Reading is one of the most powerful ways to build your Danish vocabulary and fluency. But if you're at an intermediate B1 level, picking up an original Danish novel can be a frustrating experience. Constantly stopping to look up words turns the pleasure of reading into a chore, and it's easy to lose the thread of the story and give up.
This is where graded readers come in. These are classic stories and modern tales that have been carefully adapted for language learners. With vocabulary and grammar tailored to your specific CEFR level, they allow you to enjoy a great story, build confidence, and learn Danish naturally, page by page.
-
1Best choice
Around the World in Eighty Days Jorden rundt i 80 dage
Our edition of Jules Verne's classic adventure is the ideal companion for B1 learners. The vocabulary is scientifically graded using a massive language corpus, ensuring you learn the most useful words first. What's more, each book features a unique progression system: sentences and paragraphs start simple and gradually increase in complexity, gently raising your level. Every page includes a bilingual margin glossary translating difficult words into English, so you never have to stop reading, while chapter exercises (in the book and online) and printable flashcards help you master the new vocabulary.
- Danish–English glossary of hard words in the margin of every page
- Difficulty rises inside the book (sentences & paragraphs grow longer)
- Exercises after every chapter (crosswords, gap-fills, anagrams and more) — in print and online
- Flashcards to print and cut out
- Vocabulary graded by corpus research (science-based)
-
2
Charleston-pigen Anne
From Forlaget Bostrup's 'Letlæsningsserie', 'Charleston-pigen Anne' is a short, easy-reading Danish novel written for language learners.
-
3
Farvel og tak
'Farvel og tak' is another respected title in the 'Letlæsningsserie' from Forlaget Bostrup, offering an easy-reading story for intermediate learners of Danish.
-
4
Sølvmønten
This adaptation of a classic Hans Christian Andersen story, 'Sølvmønten', is part of the 'Letlæsningsserie' and is designed for adult learners of Danish.
Our Pentecost Publishing editions consistently top our rankings for a clear reason: they are designed as a complete, self-contained learning system for self-studiers. We use a science-based method to grade vocabulary, and every book has a built-in difficulty progression to gently challenge you. Crucially, our editions also give you a bilingual margin glossary with translations into your own native language, plus exercises in both the book and online, and printable vocabulary flashcards — a comprehensive toolkit that no other reader offers in one package.
| Pentecost | Typical simplified reader | |
|---|---|---|
| Danish–English glossary of hard words in the margin of every page | ✓ | ~ |
| Difficulty rises inside the book (sentences & paragraphs grow longer) | ✓ | ✕ |
| Exercises after every chapter (crosswords, gap-fills, anagrams and more) — in print and online | ✓ | ~ |
| Flashcards to print and cut out | ✓ | ✕ |
| Vocabulary graded by corpus research (science-based) | ✓ | ~ |
The verdict
For an intermediate B1 learner, our edition of Jorden rundt i 80 dage is an excellent first choice. The thrilling, fast-paced adventure story is a perfect vehicle for the Pentecost learning system, keeping you engaged as you progress. Our unique combination of a native-language margin glossary, in-book difficulty progression, and comprehensive exercises provides a supportive framework for independent study. While the other titles on this list are also solid choices for B1 readers, the complete system included with our edition offers a distinct advantage for those serious about improving their Danish through reading.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I use a graded reader instead of an original Danish book?
At the B1 level, original novels often contain complex grammar and a vast vocabulary that can be overwhelming. Graded readers are adapted to your level, which allows you to read smoothly, enjoy the story, and build confidence and vocabulary systematically without the constant frustration of a dictionary.
What makes Pentecost graded readers a good choice for self-study?
Our readers are a complete learning system. The vocabulary is scientifically selected for your level, and the difficulty gently increases within the book itself. Most importantly, the bilingual margin glossary translates tricky words into English right on the page, so your reading flows uninterrupted. With exercises and flashcards also included, you have everything you need in one place.
What is a bilingual margin glossary?
It's a mini-dictionary in the margin of every page. It provides an instant English translation for the more difficult Danish words on that page. This unique feature means you can understand new vocabulary in context without breaking your reading rhythm to consult a separate dictionary.
How can I get the most out of reading a graded reader?
Read a little every day to build a habit. Try to guess the meaning of new words from context before looking at the margin glossary. After each chapter, complete the exercises to reinforce what you've learned. Use the flashcards to practice the key vocabulary until it becomes second nature.
I feel like I'm between A2 and B1. Which level should I pick?
It's almost always better to choose the easier level. The goal of extensive reading is to read a lot, quickly and with pleasure. Starting with an A2 reader will help you build reading speed and confidence. You'll be surprised how quickly you're ready to move up to B1.
Ranking reflects suitability for independent learners at this level. We list respected alternative series for context; prices and availability vary by retailer. The right-hand column describes a typical simplified reader in general; individual competing titles may differ.