DANISH CULTURE

Coming to Denmark

When coming to Denmark, you might experience a cultural shock. It won't be such a big difference for Europeans to get adjusted to Danish culture in comparison with people coming from outside of Europe.

Danish people have a really different sense of humor so you might find it difficult to understand their jokes and humor in general. You might find them cold too as they are not used to strangers approaching them on the street asking for directions (e.g.). Danes are very humble considering they speak perfect English, but sometimes lack the confidence thinking they are mediocre or worse than that. Danes do not lack kindness and politeness. A simple smile on your face is going to make them comfortable.

Patience is something that is going to help you understand the lifestyle and mentality of Danish people especially when you want to connect with them on a deeper level. When you connect with a Dane, you will see how crazy, open-minded and sweet they are.

General behaviour and approach

The first thing you need to learn about Danish people is their tendency to do things the right way and expect others to do the same. Local society is predicated on mutual respect and display of basic decency, so you should avoid being rude or inconsiderate towards people you meet anywhere, even if you don't know them.

Many people think Danes are cold and reserved, but this is not actually true - they are simply a bit careful when making friends and prefer to take their time to estimate who they are dealing with rather than rushing to conclusions based on insufficient information. You probably shouldn't expect too much intimacy from someone you just met, but Danish people are very empathetic and if they really like you they will accept you for what you are. Patience is a virtue that will help you immensely if you are trying to adjust to the local mentality, especially if you want to get into deeper relationships, either private or professional.

Traditions

Easter: Danish families usually get together for a big Easter lunch that lasts all afternoon. Traditions such as painting hard-boiled eggs in Easter colours, going on egg hunts, and rolling eggs downhill are popular among children and adults alike.

Midsummer festival of Saint Hans: On June 23rd, we celebrate Midsummer by gathering around a bonfire up and down the country. We sing songs such as Midsommervisen by Holger Drachmann, listen to the live band that usually play at our public events, and treat ourselves to some snacks and drinks.
Mortensaften: The evening where everybody eats geese. On the 10th of November, we celebrate Saint Martin's Eve (Mortensaften) by making a scrumptious dinner of a roast goose, potatoes, and gravy.

J-Dag, The beginning of the Christmas season in Denmark: J-dag (i.e. J-day) is an abbreviation for julebrygsdag (Christmas Brew Day). J-day falls on the first Friday of November every year, and starts at 8:59 PM. Over time, J-day has become a Danish Christmas tradition celebrated in bars and pubs around the country.

Christmas: The highlight of the winter season. Where the days are at their shortest and darkest, Danes find the winter celebrations as something very special.
New Year's Eve in Denmark: New year's is celebrated big time in Denmark, and you can look forward to watching the Queen's New Year's Speech on television at 18:00 - don't miss it!

Parties and alcohol

There's no age requirement for drinking alcohol in Denmark. Denmark doesn't have a legal drinking age requirement, but there are laws in place to prevent minors from buying alcohol. Beer is hugely popular in Denmark and has been part of Danish culture for almost 5,000 years. Danish people also love group singing, whether it's for your birthday or out at the local bar.

One study shows that adult Danes drink alcohol 2.5 times a week on average, which is more frequent than in the other Nordic countries. Danish people have their own drinking culture which you can see when going out on a Friday or Sunday evening. A huge variety of bars and restaurants welcome you with "lucky hours" and different offers for you to take one more drink.

Living in Denmark

In Denmark you should be aware that as a student or employee, Danes don't use the formal language. Teachers, professors, bosses and so on is called by first name, not by mrs. or mr., as it is done in Slovakia. In Denmark equality is also a focus point, that can both create debate or knowledge. Danes are known for using a direct form of communication, which also means that there are no need for small talk, before going into the business, but if you are looking for a job it is often preferred that you have some kind of small talk, in order for the boss to get to know you. Something that really defines Denmark is that it is very feminine, which means that there is a big focus on helping others, which also leads to students getting SU, unemployed to get cash assistance and so on. These benefits also mean that Danes are paying a lot of taxes, and the more you earn, the more you pay in taxes, in order to help out those who don't earn that much.