Rosetta Stone Danish Explorer

We all learn our childhood language by associating new words and phrases with the world around us. The Rosetta Stone method replicates this process by presenting vivid, real-life images to convey the meaning of each new phrase. Instead of translating, memorizing, and studying rules of grammar, you actually learn to think in the new language. Vocabulary and grammar are integrated systematically, leading to everyday proficiency. It's the natural way to learn.

The Rosetta Stone Explorer contains 22 lessons for beginning learners with nearly 900 real-life images and phrases spoken by native speakers. It develops all key language skills--listening comprehension, reading, speaking, and writing--while its systematic structure teaches vocabulary and grammar naturally, without lists and drills. Includes previews, exercises, and tests for every lesson, with automated tutorials throughout the program. (Ages 6 and older)

I have since taken a non-credit Danish course that used the "Teach Yourself" book mentioned above. The classroom setting with a native of Denmark was the best experience, but the class was only 8 weeks (once a week) so it was really just a start.

I have found with the Explorer version that it is the best combination of all the experiences. I find that seeing the picture along with the spoken word along with the written phrase ties it all together for me in a logical, visual way. There are also lessons that test pronunciation as well as writing which are the true tests of language mastery. Because I am bound and determined to learn Danish, I am always looking for new options.

I have found that the material covered is very similar to the Teach Yourself book but in a much more interactive, entertaining, faster-paced format. The first lessons were fun to blast through because if you've studied the language at all, they will be review (colors, number, basic nouns, etc) and progressively get more difficult building on the foundations you learn in the early lessons.

If you just need phrases, I recommend the Berlitz cassettes. They teach you a LOT of basic phrases, although not knowing any other Danish, you may not understand the answers to your questions!

I hope to upgrade to the full personal version, but until then the Explorer version was well worth the money and the best "first step" if you are determined to learn Danish.

I am headed to Denmark once again this fall (Arhus og Kobenhavn) and I feel much more prepared this time around after using this software!


Great if you have plenty of time...   February 8, 2002
16 out of 17 found this review helpful

This software takes a "whole language" approach to learning Danish. If you want to really learn this language, this is a great program. If, however, like me, phrases like "where is the bathroom" are more important than "the boy is on the horse," then you should look elsewhere. This is frankly the only Learn Danish software I found and I did learn enough to get by for two months in Copenhagen without starving or getting lost.


Great For Families   February 7, 2002
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

This has been a great way for our family to study a foreign language together. The way this program works makes it easy for each person to go at his/her own pace. We are really enjoying this software. A bit about how it works, there are 4 exquisite photographs with a phrase for each that is spoken by a native speaker. The lessons build upon themselves; so you consistently review what has already been covered. This program is the best way we have found to study Danish.


Not that good   January 5, 2002
Linda MacCracken (Chicago, IL United States)
1 out of 11 found this review helpful

It's hard to follow and not as fun as I wished it was.