Moving to Denmark as an expat will bring you plenty of surprises, and each one will take some getting used to. The Denmark culture shock is real, and it starts from day one. Every detail adds up to a unique experience that can be both frustrating and rewarding. These quirks are all part of what makes Danish life so distinct. This article covers 13 surprising things most expats encounter in Denmark.
Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol plays a prominent role in Danish social life. Drinking often starts young, sometimes with parental consent, and social events here frequently involve a good amount of alcohol. If you’re used to a more regulated approach to drinking, the openness here will stand out and is yet another culture shock in Denmark.
Cycling Culture
You’ll quickly notice that cycling is common in Denmark. With dedicated bike lanes and a strong cycling culture, a lot of people commute by bike. Adjusting to this might be hard at first. But, eventually, you’ll get a new perspective on urban life and mobility, and cycling will become second nature.
Getting a Place: Deposits and Prepaid Rent
If you’re coming from NYC, you might think you’re ready for competitive real estate prices and sky-high deposits. Think again. Denmark plays by its own rules. The deposits and prepaid rent here are wild—multiple months of rent upfront, which can turn just moving in into a serious financial leap. Love your place? Good. You’ll want to stay put for a while because the idea of moving every year simply isn’t on the table. The Denmark culture shock around housing costs is real and might make you think twice about relocating often.
Christmas on the 24th
Danes have Christmas locked in a day early. The Christmas dinner, family gatherings, and present-opening all happen on the 24th here. Sure, it’s just one day, but it’s one of those details that hits home (or reminds you that you’re not quite at home), especially when you’re celebrating with your Danish partner’s family for the first time. Adjusting to this timing is another culture shock in Denmark that might take a season or two to get used to.
No Jaywalking
Here’s one to mess with your instincts—strict crosswalk culture. Danes actually wait for the green light. Those first few weeks, you’ll probably find yourself standing awkwardly at intersections, wondering why no one just makes a break for it. But honestly? You’ll end up liking it. Less chaos, less dodging through traffic—Danish streets have a kind of calm that might just win you over. The adherence to crosswalks is a culture shock in Denmark that’s refreshingly orderly.
When in Doubt, Bring Cake
And then, there’s cake. Danish workplaces have an unspoken rule: when in doubt, bring cake. Good day? Cake. Bad day? Cake. Someone leaving, joining, or celebrating? Cake, cake, and more cake. Baptizing your third baby with your second wife? Cake. It’s a bit ironic, considering Denmark is home to Novo Nordisk, the company making all the insulin. But hey, maybe they’re onto something. The cake obsession turns everyday work events into mini parties. It’s a sweet tradition (pun intended) you’ll come to love, though it may be another delightful Denmark culture shock.
You’ll Have to Make the First Move
Friendships don’t come easy here. Danes won’t typically reach out or send that first invitation, so if you want in, it’s on you. Getting invited back means you’ll need to blend in and embrace Danish customs, from showing up with a few Tuborgs to joining their traditions wholeheartedly. Not following suit might seem like disapproval, and it’ll impact your chances of getting closer. It’s another social culture shock in Denmark, as it might differ greatly from other cultures where forming bonds is quicker.
Danes just expect people to “get it.” They share an unspoken connection and a bond that you’re simply expected to pick up on. Locals might even say, “The problem with immigrants is they don’t understand hygge.” Now, Danes love hygge—it’s a way of life, a brand of coziness that’s their own. And while they’ll insist it’s not something you can define, you’re still supposed to understand it. Sometimes, the real barrier isn’t the expat, but rather a society that isn’t always open to letting newcomers into its tight-knit cultural circles. Hygge is a central culture shock in Denmark you’ll need time to absorb.
Making Friends Is Hard
Looking to build a big social network? It’s often said that Danes get a limited number of “friendship cards” at birth, and by the time they’re done with school, those cards are all used up. This isn’t a country where people feel they need to make new friends regularly. They’re happy with the old ones. If you’re used to making friends quickly, Denmark may feel like a tough nut to crack.
Many expats find their closest friends here are other foreigners, people who get the challenge of fitting into a society that’s sometimes standoffish. Even if you’ve been here for years, it can feel like you’re only skimming the surface of Danish friendships.
Almost Everything Is Done Online
One big plus of living here? Denmark’s digital solutions are fantastic. Almost everything is online, from changing your address to handling government paperwork, saving you the hassle of in-person bureaucracy. And formalities? Practically non-existent—no titles, just first names, making the day-to-day feel refreshingly simple. It’s one culture shock in Denmark that works in your favor.
Food and the Cost of Living
The food scene here might surprise you, and not always in a good way. Danish cuisine isn’t exactly packed with flavor, and fresh produce can taste bland. If you have a favorite item from back home, brace yourself—it’s likely to be two or three times as expensive here. Shopping for essentials might even feel like buying small gold bars instead of groceries. The high cost of living is a culture shock in Denmark that’s hard to ignore.
Language Barrier
Most Danes speak excellent English, but learning Danish is a hurdle of its own. The pronunciation and unique sounds can make daily interactions feel overwhelming, especially at first. Simple things like grocery shopping might feel more challenging than you’d expect. But with time, you’ll pick up the basics and feel more at ease. Adapting to the language is a major culture shock in Denmark but ultimately rewarding.
Work-life Balance
Denmark’s approach to work-life balance might surprise you—in a good way. With a legal entitlement to at least five weeks of paid vacation annually, it’s common for colleagues to take extended summer breaks. This creates a relaxed, family-centered environment, a contrast to more work-centric cultures.
Final Thoughts
The Denmark culture shock is just part of the assimilation process, and each surprise is a step toward feeling more at home. Getting used to these differences is essential to fitting into the Danish way of life. With an open mind, you’ll find that the Danish way of life is pretty lovely.
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- Shopping in Copenhagen? How to Save Money and Time
- 25 Things to Do in Copenhagen that You’ll Love
- 25 Things to Do in Denmark That’ll Make You Happy
- What Are the Best Places to Live in Denmark?
