Description
The German minority in Denmark, who call themselves “German Nordschleswigans” (deutsche Nordschleswiger), consists of approximately 15,000−20,000 people within a total population of the region of Nordschleswig of 250,000. The identity of the Germans in Denmark is based on a feeling of regional belonging in a landscape that was characterised both by Danish influence from the North and also by German influence due to the connection of the region of Schleswig with the Holstein.
In 1920, at the end of the First World War and in the framework of the Versailles Treaty, a referendum took place that decided about the future of the border between Denmark and Germany. With 75% of the votes the population decided to be part of Denmark.
The German minority has its own kindergartens, schools and libraries, is responsible for religious and social activities, publishes the “Der Nordschleswiger” daily newspaper and offers many sports and cultural activities through its many associations.
Hundred percent of the people who belong to the German minority in Nordschleswig are bilingual or multilingual. At home and at official occasions (such as church service, celebrations and in associations) German is used. In other environments, the colloquial language of the Germans in Denmark is often and foremost the regional dialect of Sønderjysk (Synnejysk), which is still very much used in daily life.
Size of the minority
5,000−20,000 (Euromosaic)
More
- http://nordschleswig.dk/SEEEMS/1284.asp
- BDN, Dachorganisation der deutschen Minderheit: www.bdn.dk
- Tageszeitung „Der Nordschleswiger“: www.nordschleswiger.dk
- Schleswigschen Partei (SP): www.schleswigsche-partei.dk
- Deutschen Schul- und Sprachverein (DSSV): www.dssv.dk
- Pan, Christoph / Pfeil, Beate S.: Die Volksgruppen in Europa. Ein Handbuch. Wilhelm Braumüller Verlag 2000.
- Pan, Christoph / Pfeil, Beate S.: National Minorities in Europe: Handbook. Wilhelm Braumüller Verlag 2003
Language
German (20.000 Speaker)
Country
