What Is Børnehave in Denmark and When Can Children Start?

What is Børnehave?

Børnehave, translating to kindergarten, serves as a bridge between home and primary school. It emphasizes play-based learning and social development, ensuring children are well-prepared for their educational journey.

How does it work?

In børnehave, children engage in various activities that promote creativity and social skills. For instance, a typical day might include group games, storytelling, and outdoor play, allowing children to learn through exploration rather than formal instruction.

Common rules or requirements

Requirement	Details
Age	Children must be between 3 and 6 years old.
Legal Right	Every child in Denmark has a legal right to a place in an ECEC setting.
Subsidies	Government subsidies cover at least 75% of the costs associated with børnehave.

Example

Imagine a family moving to Denmark with a 4-year-old. They can enroll their child in a børnehave, where the child will participate in activities that foster social skills and emotional development, preparing them for primary school.

Quick Tips for Expats

Visit several børnehaver to find the best fit for your child.
Engage with other parents to learn about their experiences and recommendations.

If you’re planning to enroll your child in an international private nursery or børnehave in Denmark, you and/or your child must have a CPR number. Even though these institutions are privately run, they receive government subsidies, which require them to document the number of children enrolled with valid CPR registrations.

You can read more about how to get a CPR number here:
👉 Copenhagen Expats – How to Get a CPR Number