What is the original Danish title of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling”?

The original Danish title of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling” is Den grimme ælling.

Andersen published the tale in 1843. It follows a young bird rejected by other farmyard animals because he looks different, only to discover that he has grown into a swan. The story is widely read as a transformation tale about exclusion, identity, and eventual recognition.

The Danish word “ælling” means “duckling,” while “grimme” means “ugly.” The title is sometimes loosely treated as a statement about physical beauty, but the story’s emotional focus is the cruelty of judging someone before their identity or potential is understood.

A common misconception is that the tale is simply an autobiography. Andersen did experience poverty, rejection, and social insecurity, but he did not present the story as a literal account of his life. Its publication in 1843 helped establish the fairy tales as a central part of his literary career.