Hymns in church
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark has a rich hymn tradition. Hymns play an important part in the Sunday service and you will find The Danish Hymnbook in all parish churches. The most recent edition of the hymnbook dates from 2003 and contains 791 hymns. Some people call the hymnal the unofficial creed of the church, since it has contributed to forming what in Denmark in particular is understood by Christianity. The instrument that is most frequently used to accompany the hymn singing during the service is the church organ.
Hymn writers
Examples of hymn writers whose hymns are among the most used are N.F.S. Grundtvig (1783-1872), Thomas Kingo (1634-1703) and Hans Adolf Brorson (1694-1764). These three hymnwriters have had a significant influence on the development of the Danish church and Danish society overall.
Danish hymns in English
55 hymns from the Danish Hymnbook have been translated into English and published by Det Kongelige Vajsenshus’ Forlag (2009). The English language hymnal also contains a translation of the order of the Sunday church service and all the other services, including baptism, confirmation, marriage, and funeral.
Songs in English at special church services
Often at special church services – e.g. international services and gospel services – the hymns are replaced or supplemented by other songs. Some of the songs may be in English and usually the organ will be replaced by a piano and/or other instruments.
