One of the biggest mistakes candidates make with the Medborgerskabsprøven is thinking it’s just “general knowledge.” In reality, the exam has a very specific syllabus—and knowing what’s in (and what’s out) is half the battle. In this article, we’ll break down the main themes, give examples, and show you how to transform the syllabus into a practical study plan.
Why the Syllabus Matters
With only 25 questions on the exam, each one carries weight. But the questions aren’t random—they come from well-defined areas of Danish civic life. If you don’t know what those areas are, you’ll waste precious study hours on irrelevant material.
The good news? Once you understand the structure, you can target your study and walk into the exam prepared for exactly the kinds of questions you’ll face.
The Four Core Domains
The syllabus for the Medborgerskabsprøven covers four broad categories:
1. Democracy and Political System
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How Danish democracy is organized.
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The Constitution (Grundloven).
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The role of Parliament (Folketinget).
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The monarchy and the Prime Minister.
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Local government and municipal responsibilities.
2. Rights and Duties
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Rights of residents and citizens.
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Key social institutions (healthcare, education, welfare).
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Duties such as paying taxes and respecting the law.
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Civic participation (voting, petitions, freedom of speech).
3. History
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Major events in Danish history.
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Denmark’s role in Europe and the world.
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Important historical figures.
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Turning points that shaped democracy and modern Denmark.
4. Culture and Everyday Life
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Danish traditions and holidays.
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Symbols like the flag (Dannebrog).
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Famous writers, artists, and cultural icons.
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Sports, food, and everyday lifestyle.
What’s Not Included
It’s equally important to know what isn’t tested:
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No current events (that’s only in the Indfødsretsprøven).
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No “mandatory Danish values” questions.
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No trick questions designed to test abstract philosophy.
The Medborgerskabsprøven stays within the scope of basic, factual knowledge about Denmark’s system, history, and culture.
Example Questions
Here are a few examples (in English for clarity):
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Who is the head of state in Denmark?
a) The Prime Minister
b) The Monarch ✅
c) The Speaker of Parliament
d) The European Commission -
What does the Constitution (Grundloven) guarantee?
a) Free healthcare
b) Freedom of speech ✅
c) Compulsory military service for all
d) EU membership -
Which color is the cross on the Danish flag (Dannebrog)?
a) Blue
b) Red
c) White ✅
d) Green
How to Turn the Syllabus Into a Study Plan
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Break it down into themes. Instead of “Danish history,” focus on eras (Vikings, 19th century, WWII, post-war).
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Use flashcards for details. Names, dates, and institutions work best when drilled.
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Mix question practice with reading. Reading alone builds passive knowledge; questions build active recall.
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Simulate the format. Always practice in 25-question sets—the rhythm matters.
The Power of Thematic Study
Imagine studying for a month without realizing how much of the test revolves around democracy and institutions. You’d walk in half-prepared. By contrast, focusing on the syllabus ensures your time is spent on high-yield content.
That’s why our program at testdk.com organizes practice by theme—you’re not just memorizing facts, you’re building mastery in each syllabus area.
Key Takeaways
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The Medborgerskabsprøven syllabus is defined and predictable.
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Four domains: democracy, rights/duties, history, and culture.
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No current events, no “values” questions—stick to civic knowledge.
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Use targeted study and exam-style practice to ensure recall.
Ready to start working through the syllabus with guided practice? Explore our full training program at testdk.com.
