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June 20, 2024 opinion
December 18, 2023. Strøget in Copenhagen - one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe. It's a popular tourist attraction in the centre of town.
The Danish capital, Copenhagen, has gained publicityamong young people as a vacation hotspot and for its unique fashion sense.
But what cultural differences in Denmark might catch you off guard?
As a Ukrainian refugee who moved to Copenhagen almost 10 months ago, it’s been amazing to get to know Denmark and find out more about the culture.
Denmark is full of positive experiences. I have also encountered certain things that I find exclusive to Danish culture and that are interesting to know.
Alcohol consumption among adolescents (15-16 years old) in Denmark is the highest in Europe. I never thought that drinking could become a weekly habit for spending free time, but Denmark proved me otherwise. Since the legal age to buy beer and wine is only 16, alcohol is more accessible in Denmark than in other Nordic countries, such as Norway or Sweden.
By Noah Saphier
House parties and going out to bars are typical Friday-night activities for people aged 16–25. Despite this, Danes seem to maintain a relatively healthy relationship with alcohol with youth researchshowing improved wellbeing among regular weekly drinkers.
I also haven’t seen people struggle with overconsumption as commonly as in Ukraine, for instance. Alcohol isn’t as acceptable there, which can lead to addictionand other diseases involving intoxication for adolescents.
You might have heard that Denmark is known for its unpleasant, rainy weather, but Danes seem to have adapted to these conditions. Even in the worst storms, people don’t hesitate to bike to work or school, thanks to local brands like Rains that create clothes specifically for such weather conditions.
Building an emotional relationship with a Dane can be challenging. When I first arrived in Copenhagen and started at a local school, I noticed that initial conversations didn’t seem as meaningful as those I was used to in Ukraine.
Danes seem to be more reserved and less genuine in showing interest in the person they are talking to, whereas in Ukraine, it’s usually mutual. Although Danes are big party people, it can take quite some time to build a close relationship with them.
If you have a Danish background, you are likely to fit into the social circles, which opens up tons of opportunities in school. There are various high school options, from regular three-year programs to boarding schools, each offering a wide range of activities.
Whether it’s music bands, choirs, handball or skiing, schools provide ample opportunities for hobbies that can be embedded into the curriculum. In comparison, Ukrainian high schools are purely focused on academic achievements, leaving hobbies to your personal initiative.
You will hear more swearing in Denmark than you might expect. Although Danish has its own curse words, American slang has replaced most Danish swear words.
Since these words aren’t from their own language, they aren’t taken as seriously by Danes. Therefore, saying words like “f*ck” or “sh*t” in front of a teacher or parents isn’t a big deal, whereas in other parts of the world, including Ukraine, it is considered uncommon and inappropriate.
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