility/childminder directly. Read more here.
Other questions?
Schooling (6-16 years)
The Danish school system
Denmark has a policy of 10 years' compulsory education for children starting in August of the year they turn six. This is made up of one year in a pre-school class and nine years in primary and lower secondary education, usually completed by 15-16 years of age. Upon completion of primary and lower secondary education, children can choose between a number of general or vocational upper secondary education programs. Upper secondary education (youth education) is for students between 15 and 19 years of age, and prepares students for higher education.
Public schooling in Denmark is free of charge. Parents that choose to send their child to a private or independent school, however, are generally required to pay tuition.
Read more about the Danish school system.
Public school
In Denmark, we all have a free choice of school within the public schools. In other words, you can enrol your child in the local primary or secondary school in the school district in which you live. Or, if you prefer, you can apply for your child to attend a school (0-10th grade) in a different school district within the municipality.
Find a list of public schools in Kolding .
Find an overview of the public school districts in Kolding .
After school programmes (0-4th grade)
In Denmark school-based leisure-time offer is called skolefritidsordning or in short SFO.
After-school care is guaranteed for all children from 0 to 4th grade in public schools. It gives an opportunity to spend time with friends, play and participate in curriculum-based activities.
You will need to pay the cost of SFO yourself. Read more about SFO .
Leisure clubs (4th to 6th grade)
In Denmark there are leisure clubs as an after-school service. Some are run by the municipal and others are run by local associations.
You will need to pay the cost of leisure club yourself.
Youth educations
There are many opportunities to take a youth education in Kolding. In Denmark most youth educations are for free. Here you can find a list of youth educations in Kolding.
Youth education in English
Kolding Gymnasium offers an IB program (International Baccalaureate) which is taught in English.
Waste and recykling
Wondering what to do with your household waste?
Here is a brief overview of the waste and recycling system in Kolding. Kolding Renovation, also called REDUX, has recently been implementing a new waste sorting scheme in Kolding.
Read more about who to sort your waste. For additional information, or in case you have any inquiries, you can either read more on Kolding Municipality’s webpage or you are welcome to contact REDUX's at 79 79 71 00 within their opening hours.
Meet your neighbour
Kolding has a lot of internationals living in the municipality. You can meet some of them here and read about their story. (Coming up soon.)