DENMARK
Northern Europe
Capital: Copenhangen
Languages: Danish
Predominant Religion(s): Christianity
COMMON CHARACTERISTICS:
- Denmark is a relatively multicultural country.
- Danes like to be seen as individuals and like to set themselves apart from one another.
- Danes can seem guarded, but once you get them talking, they are really friendly and helpful.
FUN FACTS:
- Danes have a strong sense of irony – often causing confusion to foreigners!
- The UN World Happiness Report has rated Danes as the happiest people on earth two years in a row, and Danes have a special word for that cozy feeling of togetherness: “Hygge.”
- 50% of Copenhageners (as well as a large part of the rest of the population) commute by bike to work every day, even if it’s raining.
Family
- 2-3 children per family is considered normal in Denmark.
- Children are taught discipline from a young age through small tasks such as taking out the trash or emptying the dishwasher. Many families have pets as companions and to help teach children about responsibility.
- Denmark is a very family-focused country and visiting other family members over the holidays (such as Christmas) is normal.
USEFUL PHRASES:
- How are you? Hvordan har du det?
- Fine, thanks. Fint tak.
- My name is… Mit navn er…
- Nice to meet you! Godt at møde dig!
- Thank you. Tak.
Photo by: Aram Zucker-Scharff {flickr}