#constitution day

Constitution Day 17 September 2025.

Denmark became a constitutional monarchy by the signing of a new constitution on June 5, 1849.   

Constitution Day

Constitution Day in Denmark is observed on June 5 to commemorate the day that marked the signing of the Danish Constitution along with its four revised editions occurring on the same date. Since the closest thing Danes have to a national day is Constitution Day, it is honored in the full spirit of patriotism. June 5 marked the birth of Danish democracy and is celebrated annually with secular services, speeches by local politicians, the raising of the national flag, and church congregations, to name a few events happening throughout the country.  

History of Constitution Day

Constitution Day is a very special day for Denmark. After spending decades in an absolute monarchy, from 1660 to 1849, the first constitution was signed by King Frederick VII in 1849, which finally declared Denmark a constitutional monarchy — a system allowing room to exercise power within a prescribed legal framework only.

The constitution was revised for the first time in 1866 and then, after the women’s suffrage movement in 1915 when women were allowed to vote, the 1849 constitution went through another revision. A third revision took place in 1920 followed by the final version, signed in 1953, which is still followed without further updates. Since there is no process of amendment, the entire document of the constitution has to be updated at every new addition or extraction of the clauses.

Interestingly, almost all updates of the constitution have occurred on June 5, which adds more significance to the date. The most recent edition, after eliminating the Upper Chamber, has created a unicameral parliament. From permitting women to inherit the throne to decreasing the percentage of votes by women necessary to change the constitution (from 45% down to 40%), June 5 is one of the most important days to celebrate in Denmark.

Not entirely an official public holiday, shops and businesses are shut down after midday and workers get a half-day off. Political organizations and associations meet for secular services, the Dannebrog is hoisted in the sky, and the general public spends the day in collective merriment.

Constitution Day timeline

1848

Danish Constituent Assembly

The assembly votes for a Danish Constitution, formalizing the transition from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.

1849

Danish Constitution

King Frederick signs the first constitution declaring Denmark as a constitutional monarchy.

1915

Women’s Right to Vote

Following women’s suffrage, the Constitution is revised on June 5.

1992

European Convention on Human Rights

Danish law adopts the European Convention on Human Rights.

Constitution Day FAQs

Is Constitution Day a public holiday?

Constitution Day has remained a half-day off work from 1891 to 1975. Even today, it’s not an official holiday but, more or less, observed like one. 

What is a National Day in Denmark?

The Constitution Day, on June 5.

What happened on Constitution Day?

Denmark was declared a constitutional monarchy.

How to Observe Constitution Day

Learn about Denmark: The happy, art-loving country is truly a package full of surprises. Use this day as an opportunity to learn about the attractions in Denmark and, if you’re convinced, perhaps plan your next trip to see it!

Join in the celebrations by the embassy of Denmark: Attend the events that the Danish embassies participate in, such as playing the national anthem, holding rallies, and raising the Danish flag high up in the sky. It’s always fun to take part in another nation’s celebrations!

Replicate Danish cuisine! Have you ever had a morsel of the Danish hot dog? Or the classic ‘Stegt flæsk’ that’s also the country’s national dish? Danish pastry is a must-try! Search for a recipe of traditional Danish food to cook and enjoy on this day.

5 Facts About Denmark That Will Blow Your Mind

It has the oldest flag in use: Denmark’s flag is the oldest in history, having come into Danish possession during the Battle of Lyndanisse in 1219.

Bluetooth was the name of a Danish king: Bluetooth on your phone was named after the second king of Denmark, King Harald Bluetooth.

Coast longer than the Great Wall of China: You cannot spot a point in Denmark where you won’t see the ocean. It stretches along the coast at a distance of 4,545 miles. That is longer than the Great Wall of China!

Danes don’t say “please”: There is no word for “please” in the Danish language.

Happiest country in the world: It has been named the world’s happiest country on several occasions and tops the UN World Happiness Report all the time.

Why We Love Constitution Day

It freed Denmark from absolute monarchy: Living under an absolute monarchy is not ideal. June 5 marks the day when Denmark transitioned from being tied to supreme aristocratic authority to enjoying a modicum of freedom.

It’s one of the most luxurious countries in the world: Thanks to the abolishing of absolutism, Denmark is open to all foreigners who love its royal, down-to-earth castles, the luxurious lifestyle, and clean, green, and eclectic neighborhoods.

It has a strong social welfare system: According to the Danish Constitution, Danes are offered comprehensive social welfare including unemployment-, disability-, old-age-, and survivorship benefits at virtually no cost.

Happy Constitution Day, K-12 Teachers! Join our civic education webinars this week to help your students explore and understand the Constitution.

📜 Celebrating International Constitution Day!

💙💛 З Днем Конституції, Україно!

Конституція України прийнята 28 червня 1996 року. Це не лише про форму держави чи систему влади, не просто юридичний акт. Це про наші цінності. Про право людини на життя, свободу слова, самовираження, право кожного дихати чистим повітрям, пити безпечну воду, доступ до медицини і навчання тощо. Стаття 16 зобов’язує державу захищати довкілля, а стаття 50 — гарантує кожному право на безпечне для життя і здоров’я середовище. Це означає, що кожна людина має однакове право на наш спільний дім.

Сьогодні українські солдати стоять на захисті територіальних меж, на яких виконується наша Конституція та живуть наші люди, а фермери, енергетики, екологи та інші — щодня працюють, аби життя країни продовжувалося і можна було як забезпечити потреби країни, так і її розвиток. І саме Конституція стоїть на варті прав кожного з них і кожного з нас — на працю, на гідне життя, на участь у рішенні важливих питань. Вона визнає землю головним національним багатством, а людину — найвищою цінністю.

This Day in History: Constitution Day

Happy Constitution Day! On this day in 1787, delegates to the Constitutional Convention sign the Constitution. Perhaps you’ve heard what Benjamin Franklin did immediately afterwards?

He’d been spotted by a Philadelphia matron as he emerged from that meeting. She was curious. What had delegates been doing behind closed doors? “Doctor,” she reportedly called out, “what have we got, a Republic or a Monarchy?” Franklin’s response was brief: “A Republic, if you can keep it.”

The tale is simple, yet Franklin is often misquoted. Some think Franklin responded: “A democracy, if you can keep it.”

Modern Americans easily believe this misquote because the foundations of our Constitution are not taught—and thus are not understood. But Franklin and other Founders knew better.