Labor Day - DanishClass101

Labor Day

Learn all about Labor Day

Vocabulary (Review)

Learn New Words FAST with this Lesson’s Vocab Review List

Get this lesson’s key vocab, their translations and pronunciations. Sign up for your Free Lifetime Account Now and get 7 Days of Premium Access including this feature.

Select your level

Or sign up using Facebook

By clicking Join Now, you agree to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and to receive our email communications, which you may opt out at any time.

Already a Member?

Lesson Transcript

Culture Class: Holidays in Denmark, Lesson 23 - Labor Day

Hello and welcome to the Culture Class: Holidays in Denmark Series at DanishClass101.com.

In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Danish holidays and observances. I’m Michael, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 23, Labor Day. In Danish, it’s called arbejdernes kampdag.

Just like in many other countries, Labor Day is celebrated on May 1st in Denmark. This day, in celebration of the labor movement, also features music, demonstrations, and toast speeches in the cities of the country. Since the 1980s, the events have become smaller.

In this lesson, you'll learn how Danes celebrate Labor Day.

Now, before we go into more detail, do you know the answer to this question:

What do people usually use, among other things, on Labor Day to protest against the government?

If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening.

True to tradition, demonstrations and processions take place through the cities on May 1, where participants rally behind a specific cause.

Originally, Labor Day was confined to demonstrations by the Social Democrats and the communists. However, since the 70s, it has become popular for young people to be "left-wing," or venstreorienteret. Therefore, many people who participate in the events of the day today are not necessarily linked to the trade union.

The demonstrators' flags and banners are red because, among other things, it’s the color of the "Social Democrats," Socialdemokraterne.

The traditional professional and political speeches usually take place in parks or squares, but people are usually most interested in knowing where the "prime minister," or statsminister, gives his or her speech on May 1st.

The speeches are mainly about employment and conditions that affect those that are both employed or unemployed.

Once, it was only representatives of trade unions and politicians from the left that gave speeches on May 1st, but today, the politicians of the right are also present. Thus, the speeches of the day can easily contain criticism of the opposing parties.

Between the speeches, there are often "musical performances", or musikoptrædener, so the festive atmosphere can be maintained.

This gives both children and other participants, who are less interested in the speeches, the chance to enjoy the day's festivities.

In some places, tents or stalls are also put up where you can hear about various professions and their organizations and key issues.

You can also visit food stalls or have a good time with your children in the family areas.

One of the major events takes place in Fælledparken in Copenhagen.

The politicians' speeches easily risk being received with dissatisfaction, if the people in general believe that the government has made bad decisions.

Therefore, it happens that some politicians deliberately avoid certain places where they know protesters may attend.

Now it's time to answer our quiz question:

What do people usually use, among other things, on Labor Day to protest against the government?

People usually use whistles, so the sound drowns out the speeches. This tactic is especially used by activist groups who are often behind whistle actions or whistling harassment on May 1.