Danish Exam PD3 is one of the key language tests for anyone planning long-term life or work in Denmark. It is often required for citizenship, permanent residency and several professions. This guide gives you a clear overview so you know what will happen on the exam day.
The exam is held twice a year, typically in June and December. It consists of three parts: oral, written and reading. All of them test how you use Danish in real situations.
Who Needs PD3?
- Applicants for Danish citizenship
- Professionals such as nurses, dentists and similar fields
- Anyone who needs an official B1/B2 Danish certificate
How the Exam Is Structured
PD3 includes three sections: Oral, Written and Reading.
1. Oral Exam
The oral exam lasts around ten minutes. You receive your topic five days before the test so you can prepare. You complete two tasks during the exam:
- Part A: A two-minute presentation in front of the examiner.
- Part B: Choose a picture, describe it and discuss it while the examiner asks follow-up questions.
2. Written Exam
The written section lasts 150 minutes. It contains an email task and a choice between analysing a graph or a statement.
You complete two tasks:
1. Email Writing: Read an email, answer the questions and write a clear, friendly reply.
2a. Graph Analysis: Describe the data, highlight trends and explain what the information suggests.
or
2b. Statement Analysis: Discuss a topic, explain your view and support it with examples.
3. Reading Exam
The reading exam lasts 90 minutes and contains three task types:
- Skimming: Find key details quickly.
- Short Texts with MCQs: Answer questions based on short passages.
- Missing Paragraphs: Place the correct paragraph in the correct location.
How PD3 Is Graded
PD3 uses the Danish seven-step grading scale. Your result is based on the average of all sections.
- 12
- 10
- 7
- 4
- 2
- 0
- -3
You pass if your average is at least 2. A high score in one section can balance a lower score in another.
Writing Inspiration Topics (for practice only)
These topics are for inspiration when preparing for the written exam. They help you think in themes that commonly appear, but they are not official exam questions.
- Fordele og ulemper ved at leje en bolig / Advantages and disadvantages of renting a home
- Frivilligt arbejde og dets rolle i samfundet / Volunteer work and its role in society
- Børn på nettet med fokus på risici og fordele / Children online with focus on risks and benefits
- Det danske arbejdsmarked med fokus på stress / The Danish job market with attention to stress
- Det danske sundhedssystem og brugerbetaling / The Danish healthcare system and user payment
- Uskrevne regler på den danske arbejdsplads / Unwritten rules in the Danish workplace
- Arbejdslivskvalitet og betydningen af arbejdsmiljø / Work-life quality and the importance of work environment
- Transport i Danmark med fokus på cykling / Transport in Denmark with a focus on cycling
- Udfordringer i sundhedssystemet / Challenges facing the healthcare system
- Fleksible arbejdstider / Flexible working hours
- Ligestilling på det danske arbejdsmarked / Equality in the Danish job market
- Teknologiens rolle i hverdagen / The role of technology in daily life
- Klimabekymringer og bæredygtige vaner / Climate concerns and sustainable living habits
- Digital uddannelse og dens indflydelse på læring / Digital education and its impact on learning
- Indvandring og integration i Danmark / Immigration and integration in Denmark
- Sundhedssystemet i Danmark med fokus på ulighed / The Danish healthcare system with focus on inequality
Tips Before You Start Preparing
- Review past PD3 topics to understand patterns.
- Practice short presentations and natural conversations.
- Read articles and opinion pieces to build confidence.
- Learn to skim texts without focusing on every detail.
▶ Watch Danish study tips on YouTube
If you plan to take PD3, start early, stay consistent and practice realistic examples. Understanding the format makes the exam much easier.