Danish Words And Phrases Used On Public Transport
Travelling on Danish public transport is easy, comfortable and safe. Nevertheless, there are some words that are good to know which will make things easier for you.
For example, how do you know if a seat is reserved or if you can sit in it without a seat reservation? By familiarizing yourself with essential Danish words and phrases, navigating public transport becomes easier and much more enjoyable.
Whether you’re exploring using Copenhagen’s local transport or venturing into the picturesque Danish countryside, having a basic understanding of local transport terminology will enhance your travel experience and help you make the most of your journey.
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Don’t forget to keep this guide with you during your trip.
The Danish Name For Copenhagen’s Central Station
Copenhagen’s main station is known as Copenhagen Central Station, and in Danish, København H, Hovedbanegården, or abbreviated to KBH H.
You will hear announcements on public transport refer to the station as København H.
If you plan to use public transport to get around Copenhagen, there’s a very good chance you’ll pass through Copenhagen Central Station, especially if you take the train to or from Copenhagen Airport.
Danish Names For Copenhagen Airport
Copenhagen Airport, also known as CPH Lufthavn, is commonly referred to as Kastrup, named after the area it’s located in. Its IATA code is CPH.
For a detailed guide on transportation options to and from the airport, check out 7 Ways to Get From Copenhagen Airport to the City Centre.
Public Transport Announcements in Denmark
Train and metro announcements around Copenhagen (but as a general rule, not the rest of Denmark) are given in Danish and English.
However, all vehicles, including buses have overhead signage stating the next stop (næste stop in Danish)
Words You Need To Know When Using The S Train (S Tog)
The S Train (S Tog in Danish) consists of several lines connecting various neighbourhoods in the Copenhagen Metropolitan area. Seats can not be reserved on the S Train, and there is no first class. The S Trains are a quick and convenient way of getting around.
Words you will generally need to know on the S Train are Stillezone, which is the quiet zone or quiet carriage.
There are usually two Quiet Zone carriages, one at the front and one at the back of the S Train. If you use them, and you talk, you will be asked to be quiet. People use the quiet zones for a reason!
Pretty much all announcements on the S Train are in English unless there are delays, in which case the driver will make announcements in Danish only. However, if you ask, people will let you know what’s happening.
To learn more about getting around using the S Train, have a look at What Is The Copenhagen S Train And How To Use It.
Words You Need To Know When Using The Copenhagen Metro
All signage and announcements on the Copenhagen metro are made in Danish and English.
Have a look at my article, How To Use The Copenhagen Metro for your complete guide to using the metro to get around the city.
Danish Terms For Intercity or Regional Train Travel
Intercity and regional trains, regional tog in Danish, travel long distances around Denmark. Generally speaking, the further you are from Copenhagen, the less chance there are that announcements will be made in English.
However, it’s very likely that the train staff will speak English and be able to answer your questions.
How To Know If A Train Seat Has Been Reserved
When using Danish intercity and regional trains, it’s a good idea to reserve a seat, as trains can get busy.
Signage above the seats on regional and intercity trains indicates whether a seat has been reserved or not.
The image above states kan være reserveret, which means the seat can be reserved. If you don’t have a seat reservation, you can sit in the seat.
But there’s always a chance that someone could reserve the seat later in the journey, and you would have to move. Which is why it’s better to spend 30 kr and reserve a seat.
If the screen shows destinations, it means that the seat has been reserved for that leg of the journey.
What Does Ikke I Rute Mean in English
Ikke i rute means a vehicle is not in service.
Danish Words Used On And Around Public Transport
The table below shows Danish words you’ll come across while using public transport.
I have also prepared this Useful Danish Words For Your Trip To Copenhagen article as a go-to resource for basic but essential Danish words that will enhance your trip as a tourist to Copenhagen. You’ll find words related to popular attractions, polite words, and important words to help keep you safe while exploring the city.
| Danish Words Used On Public Transport | English Translation of Danish Words Used on Public Transport |
|---|---|
| Åbent | Open |
| Adgang | Entrance |
| Afgang | Departures |
| Banegården | Train station |
| Billet | Ticket |
| Flyselskab | Airline |
| Gade | Street |
| Gangebro | Footbridge |
| God Rejse | Good (safe) journey |
| Ikke i rute | Not in service |
| Kan Være Reserveret | The seat can be reserved (see information above) |
| Lokaltog / Lokalbane | Local Train |
| Lufthavn | Airport |
| Lukket | Closed |
| Metro | Subway |
| Næste Station | Next station |
| Perron | Platform |
| Pladsreservation | Seat reservation |
| Rejseplanen | Journey Planner (app or website) |
| S Tog | Commuter train serving inner and outer Copenhagen |
| Spor | Track |
| Stillezone | Quiet Zone |
| Tog | Train |
| Togbus | Replacement bus service |
| Udgang | Exit |
| Vogn | Wagon/Carriage |
Check Out These Copenhagen Public Transport Articles
Check out these in-depth articles for everything you need to know about navigating Copenhagen’s public transport system, and ensure your travel around the city is smooth and stress-free. Travel Copenhagen like a local!
Plan Your Journey Using Rejseplanen
Rejseplanen is a journey-planning public transport app that makes exploring Copenhagen and the whole of Denmark easy. You can also use Rejseplanen to buy your tickets.
Do You Need Help Planning Your Trip?
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