Cultures Of Denmark

Egalitarianism in Danish SocietyMap of Denmark

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 marriage.

Etiquette & Customs in Denmark

Meeting EtiquetteEtiquette in Denmark

. 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.

. 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.