Danes - Definition and Overview

The Danish nation is a concept closely connected to 19th century ethnic nationalism. It relates to self-identification rather than to laws. The term's use is relevant chiefly in historical contexts of debate on the status of Schleswig and Holstein vis-à-vis a Danish nation-state.

The Danish nation is to be distinguished from the legal concept of nationality, Danish nationals; i.e. persons fully subjected to Danish law.

The Danish nation consists, in theory, of all people the other members see as members.

In practice, it is a way to cover Danes in Denmark and in the formerly Danish Duchy of Schleswig by the same term.

Excluded are people from the formerly Norwegian Faroe Islands and Greenland.

The term can today also be heard in right-wing and populist rhetoric, often conveying anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant sentiments.