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.

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 "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 "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 culture which is very evident throughout Denmark. There are lots of events including "Gay Pride" parades and marches. In most large cities you will find gay sections, which include hotels and bars. They are accepted and rarely harrassed.

In recent months, there has been a bit more intolerance of foreigners coming to Denmark. This is mostly in the Muslim front, due to their excessive demands and how easily get offended. When they take a perceived slight, they overreact and alienate supporters by committing crimes and causes violence. Unfortunately, the incident with the "cartoon" did nothing to help that situation.

That sentiment is now slowly infiltrating over expats and some expats do feel unwelcome. I generally have not felt any discrimination and have found the Danes to be usually fairly open and fair to everyone. I believe the best way to adapt to the culture of Denmark is to get involved in the Danish way of life. If you wish to continue to live another way, it should be kept low key and private and not waved in the faces of the Danes.

Remember, Denmark has opened its borders to many expats, reached and given a hand to many that are struggling and suffering. Being anti-Denmark is no way to repay that kindness. IF one is not happy with the system, than use peaceful methods to promote change or leave and go somewhere else, where you feel more at home.

I have never tried to make Denmark like America, nor Americanize my Danish friends. I adjust to the Danish ways of living and any American traditions that I hold dear, I keep private. For example, I still enjoy celebrating Thanksgiving, but it is a private affair with only Americans in attendance and my Danish friends are not involved.

Why offend, when it is not necessary. I never fly the American flag (which is illegal anyway) nor do I feel the need to. I am living in Denmark and fly the Danish flag on holidays and birthdays - just like the Danes!

At one time, as a Dane you were 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. This seems to be changing and the change is being fueled by expats who seem intent on causing problems. Please do not be part of the problem. Be part of Denmark and let's make it a happy place to live.

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!

Even nice gestures like letting people with 1 or 2 items to buy move ahead of me in line has never even garnered a "thank you", so I do not extend that courtesy anymore. Sad, but true. Thank you is just not something you hear very often in Denmark.

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.

Learn more Danish Culture :Etiquette and Traditions.

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