Equal Treatment and Anti-Discrimination in Denmark
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Danish law prohibits discrimination in employment on a wide range of grounds:
- Forskelsbehandlingsloven prohibits discrimination based on race, colour, religion, political opinion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, gender characteristics, age, disability, and national or social origin.
- Ligebehandlingsloven prohibits discrimination based on sex — including pregnancy, maternity, and gender identity — in hiring, working conditions, promotion, and dismissal.
- Ligelønsloven requires equal pay for equal work regardless of sex.
- Harassment related to any protected ground — including sexual harassment — is treated as discrimination.
- The Board of Equal Treatment (Ligebehandlingsnævnet) handles complaints and can award compensation.
When does it apply?
- You are an employee, job applicant, or intern in Denmark.
- The protections cover the entire employment relationship — hiring, conditions, promotion, training, and termination.
- Both direct and indirect discrimination are prohibited.
What to Do If You Face Discrimination at Work in Denmark
- Document the discriminatory treatment — save emails, messages, or witness accounts.
- File a complaint with the Board of Equal Treatment (Ligebehandlingsnævnet) — it is free and does not require a lawyer.
- You can also bring a claim in ordinary court for compensation.
- Contact your union — many unions will pursue discrimination cases on your behalf.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't accept being told discrimination is 'just company culture' — it is illegal regardless of workplace norms.
- Don't fear retaliation — it is unlawful to victimise someone for filing a discrimination complaint.
- Don't delay — there is no strict limitation period for the Ligebehandlingsnævnet, but evidence becomes harder to gather over time.
Common Questions
What forms of workplace discrimination are illegal in Denmark?
Forskelsbehandlingsloven prohibits discrimination based on race, colour, religion, political opinion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, gender characteristics, age, disability, and national or social origin. Ligebehandlingsloven covers sex — including pregnancy and maternity — and Ligelønsloven requires equal pay for equal work. Both direct and indirect discrimination are prohibited.
Does Danish anti-discrimination law cover harassment and job applicants?
Yes. Harassment — including sexual harassment — on any protected ground is treated as discrimination. Protections apply to employees, job applicants, and interns, and cover the whole employment relationship: hiring, conditions, promotion, training, and termination. It is unlawful to victimise someone for filing a discrimination complaint.
How do I file a workplace discrimination complaint in Denmark?
Document the treatment — save emails, messages, and witness accounts. File a complaint with the Ligebehandlingsnævnet (Board of Equal Treatment); it is free and does not require a lawyer, and it can award compensation. You can also bring a claim in ordinary court, or contact your union, as many will pursue discrimination cases on your behalf.
When does it apply — equal treatment and anti-discrimination?
You are an employee, job applicant, or intern in Denmark.The protections cover the entire employment relationship — hiring, conditions, promotion, training, and termination.Both direct and indirect discrimination are prohibited.
What should I do if I am being discriminated against or harassed at my workplace in Denmark?
Document the discriminatory treatment — save emails, messages, or witness accounts.File a complaint with the Board of Equal Treatment (Ligebehandlingsnævnet) — it is free and does not require a lawyer.You can also bring a claim in ordinary court for compensation.Contact your union — many unions will pursue discrimination cases on your behalf.
What should you NOT do — equal treatment and anti-discrimination?
Don't accept being told discrimination is 'just company culture' — it is illegal regardless of workplace norms.Don't fear retaliation — it is unlawful to victimise someone for filing a discrimination complaint.Don't delay — there is no strict limitation period for the Ligebehandlingsnævnet, but evidence becomes harder to gather over time.