 |
How to Live in DenmarkAuthor: Kay Xander Mellish
Life as an international in Denmark, one of the world's most homogenous countries, isn't always easy. In Denmarks longest-running English-language podcast, Kay Xander Mellish, an American who has lived in Denmark for more than a decade, offers tips for enjoying your time in the worlds happiest country plus insights on Danish culture and how to build friendships with Danes. Whether you're living in Denmark, thinking about moving to Denmark, or interested in a job in Denmark and want to understand Danish business culture, this podcast will offer insights and guidance. Each episode of "How to Live in Denmark" tackles topics that will help you understand the Danish way of life, emphasizing work-life balance, the unique Danish workplace culture, and the social norms that define Danish society. With Denmark's renowned flat hierarchy, workplace flexibility, and emphasis on equality, understanding the subtleties of Danish work etiquette is essential for anyone working in Denmark or engaging with Danish businesses. Our discussions also delve into Denmark's flexicurity system, a distinctive approach to labor market regulation that blends flexibility with security, providing insights on how this model supports a dynamic and adaptive work environment. Listeners considering entrepreneurship in Denmark or business ventures in Denmark will find strategic advice on navigating the Danish labor market and leveraging business opportunities in a society known for its innovation and egalitarian corporate culture. (Is Denmark socialist? No, it's more free-market than the US or UK.) Expats in Denmark will particularly benefit from episodes focusing on cultural integration, socializing in Danish workplaces, and the crucial role of professional networking in Denmark. Learn how to navigate Denmark's informal communication styles, engage with the Danish sense of humor in the workplace, and appreciate the significant autonomy given to employees in Danish companies. Kay's short episodes about h Language: en-us Genres: Business, Careers, Places & Travel, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
February, the Cat in the Barrel, and the Absence of Faith: The Danish Year Part 2
Sunday, 9 February, 2025
Fastelavn is one of the Danes’ favorite holidays. It takes place in February, when the light is finally beginning to come back after a long season of winter darkness. "Hitting the cat in the barrel" - which used to involve a real cat, but no longer does - and eating messy fastelavn buns full of custard are part of the holiday. What's no longer really part of the holiday is its religious background, the idea that this is a party that takes place before the long lockdown of Lent. Kept the party, dumped the religion The Danes have kept the party while stripping away its source, much like the non-firmations some Danes choose over confirmations, or the "namegiving ceremonies" that have replaced baptisms in some circles. I once read that the safer a society is, the less likely it is to be religious. The more comfortable and secure people are, the less likely they are to turn to a higher power to sort things out. That’s certainly true in Denmark. They find religious faith strange The majority of Danes find religious faith strange, and perhaps a sign of ignorance or moral weakness. I have had Danes tell me that believing in God is like believing in Santa Claus. They’ll go to church on Christmas Eve, or for a wedding, or maybe a funeral. But if you tell Danes that you go to church on a regular basis because you like it, they will suddenly become very suspicious, and maybe a little angry. They may assume you have backward views, that you don’t like gay people, perhaps that you believe that women should be subservient. Or maybe that you don’t drink alcohol, which is a serious charge in Denmark. Read more at howtoliveindenmark.com
