Danish Way of Living
Income equality – Hygge – Low crime rate – High level of English – Danish Welfare
Denmark is widely cited as one of the world’s most liveable places and according to the OECD it has the world’s highest level of income equality.
Located on Scandinavia’s southern edge, Denmark is Europe’s gateway to the Nordic region. Denmark is a safe and secure country with a very low crime rate.
The Danes are relaxed, informal, and often ironic. “Hygge” – making people feel at home – is an essential part of life. Maybe that is why the Danes have so often been named as the world’s happiest people. Most Danes also have a good command of English, so you can communicate easily even if you don’t speak Danish.
The standard of living is high and the economy performs above the European average. Accommodation, food, and transport are therefore relatively expensive in Denmark compared to other countries. On the other hand, salaries are correspondingly high, and services such as medical treatment are free of charge.
Workplace culture
Danish farms are typically family-owned, with 2 to 10 employees. Danish farms are characterized by using a lot of machinery with daily tasks, which help with your everyday tasks.
The work culture is very informal, and the Danish way of working is often in a team function, and everybody, also interns, are expected and welcomed to pitch with ideas and opinions. Farmers are looking for independent workers who will take the initiative and be willing to teach those who ask. You should also be able to do physical work, be stable and reliable, and follow instructions and routines.
SOCIAL LIFE
Danes are said to be informal, unassuming, humorous and cheerful. A widely known aspect of Danish culture is “hygge”, which entail feeling snug and cozy, having a good time and enjoying the little things.
Danes are generally social people, but they might take a little while to warm up. They like hanging with friends and will rarely say no to a beer ot two.
Living costs
The economy in Denmark performs above the European average, which means people who live here enjoy a high standard of living. This is reflected in the living costs and, therefore, accommodation, food, transport and leisure are relatively expensive in Denmark, compared to many other countries.
However, Danish salaries are correspondingly high, and many services such as medical treatment and schools are paid for via taxes and the Danish welfare system, due to this no user fees are charged at the point of use.
Culture
You have plenty of opportunities to meet Danish people. There are many communities, sports clubs, or possibilities to do a volunteering job, which always welcome new members.
There are many cultural sights in Denmark – from churches, castles, museums, amusement parks, to national parks, lakes, and sand dunes.
Budget Examples From Past Interns
- Rent: €250 (incl. internet, water and heat)
- Food and utilities: €200
- Phone: €10
- Transport: €58
- Socialising and Entertainment: €54 (Nights out, day trips, cinema etc.)
- Other expenses: €11 (Gym, streaming, Clubs etc.)
TOTAL: €583/MONTH
- Rent per person: €345 (incl. water and heat)
- Food and utilities: €240
- Phone and internet: €25
- Books and study supplies: €20
- Socialising and Entertainment: €240 (Nights out, day trips, cinema etc.)
- Other expenses: €35 (Gym, streaming, Clubs etc.)
TOTAL: €905/MONTH
Top Money Saving Tips:
- Check supermarket’s discounts periodically, you can get necessary products for half-price or even less.
- If you need to buy furniture and such, check out Facebook Market and/or Reuse.
- Note down all your expenses and keep an eye on them.
- Try to make food at home, it’s always cheaper than going out.
Must Have Apps When Living In Denmark
- These MUST HAVE APPS will make your stay in Denmark more convenient and they will save your money as well!
- Lunar Bank app. With Lunar you get a free Danish bank account and Visa card.
Driving linces
If you have a foreign driving licence and are staying TEMPORARILY in Denmark.
If you do not have normal residence in Denmark, you may use your foreign driving licence in Denmark in the following cases:
- The driving licence is issued by an EU or EEA country (Iceland, Norway and Lichtenstein).
- The driving licence is from the Faroe Islands.
- The driving licence is from Greenland.
- It is a temporary driving licence issued in Finland, Iceland, Norway or Sweden.
- It is a foreign driving licence (not issued in an EU or EEA country), issued in the Latin alphabet or accompanied by a translation in Danish, English or French. The translation must be produced by a public authority or by an organisation which has been authorised to produce it by the issuing country.
- It is an international driving licence.
- In Denmark, you are allowed to drive the same types of vehicles as you are according to your valid driving licence from the issuing country.
- Visit Færdselssstyrelsen for more information
Union
You have the right to be a member of a trade union. A trade union can help you in the event of a dispute about pay and working conditions – but only if you are a member.
Life in Denmark
- Lifeindenmark.dk is part of the common public portal in Denmark called borger.dk.
- Danish Etiquette. Being in a new country requires you to learn some new rules of etiquette so that you are not spoiling your chances for further invites.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.