Denmark Guide

Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette

Facts and Statistics

Location: Northern Europe bordering Germany 68 km

Capital: Copenhagen

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

Population: 5,569,077 (July 2014 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: 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 speak Danish. German is recognised as an official regional language in the Nord-Schleswig region that borders Germany, where it is spoken by 23,000 people, about 0.4% of the 5.2m Danish population. Greenlandic, an Inuit language, is spoken by 0.1% of the population.

Why not learn some useful Danish phrases?

Danish Society & Culture

Egalitarianism in Danish Society

• Denmark is an egalitarian society. 
• Interestingly this is reflected in their language, which employs gender-neutral words. 
• Most Danes are modest about their own accomplishments and are more concerned about the group than their own individual needs. 
• Maternity and paternity leave provisions are particularly generous in Denmark. 
• Men are more actively involved in child-rearing activities than in many countries, although the division of domestic chores is similar to other developed countries.

Women in Danish Society

• Women are highly respected in business and generally receive equal pay and have access to senior positions. 
• Working mothers can easily arrange flexible hours so that they can maintain both a career and a family. 
• Danish women expect to be treated with respect in the office.

Proper Public Behaviour

• Danes believe there is one proper way in which to act in any given circumstance. 
• If someone is not following the rules, be they written or merely understood, someone will generally speak up and admonish them to obey the accepted protocol. 
• They expect courteous behaviour from everyone. 
• Talk in moderate tones and do not do anything to call attention to yourself.

Danish Family Values

• Most families are small. 
• The nuclear family is the centre of the social structure. 
• Children are raised to be independent from an early age. 
• Most are put in day care centres at about 1 years old. 
• Marriage is not a prerequisite to starting a family. Many couples live together without legalizing the arrangement with marriag.

Etiquette & Customs in Denmark

Meeting Etiquette

• Greetings are casual, with a firm handshake, direct eye contact, and a smile. 
• Shake hands and say good-bye individually when arriving or departing. 
• Shake hands with women first. 
• Danes tend to introduce themselves with their first names.

Gift Giving Etiquette

• Danes give gifts to family and close friends for birthdays and Christmas. 
• If invited to a Danish home for dinner, bring flowers, good quality chocolates or good quality wine. A bouquet of mixed wildflowers makes an excellent gift. 
• Flowers should be wrapped. 
• If you are invited to dinner or a party, it is polite to send flowers in advance of the event. 
• Red wrapping paper is always a good choice. 
• Gifts are opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If invited to a Danish home:

• Arrive on time. Danes are punctual in both business and social situations. 
• Check to see if you should remove your shoes before entering the house. 
• Contact the hostess ahead of time to see if she would like you to bring a dish. 
• Offer to help the hostess with the preparation or clearing up after a meal is served. 
• Danes enjoy showing off their homes since they have usually done the decorating themselves and are proud of their accomplishments. Therefore, they are happy when you ask for a tour of their house. 
• Do not discuss business.

Watch your table manners!

• Wait to be told where to sit. There may be a seating plan. 
• Table manners are Continental -- hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. 
• Always keep your hands visible when eating. Keep your wrists resting on the edge of the table. 
• Try everything. 
• Expect to be offered second helpings. You may refuse without offending your hosts. 
• Finish everything on your plate. Danes do not like wasting food. 
• When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork across your plate with the tines facing up and the handles turned to the right. 
• The man seated to the left of the hostess generally offers a toast of thanks during the dessert course. 
• Do not begin eating until the host toasts with 'Skol'. 
• When toasting, raise your glass about eye level and make eye contact with the people seated closest to you.

Business Etiquette and Protocol in Denmark

Meeting Etiquette

• Appointments are necessary. 
• Confirm appointments in writing. 
• Initial correspondence should be made to the company and not an individual. 
• Do not try to schedule meetings from mid June through mid August as many Danes are on vacation. 
• You should arrive at meetings on time. The Danes you are meeting will be punctual. 
• Telephone immediately if you will be detained more than 5 minutes. 
• Shake hands with everyone upon arriving and leaving. Handshakes should be very firm and rather short. Maintain eye contact while being introduced. Always shake hands with women first. 
• Business cards are exchanged. Your business card should have the physical address of your company and not a post office box. 
• Danes use their professional title and their surname. If someone does not have a professional title, use Herr (Mister), Fru (Misses) or Froken (Miss). Danes move to first names quickly. Nonetheless, wait to be invited before using someone's first name.

Business Negotiation

• Send an agenda before the meeting and work from it without deviation. 
• Decisions are made after consulting with everyone involved.. Presentations should be well-organized and factual. Use facts, figures and charts to back up statements and conclusions. 
• Maintain eye contact while speaking. 
• There will be a minimal amount of small talk. Danes prefer to get down to business quickly. 
• Communication is direct.