Kommunen (Borgerservice) letter explained in English
Municipality. Your local municipality. It handles cash benefits (kontanthjælp), childcare, schools, local taxes and many social services.
Letters you may get
- Afgørelse om kontanthjælp — whether you get cash benefit
- Opkrævning — a bill, for example for childcare
- Partshøring — they plan a decision and ask for your side first
What to do
- You can usually complain about a kommune decision within 4 weeks. Send it to the kommune first.
- Find the deadline. Look for “senest”, “inden”, “frist”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“klage”, “indsigelse”, “anke”). See the template.
Words you may see
- kontanthjælp
- Cash benefit from the kommune for people who can’t support themselves.
- afgørelse
- An official decision.
- partshøring
- Your chance to give your side before a decision is made.
Questions
What is the Kommunen (Borgerservice)?
Municipality. Your local municipality. It handles cash benefits (kontanthjælp), childcare, schools, local taxes and many social services.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the Kommunen (Borgerservice)?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “senest”, “inden”, “frist” — they mark the deadline. In Denmark, a letter in Digital Post usually counts as received when it arrives in your mailbox. Paper letters take a few days. Briefly adds about 2 days — check the date in Digital Post or on the envelope. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“klage”, “indsigelse”, “anke”).
Can I read a Kommunen (Borgerservice) letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in Danish. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in Denmark
Skattestyrelsen (Skat) · Gældsstyrelsen · Udbetaling Danmark · Jobcenter · A-kasse · SIRI / Udlændingestyrelsen · Politiet · Byret / Fogedretten