The use of a royal motto () is an old tradition among Danish monarchs, dating back at least 500 years. The use of such a motto was a way for a monarch of Denmark to emphasize values or beliefs they held dear. In earlier times, these mottos were often shown on Danish coinage, often in a Latin form.
Before 1839
Monarch Reign Royal motto (in Danish) Latin or other version English translation Christian I 1448–1481 Dyden viser vejen Virtue leads the way Hans (John) 1481–1513 For lov og flok For law and herd Christian II 1513–1523 Så var det beskikket Thus it was ordained Frederick I 1523–1533 Intet uden Gud Nothing without God Christian III 1536–1559 Ske Herrens vilje Zu Gott mein Trost allein The Lord's will be done Frederick II 1559–1588 Mit håb er Gud alene Mein Hofnung zu Godt allein My hope is God alone Christian IV 1588–1648 Fromhed styrker rigerne Piety strengthens the realmsFrederiksborg Palace Church - History Frederick III 1648–1670 Herren være mit forsyn The Lord will be my guide Christian V 1670–1699 Med fromhed og retfærdighed With piety and justice Frederick IV 1699–1730 Herren være min hjælper The Lord be my helper Christian VI 1730–1746 For Gud og folket For God and the people Frederick V 1746–1766 Med klogskab og standhaftighed By prudence and steadfastness Christian VII 1766–1808 Fædrelandets kærligheder min berømmelse The love of thefatherland is my reward Frederick VI 1808–1839 Gud og den retfærdige sag God and the just cause
Since 1839 Since the time of Christian VIII, Danish monarchs have only used mottos in the Danish language.
Monarch Reign Royal motto (in Danish) English translation Christian VIII 1839–1848 Gud og fædrelandet God and the fatherland Frederick VII 1848–1863 Folkets kærlighed, min styrke The people's love, my strength Christian IX 1863–1906 Med Gud for ære og ret With God for honour and justice Frederick VIII 1906–1912 Herren er min hjælper The Lord is my helper Christian X 1912–1947 Min Gud, mit land, min ære My God, my country, my honour Frederick IX 1947–1972 Med Gud for Danmark With God for Denmark Margrethe II 1972–2024 Guds hjælp, folketskærlighed, Danmarks styrke God's help, the people'slove, Denmark's strength Frederik X Forbundne, forpligtet,for Kongeriget Danmark United, committed, forthe Kingdom of Denmark
See also List of Danish monarchs Royal mottos of Swedish monarchs Royal mottos of Norwegian monarchs
Footnotes and references