Discrimination

Discrimination at Work

You have the right to equal treatment—before, during, and after your employment. No matter who you are or how you live your life, workplace discrimination is illegal under Danish law.

Are you unsure about your rights in a specific situation?
We’re here to help.

What does the law say about discrimination?

Your employer is not allowed to discriminate against you—directly or indirectly—based on:

• Race, skin color, or ethnic origin
• Religion or belief
• Sexual orientation
• National or social background
• Political opinion
• Age
• Disability

This applies to hiring, salary, promotion, relocation, termination, and all other working conditions.

What Is direct discrimination?

Direct discrimination occurs when you are treated worse than someone else in the same situation.
Examples include:

• You are not hired because of your religion
• You are dismissed due to your sexual orientation
• Your job application is rejected because of a disability

These actions are illegal, and you are entitled to protection.

What is indirect discrimination?

Indirect discrimination happens when a seemingly neutral requirement has a disproportionately negative impact on certain groups—without valid reason.
For example:

• A restaurant demands that dishwashers speak fluent Danish, even though it’s not necessary for the job

Such requirements are only lawful if they are essential for performing the job.
Example: Requiring fluent German for a teaching role in German.

Discrimination and disability

If you have a long-term condition that limits your ability to work, it may be considered a disability under the anti-discrimination law.

In this case, your employer must:

• Adapt the workplace to your needs
• Make reasonable accommodations
• Ensure you can work on equal terms with others

Example: If you have chronic back pain, your employer may need to provide special equipment like an ergonomic office chair.

There’s no official list of approved conditions. It’s always assessed on a case-by-case basis whether you're protected by the law.

What should you do if you're bound by a clause?

If you have any questions about your clause—big or small—reach out to our legal team.