About Denmark

Every person has their own story, but many of us are united by the fact that, due to the circumstances of fate, we found ourselves in a new country where we need to build a new life as soon as possible. We hope that our portal Expaterra can help you!

So, Denmark: a country of opportunities and warm hospitality, where everyone can find their home amidst picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Culture and Lifestyle

Denmark is a country with a rich culture, unique lifestyle, and distinctive cuisine.

Danish culture combines tradition and modernity. The country is known for its achievements in literature, music, design, and cinema. Writers like Hans Christian Andersen and Karen Blixen have left a significant mark on world literature. Danish design is famous for its simplicity and functionality, which is reflected in architecture and interior items. The concept of "hygge" plays a central role in Danish culture. It means creating coziness and enjoying the simple pleasures of life, be it an evening with friends, reading a book, or dining by candlelight.

Danes value a balance between work and personal life. The workday usually starts at 8-9 am and ends around 4-5 pm, allowing time for family and hobbies. The bicycle is a popular means of transportation; many prefer it over the car, especially in cities. Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is known as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world. Danish society is characterized by a high level of trust and social cohesion. People trust each other and public institutions, creating a sense of safety and stability.

Traditional Danish cuisine is based on local products and seasonality. One of the well-known dishes is "smørrebrød" — an open-faced sandwich on rye bread with various toppings, such as fish, meat, cheese, and vegetables. In recent years, the "New Nordic Cuisine" has gained popularity, focusing on the use of fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients, offering a modern take on traditional dishes. Danish restaurants like Noma have received international acclaim for their innovative approach to cuisine. Denmark is also known for its pastries, including "wienerbrød" (Danish pastries) and various pies. Beer, especially brands like Carlsberg and Tuborg, is popular among locals, as well as traditional spirits such as "akvavit."

Denmark consistently ranks high in various international ratings, reflecting its achievements in the economy, social sphere, environment, and other areas.

In 2023, Denmark once again took first place in the country competitiveness ranking published by the International Institute for Management Development. The country demonstrated high scores in business efficiency, infrastructure, and government efficiency.

In 2024, Denmark rose to the top spot in the ranking of the best countries in the world for quality of life. The country received high marks in criteria such as the labor market, economic stability, income equality, political stability, security, as well as education and healthcare systems.

Denmark traditionally ranks high in the list of the world's happiest countries. Over the past 12 years, the country has topped this ranking three times and maintained second place for six consecutive years, behind only Finland.

Denmark regularly achieves high positions in the global freedom of speech ranking, reflecting the country's commitment to the principles of press freedom and freedom of expression.

However, in some specific areas, the country may be ranked lower. Due to its relatively small population and limited territory, Denmark has a limited domestic market. This may be reflected in rankings that consider national market capacity. The northern location of the country and its climatic features can limit opportunities for certain types of agricultural activities, which may affect the corresponding rankings. It is important to note that low positions in these specific rankings do not indicate a general weakness of the country but merely reflect objective constraints related to geographical and demographic factors.

The Local Language

Learning the Danish language can be challenging for foreigners due to a number of linguistic features and cultural nuances. The Danish language is renowned for its unique sound, which can be difficult to perceive. In spoken language, words often sound like a single unit, complicating understanding for beginners. Despite similarities to other Germanic languages, Danish has a lot of unique vocabulary that does not overlap with English or German. Like other Scandinavian languages, Danish contains long compound words. Danes often use short phrases and contextual hints, making it difficult for novices to understand. Although standard Danish is used in most cases, there are regional dialects that can differ significantly.

Danes are proficient in English, which may reduce the motivation to learn Danish since many are willing to switch to English for communication. In large cities like Copenhagen, one can live comfortably without knowing the Danish language, which also reduces the incentive to learn it. However, mastering Danish is often seen as a key to successful integration. Danes usually welcome attempts to speak their language, even if you make mistakes. Learning the Danish language is a challenge, but regular practice, patience, and the use of available resources will help you overcome difficulties and integrate into Danish society.