Danish Culture

The Danish culture is based on "Jante Law". It's a concept created by Norwegian/Danish author Axel Sandemose in his 1933 novel, "A Fugitive Crosses His Tracks". It states that everyone is equal, no one is special and everyone should be treated as such.

This includes sexual equality, be you gay or lesbian, and people of all ethnic and economic groups... black or white, rich or poor, a doctor or a factory worker - everyone is equal. In principle this is a nice concept, yet many Danes take it a bit too literally.

No one seems to want to excel. Being a hard, industrious worker is almost frowned upon. You can often see a lack of ambition in some Danes.

The Queen has publicly spoken out about "Jante Law" and is not a fan of it. She prefers to see the Danes excel in everything they do.

I do appreciate the fact that everyone is treated equally. In theory, a doctor or politician is no better than a factory worker or a school teacher. Being a housewife is neither better nor worse than being a career woman. A man can work or be a stay-at-home dad. Each person is given the same respect under b>"Jante Law" and it is just part of the Danish culture.

That said, this type of Danish culture is a major reason for the high tax rate. As a taxpayer you have to make sure those less fortunate or less willing to work or contribute get their fair share of the pie.

Thus, an alcoholic bum sitting on a street corner is given the same status as a hard-working person. There may nothing stopping that person from working, he/she just prefers to live off the state and drink all day. (This is only one of the problems with the b>"Jante Law". It isn't an actual law - just a Danish attitude toward all people.)

Discrimination

There are pockets of the country where a certain group of people may be harassed by "other groups", but it is usually a very small minority.

This can be seen in the large gay and lesbian scene which is very evident throughout Denmark. There are lots of events including "Gay Pride" parades and marches, and there are usually gay sections of the major cities, which include hotels and bars.

As a Dane you are expected to tolerate everyone, even if they don't tolerate you and/or are antisocial, racist or denounce Denmark and its people. Turn the other cheek and smile.

Sexual Equality

You will find that, in many homes, it is the man who is staying at home and raising the children, while the woman is the bread winner. Being a stay-at-home parent is not very common in Denmark due to financial reasons, but it would be acceptable. Women also work at hard labor jobs right along with their male counterparts.

You will find a large portion of teachers and workers in the child industry to be men. This is quite a change from countries like America and Great Britain, where the male population in those fields is close to 5%. In Denmark it is closer to 40%.

Since there is so much sexual equality, men rarely hold doors for women or give a lady their seat on the bus or train. So if you do those type of things, you are regarded as a bit odd. Don't expect to get a "thank you" for your chivalry.

Personal note: I often help women with lifting heavy things, holding doors and offering polite services. It is appreciated (I think) but rarely do I get a "thank you". I guess I am considered odd, but I still believe in chivalry. Women and men are equal, but courtesy should not be thrown out just because of that!

Family Life

Life revolves around the family, so it is not uncommon to take time off from work for family issues. It is not frowned upon by businesses; it is actually encouraged at times.

This is also very evident in maternity leave. Both parents can take maternity and paternity leave (extended leave) and be guaranteed their jobs on their return.

Much time is spent with relatives and friends: eating, drinking and "hygge". Yes, we finally got to the "H" word. If you are in Denmark for any period of time, you will soon start to hear the "hygge" word used a great deal.

Danes love to "hygge"! This is not something salacious - it basically means to be cozy. When you "hygge", you often light candles or have fires You can be entertaining guests or just having some intimate time, but it is what Danes love to do.

Remember, if you are ever asked over to "hygge", it just means come over and have a cozy, pleasant time. You will enjoy it. And when you leave, make sure and say "I had a hyggelige" time.

This means you enjoyed yourself and this will mean a lot to your host.

If you want to learn about some of the Danish customs and traditions click on Danish Customs Well, that concludes the Facts About Denmark tour. I hope you gained a little insight into Denmark.

Now you can return to the Welcome Page and continue learning more about Denmark.