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Home , Danish literature, Poul Henningsen

DANISH CULTURE

DANISH CULTURE IS RELAXED AND COLLECTIVE VALUES ARE BUILT ON TRUST, SECURITY AND COOPERATION. VIEWS ON AND POLITICS ARE RATHER LIBERAL, AND HUMOUR IS DEEPLY ROOTED IN . THE SUPPORTIVE DANISH WELFARE STATE GRANTS EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL, THUS PROVIDING A STRONG FEELING OF SECURITY AND BELONGING.

WHAT ARE DANES LIKE? famous people, and even the royal family, buy fair trade and environmentally friendly Generally, Danes have very liberal views to their audience’s amusement. Irony is an products and recycle more than the Euro- on sex, religion and politics compared to important part of Danish humour and con- pean average. most Europeans. However, they are also versation, which may take some time get- rule-bound and complying with the norms ting used to for internationals. Danes may THE “HYGGE” CONCEPT is important and appreciated. Wealth in not initiate small talk with strangers them- When foreigners are asked to describe is equally distributed, so there selves, but Danes are polite and will engage Danish culture, a special concept comes are relatively few billionaires or really in conversation if they are spoken to. to mind: “hygge”. Linked to cosiness and poor people. Attitudes towards success warmth, “hygge” is normally associated and money are humble, and consequently SOCIAL AND CULTURAL VALUES with being comfortable and relaxed, as bragging is unusual and socially unaccept- Altruism is a core value in Denmark. Danes well as with having fun with close friends able. Most Danes are outspoken and direct; are quite generous with those in need all or loved ones, often while enjoying good they are used to having open discussions around the world, so they often do vol- food and something to drink. Candles are and being honest about what they think. unteer work or simply donate money for also connected to the idea of “hygge”, and Danes love humour and it is a central part charities. Moreover, Danes are increasing- Danes love lighting them, especially when of Danish culture. Comedians make fun of ly concerned about global issues, so they they have guests over. SOCIALISING CULTURE IN FACTS ABOUT DANISH CULTURE: DENMARK \\ Denmark is historically a monarchic country. In fact, it has one of the oldest king- Danes have a reputation for being reserved doms in the world and difficult to connect with outside the office. They may not believe in superficial \\ The state religion of Denmark is Lutheran and 75% of Danes are friendships, but they do collect friends members of the National Church. However, most Danes do not consider them- who are close and loyal, so don’t hold back. selves religious Socialising in Denmark is generally casual, as Danes prefer to skip formalities. How- \\ Modern design is an intrinsic part of Danish culture. Many Danish products are ever, punctuality is extremely important. considered design icons of the 20th century, such as the egg chair by Arne Jacob- When Danes want to see their friends, they sen and the PH-lamp by usually agree where and when to meet, instead of showing up unannounced. Most \\ The most internationally recognised Danish architect is Jørn Utzon, who designed work places organise get-togethers a cou- the iconic Opera House in Sydney ple of times a year, especially around sum- mer and christmas, where employees and \\ The most famous contributor to is the author and poet managers can have fun and get to know each other across departments. \\ The Garden in are the most popular cultural attraction in Den- mark. In 2016, more than four million people visited

RELATED LINKS: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarchy_of_Denmark \ https://www.dst.dk/da/Statistik/emner/kultur-og- kirke/folkekirken/medlemmer-af-folkekirken \ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Denmark \ www.aviewoncities.com/ sydney/operahouse.htm \ https://www.visitdenmark.dk/sites/default/files/VDK_Website_images/Pdf_other_files/Analys- er/2017/attraktionslisten_2016.pdf