Danish culture

Capital:   Copenhagen

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

Population:  5,534,738 (January, 2010)

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 a document which can be downloaded from www.gla.ac.uk/rg/emulti24.pdf.