Denmark

Kingdom of Denmark

Civil law (Nordic)Constitutional monarchyReviewed· 2026-08-02

Capital: Copenhagen
Population: 5,900,000
Languages: Danish
Currency: DKK

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Denmark · Rights

Rights in Denmark

What the atlas records on rights in Denmark, checked against the primary sources cited below.

Rights

The 1953 Grundlov, a unicameral Folketing and a constitutional monarchy

Reviewed· 2026-08-02

Denmark is a constitutional monarchy governed under the 1953 Constitutional Act. Legislative power is shared between the Monarch and the single-chamber Folketing, and sovereignty may be delegated to international authorities under section 20.

Key rules

The Grundlov can be amended only by two parliaments either side of an election plus a referendum.
Section 20 allows delegation of powers to international bodies by five-sixths majority or referendum.
A minority of one-third of members can force most bills to a referendum.

Governing law

Danmarks Riges Grundlov (1953)

In practice

The high bar for amendment means the 1953 text is largely unchanged, so much constitutional development happens through practice and ordinary legislation.

Sources

Rights

The ECHR incorporated by statute and enforced by ordinary courts

Reviewed· 2026-08-02

Denmark incorporated the ECHR into domestic law in 1992, and the courts apply it directly. The Danish Institute for Human Rights is the national human-rights institution.

Key rules

The ECHR has been directly applicable in Danish courts since the 1992 Incorporation Act.
EU law and the Charter apply within the scope of Denmark's EU membership, subject to its opt-outs.
The Danish Institute for Human Rights monitors and promotes rights compliance.

Governing law

Act incorporating the European Convention on Human Rights (1992)

In practice

Because rights are enforced through ordinary courts rather than a constitutional court, human-rights arguments are typically raised within ordinary civil or criminal proceedings.

Sources

Danish Institute for Human Rights

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