The Wikipedia page posted in a sister comment https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_imprisonment_in_Denmark says (emphasis mine): "In Denmark, a life sentence (Livsvarigt fængsel in Danish) theoretically means life without parole: that prisoners will spend the rest of their lives in prison. However, prisoners are entitled to a pardoning hearing after 12 years, and [...] the Danish King or Queen may grant a pardon, subject to a 5-year probationary period."

So no parole but a pardon.

Is "pardon" really the best translation for "prøveløsladelse"? I think "parole" is more appropriate.

The queen can grant a pardon, but that is separate from the parole hearings. Pardon means the convicted is absolved of the crime, parole just means the convicted is released before time. Or do I have it backwards?

I don't know, Wikipedia might not be using the correct words. But if a life sentence is really always "without parole", then there cannot be parole hearings as such. Maybe "probation" would be another term that goes in the right direction...

Life sentences are all officially without parole, but have pardoning hearings after twelve years.

There is no such thing a life without parole in Denmark. He will be eligible for parole after 12 years, but no guarantee he will actually get it.