A Danish language institution now apologizes for unclear communication about its threatened dictionary service. The crisis continues unless the culture minister provides millions in additional funding.
The digital reference work Den Danske Ordbog faces potential shutdown. The Danish Language and Literature Society publishes this dictionary, which more than 100,000 Danes use daily.
The society's director acknowledged that communication about the financial situation has not been clear enough. The dictionary requires substantial public funding to remain operational.
This represents a battle over words and numbers concerning the dictionary's survival. The institution previously warned about closure earlier this year.
The Danish dictionary contains definitions, usage examples, and contemporary language documentation. It serves as a key resource for students, journalists, and language professionals across Denmark.
Government funding for cultural institutions remains tight despite Denmark's reputation for supporting the arts. The culture minister faces pressure to find a solution that preserves this important language resource.
Language preservation often takes a backseat to other budget priorities, even in nations proud of their linguistic heritage. The situation highlights how digital cultural resources struggle without sustained financial support.