UCPH statutes

 

Pursuant to section 13 (1) of the University Act, cf. Consolidated act no. 391 of 10 April 2024 as amended by section 1 of Act no. 1697 of 30 December 2024, it is stipulated that:

  1. The University of Copenhagen is a state-financed, self-governing institution operating within the public administration under the supervision of the Minister for Higher Education and Science.
  2. The University of Copenhagen has its registered office and venue in Copenhagen.
  3. The objects of the University are to conduct basic research and other research and to offer research-based education at the highest international level within its academic subject areas. The University shall ensure a balanced relationship between research and education, on a regular basis strategically select, prioritise and develop its research and educational subject areas, and disseminate knowledge of academic methods and results.

(2) The University shall work to protect its academic freedom and that of the individual researcher and to secure scientific standards and ethics of the highest quality.

(3) The University shall interact with the surrounding society and contribute to the development of international collaboration. Its results within research and education as well as knowledge dissemination shall contribute to enhancing growth, welfare and development, and the University shall encourage its employees to contribute to the public debate.

(4) On the basis of its research, the University may provide public sector services by agreement with the relevant minister.

  1. Lectures and oral examinations at the University of Copenhagen are public, subject to the limitations determined by the University.
  2. The University of Copenhagen is organised as a multi-faculty university.

 

 

  1. The Board is the highest authority of the University and is responsible for the overall and strategic management of the University.

(2) The University has the overall responsibility to ensure that the University conducts research and offers research-based education at the highest international level within its subject areas, cf. Statute 3.

  1. The Board has 11 members: Six external members, two members elected by and from amongst the University's academic staff, including PhD students employed, one member elected by and from amongst the technical and administrative staff and two members elected by and from amongst the University's students.

(2) In combination, the members of the Board shall have experience of and insight into research, research-based education, knowledge dissemination, knowledge exchange and the University's tasks, cf. Statute 3, with a view to handling the overall and strategic management of the University, cf. Statute 6.

(3) The representatives of the employees shall have the University of Copenhagen as their main workplace, which means that the majority of their working hours shall lie with the University.

  1. The external board members are appointed on the basis of their competences rather than on their roles as representatives of particular interests, organisations or sectors. The external members' combined competences shall reflect the University's tasks, cf. Statute 3. The external members shall together possess insight into research, research-based education, management, organisation and finance, including assessment of budgets and financial statements. The external members shall each hold a master's degree or a degree at a similar level, and at least one of the external members shall have experience as an acknowledged researcher.

(2) The chair of the Board shall have experience of strategic management of a large company or organisation as well as considerable insight into societal matters.

(3) The external board members may not be enrolled as a student at the University of Copenhagen, be an employee of the University or an external examiner at the University.

  1. Appointment of the chair and the other external board members is made by the appointment committee, cf. Statute 10, on the basis of an open call.

(2) The appointment committee shall ensure that the external board members fulfil the conditions set out in Statutes 7 (2) and 8 above.

(3) Regarding appointment of new board members, the appointment committee shall endeavour to ensure that the full Board has a balanced composition of men and women in accordance with the principles of the Danish Gender Equality Act.

(4) The appointment committee appoints the chair of the Board for the approval of the minister.

  1. The University appoints the appointment committee, cf. section 12 (4) of the University Act. When forming the appointment committee, the University shall endeavour to ensure that the full committee has a balanced composition of men and women in accordance with the principles of the Danish Gender Equality Act.

 (2) The appointment committee consists of nine members as follows:

  • The chair of the Board, who is also chair of the appointment committee,
  • five external members elected by the Board of Representatives in their personal capacity,
  • one member of the Board elected by and from amongst the staff representatives of the Board,
  • one member of the Board elected by and from amongst the student representatives of the Board, and
  • one external member of the Board elected by and from amongst the external members of the Board.

(3) The five members of the appointment committee shall collectively reflect the University’s users and employers and have insight into the University’s tasks. These members are appointed in a personal capacity and may not be members of the University's Board or be employees or students at the University.

(4) The members of the appointment committee are appointed for a term of four years, however, for the student representative, the term of office is two years. The members of the appointment committee may serve on the appointment committee for a maximum of eight years, however, for the student representative for a maximum of four years.  However, after a consecutive period of eight years, the five external members may be reappointed after a waiting period of at least one year.

(5) Reappointment of the five external is made by the Board of Representatives, cf. Statute 20 (2). Reappointment of the employee representative, the student representative and the representative of the external members of the Board is made, respectively, by the employee representatives of the Board, the student representatives of the Board and the external members of the Board.

(6) Regarding appointment or reappointment of the chair of the Board, the existing chair of the Board may not sit on the appointment committee. In this case, the Board appoints an external member of the Board to sit on the appointment committee. The appointment committee appoints a new chair of the committee amongst the five external members of the appointment committee, cf. (2), no. 2.

(7) The appointment committee shall draw up competence profiles for the vacant external board memberships on the basis of the criteria set out in Statute 7 (2) and Statute 8 (1) and (2) for the purpose of publicly advertising for new external board members.

  1. The Board members’ term of office is four years. For the student members of the Board, however, the term of office is two years.

(2) The external members of the Board may be reappointed one or more times, as long as the total term of office does not exceed eight years. Reappointment is made by the appointment committee.

(3) As regards the chair of the Board, his/her reappointment shall be submitted for approval by the minister.

(4) If the appointment committee decides not to reappoint a member, the process of nomination and appointment of a new external Board member is initiated, cf. Statutes 9-10.

(5) Internal board members may serve on the Board for a maximum of eight years, student members, however, for a maximum of four years.

  1. A board member who is not capable of adequately serving on the Board due to illness or for other reasons shall retire from the Board. Where this applies to the external board members, the appointment committee shall appoint a new member in accordance with Statutes 9-11. The term of office for the new external member is four years. Where this applies to the internal board members, the relevant alternate replaces the retiring member for the remainder of the term.
  2. The chair of the Board has the overall responsibility for the organisation of the Board’s work. On behalf of the University, the chair is responsible for the strategic dialogue with the minister.

(2) The chair is in charge of the ongoing skills development of the members of the Board.

(3) The Board elects a deputy chair from amongst its external members.

(4) Together with a member of the Board, the chair of the Board is responsible for any matters involving real property.

  1. Board meetings are public. Matters comprised by statutory provisions on confidentiality in public administration, all matters concerning individuals and matters involving information on contract negotiations with private sector business partners or similar negotiations with public sector business partners shall, however, be considered behind closed doors. Matters may also be considered behind closed doors if dictated by the nature of the matter or circumstances in general.

(2) Agendas, minutes and other meeting documents of the Board shall be made public, subject to applicable rules of law.

(3) Matters comprised by statutory provisions on confidentiality in public administration may not be made public. Documents or information forming part of a matter subject to confidentiality shall, however, be made public in compliance with (1) if the individual document or the individual piece of information is not subject to confidentiality.

(4) Matters concerning individuals and matters involving information on contract negotiations with private sector business partners or similar negotiations with public sector business partners may be exempted from the requirement that the meeting documents of the Board shall be made public if dictated by the nature of the matter or circumstances in general. Documents or information forming part of a matter comprised by the first sentence shall, however, be made public in compliance with (1), unless such publication would be fundamentally contrary to the prerequisites which a lack of publication would dictate according to the first sentence.

(5) Matters, including documents and information relating thereto, considered behind closed doors, cf. (1), third sentence, may be exempted from the requirement that the meeting documents of the Board shall be made public if dictated by the nature of the matter or circumstances in general.

  1. The Board has the overall responsibility for ensuring that the University's research and programmes are constantly being developed.
  2. The Board's tasks include inter alia: 
  1. The Board shall manage the University’s funds in an efficient manner and to the greatest possible benefit of society.
  2. Upon recommendation of the Rector, the Board approves the University's budget, including the allocation of aggregate resources and the principles for the use of the resources, and signs the annual report.
  3. The Board enters into a strategic framework contract with the minister.
  4. The Board may delegate to the Rector the conclusion of agreements for public sector services subject to agreement with the relevant minister, cf. Statute 3 (4).
  5. The Board may delegate to the Rector to conclude agreements for programmes offered with the relevant minister in accordance with rules laid down by this minister, cf. section 7 of the Danish University Act.
  6. The Board lays down the overall framework for the organisation of the University.
  7. The Board ensures that employees and students are involved in and participate in important resolutions.

(2) The Board lays down rules of procedure for the performance of its duties.

  1. The Board appoints and dismisses the Rector and, upon the recommendation of the Rector, appoints and dismisses the University's Prorector(s) and the University Director.

(2) The Board defines the framework for the Rector's day-to-day management of the University in the Instructions to the Rector.

  1. The Board is responsible to the minister for the activities of the University, including the management of the overall resources of the University.
  2. The Board may take out a customary liability insurance for board members.

 

 

  1. The Board of Representatives inspires and strengthens the University's efforts to identify and acknowledge issues, provides input for the University of Copenhagen's strategic work and contributes with personal experiences and ideas.

(2) Upon public advertisement the Board of Representatives appoints five external members to the appointment committee, cf. Statute 10 (2). The Board of Representatives may reappoint these members once for a new four-year period, cf. Statute 10 (4). If the Board of Representatives decides not to reappoint a member, the process of appointment of a new external member of the appointment committee is initiated, cf. first and second sentences.

(3) The Bard of Representatives prepares rules of procedure based on standard rules of procedure for the approval of the Rector.

  1. The Board of Representatives is composed of 14 external members from the faculties' employer panels, cf. part 6: One member each from the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Theology as well as three members each from the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Faculty of Humanities.

(2) The Rector sets up the Board of Representatives upon the nomination of the deans, cf. Statute 22 (1), no. 3.

  1. The members of the Board of Representatives are appointed in the following manner: 
  1. Each faculty's employer panels each elect from amongst their members a candidate for the Board of Representatives to be nominated to the dean. If a faculty has only one employer panel, this panel shall elect from amongst its members two candidates for the Board of Representatives to be nominated to the dean.
  2. The dean selects amongst the candidates mentioned in (1) no. 1 the candidates to be nominated to the Rector. The deans of the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Theology each nominate two candidates, while the deans of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Faculty of Humanities each nominate six candidates.
  3. The Rector appoints 14 members from amongst the nominated candidates referred to in (1), no. 2, cf. Statute 21 (1).

(2) For each member of the Board of Representatives, the Rector appoints an alternate from the faculty which has nominated the member, cf. (1), no. 2. The Rector appoints the alternate from amongst the candidates who were not appointed to the Board of Representatives, cf. (1), nos. 2 and 3.

  1. The Board of Representatives elects a chair and a deputy from amongst its members.

(2) In the event of a tied vote, the chair has the casting vote.

  1. The members of the Board of Representatives are appointed for a term of four years.

(2) Members are eligible for reappointment once. The Rector may reappoint members. If the Rector decides not to reappoint a member, the process of nomination and appointment of a new member for the Board of Representatives is initiated, cf. Statutes 21-22.

(3) The members may serve on the Board of Representatives for a maximum of eight years.

 

 

Rector

  1. The Rector undertakes the day-to-day management of the University within the framework laid down in the Danish University Act and by the Board. The other members of management perform their duties upon authorisation from the Rector.
  2. The Rector is recruited on the basis of an external job posting according to the rules governing central government job postings. Generally, the appointment is based on the rules of limited tenure.

(2) The Rector shall be a recognised researcher within one of the University's subject areas and have insight into the educational sector. The Rector shall have experience in management and organisation of research environments and insight into the activities of the University and its interaction with the surrounding society.

(3) The recruitment procedure shall ensure that the Rector holds the required academic and managerial legitimacy. With this in mind, the Board makes a decision on the appointment for the position as Rector.

(4) The recruitment procedure may be performed by the whole Board, or the Board may from amongst its members set up a nomination committee to prepare job postings, select candidates for interviews, conduct job interviews and present a reasoned list of priority to the Board.

(5) A nomination committee consists of the chair of the Board or a person authorised by the chair of the Board as chair and representatives of the external and internal members of the Board.

(6) The decision on appointment is made by the Board.

  1. The Rector signs for the University, however, not in matters involving real property transactions, and makes decisions in all matters that are not the responsibility of the Board, the Academic Councils, the Study Boards or the PhD committees according to the Danish University Act, these Statutes or the Instructions for the Rector.

(2) The Rector submits the budget to the Board for approval and signs the annual report.

(3) The Rector defines rules on disciplinary measures towards the students.

(4) The Rector defines detailed guidelines for documentation systems for evaluations and follow-up on these. The Rector defines and delegates the responsibility for the student and career counselling.

(5) The Rector or a person authorised by the Rector shall approve all external collaboration agreements that are binding on the University, cf. however, Statute 16 (1) nos. 4 and 5.

(6) The Rector draws up standard rules of procedure to be used by the Academic Councils, Study Boards, PhD Committees and the Board of Representatives.

(7) The Rector sets up a Practice Committee to promote responsible research at the University and deal with related issues. The Rector lays down detailed rules concerning this Committee.

(8) The Rector appoints and dismisses a student ambassador and lays down rules of procedure for the work of the student ambassador.

  1. The Rector appoints and dismisses deans.

(2) The Rector appoints a deputy from amongst the University’s academic management who is authorised to assume the responsibilities of the Rector in his/her absence.

  1. Within the framework of the Danish University Act, the Rector delegates tasks to deans, heads of department and heads of studies to the extent this is deemed expedient.

Prorector(s)

  1. Generally, Prorectors are appointed on the basis of the rules of limited tenure.

(2) A prorector shall be a recognised researcher within one of the University's subject areas and shall have insight into the university sector and the educational sector.

  1. The tasks to be undertaken by a prorector are defined by the Board upon recommendation of the Rector.
  2. In connection with the recruitment of a prorector, the Rector sets up a nomination committee, whilst ensuring that representatives of the academic staff, the technical and administrative staff and the students are involved in the advisory service as described in the recruitment policy for managers.

 

University Director

  1. The tasks to be undertaken by the University Director are defined by the Board upon the recommendation of the Rector.

 

 

  1. Each faculty sets us an Academic Council to ensure that students and academic staff participate and are involved in academic matters. The Rector sets up academic councils upon the recommendation of the dean regarding size and composition of the council.
  2. An Academic Council consists of the dean and not less than six representatives elected by students and academic staff, including PhD students employed by the University, at a 1:2 ratio, respectively. The Academic Council elects a chair from amongst its members.

(2) In addition to the members stated under (1), two or more representatives are elected by and from amongst the technical and administrative staff to participate in meetings as observers.

  1. The tasks to be undertaken by the Academic Councils are stipulated in section 15 (2) and (3) of the Danish University Act.

(2) The Academic Councils shall draw up rules of procedure on the basis of the standard rules of procedure, cf. Statute 27 (6).

(3) Each Academic Council submits an annual report to the Rector on the work of the council.

 

 

  1. Each faculty shall set up one or more employer panels of external members. The Rector sets up the employer panels upon the recommendation of the dean regarding size and composition of the panels.

(2) Collectively, the members shall have experience in and insight into the field of education and the areas of employment that the programmes offered at the University give access to.

(3) The University ensures a dialogue with the employer panel on the quality of the programmes and their relevance to society at large and involves the employer panel in the development of new and existing programmes and of new forms of teaching and examination. The employer panel may deliver an opinion and submit proposals to the University regarding all issues relating to the field of education. The employer panel shall deliver an opinion on all issues presented by the University to the employer panel.

(4) Each employer panel shall from amongst its members elect a candidate for the Board of Representatives to be nominated to the dean, cf. Statute 22 (1) no. 1. 

 

 

  1. Generally, deans are appointed on the basis of the rules of limited tenure.

(2) A dean shall be a recognised researcher and have experience in and insight into education, management and the interaction of universities with the surrounding society.

  1. In connection with the appointment of a dean, the Rector sets up a nomination committee, whilst ensuring that representatives of the academic staff, the technical and administrative staff and the students are involved in the advisory service as described in the recruitment policy for managers.
  2. The dean manages the faculty upon authorisation from the Rector, ensures coherence between research and education as well as public sector services and is responsible for the quality of education and teaching as well as public sector services and cross-disciplinary quality development of the faculty's education, research and public sector services.

(2) By agreement with the Rector, the dean may appoint and dismiss associate deans who undertake management tasks upon authorisation from the dean.

(3) The dean appoints and dismisses heads of department.

(4) Upon the recommendation of the Academic Council, the dean sets up expert committees to assess the applicants for academic positions at the faculty.

(5) The dean appoints academic staff according to the guidelines defined by the Rector.

(6) Subject to the delegation of responsibilities by the Rector, the dean sets up study boards and approves chairs and vice-chairs for study boards.

(7) The dean appoints and dismisses heads of studies upon the recommendation of the study boards set up pursuant to Statute 53.

(8) The dean defines the areas of responsibility of the heads of studies with reference to the study board structure.

(9) Subject to the delegation of responsibilities by the Rector, the dean approves the curricula at the proposal of the study boards.

(10) The dean sets up PhD committees. The dean appoints a chair and a vice-chair of a PhD committee upon the recommendation of the PhD committee.

(11) The dean appoints and dismisses the head of the PhD school.

(12) With the participation of the head of the PhD school, the Dean shall initiate international assessments of the PhD school and follow up on assessments, including international assessments.

(13) Pursuant to Statute 22 (1), no. 2, the dean selects candidates for the Board of Representatives to be nominated to the Rector.

 

 

  1. Research and teaching at the University of Copenhagen are usually undertaken at departments.

(2) Each department is managed by a head of department upon authorisation from the Rector and the relevant dean.

(3) At faculties with no division into departments, the dean is responsible for the tasks of the head of department.

  1. Generally, heads of department are appointed on the basis of the rules of limited tenure.

(2) Heads of department shall be recognised researchers and have management and teaching experience.

  1. In connection with the appointment of heads of department, the dean sets up a nomination committee, whilst ensuring that representatives of the academic staff, the technical and administrative staff and the students are involved in the advisory service as described in the recruitment policy for managers.
  2. The head of department is responsible for the day-to-day management of the department, including planning and distribution of tasks. The head of department may instruct employees to solve particular tasks. The academic staff has freedom of research and may freely conduct research within the University's research strategy framework during times when they are not undertaking tasks. The University's research strategy framework comprises the entire university profile. The University may not instruct academic employees – during longer periods of time – to undertake tasks in their entire working time to the extent that they are deprived of their academic freedom.
  3. By agreement with the dean, the head of department may appoint and dismiss deputy heads of department and heads of research who undertake management tasks upon authorisation from the head of department.
  4. The head of department shall set up an organisation to undertake the overall tasks of the department. The head of department shall ensure the involvement and participation of the academic staff, including PhD students employed, the technical and administrative staff and the students in respect of department matters concerning education and research.

(2) At least once a year, the head of department invites staff and students to participate in a meeting to discuss department matters.

 

 

  1. Heads of studies shall have the University of Copenhagen as their main workplace, which means that the majority of their working hours shall lie with the University.

(2) In special cases and upon application from a faculty, the Rector may derogate from (1).

  1. The tasks of heads of studies are stipulated in section 18 (5) of the Danish University Act.
  2. Head of studies shall undertake their tasks upon authorisation from the dean.

 

 

  1. For each faculty, a PhD school is set up to be in charge of the PhD programme.
  2. Each PhD school is managed by a head of PhD school upon authorisation from the dean.

(2) The head of the PhD school shall be a recognised researcher with experience in and insight into PhD programmes.

(3) In connection with the appointment of the head of the PhD school, the dean sets up a nomination committee, whilst ensuring that representatives of the academic staff, the technical and administrative staff and the students are involved in the advisory service as described in the employment policy for managers.

(4) The head of the PhD school shall have the University of Copenhagen as his/her main workplace, which means that the majority of his/her working hours shall lie with the University.

  1. The head of the PhD school appoints PhD supervisors in accordance with the rules laid down by the Rector, approves PhD students upon recommendation of representatives of the academic staff on the PhD committee, is responsible for the planning of the PhD school programmes, involving the PhD committee, including work and study abroad, is responsible for regular assessments of the school’s activities, involving the PhD committee, and recommends follow-up on such assessments to the dean.

 

 

  1. The dean sets up study boards to ensure that the students and the academic staff are involved in and participate in education and teaching. The study boards are set up in accordance with the structure approved by the Rector. Study boards may be set up for an individual programme, for part of a programme and jointly for several programmes.

(2) For the Master of Public Health programme, the Rector may decide to set up a programme committee instead of a study board in accordance with (1).

  1. The dean determines the number of members on the individual study boards, however, not less than four and not more than ten members The dean may, however, in particular cases determine that the number of members represented on the study boards should be increased. Each study board consists of an equal number of representatives of the academic staff and the students, who are elected by and from amongst the academic staff and the students, respectively. The composition of the study boards shall, to the extent possible, reflect the programmes for which the board has been set up.
  2. The tasks of the study board are stipulated in section 18 (4) of the Danish University Act.

(2) The study board shall draw up rules of procedure on the basis of the standard rules of procedure, cf. Statute 27 (6).

  1. The study board elects from amongst the academic staff on the study board a chair and from amongst the students a vice-chair. A head of studies who is not the chair of the study board or a member of the study board participates in the meetings of the study board as an observer.

 

 

  1. The dean sets up a PhD committee to ensure the influence of students and academic staff on the PhD programme. The dean determines the number of members of the individual PhD committee, however, not less than four and not more than ten members. The dean may, however, in particular cases determine that the number of members represented on the PhD committee should be increased. Each PhD committee consists of an equal number of representatives of the academic staff and the students, who are elected by and from amongst the academic staff and the students, respectively.

(2) The PhD committee nominates to the dean a chair from amongst the academic staff on the PhD committee and a vice-chair from amongst the students on the PhD committee.

  1. The tasks of the PhD committee are stipulated in section 16(b) (2) of the Danish University Act.

59. The PhD committee shall draw up rules of procedure on the basis of the standard rules of procedure, cf. Statute 27 (6).

 

 

  1. The Rector draws up election statutes containing rules on the exercise of the right to vote and on the holding of elections to the Board and the councils, boards and committees set out in these Statutes. Stipulations on alternates and the election thereof are set out in the election statutes, cf. however, Statute 13 (3). The election statutes are approved by the Board.

 

 

  1. The Rector may, upon authorisation from the Board, engage in collaboration with external units and draw up agreements on the integration of external units at the University.
  2. The Board determines the detailed regulation of:

(i) collaborations or mergers established upon the approval of the ministry, cf. section 31 of the Danish University Act;

(ii) university units authorised by the ministry to be governed according to rules that deviate from the provisions of the Danish University Act.

  1. The Nordic Institute of Asian Studies (NIAS) was integrated as an academically independent Nordic research institute of the University of Copenhagen on 1 January 2005.

(2) NIAS is regulated by its own statutes, which shall be approved by the Board of the University of Copenhagen.

(3) The board of NIAS is responsible for the overall management of NIAS, including the establishment of general guidelines, approval of budget, financial statements, collaborations and contracts, etc. and recommendation of assessment committees.

(4) The day-to-day management of NIAS is undertaken by a director appointed by the Rector upon recommendation of the board of NIAS.

 

 

  1. The University is governed by the Danish State Accounting Act.

(2) The annual report and accounts are made in accordance with rules laid down by the minister.

  1. The annual report of the University is audited by the auditor general in accordance with the Danish Act on Audit of the State Accounts, etc.

(2) The Board of the University engages a state-authorised public accountant as its internal auditor (institutional auditor) to be in charge of the tasks, etc. as agreed between the Minister for Higher Education and Science and the auditor general in accordance with section 9(1) of Consolidated Act no. 101 of 19 January 2012 on the Danish Act on Audit of the State Accounts etc. and section 28(3) of the Danish University Act.

  1. The financial year of the University is the fiscal year. At the end of the financial year, an annual report comprising income statement, balance sheet and asset account is prepared. The annual report shall be signed by the Board and by the Rector.

67. The University may use one or more trust departments for the investment of its liquid funds. Liquid funds shall be invested in compliance with the applying rules, cf. section 21(4) of the University Act. The Board approves the University's overall framework for how liquid funds are to be invested in accordance with these rules.

 

 

  1. The Board of the University of Copenhagen draws up the University's statutes and amendments thereto, which are approved by the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science pursuant to authorisation laid down in section 1 (1) of Ministerial Order no. 1118 of 28 October 2024 concerning the delegation of the powers of the Minister for Higher Education and Science to the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science and concerning regulation of the appeals procedure.

 

 

  1. These Statutes came into force on 1 July 2026.

 

The English version of the statutes has not been signed by the Chairman of the Board or the Executive Director of the Agency. See the Danish, signed version of the statutes. In the event of any discrepancy or uncertainty regarding interpretation, the Danish version of the statutes shall prevail.