Danish culture

An informal culture

Danes like equality, individuality and democracy. Talking to others and communicating is usually done in an formal manner. In the university, students address their teachers by their first name and discussions are relaxed. Open discussion is a central element of Danish upbringing, both at home and at school. Scepticism is considered a good thing!
 

Learn how to "hygge"

Hygge is an important element of the Danish culture - hygge it is closely associated with having a good time together with friends or family while eating and drinking or just enjoying the surroundings. Humour is another essential thing for Danes - humour and irony are closely linked. Understanding Danish irony is an important part of getting to understand the Danes.
 

A sporty country

Danes love sports - about three out of four children and young people and half of the adult population are engaged in sports activities in their spare time. Denmark has the highest number of sports facilities per capita among the European countries.

A lot of Danes join a sports club, and every little village has a sports hall. The most popular activities are gymnastics, football, badminton, swimming and handball. Being a country surrounded by water – all places in Denmark are less than 50 kilometres from the sea – sports such as sailing, windsurfing, fishing and rowing are also popular.
 

Denmark and equality

Denmark has a law on ethnic equality, which bans ethnic discrimination, and another one stating that it is illegal to treat people differently on the grounds of gender, race and religion. There are additional laws to ensure gender equality, and Denmark has a minister for gender equality as well.