Denmark is known for its robust social welfare system, high-quality life and beautiful landscapes. In the latest World Happiness Report (2024), Denmark is ranked as the second happiest country in the world due to its GDP and community spirit. These attributes attract expatriates to make this Scandinavian country their home. However, as a homogeneous society, Denmark has a peculiar cultural identity, and it can be challenging for foreigners to penetrate and make themselves feel a part of Danish society. From people`s reserved behaviour and tight-knit social circles to the complex local language, understanding and following Danish culture is daunting for outsiders.
The article explores the social and cultural hurdles expats living in Denmark face and offers insights into how to navigate and tackle them effectively.
The Danish Concept of Hygge
Danish people are modern and progressive yet highly value their customs and traditions. Danish culture is known for being private, and it becomes challenging for expats to engage with the natives. Danes emphasize spending quality time with their family and friends. They prefer small social circles and value close, intimate relationships with trust and integrity. That’s why the concept of hygge is of enormous significance in Danish society. Hygge refers to the mood of coziness, warmth, comfort and congeniality. It is central to the Danish lifestyle, shaping everything from social life to home environment. The Danish author Meik Viking (2016) expresses in his book, The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well:
Expats from extroverted cultures perceive this emphasis on deep and meaningful bonds as distant and aloof. Due to its seclusion and limited social space, the Danish interpretation of hygge is a significant challenge for newcomers trying to establish a social circle in Denmark. Embracing hygge can be the best way for expats to integrate into Danish culture. Furthermore, patience, persistence and the will to step out of their comfort zones are the keys. Attending local events with natives is a good opportunity to interact with natives. After developing a good bond, hosting small gatherings with scented candles, warm drinks and hearty conversations at home helps expats connect to the Danish community.
The Danish work-life balance culture
Denmark’s work environment is relatively informal, open and flexible. Teamwork and collaboration with colleagues at the workplace are important and considered a “ very Danish style of working.” Focusing on work culture more, Danes prefer the following two approaches.
- Work-life balance
- Janteloven.
Denmark is known for its exceptional work-life balance approach. The standard workweek is 37.5 hours from Monday to Friday, with a strong emphasis on family time and leisure. Danish companies want their employees to value their personal and family time as much as important to their professional obligations. Constitutionally, all workers are entitled to yearly five-week vacations, thus making it one of the most family-friendly places to live in.
Similarly, Danes follow and are influenced by the concept of Janteloven or the law of Jante in their work. This is an underlying Scandinavian philosophy specific to the Nordic region. Janteloven discourages individuality and emphasizes collective efforts and accomplishments. However, for expats from work-centric countries, understanding and implementing these approaches at their Danish workplace can take time and effort. Furthermore, Danes may be uncomfortable with their expat colleagues’ overambitious and workaholic behaviour, preferring to maintain humility and politeness. Exchanging ideas with Danish colleagues and fellow expats working in Danish offices can help them understand the workplace culture more effectively. Reading success stories on the internet of expats working in the Danish labour market is another strategy to solve the problem wisely. The image below is the success story of an Italian expat working at LEGO, Denmark.
Language Barrier: Mastering the linguistic labyrinths
While many natives speak excellent English, Danish is the official language of Denmark and is spoken by most of the population. The intricate grammar rules, unfamiliar pronunciation and abundance of idiomatic expressions in everyday conversation have made the local language difficult for non-natives to learn and speak. The expats consider this linguistic barrier an obstacle to communication and building meaningful social connections with the Danish community.
To tackle the linguistic divide, expats must be proactive and persistent in learning Danish. Additionally, by enrolling in language schools, utilizing volunteer services provided by the Danish libraries and seeking out conversation partners, expats can solve this problem effectively and quickly. Furthermore, Danes are aware of the complexity of the Danish language and are gracious enough to provide a learning space to outsiders. Expats can also use English to bridge the communication gap between them and natives.
Social isolation and mental health challenges
Danish social circles are tight-knit because most people have lifelong friends and family connections that form the core of their social interactions. They might not be as proactive in initiating social interactions and befriending outsiders. This is because Danes believes friendship is a long-term commitment and should be real. They take it very seriously, and the idea of meeting and having a casual lunch with someone they will never see again makes no sense to them.
An international survey 2016 measuring the quality of life of expats ranked Danes as the hardest people in the world to be friends with. The survey findings are clear enough to exhibit that intermingling in Danish society and making cordial friendships with the natives is not easy for people from different backgrounds. Making space in the established and closed groups is quite an energy-consuming task. That’s why expats find social networking and establishing Danish friendships equally challenging as learning a new language and culture. This problem subsequently leads expats towards social isolation and mental health issues like loneliness, anxiety and depression. By staying connected with home, seeking professional help and developing inter-community relationships expats can overcome this challenge. Moreover, active participation in local activities and interaction with the community are also good strategies for overcoming these hindrances.
Overall, as an expat, adjusting to life in Denmark comes with its share of challenges, particularly related to language and culture. By embracing the cultural and social norms expats can build a supportive social network in Denmark. Similarly, learning the local language and using it confidently in their everyday life ultimately gives them a fulfilling experience in their new home. Keep your spirits high and remember the mantra to make Danish life “hyggeligt”.
“Slow and steady wins the race“
Aamna
I am a content and blog writer passionate about using “pen power” to transform the community. I would like to contribute to LifeBonder`s mission to make the SoMe world a genuine and vibrant space for making human connections.
