Researching a country’s norms and customs before visiting is always a good idea – same goes for Denmark. Many people have a bit of a culture shock when visiting the Scandinavian countries (and the other way around) – we simply just do things differently. I’m here to tell you a bit about this difference.
👇🏼Here’s the most common mistakes you make when visiting Denmark!
Sit yourself at a restaurant
Huge no-go! You always wait to be seated! It’s very uncommon and seen as rude to just sit down 🦞
Skip the line
Huge no-go! Queue culture is very important in Denmark. You wait your turn – no questions asked 🤼
Use cash
Just don’t. All shops are required to take cash – but it’s rather uncommon to pay in cash – no matter the amount.
Always being late
Being late is seen as impolite and disrespectful. If you’re invited somewhere (especially to someone’s home) you’re expected to be there on time – if not 10 min. early ⏰
Take everything personal
Danes use A LOT of irony. They might say something that offends you, like “you’re weird” or “are you stupid?” – but 95% of the time it’s just irony, and you shouldn’t take it personally 🙅🏻♀️
Order rye bread and expect toast
Rugbrød (as it’s called in danish) is a type of bread which is packed with different seeds, grains and cracked rye. So far from toast 🍞
Not preparing for extra expenses
I hate to say it – but everyone is right about the high prices in Denmark. Candy is expensive because of sugar-tax, alcohol is expensive because of alcohol-tax. There’s 25% VAT on all products. Wages are high (so is rent and cost of living) so a normal sandwich costs €8 – sorry 💸
Thinking that, because it is Scandinavia, there must be lots of mountains and good skiing possibilities.
Nope, my friend. That’s Norway you’re looking for🇳🇴
Being loud
It sounds a bit harsh but danes are quiet / reserved people. You don’t hear people laughing or talking really loud in the streets. So you WILL get stares if you’re acting loud in public 🗣️
Assuming weed is legal
Most travelers have heard of the freetown, Christiania where open weed trade takes place. BUT keep in mind that possessing, selling and even smoking marijuana is illegal all over Denmark, including Christiania 🌿
Note: always follow the rules of Christiania like no running, no filming, no stealing etc.
Walk in the bike lane
For your own safety and for the sanity of all danes – ONLY walk on the pavement. There’s a clear line between what is for bikes and what is for pedestrians 🚲
Trust the weather apps
I guarantee you the weather can and will change in a matter of minutes. Always bring an umbrella and a coat ☂️
Be too modest
Sex, sexuality and nudity are common topics of conversation and part of the city’s appearance. Everyone are free to express themselves however they want (though it is illegal to walk around naked in public)
Patronize women
Calling Danish girls “sweetie” “darling” “love” or anything else is frowned upon and seen as disrespectful and derogatory (even if it’s meant in a caring way).
Throwing away used bottles
Denmark has a system where you can return used plastic bottles and aluminum cans for money. Most supermarkets have return-machines where you can use your returns as store credit (or donate it) 🍼