THE DOs AND DON’Ts OF LIVING IN DENMARK: Advice for Americans Moving to Denmark

THE DO’S AND DON’TS FOR LIVING IN DENMARK: Advice for Americans Moving to Denmark
#Denmark #Danmark #MovingToDenmark

In this video, we discuss an email we received from an American moving to Copenhagen that wanted to know how to fit into Danish culture. He asked for advice to fit in quickly while living in Denmark and if we could offer some “do’s and don’ts for living in Denmark”.

Here are the 8 do’s and don’ts for living in Denmark and adjusting to Danish culture.

Do Tone it down a little bit
The easiest Americans are pragmatic, sensible and down to earth
If you are overly aggressive or pushy it can rub people the wrong way
Overall just show that you are interested in them as a person and that you are sincere

Don’t Completely lose your American identity
Danes will never expect you to become a Dane - and you never will
Don’t lose sight of you are and where you are from - no one expects you to do that
Share your experiences - Danes are interested in American and American culture from pop-culture or travel. They will want to share their opinions and experiences, and you can use that as a connection

Do talk about
Sports - especially football and handball
Decoration and Home Projects - Danes think of themselves as amateur contractors and interior designers, and all people! Great conversation starter;
Politics…..carefully Danes love to discuss politics and prefer to have conversations that are more than superficial. They also think they know a lot about American politics, but some of the details or nuance can be lost.

Don’t talk about
Religion, it is a private matter, and a very personal one. Stay away from this one unless you are super close. It is seen as a bit of an intrusion.
Hot-button issues like race, Islamophobia, etc. DIfferent countries have different histories, and Denmark tends to be less “politically correct” than Americans right, wrong or otherwise. These are risky topics, especially with people who have very different personal experiences than yours.
Mocking the Danish language. Yes it is hard to understand and has weird sounds. But they’ve heard all the jokes. The Danish language is a source of pride - especially in a country where so many speak English - and it both unifies Danes and also provides a unique identity.

Do learn some Danish
Even if you only know the basics it shows are making an effort and is always well received
Do take some Danish classes - if you live here you should at least make an attempt to learn the language

Don’t expect an invitation into a Danes home right away
homes are prized possessions and a visit is taken much more than in America.
Don’t expect to get an invitation (or make it sound like you are asking for one). Visiting one at home usually is for a purpose - a dinner or a party.

Do learn a little bit about Denmark
Danes know a lot about America, so it is certainly good form to be able to show you have learned a little bit about the country. Danes tend to have a lot of interest in Danish history, and enjoy a good conversation to tell stories. Perhaps something about the Royal family, Danish musicians or even a Danish TV show like The Killing or Borgen.

Don’t expect it all to happen right away!
You are moving into a new country with its own culture and norms
Danes do tend to keep smaller (but deeper) friend groups than you may be used to in the US, but they are not at all unfriendly or cold as you may read.

CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Intro
0:58 - Do tone it down
2:05 - Don’t lose your American self
3:38 - Do talk about popular topics
6:05 - Don’t talk about risky topics
9:02 - Do learn some Danish
10:43 - Don’t expect to be invited over
12:01 - Do learn about Denmark
13:01 - Don’t expect too much too soon
14:17 - Final thoughts


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