Denmark is the happy home of the Vikings and Hans Christian Anderson, who's fairytales are known all over the world by children. The Danish people value diversity and tolerance. They value family life. Do not refer to them as 'Swede', Norwegian or Dutch. They practice Old European Manners (see post from August 12, 2020). The Language spoken is Danish. The Danish say 'Danke' (thank you) very often, for everything. English is also spoken by almost everyone, as is German, especially on the Southern border. The weather is on average 32 degrees in the winters and 61 degrees in the Summers, so pack a light sweater and rain jacket for the Summer.
Denmark's population is 6 Million. The Capital is Copenhagen with a population of 1.4 Million. Denmark is twice the size of Massachusetts. It is a Constitutional Monarchy with a Prime Minister, 4 year Parliament and a 4 year Cabinet. Their GDP per capita is $83,445. Their Natural Resources are Crude Oil, NG, fish, salt, and limestone. Their Agricultural products are meat, pork, dairy, and potatoes. They are known for their shipping too, pharmaceuticals and international trade. The Danish produce furniture, textiles, Lego's and fine china. Their Religion is 95% Lutheran. They are known for high taxes but exceptional schools and health services.
Public manners are quiet and reserved. No touching. Do not place your hand on the shoulder of a Lady to usher her into dinner. No PDA. Don't show emotion or be loud. Never shout. Do not eat while walking down a public street. Keep your hands out of your pockets, unless making change. Do not discuss your personal life. Dress Code is 'Casual Chic', clothing pressed and shoes clean. Dress for rain. Never dress sloppily.
When introduced, shake hands with everyone present, including children, both when arriving and departing. Eye contact is important. Stand up for all introductions. Always use last names and professional titles until asked to use first names.
Magic words include Good Morning: 'Godmorgen', Good Afternoon: 'Goddag', Good Evening: 'Godaften', An informal Hi: 'Hej' (pronounced just like the English 'Hi'), Please: 'vaer sa venlig', Thank you: 'Danke' and 'Tak', You're Welcome: 'Velbekomme', Yes: 'Ja' (yah), No: 'Nej' ('nigh'), Excuse me: Undskyld ('soon-skewl'), Goodbye: Farvel ('far-vill'), Pleased to meet you: Gaelder mig ('glay-ah-dar my'). Do not ask "How are you", as this is considered too personal unless you are a good friend.
Be punctual for all meals. Eat in the Continental style. Breakfast is at 8:00am and is Continental, including cereal, yogurt, oatmeal, eggs, and marmalade. Lunch is at 2:00 and consists mostly of open faced sandwiches with cheese and meat cold cuts called 'smorrebrod.' Coffee is served after Lunch. Dinner is from 6:00 - 8:00pm. The Guest of Honor is served first. The Host and Hostess sit on opposite ends of the table. Gentlemen escort Ladies to the Dinner table. Dinner can last 3-4 hours, or more as it consists of 7 courses: For example: 1st course is an Appetizer, 2nd course is a warm dish, 3rd course is cheese, 4th course is ice cream, 5th course is fruit, 6th course is cake and 7th course is coffee and a pastry! 'Tak' (pronounced 'talk') is also used for 'Thank You', is used as 'please' and it is used specifically at the end of a request such as passing something at the table. Try everything that is passed to you. Dinner is for enjoyment with family and friends and it is traditional to linger long after the meal is over. Also, thank the Host and Hostess after the meal.
A few menu tips: Appetizer = 'Forret', Main Course = 'Hovedret', Vegetable = 'Gronsager', Meat = 'Kodrete', Beef = 'Oksesteg', Pork = 'Svinekod', Chicken = 'Hone' or 'Killing', egg = 'Aeg'. Boiled Cod = 'Kogt Torsk', Smoked fish = 'Roget Fisk', Roast Pork with Red Cabbage = 'Flaeskeskeg med Rodkal', Soup with peas, pork (bacon) sausage, and pickled goose = 'Gule Aerter'. Steak = 'Engelsk Bof', Fried Eel = 'Stegt Al', Rye bread made with black beer, sugar, lemon = 'Ollebrod', Sole fish = 'Rodspaetter', Herring (most often pickled) = 'Sild', Sponge cake with custard, strawberries and whipped cream = 'Lagkage', Fruit = 'Rodgrod'.
Toasting in Denmark is traditional and a formal process. Never toast your Host first. Never toast those elder or more senior in rank to you. The Guest of Honor toasts the Host at dessert. Tap your glass with a spoon. Raise your glass and say 'Skohl' (Cheers). A shot of "snaps" (Akvavit) is drunk from an ice cold shot glass. Akvavit is a high proof spirit traditionally served with food, such as smoked fish or pickled Herring.
When dining out, summon the waiter with eye contact, as putting your hand up is considered rude. Tipping is not customary, but a 'token' of cash may be left on the table after the meal. Taxi fare includes tip, but it is kind to round up your fare. No need to tip the Maid, or Porter, but it is appreciated to tip your Porter $2 USD per bag and the Maid $4-5 UDS per day. You will receive exceptional service and will be remembered.
Remember to thank your Host and Hostess after Dinner is over - at 1:00 am!
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