Symbols

Dannebrog

The National Flag of Denmark, known as the Dannebrog, is one of the oldest national flags in the world. According to Danish legend, the Dannebrog fell from the sky on June 15, 1219, during the Battle of Lyndanisse in Tallinn. Before it ever touched the ground, the flag was caught by King Valdemar II of Denmark, symbolizing divine support for his army. The flag was officially adopted on May 8, 1625.

The Dannebrog features a solid red field with a white Scandinavian cross that extends to the edges, with the vertical part of the cross shifted toward the hoist side. The white cross represents Christianity, reflecting the important role of religion in Denmark’s history and culture. The flag’s proportions are 28:37 (height to width), giving it its distinctive shape.

Royal Coat of Arms

Greater (royal) version

The current design was traced back to 1819, during the reign of King Frederick VI, who fixed the number of hearts at nine and decreed that the heraldic beasts were lions, consequently facing forward.

The royal coat of arms is more complex. The current version was established by royal decree on 20 December 2024. It is much simpler than previous versions.

The shield is quartered by a silver cross bordered in red. The first quarter represents Denmark, with three crowned lions passant accompanied by nine hearts; the second quarter represents the Faroe Islands, with a silver ram on blue; the third quarter represents Greenland, with a silver polar bear on blue; and the fourth quarter contains two lions passant representing Southern Jutland, the northern part of the former Schleswig.

The centre escutcheon, with two red bars on a golden shield, represents the House of Oldenburg, the former royal dynasty that ruled Denmark and Norway from the middle of the fifteenth century. When the senior branch of this dynasty became extinct in 1863, the crown passed to Prince Christian of the cadet branch Glücksburg, whose descendants have reigned in Denmark ever since. The House of Glücksburg continues the use of the arms of the old Oldenburg dynasty, and the symbol is still officially referred to by its historical association.

Two woodwoses (vildmænd) act as supporters; this element can be traced back to the early reign of the Oldenburg dynasty. Similar supporters were used in the former arms of Prussia. The shield features the insignias of the Order of the Dannebrog and the Order of the Elephant around it.

The shield and supporters are framed by a royal ermine robe, surmounted by a royal crown.

The current coat of arms of Denmark was established by royal decree of King Frederik X on 20 December 2024. This decree officially replaced the version that had been in use since 1972 and modernised the design to give greater representation to all parts of the Danish Realm, particularly the Faroe Islands and Greenland. It came into official use from that date (20 December 2024), and new royal flags featuring the updated arms began to be flown from 1 January 2025. 

Lesser (state) version

National Motto

"Guds hjaelp, Folkets kaerlighed, Danmarks styrke." ("God's Help, the People's Love, Denmark's Strength.")

National Animal

The National Bird of Denmark is the mute swan (Cygnus olor), officially adopted in 1984 following a popular vote. The mute swan symbolizes grace, purity, and loyalty. In Danish culture, it is also associated with beauty, elegance, and fidelity, reflecting the swan’s lifelong monogamous pairing. Its presence in Denmark’s lakes and waterways makes it a symbol of the country’s natural beauty and serene landscapes.

Additionally, the swan holds historical and cultural significance in Denmark—it has appeared in royal emblems, literature, and folklore, reinforcing its role as a symbol of national pride and cultural heritage. 

Additionally, the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is recognized as the National Mammal, and the small tortoiseshell  (Aglais urticae) butterfly is the National Butterfly. 

National flower

The National Flower of Denmark is the marguerite daisy, specifically the ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare). The marguerite daisy symbolizes simplicity, purity, and innocence. Its clean white petals and bright yellow center represent natural beauty and modest elegance, qualities highly valued in Danish culture.

The flower also reflects the Danish love for nature and everyday beauty, often appearing in gardens, meadows, and traditional celebrations. Its cheerful and unpretentious appearance makes it a fitting emblem of Denmark’s friendly, down-to-earth character.

The marguerite daisy became an even more iconic symbol because “Daisy” was the affectionate nickname of the former Queen Margrethe II.

National plant

The red clover (Trifolium pratense) is recognized as one of Denmark's national floral emblems, alongside the marguerite daisy. It was designated as the national flower back in 1936 by the Danish Botanical Society and serves as a traditional symbol of the country's agricultural heritage.