When it comes to the Danish people, many expats' first impression is that a Dane is reserved and not particularly interested in talking to people, who they do not know. However, should you need help, directions etc., you can expect that most Danes would help you.

How to approach a Dane

Since English is taught to the Danes early in life, most Danes would not find an issue in handling the conversation in English.  But in social contexts, many prefer to speak Danish.

In terms of friendships, however, Danes tend to stick to the people they know from school, work, etc., and it is uncommon that they approach people they don’t know. So, while it might be correct that Danes are not particularly interested in small talk with strangers (unless it concerns the weather), most Danes would not mind being approached by people they don’t know, as long as the one approaching takes the initiative in the conversation.

Therefore, you should not expect Danes to approach you, but at the same time, you should not fear approaching the Danes. However, to befriend a Dane, you might experience that you have to take more initiative in the beginning.

More about the Danish culture

Associate Professor Anne-Grethe Pedersen from the Department of Culture & Learning has prepared 4 tips to raise awareness on how to create positive cultural encounters and optimise study skills.

1. Be aware of cultural differences and talk about them. If you are attentive to your own cultural assumptions about learning and working with fellow students, you can explore these differences with others. For instance, if PBL and group work is a new way of learning, talk with others about how to deal with it.
2. Be open-minded to new ideas and approaches, and if you don’t understand something ask polite and respectful questions to gain a better understanding. Sometimes it may seem like others might not be interested or concerned, but they are usually very willing to help if you ask. For instance, if you are not sure how project groups form, don’t hesitate to ask (fellow students, instructors, supervisors, coordinator etc.) for help so you can participate in the process.
3. Pay attention to deadlines for exams, handing in assignments etc., they are not flexible; keep appointments, and arrive on the agreed time (or a bit early) to classes, meetings etc.
4. Take small steps to share a bit of yourself and (your culture, and) learn about Danish culture. Approaching fellow students, as well as your teachers and supervisors, and sharing your background can go a long way toward others’ understanding who you are, where you are coming from, and that you are open to learning. For instance, feel free to introduce yourself to your teacher and fellow students, let them know from where you are a visiting student.

Another thing to be aware of when befriending a Dane is their dry, sarcastic, and irreverent humour. It is not uncommon for Danes to tease their friends – and while it might seem mean to people, who are unaware of that kind of humour, it is never meant to offend, so try not to take it too personally.

Self-deprecating humour is also very common, as Danes do not take themselves too seriously. Note the example of self-deprecating humour above (Hint: It is about the weather, which we Danes talk about far too much).

What is this “hygge” that Danes talk about a lot?

Danish term "hygge" was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2019. But what exactly is hygge?

The Danish concept of hygge has been the inspiration for many articles and books over the past few years, fueled by the popularity of Danish TV series and Nordic noir crime fiction books. Not to mention that Denmark continuously ranks among the world's happiest countries.

Does hygge deserve some of the credit for that happiness?

Well, hygge is a way of managing the dark months in Denmark. But hygge is not exclusively for the dark months. In short the definition of hygge could be "A warm atmosphere. 

Learn more about "Hygge" 

Visit Denmark’s youtube video of Hygge 

The power distance in Denmark is very low compared to other countries. This can be seen in more ways at the university and in Danish society in general, than just friendships between people at different levels in a company.

Firstly, professors at the university will typically welcome questions and discussions, and you are encouraged to be imaginative and bring in your input, even if these contradict your professor’s ideas on the subject. These inputs are of course expected to be academically and validly argued.

Secondly, it is most common to address the professors by their first names. This would also apply to a superior at a student job or any other workplace. This can seem both wrong and disrespectful to foreigners. However, as the hierarchy in Denmark is low, the informal way to address a superior is completely normal. Respect is shown by listening and not interrupting. In terms of verbal participation in classes, you would usually use your hand to indicate that you have something to say.

Compare your own culture to the Danish Culture
To read more about Denmark and the Danish people, and compare the information to findings from your own country, you can visit Hofstede Insights for a generalised analysis. You can also check the survival guide to life in Denmark.

Aalborg University, International Office and Master Admissions invites all new international students to an event focusing on how to become culturally intelligent. Find the event

Being a feminine country, Denmark emphasises the importance of effective leadership that does not exclude the support and involvement of employees. With another Danish core value being gender equality, you can expect to be treated in the same way your other colleagues are treated, no matter your gender. However, gender is not the only aspect of equality that Denmark pursues. The Danish welfare system ensures that all Danish citizens have equal access to health and social security services, as well as both primary and secondary education. In 2022 Denmark is the second most equal country in the EU, according to the Gender Equality Index.

A normal working week in Denmark consists of 37 hours, usually from Monday to Friday. It is quite common with flexible work hours and places. Danes increasingly place importance on reaching deadlines, instead of working at a specific and fixed time and place. The Danish work-life balance is highly affected by the Danes’ indulgence, and thus willingness to realise wants and desires regarding enjoying life and having fun.

Trust - at your workplace

In both a university setting and a work setting, Danes practice freedom with responsibility. That means that nobody is breathing over your shoulder, as they trust that you will do your share to meet the prearranged deadline.

The Danish way of delegating tasks builds upon studies, which show that quality and productivity levels increase when employers show trust in their employees. In other words, trust is a core value in Danish society, which is why Dane’s trust should not be taken for granted. Should there ever be a breach of trust, it can be difficult to rebuild. Furthermore, Danish people’s trust is indicated as well as affected by the fact that Denmark is the least corrupt country in the world according to Transparency International.

Be aware of the cultural differences if you get a job in Denmark. This will ease your process of integrating yourself into the workplace and help you connect better with your Danish colleagues.

More information about Danish Work Place Culture

Join an AAU carreer event - free of charge

Every semester you are able to join lots of events focusing on getting a job and how to transform your knowledge into entrepreneurial ideas.

AAU Carreer events

AAU Innovation events

Remember to change your permit

Depending on your citizenship, different rules apply when you’re looking for a job in Denmark. You will find further information about this fact also visiting the page linked to. 

Further information on working in Denmark

Internationals living in Denmark are often fantastic to illustrate the special and (to others), funny traditions, behaviours, words ect. of the Danes.

We have collected a few storytellers for you to get an idea of the country you are about to settle down in.

Annie In Eventyrland - YouTube

Robe Trotting - YouTube

VisitDenmark - YouTube

My New Danish Life - YouTube