About Denmark

Denmark - language, culture, facts and statistics

Capital:   Copenhagen

Climate:   Temperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool summers

Population:  5,511,451 (January, 2009)

Ethnicity: Scandinavian, Inuit, Faroese, German, Turkish, Iranian, Somali

Religions:  Evangelical Lutheran 95%, other Protestant and Roman Catholic 3%, Muslim 2%

Government:  Constitutional monarchy

The Danish language

Over 98% of the population speaks Danish. German is recognised as an
official regional language in the Nord-Schleswig region that borders
Germany. In this area German is spoken by 23,000 people which amounts
to 0.4% of the 5.2m Danish population. Greenlandic, an Inuit language,
is spoken by 0.1% of the population.

Danish society and culture

Denmark has an egalitarian society. Interestingly this is reflected in
the language which employs gender-neutral words. Typically, most Danes
are modest about their own accomplishments and are more concerned about
the well-being of their community than their own individual needs.

"Hygge" and freedom of opinion

One of the fundamental aspects of Danish culture is "hygge" which
expression is translated as"coziness"  but is more akin to
"tranquility". Hygge refers to the complete absence of anything
annoying, irritating or emotionally overwhelming but also includes the
concept of presence and pleasure coming from comforting, gentle and
soothing things. Hygge is often associated with family and close
friends. Christmas time, for example, when loved ones snuggle together
by candle light on a cold rainy night is "hygge" as is grilling a přlse
(Danish sausage) on a long summer evening. These examples do not
accurately define "hygge" but can still give an English speaker the
idea of a deeply valued traditional concept in Danish culture.

Danes also value their interpretation of freedom of opinion
"ytringsfrihed" or freedom of speech. This might appear to be rude to
an outsider but it is not intended to be. For example, a Dane may call
an opinion "stupid"  without meaning offence.

Hygge and Christmas are closely related in Denmark. Unlike many other
western languages, Danish has no separate word for Christmas. The
closest Danish equivalent is “Jul”, the current spelling of the ancient
word Yule which was adopted after the introduction of the letter “J” in
the Danish alphabet. As such, the word does not refer to the birth of
Christ but instead to an ancient pagan winter feast. Naturally, its
customs have changed throughout the ages but it has always been part of
Scandinavian culture. This winter feast was such an integral and
popular part of pagan culture that in order to convert Scandinavians
into Christianity, these traditional celebrations had to be transferred
and re-presented in traditional Christian holidays.

Danish cuisine and cooking

Perhaps the most typical Danish meal of the day is the traditional
lunch or smřrrebrřd consisting of open sandwiches served using thinly
sliced rye bread. The meal usually begins with fish such as marinated
herring, smoked eel, crab or breaded plaice filets with remoulade which
is followed by slices of roast pork or beef, frikadeller (meat balls),
hams and liver paté. The sandwiches are richly garnished with onion
rings, radish slices, cucumbers, tomato slices, parsely, remoulade and
mayonnaise. The meal is often accompanied by beer and sometimes by
shots of ice-cold snaps (or "akvavit").

In the evening hot meals are usually served. Traditional dishes include
fried fish, roast pork with red cabbage (which is possibly the national
dish of Denmark), pot-roasted chicken or pork chops. Game is sometimes
served in the autumn. Steaks are now becoming increasingly popular.

A popular traditional Danish desert served especially around Christmas
is the Ćbleskiver which is a dish resembling small doughnuts.
Ćbleskiver are cooked in a special pan and are served hot with jam and
sugar.

Danes are known for enjoying an open-minded drinking culture. It is
legal to buy alcohol from the age of 16 and to consume alcohol in a
public bar from the age of 18.  There is no legally determined minimum
age for consuming alcohol.

Women in Danish Society

In terms of gender roles, men are more actively involved in child care
activities than in many other countries, although the division of
domestic chores is similar to other developed countries. Women are
highly respected in business and generally receive equal pay and have
access to senior positions. Working mothers can easily arrange flexible
working hours so that they can maintain both their career and family.
Danish women expect to be treated with respect in the office. Maternity
and paternity leave provisions are particularly generous in Denmark.

Proper Public Behaviour

Danes believe that there is a proper way of behaving in any given
circumstance. Should you not follow the (un)written code of proper
behaviour, someone will remind you of the rules and ask you to obey the
accepted protocol.  Danes expect courteous behaviour from everyone.
Talk in moderate tones and do not do anything to call attention to
yourself.

Etiquette and customs in Denmark

Greetings are often casual accompanied by a firm handshake, direct eye
contact and a smile. It is common to shake hands and say farewell
individually at arrival or departure. Denmark appears to follow rather
informal traditions and Danes tend to introduce themselves with their
first names.

Dining Etiquette

In Denmark it is not uncommon to be invited to someone's home. You
should always arrive on time as Danes are punctual in both business and
social situations. It is a good idea to contact the hostess beforehand
and enquire whether she would like you to prepare and bring a dish
along. Also, offering to help the hostess with the preparation or the
clearing up is an appreciated gesture.

For more information on Danish culture and values, the University of
Glasgow released adocument which can be downloaded from
www.gla.ac.uk/rg/emulti24.pdf.

Learn more at: www.visitdenmark.dk OR www.studyindenmark.dk or read everything about DK in Magyarul at:
Dánia Startlap - minden, ami Dánia www.dania.lap.hu
Also check many other useful information about Denmark on www.dbo.hu, Danish Business Opportunities, in Budapest.