This chapter describes structures and activities related to youth volunteering in Denmark.

In Denmark, there is a long tradition of participating in voluntary activities. Primarily, the voluntary activities take place within the voluntary sector composed of private, autonomous, non-profit associations in the areas of culture, sports, and leisure. Volunteers are typically members of the association in which they volunteer, although this is changing (see section 2.1). Voluntary social work has played a minor role because of the universal Danish welfare state. Danes typically volunteer in their spare time. It is less common to take a year out and do voluntary social work.

There is no national law on youth volunteering. National volunteering strategies are for all citizens, including youth.

In 2017, 39% of the population in the 16-85 age group had performed voluntary activities within the last 12 months.

Danish youth also engage in civic society. In 2017, 39% of young people in the 16-29-year age group participated in voluntary activities. In a European context, Danish youth are among the most active. In 2019, 43 % of the 16-29-year age group participated in voluntary activities.