Ansættelsen

Ansættelsen is the Danish term for employment or the act of employing someone. In a broad sense it refers to the relationship between an employer and a worker, and in practice to the employment contract that binds them. The definite form “ansættelsen” is commonly used to denote the current employment or the arrangement in place.

The term derives from the verb ansætte, to employ. The suffix -else forms abstract nouns denoting an act or result, and the definite form indicates a specific employment.

An employment is typically established by an employment contract (ansættelseskontrakt), which may be oral or written though many workplaces use a written agreement. The contract sets the essential terms: position and duties, start date, wage or salary, working hours, place of work, vacation, and any probationary period. The rights and obligations also derive from Danish law and, where applicable, from sector-specific collective agreements.

An employment can be permanent or have a fixed term. Either party can end the relationship, subject to notice periods defined by law, contract, or collective agreement. Dismissal and termination must comply with legal protections against unfair treatment, discrimination, or arbitrary dismissal.

In practice, the employment relationship is governed by general contract law and by Danish labor law, with many terms negotiated through collective agreements in various sectors. The concept of ansættelsen thus encompasses the formal contract, the duties of the employee, the employer’s obligations, and the rights and protections that apply during the period of work and at its end.