CPH Post Relocation Supplement - Summer 2022

RELOCATION SUMMER 2022

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INTRODUCTION

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NECESSARY THINGS TO DO Whether you are well prepared or utterly clueless, here are some of the important first things to do when tackling relocation.

CPR Number First things first! Do you have a CPRnumber? For most things in Denmark, you will need a CPR-number (Civil Registration Number). This is easy to obtain through the website or office of your local kommune (council).

In order to get one, you have to meet certain criteria: your stay in the country must last longer than 3 months; if you are an EU citizen, you have a registration certificate (does not apply to Nordic citizens); if you are a non-EU citizen, you have obtained a residence permit; and you have a place to live.

Residence and Work Permits If you wish to stay in Denmark for longer than three months, you will need a residence permit. If you are not a citizen of a Nordic or EU country, you also need a work permit.

There is a fast-track scheme in place to enable certified companies to hire highly qualified foreign nationals at short notice without having to wait for an application to be processed by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration. The scheme also offers foreign nationals the option of working alternately in and out of Denmark.

English information on all this, and more, can be found on the ‘New To Denmark’ website: nyidanmark.dk Setting Up A Bank Account

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You will need a bank account in order to receive your salary and any payments made to you by the authorities, such as tax refunds. Danish law allows any person with a CPR-number to open a basic bank account. This will not include overdraft facilities, credit facilities or a debit card.

These have to be agreed on with the bank individually.

EU rules stipulate that you will have to supply the bank with data such as your full name, address, and maybe other information, which has to be verifiable by the presentation of an identity document, preferably including a photo.

Easy Account Another thing that everyone in Denmark needs is an Easy Account (Nemkonto) because all payments from public institutions (tax refunds, child subsidies, pensions, student loans, unemployment benefits, housing support and social welfare payments) are transferred directly to this account by default.

The easiest thing to do is to designate your basic bank account as your Easy Account. However, you can also open a specific separate account for this purpose. More information available here: nemkonto.dk/da/Servicemenu/Engelsk Danish Society Learning about Danish norms is crucial to understanding the social culture in Copenhagen. Denmark scores well in international polls on things as diverse as lack of corruption and happiness. It is also considered a safe and secure country to live in. Children often walk or cycle to school alone and crime rates against persons are low.

RELOCATION SUMMER 2022 GUIDE

There is a high standard of living in Denmark and Danish society is very egalitarian, both economically and when it comes to gender equality. Taxes can seem very high to newcomers but they go towards providing a comprehensive cradle-to-grave welfare state and most people pay them willingly.

Among other things, the system is geared to providing child-care right from the start, and there are generous maternity and paternity leave allowances, which encourage women to return to the workplace after having children. Local councils are obliged to offer child-care places within the state regime and there are also private child-care options, which are heavily state-subsidised.

Education and medical treatment are free of charge although there are private clinics and private schools available, should you wish to use them.

Transportation Cycling is extremely popular with people of all ages and social classes, and Copenhagen alone has over 390 kms of designated bicycle lanes. About 55 percent of the locals bike to work and school. In a city like Copenhagen, a bike is often the quickest way of getting around – and there are no parking charges. There are more bikes than cars here: last year, the number of bikes reached higher than 265.000, while there were only about 252.000 cars in the city.

However, if you live too far from work to bike, or you just sweat like hell when you do it, you will need to make use of the Danish public transportation

system. In this case, buses, metros, and trains will likely be essential factors of adapting to life in Copenhagen. See page 10 for a comprehensive guide to public transportation.

Geography and Climate Familiarising yourself with the Danish terrain and weather will help you better adjust to your new home. Denmark consists of the Jutland peninsula (which is attached to Germany) and a number of islands in the Baltic Sea. The largest of these are Zealand, on which the capital city Copenhagen is situated, and Funen.

The island of Bornholm is located east of the rest of the country. Many of the larger islands are connected by bridges: the Øresund Bridge connects Zealand with Sweden, the Great Belt Bridge connects Funen with Zealand and the Little Belt Bridge connects Jutland with Funen.

Area-wise, Denmark is a relatively small country (43,560 square kilometres) with a population slightly over 5.7 million people. Almost 2 million of them live in the four largest cities – Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg – with Copenhagen having the largest population at 1.3 million.

The country has a temperate climate characterised by mild winters, with mean temperatures in January of 1.5°C (34.7°F), and cool summers, with a mean temperature in August of 17.2°C (63.0°F).

This does not mean, though, that it cannot get very cold here – on 8 January 1982 a record -31.2°C was reported in Hørsted in Thy.

RELOCATE

PROOF THE EXPAT CURVE IS A LONG AND WINDING ROAD

VISIT COPENHAGEN/STEWEN QUIGLEY

RELOCATE: THE HATEFUL 8

BY BEN HAMILTON The phases of the expat curve are a little like the Beatles. Most experts agree there are four, but some lists include six or seven.

As a simple four-piece, the curve can be boiled down to Preparation, Honeymoon, Culture Shock, and Adaptation – so John Lennon (the founder), Ringo Starr (cheeky grin touring the States), Paul McCartney (business concerns after death of Brian Epstein), and George Harrison (quickly at ease with band splitting, first to have solo hit).

Oh no, it’s Yoko But often, extra phases are thrown in at the beginning and end – the Decision to Move (“Let’s replace Pete Best with Ringo”) and Repatriation (Stuart Sutcliffe returning to his life as an artist) – as well as in the middle: Superficial Adaptation and Culture Shock Phase 2 (“Who asked Yoko to the recording sessions?”).

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So let’s go for the whole shebang and take them all on: Decision, Preparation, Honeymoon, Initial Culture Shock, Superficial Adaptation, Culture Shock, Adaptation and Repatriation.

Er ... that makes eight. Well, nobody said moving to another country was going to be easy.

The Decision: Love it, hate it There’s an extremely good chance, given you’re reading an English-language newspaper in Denmark, you’ve already made it.

Maybe you’re an avid Guardian reader who enjoyed ‘The Killing’ so much you couldn’t resist the challenge of moving here and starting all over. Or you’re an American student in love with Copenhagen after six all too short months in 2015, who decided to emigrate

RELOCATION SUMMER 2022 GUIDE

once you’d graduated. More likely, you met a ‘Danish bird’ on a stag night in Prague and, two years down the road, after living together for six months in your hometown, despaired of the local air quality and booked a one-way ticket.

activities known to humankind, and that’s without factoring in liquifying other assets, visas, air freight, negotiating the language divide and buying a new curtain rail at 01:30 to appease your insomniac seven-year-old.

Some of you got a job before arriving, others are just winging it. But whatever your circumstances, deciding on moving here was a leap of faith.

You’re in unfamiliar territory without the support of the family you have grown to depend on, and overnight most of your associates have been rendered friends of the Facebook variety. Not only do you have to settle into a new home, but a new environment with unfamiliar working conditions, schools, childcare, healthcare and transport. And this new responsibility is rarely shared with the ‘working partner’; inevitably it will rest on one set of shoulders: yours!

Preparation: Bye-bye beloved While you’ve visited Denmark many times on holiday, and enjoyed a great Christmas here, nothing can prepare you for what lies ahead. Or can it? Companies like Copenhagen Relocations specialise in taking care of the logistics and potential obstacles, so you can truly savour your arrival.

After all, don’t they say moving home is already one of the most stressful

“Did somebody mention new cultural norms? Give me a break! I’m trying to rewire 23 plugs and make sense of the

Rejsekort.” And all the time, the thought is lingering in the back of your mind: “Have we made the right decision?”

Honeymoon: Love of my life “Oooh, and you must try this one.” Who knew authentic Danish pastries were this good. One deep breath later, and a warm glow has enveloped your life. Everything is quaint, and everybody is so nice and understanding. The days are long and you sleep well at night … because, quite frankly, you’re knackered.

There’s limited time to reflect on what you’ve left behind and the hurdles you overcame: the result is a flood of positivity that even the Grinch wouldn’t be able to resist. Every time you explore, you’re rewarded with a new cultural experience, be it a culinary joy or communal convenience. Schools and work have opened up networking possibilities, as has an expat sports club.

And you’re even beginning to think like a local: from perusing the free circular to identify supermarket special offers to picking free cherries in the local cemetry.

Language lessons were easy to sign up for, and when you speak to your friends and family back home, you tell them this was the best choice of your life … in Danish … and fail miserably. You laugh and keep on taking the happy pills. You’ve got about six weeks’ worth.

Initial Shock: Hate you too Approximately two months in and it hits you. You miss the takeaways, agony aunt columns and daytime television of the country you left behind. Your partner is aggravated by an incident at work in which he was told off for working 45 minutes past clocking off time, while the doctor is refusing to prescribe the migraine pills you know from bitter experience are the only ones that work. Somehow you’re on Momondo with your finger hovering over homebound flights – yes, the only ‘home’ you know.

All the energy of the arrival has disappeared and been replaced by frustration, irritability, erratic sleeping patterns, and frequent physical complaints – stress basically. Nothing is ever open. Everything is sold out.

And nobody knows how to queue. Even worse, your relationship is strained: your partner has more going on and doesn’t appreciate your pressures. You desperately need someone to talk to.

But when a friend calls you up via Skype, you pretend your camera isn’t working.

You don’t want them to see you’ve spent the last four hours crying, staring at the blank walls you still haven’t administered a homely touch to because you were out enjoying yourself. It makes you hate your new home even more.

Superficial Adaptation: Gotta love a trier Somehow you hang on. Every expat you meet becomes your own personal guru – like they’ve unlocked a secret code for you – and you mimic their behaviour to the extent you convince yourself you’re coping.

With this new-found confidence, you start to adapt and find a routine, and you even make a breakthrough with the language.

Friendships with fellow expats follow … perhaps with people you wouldn’t normally socialise with, but at least you feel they understand you. A sense of humour returns and you find yourself laughing most things off, including your mini-crisis.

Culture Shock: Hate, hate, hate The horror, the horror: the more you understand your new homeland, the more you realise it’s not for you.

The people are too conformist … or inhumane; the thinking too inward … or avant-garde. Everywhere you look, the wrong decisions are being made, and it’s all so frustrating. But nobody’s interested in your tried and tested solution, or your infinitely more fun office party game.

Locals who were initially warm, like your neighbours or parents at the nursery, no longer greet you. By now, their frown suggests, you should be hailing them in their language. A failure to be understood at the shop leaves you close to tears; an attempt to start a conversation is greeted with frosty silence. Perhaps you’re paying the price for living in an expat bubble.

Everything is just too … foreign.

Even your new friends are becoming weary of your complaints. Before you know it, you’ve joined an expat online forum to vent your frustrations. Hate’s a strong word … but all too often at this stage the strength of your feelings will be in direct contrast to the positive ones of the Honeymoon period.

Adaptation: Laters haters Not everyone has to endure two rounds of culture shock, and there is no quick-fix solution. Some swear by a new routine, goals or mentor, while others will tell you time is a great healer. A degree of perspective might tell you all those miscommunications and slights were mostly in your head, but that doesn’t mean to say you shouldn’t enjoy the odd language or social triumph, even though you don’t celebrate them as manically as during the Honeymoon or Superficial Adaptation phases.

Your Local Global Academy

Experience has prepared you to be ready for everything, and suddenly you’re the confident, competent guru handing out advice to newbies. You’ve realised that even most of the natives don’t understand half the peculiarities thrown at you. Life has become comfortable and is no longer emotionally challenging. You respect your new country and start to think of it as ‘home’. And most of your good friends live here too.

Repatriation: Loved and lost And just like that, the ‘journey’ is over.

You went the whole hog and integrated, but now it’s time to return to your home country. Remember, the country and friends you left behind haven’t probably changed that much, but you have!

This is crucial in easing your way back in.

Don’t regale them with your expat heroics – they probably won’t be interested, although quietly a little envious – and instead listen to what they’ve been up to.

Inevitably you’ll meet others who have had similar experiences and will be happy to exchange stories. One day soon, you’ll look back with pride at your adventure.

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A stone’s throw from Copenhagen Birkerød Gymnasium, STX, HF, IB & Boarding School has been an IB world school since 1991, offering Pre-IB and the IB Diploma Programme. We have more than 60 nationalities.

IB at Birkerød Gymnasium is a unique chance to experience the international atmosphere of the IB-programme as well as the atmosphere of a Danish national school.

BIRKERØD GYMNASIUM STX, HF, IB & KOSTSKOLE

SCHOOLS VISIT COPENHAGEN/STEWEN QUIGLEY

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DANISH SCHOOLS If you have school-age children, you may be wondering what the Danish educational system is like.

There are a number of questions that will spring to mind if you are a family with young children that have just arrived in Denmark. You may want to know about day-care and what the different options are. For those with older children, the question might be how does the education system function? Is it compatible with the one back home? Is it as good? Then you may need to decide whether to go state or private. All importantly, if my children don’t speak the language, how well will they integrate and will they make friends? It may also be relevant to ask what opportunities there are for higher education and will a degree or qualification taken in Denmark be recognised abroad?

High standards The Danish school system is considered one of the best in the world and traditionally, Danish governments have always prioritised education highly.

Denmark is a small country with few natural resources, so an educated population is vital in our globalised world.

The National Reform Program adopted in 2013 was designed to get more young people to complete their education quickly, as well as ensuring high quality and efficiency within the educational system.

Free or fee-paying?

All children are entitled to free tuition at Danish municipal primary and lower secondary schools, as are adult

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students living in Denmark, depending on the level and nature of the institution.

However, private schools are also fairly common and as these are heavily statesubsidised, the fees are not as high as they might be in other European countries. Private schools may be faithbased or following particular educational precepts, such as Rudolf Steiner schools.

There are also schools for the German minority in Denmark. International schools exist where the curriculum, which often follows a UK, US or French model, is taught in English, French, Spanish, German or Japanese. Although there may be some Danish students, the student body is typically international.

These schools are private and approved by the Ministry of Education to teach in languages other than Danish, either for the whole school or parts of it.

Language assessment and training Children whose mother-tongue is not Danish and are enrolled in a daycare facility may be given a language assessment if there are linguistic, behavioural or other grounds to suggest that the child may be in need of language stimulation. The language assessment is compulsory for all children aged 3 who are not attending a day-care facility. If the assessment shows that language stimulation is needed, the local council must provide it. In primary and lower secondary schools, bi-lingual children can take ‘Danish as a second language’.

If basic instruction is needed, the child will be assigned to a reception class, a scheme for teaching in teams, or

RELOCATION SUMMER 2022 GUIDE

individual instruction. Bilingual children can participate in ordinary teaching but those who need extra support are referred to supplementary teaching. The number of lessons is tailored to the needs of the individual. A limited number of bilingual children in primary and lower secondary schools are offered tuition in their mother-tongue.

Keep on learning Denmark has a long tradition of lifelong learning and many Danes participate in adult education. It is also common for workplaces to expect staff to upgrade their skills through educational schemes throughout their working careers.

There are so-called folk high schools in Denmark: they offer a broad range of courses lasting from 4 days to 36 weeks.

No particular educational or professional qualifications are required to attend these and most students are between 18 and 24 years old. You sleep, eat, study and spend your spare time at the school.

There are no exams – but you get a diploma as a proof of your attendance.

As for language schools, though studying Danish has recently become an expensive quest (unless you’re a refugee), some organisations offer free Danish courses – Red Cross and Bethesda church are two examples. Red Cross also does other relevant volunteer work such as their couples’ integration program, which provides help managing your relocation. As for digital means of language learning, you can start by checking out duolingo.com.

THE SIX STAGES There are six stages of education in Denmark: 1. Pre-school 2. Primary and lower secondary education 3. Upper secondary education 4. Vocational education and training 5. Higher education 6. Adult learning.

Before they start pre-school, most Danish children have attended day-care, either in a nursery school or kindergarten.

After preschool, which is optional, children go on to do nine years of compulsory education in primary and secondary school, with an option to take a tenth year.

Pupils are divided into year groups by age, and progression from one year to the next is automatic. The same pupils stay together for all the 9 years. Classes usually consist of between 16 and 26 children.

The tenth form can be taken in the existing school if it is offered there, but is also available at an efterskole, ungdomsskole or frifagskole. As well as providing academic programs allowing entry into higher education, upper secondary education can offer programmes of a more vocational nature.

These are aimed at giving direct entry into the labour market and are often in conjunction with internships in various top Danish companies.

LEARNING DANISH If you’re new to Copenhagen, there’s a good chance you will have never heard anything quite like the Danish language.

Sure, maybe you’ve watched a few episodes of ‘The Bridge’, but essentially your brain switches onto autopilot as you read the subtitles.

You’ve also noticed that the Danes seem to speak pretty good English. And so, you could easily convince yourself that learning the language isn’t really a priority.

LINGUA DANCA:

THE IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING DANISH

The fact of the matter is there are of course a myriad of advantages to learning the native language of your new home – especially given the strong possibility that you won’t want to leave.

Employment: Avoid the creek!

Some ability in Danish will present you with a wider range of choice in your chosen profession.

Perhaps you’re here in Copenhagen because you work for a large international company and the official language is English. However, there is no doubt that new opportunities within such firms – in different departments or new projects – will be available to you if you can grasp Danish.

Within the service industry there are some employers who don’t have a preference on your Danish language skills and there are some that do. The point remains: you will have more options if you can get to grips with Danish.

Whatever your profession, you will eventually find yourself in a situation in which knowledge of Danish is highly advantageous at work.

The time may also come where you want to change your job or employer, and it’s at this point that the ability to use the language will open up significantly more opportunities than those already within your reach.

Education: Join the clique!

Attending university is one of the main reasons for the large international presence in Copenhagen, and learning Danish will also help at school.

Remember: many programs are available in English, but the number is being cut.

Now, we’re not suggesting you move to Denmark and immediately enrol onto a course taught in Danish, but there is a significant amount of group work involved in a Danish education. Inevitably, you will find yourself in one such group as the only foreigner.

Imagine; you take a five-minute break from your group work and grab a coffee. Upon your return your peers are chattering away in Danish – no big deal, right? Wrong. It turns out that as

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But what if you came here as a refugee of love or to follow your spouse, and your qualifications (a bachelor’s degree for example) aren’t what the big companies are thinking of when they talk about ‘highly-skilled foreigners’. The truth is that even if you find a job that specifies mother tongue English, they will very often still want you to speak Danish when socialising with the other workers. Such a situation can spoil the office hygge!

BY EDWARD OWEN you were gazing off into the distance, important decisions were made about the direction of the group project. If only you had understood, you could have recognised the importance of the conversation.

Socially: Power when you speak!

It’s also important to consider your social life outside of work. Making friends with Danes can be a tough audition. Being able to converse in Danish will really allow you to immerse yourself in society and glide through social interactions and feel more at home.

The day-to-day situations in which a good command of Danish can be an advantage are numerous, but here are a few examples.

‘Getting around’ Place names, directions, announcements on transport – particularly out in the regions where far fewer Danes tend to speak English well. Imagine you’re sat on the train and it fails to depart – there’s an announcement and everyone gets off the train. You can assume this train is going nowhere – but what did the announcement say?!

‘Life administration’ Paying bills, making purchases online, understanding receipts and terms and conditions, checking the small print etc.

You are responsible for your own tax assessment in Denmark – receiving a large tax bill at the end of the year is not ideal.

RELOCATION SUMMER 2022 GUIDE

‘Basic communication’ Not just with the Danes, but with a sizeable chunk of the 10 percent of the population who aren’t Danish, but don’t speak English. Immigrating from countries like Eritrea, Afghanistan and Syria, they wouldn’t have learned English as a child, but most will speak Danish after being here for a few months.

‘Making new friends’ Not just with the Danes but also the social outlet offered by language school. Many often remain friends for decades, and it’s not unknown for some to start sports clubs once the learning experience is over.

‘Complaining’ Whether it’s in a checkout queue or at the traffic lights, if you’re speaking in English, will they admit to understanding you?

‘Eavesdropping’ Fun in any language.

‘Safety’ Last, but by no means least. In an emergency situation, Danish language skills could prove to be the difference – offering crucial clarity and timesaving.

Culturally: New horizons to seek Ultimately it might come down to how well you want to get to know and appreciate your new home. Imagine the excitement many feel at being able to read and appreciate Hans Christian Andersen’s stories in their original

language, or the philosophy of Søren Kierkegaard.

Danish also connects you with the past and the culture and history of northern Europe. It developed from Old Norse, which eventually split into Old West Norse, spoken in Norway and Iceland, and Old East Norse, spoken in Sweden and Denmark.

Eventually, Old East Norse evolved into the Danish that is spoken today. Believe it or not, there are many regional dialects in Denmark and its territories, of which many are still spoken today.

If you understand Danish you can go to more events, exhibitions and social happenings. Learning Danish will make you aware they are happening in the first place and will also allow you to get more out of them once you are there.

And don’t forget that Danish is closely related to Norwegian and Swedish, even if their Scandinavian neighbours to tend to mock the Danes for sounding as if we speak with a potato in our mouths. So you’re not just learning one language, but three!

Norwegian (bokmål) is almost a carbon copy of Danish, with a few distinctions irrelevant to normal every-day use.

Swedish uses some unique words and phrases, but to a great extent is very understandable to Danish speakers.

Bernstorffsvej 54 DK-2900 Hellerup

www.rygaards.com

(+45) 39 62 10 53

RYGAARD’S SCHOOL

International and Danish Departments

We prepare students for the world beyond our gates Our passion is education: Preparing young people to embrace the challenges ahead of them and to equip them with life skills in the global society in which their futures lie. The key to success in our school is a highly qualified, experienced and inspirational team of teachers committed to helping the students in our care to be the best they can be - whether it is through Cambridge IGCSE assessment or the Danish national exams. We are committed to academic excellence, achieved through nurturing the personal development of every student in all aspects of their learning, in a caring and supportive atmosphere.

LANGUAGE SCHOOL

There are many different types of language schools offering a range of courses catering to your individual needs and circumstances. Let us help you find the school that is right for you.

Getting started Once you have arrived here and have settled, getting started on language tuition is relatively simple and requires only that you have a Danish CPR number (civil registration number).

You will have to apply for this through the website or office of your local kommune (municipality).

In order to obtain a CPR number, you have to meet the following criteria: • You have been in Denmark for more than three months; • If you are an EU citizen, you have a registration certificate (not Nordic citizens though); • If you are a non-EU citizen, you have obtained a residence permit; • You have a valid, permanent address.

A minimum length of one month’s stay is expected, but you might be asked to provide proof of three months.

All this will be checked and your registration will not be accepted if there are any anomalies. Your registration can be cancelled if the address proves to be illegal. You will also be expected to provide other documentation, such as a valid passport, a marriage certificate if you are married and the birth certificates of your children if you have them with you.

What’s available As well as teaching Danish to adult foreigners, many schools offer a wide range of other courses, including special youth courses and courses on Danish culture and society.

There are long courses that run during the academic year, short intensive courses and summer courses. Depending on your needs, time, interests and prior qualifications, the main options below are available to you: Via the municipality Local authorities are required by law to offer Danish language and culture courses to all foreign residents. The local language schools offer courses at all levels. The target groups for

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these courses are new immigrants and refugees.

It is also possible to study in neighbouring municipalities, such as Frederiksberg, so it is wise to go online and check individual language schools.

It is usually possible to enrol on courses several times a year. Mandatory examinations are held twice a year.

Adult learning centres The adult learning centres (VUCs) offer courses in all general subjects for adults at lower and upper secondary school level. In addition to the general courses offered to Danes, some of the VUCs offer Danish language courses for foreigners.

Each course lasts 6-12 months and comprises 240 lessons. You can obtain more information on these courses from your local municipality or from the individual adult learning centre.

If you are interested in a more intensive or perhaps a more individually designed course, you can enquire at one of the local language centres about private language teachers.

PIXABAY

SO MANY LANGUAGE SCHOOLS – BUT WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE?

Folk high schools Some folk high schools (folkehøjskoler) offer residential courses in Danish language and culture, either during the summer holiday (3-4 weeks) or during the autumn and spring semesters (4-5 months). These courses do not normally include formal tests or examinations.

The Secretariat for the Danish Folk High Schools will provide you with further information about courses, admission and tuition fees. Visit hojskolerne.dk for more information.

Higher education institutions In connection with a language school, some institutions offer intensive Danish language courses at the beginning of the academic year, during the semester, or as a part of a summer university program. Students who are enrolled at the institution are not usually charged a tuition fee, but have to pay a deposit of 1,250 kroner.

Private instruction There are many private language schools and instructors out there. This type of learning is ideal for those who don’t have time to attend scheduled classes.

Free Danish Education from August 2022 See your options at

studieskolen.dk

TAKE YOUR FREE DANISH EDUCATION AT STUDIESKOLEN

Free Danish Education at Studieskolen For over 40 years, Studieskolen has been helping foreigners learn Danish, obtain good jobs and secure a good life in Denmark.

Read more about your possibilities at studieskolen.dk.

COPENHAGEN LANGUAGE CENTRE

OPINION PIXABAY

CPH POST recently had the privilege of sitting down with two experts on the benefits of language tuition for new arrivals to Denmark.

Nikolai Lubanski is the director of talent attraction at Copenhagen Capacity, the formal investment promotion agency of Greater Copenhagen and Annette Juel Baunsgaard is the founder of Onboardingsdk, which eases incoming expats into their new lives in Denmark.

For the long haul They both agree that learning Danish is a crucial step toward successfully integrating in Denmark, from advancing at work, to mingling with the crowd, to enjoying a rich social life, to getting the most out of your time in Denmark, however long that might be.

Quite simply, to paraphrase Nikolai Lubanski, while English is often the corporate language, Danish is the career language.

NIKOLAI LUBANSKI How many companies seem interested in the prospect of getting their international hires to learn Danish?

It’s been around four years since we collaborated, and now there are almost 7,000 international teams interested in taking the courses. Probably around 80 percent of the companies we deal with acknowledge the need because they look at the return on investment.

How important is Danish at the workplace?

Even though most people here are able to speak English, knowing Danish helps you get into different settings. You would be better acquainted with the country and also your workplace – it is a part of getting out of the international bubble.

And likewise, for the international individual talent: simply because we believe that even if the corporate language is English, the career language is definitely Danish – to open new doors and opportunities for promotions. It is a good idea if you want to network and further your abilities.

And in the corporate world – for a company as an entity?

Often companies start working more with Danish customers, and then it’s handy to have Danish speaking staff for good customer-relations building. It is important to know the language while working with clients, manufacturers and

suppliers who are still very reluctant to communicate only in English. Moreover, it is essential for B2B relations and to understand the work culture of Denmark.

Apart from at work, how essential is Danish in everyday life?

There are definitely other benefits of learning Danish looking from the personal livability side of it. I emphasise learning it to have a fuller life and being able to interact with the Danes. For families, it is helpful to know Danish when their kids are studying in Denmark to speak with the teachers and understand instructions – if they have to go to the doctor, to the supermarket etc. They will obviously navigate their way through in English, but Danish helps them get so much closer to society.

What do you think about the future of expats in Denmark?

I think it will only increase because if you look at the labour market situation over the last few years, internationals are highly needed. Hopefully, we will see some positive times looking at what is really needed than what the strict immigration policies do.

ANNETTE JUEL BAUNSGAARD Can you tell us a bit about Onboarding2dk?

Onboarding to Denmark is a company I started in March this year. I have been in the recruitment and onboarding industry for over 20 years at different kinds of companies, including the HR department

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at DTU and Copenhagen Business School.

I built a great network there in regard to the authorities and municipalities, which is the reason I was able to then start my own business. I am dedicated to helping people getting a good start in Denmark.

That’s my motivation.

How important do you think it is for internationals to learn Danish?

Learning the Danish language is a very important way for internationals to pave their way into Danish society. That way they can socialise, integrate and have a better life in Denmark, which is much better than the one in which you don’t understand anything being said across the table. In my work, I have seen many internationals leave Denmark because they don’t feel they can interact with the people and in society. Speaking the language will give you a sense of belonging and a good life here.

What’s the importance of Danish in the workplace?

I would say it is very important. It is among the most important things to learn when you are an expat working here. You can understand things that are being said in the workplace and break the otherwise prevalent cultural barrier. It’s a tendency for employees to talk in Danish during lunch and not to integrate with internationals sometimes. So it’s crucial to mix with the crowd.

And for the expat’s family ...

It depends on how long you are planning to be in Denmark. If it’s more than two years, then it’s very important to at least learn the basics. It helps with socializing – for example with one’s neighbours.

It’s a good way to break into society and develop friendships, which can be quite a challenge otherwise in Denmark. Having a social life is very important. You want to be happy – that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?

What do you think about the future of expats in Denmark and the growing importance of the Danish language?

I hope it will be a mixture of languages and cultures. Danish people also perhaps might learn more languages in order to know about the other nationalities around them. I hope that’s the way it goes. When you come to a new country as an expat, you should learn the language of course and hopefully from someone like Copenhagen Language Center. Hopefully more expats actually learn the language.

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There’s never been a more pivotal time in the world of education than right now.

Schools of today are preparing the next generation for a world with challenges we’ve never seen before. Not only are the children of tomorrow preparing for an unknown world of work, but they’re also going to face social and environmental challenges unlike anything generations before have faced. Education systems need to be ready to evolve at an extraordinary pace if the next generation will have the skills (both social and academic) that they’ll need to meet those challenges.

Thankfully, Denmark has long been at the forefront of innovation within the education space, and never more so than now.

Why education needs to change, and quickly If we’re expecting students to navigate a world of unknowns, they’re going to need to be encouraged to think in a new way.

Fundamentally, there needs to be more scope for critical and holistic thinking.

Rather than teaching young people how to pass exams, we need to instead build students’ confidence and agency: to encourage them to ‘break the mould’, think differently, and to be bold enough to find new solutions to old problems.

So, how can schools prepare children for the challenges of the future and to tackle them head-on?

At CIS, the answer has been to develop a pioneering curriculum that’s rooted in sustainability and social justice. From the moment learning begins, CIS weaves wider social thinking into everything taught and learned.

CIS: spearheading an education of the future?

CIS, one of the founding schools of the International Baccalaureate, is a prime example of how Danish institutions are breaking the education mould.

Founded in 1963 with just 12 students, Copenhagen International School has since gone on to pave the way in terms of designing an education that’s fit for the future.

From being one of the founding schools of the International Baccalaureate back in the late 60s, to today, a prize-winning campus with distinct environments and classroom spaces designed to meet the holistic needs of all students, learning at CIS is designed with the future in mind.

The IB program itself is designed to develop curious, questioning and inquisitive minds. Students are asked to think critically and creatively about new

CIS

HOW COPENHAGEN IS LEADING EDUCATION OF THE FUTURE

knowledge that they encounter, not just to accept new information as fact. In doing so, they develop more confident, curious minds; precisely the kind of thinking that is needed for the challenges of the future.

transitioning to sustainable energy. The government aims to be free from fossil fuels by 2050 and there is an interim target of sustainable energy supplying half of the country’s energy needs by 2030.

Alongside this, sustainability and social justice are key components of life at CIS. CIS is commited to an ambitious set of strategic initiatives in support of the the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. The UN’s global goals permeate the entire school and are central to all the strategic decisions made for school life. This is perhaps why the school was recently awarded the prestigious Chora 2030 status, an accreditation given to Danish educational institutions that are committed to working strategically and ambitiously in support of the UN’s global goals.

Sustainability aside, the Danish government is also keen to promote and instill a sustainable welfare society that’s founded on good government finances, high levels of employment, a labour market that functions well and an efficient public sector. Denmark’s welfare state is founded upon a principle of solidarity. It has a long history and is known to be one of the most generous in the world.

A vision supported by policy It’s perhaps unsurprising that a school like CIS exists in Denmark. After all, globally speaking, Denmark is home to the best framework conditions for sustainable energy, energy access and energy efficiency. Since the 70s, Denmark has been investing substantially in its sustainable energy program. There has been an intense focus on increasing the energy efficiency of the country and

Copenhagen’s lead on the future of education Whether it’s the social welfare state policies and high taxation, the goals for a greener energy solution with progress being made continually, or Copenhagen International School and its IB programme, there’s no denying that this corner of the globe has a lot to offer when it comes to meeting the challenges of tomorrow.

As many cities are trying to work out how to move forward, Copenhagen is paving the way.

RELOCATION SUMMER 2022 GUIDE

13

JOBS

The Danish work culture is unique but many internationals fail to adequately consider it in their applications

GOOD JOB HUNTING: THINKING DANISHLY

Job-hunting is an unappealing prospect at the best of times, not least during a global pandemic. For those looking to not only embark on a new career but do so also in a new country, the struggle is even greater.

There are a number of obstacles between applicants and their dream job abroad – some of them obvious, some of them less so. Fortunately, in Denmark there is a plethora of resources out there to make the challenge that bit easier, moving you one step closer to a new life of a more Danish variety.

A Danish draw For many internationals, a move to Denmark is hugely appealing. With a high quality of living and a work-life balance famed the world over, the small European state has much to envy. Furthermore, with some of the best English-speakers outside of the Anglophone world, many from these countries might think the move to be a simple one.

With this twofold action of desire and demand, it is tempting to think that a move to Denmark would be an easy one. For many, however, it is not so straightforward.

Under their wing Many are fortunate enough to enjoy the support of the Danish government in making Denmark a permanent place of work. The Greater Copenhagen Career Program is a free six-month programme set up by the City to support international students in making the move to Denmark after they finish at a Danish university.

It offers seminars and workshops on interview and presentation technique, CV and cover letter advice, and even LinkedIn tailoring.

With the support of a personal career mentor, participants are encouraged to explore their preferences and consider their qualities in order to land a job in the Danish job market. But they are not the only ones that enjoy support from the state.

A similar set-up is available for those who move to Denmark as a result of their partner’s career. The Copenhagen Career Program is a free five-day job-hunting course, also run by the City. It represents a conscious effort to encourage assimilation into the workforce, and includes matchmaking events and company visits.

Left in the cold Others, however, are left without the same welcoming party on their arrival in Denmark. For those that are

VISIT DENMARK/ NICLAS JESSEN

If this goes some way towards understanding the supply of international workers looking to Denmark, it is well matched by demand within the country too. A small country with a small population, companies of all size are beginning to look abroad to fill vacancies.

Reliance on exports also plays its part, with a steady demand for natives of important foreign markets to provide local insights and linguistic support.

neither partner nor student, kickingoff a job search in Denmark can be a formidable task. This is the case for a number of reasons: the language is one most internationals are unlikely to be unfamiliar with; the work culture, though an improvement on most, is a unique one; and that’s before they set out on tackling the whole pile of paperwork!

Whilst English is a tongue that the majority of Danes can slip into with ease, Danish is still the language of business domestically. Whilst perhaps not explicit, there is certainly a sense in which employers expect Danish proficiency from their employees – a hurdle unexpected by many job-seekers.

With all these obstacles, you might be forgiven for thinking it is more trouble than it’s worth, but thankfully there are many organisations and individuals out there eager to motivate and support your job search.

A welcoming smile One such organisation is English Job Denmark – a relocation and accommodation service consultancy located in the centre of Copenhagen. Its guiding mission is to ‘provide support every step of the way to a new life abroad’. Itself run by expats, the organisation provides support for everybody from those first thinking about making the leap to those already embedded in Denmark looking to further assimilate.

14 RELOCATION SUMMER 2022 GUIDE

For job-hunters more specifically they offer 1-2-1 coaching sessions, CV reviews, LinkedIn support, and presentations concerning cultural integration. Their services provide talented internationals with guidance on how to shape their skills and experiences to specifically Danish employers.

Leslea Petersen, the CEO at English Job Denmark, puts it simply: “It’s about understanding what you have and what you can offer.”

The importance of culture You might have the perfect CV, fantastic previous experiences and great interview technique, but what Duevang believes many overlook are the cultural differences between Denmark and the applicant’s country of origin. Danish work culture is unique, and something people here take great pride in. Without taking it into consideration, many applicants are likely to fall at hurdles they didn’t even realise were there.

“The biggest challenge is cultural understanding. People can arrive in Denmark with the best, most accomplished CV and some wonderful experience, but unfortunately unless you understand how to communicate that to a Danish workplace then you’re not going to succeed,” Petersen contends.

“It’s not just about the salary at the end

of the month here. What recruiters in Denmark are looking for are people that are committed to their values – their mission as a company.”

Your first assignment One way English Job Denmark in particular has sought to raise awareness here is through the ‘Academy’ – an organisation set up by the group to ‘guide, advise and support internationals into employment in Denmark’. This is achieved through courses, workshops and up-skilling programmes, with regular Q&As with recruiters and events covering everything from CV writing to an ‘employment assistance hotline’.

One happy graduate, Geoff Oakley, stated that it provided him with the “confidence, tools, and cultural awareness that I feel I need to truly understand Danish market conditions, Danish society, and etiquette.”

For Petersen, there are three golden rules: “one, prove that you can deliver on the job; two, prove that you can fit in with the existing team; and three, prove that you will stay once you get that position”.

With these in mind, the job-hunt might just get that little bit easier.

Petersen describes the market for English-only speakers as “tough” but, to paraphrase Teddy Roosevelt, nothing worth doing comes easy!

ADVERTORIAL

It’s easy to confuse NBA and MBA in spoken word – after all, Shaquille O’Neal got an MBA whilst playing in the NBA – but really they’re arenas of heavy contact that have a lot in common.

Firstly, they’re the ultimate goal for anyone striving for the top: a breeding ground like no other, where excellence thrives.

CIS

Take your career into the stratosphere and slam dunk an MBA at Copenhagen Business School

WINNING TIME WITH THE MOVERS AND THE SHAKERS IN BUSINESS

Secondly, you arrive with undoubted talent, but you still have a lot to learn. You emerge, quite literally, as a master. And you leave with a lot of new friends.

And thirdly, their circles are popular with giants: whether it’s skirting the free throw zone waiting for rebounds, or the latest tech juggernaut at a recruitment day.

Take your career to the top So if you feel like you’ve got what it takes to compete in the upper-pantheon, why not take your career in business to the next level with an MBA at Copenhagen Business School (CBS)!

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FACEBOOK/CBS

Just like every person is unique, so are the different MBA Programmes that CBS has to offer, from the Full-Time MBA (one year), to the flexible/part-time Executive MBA Programmes (21-25 months; four or seven days every month).

BY BEN HAMILTON

After all, Shaq didn’t pack in his day job to take his MBA, and neither do you.

A personalised program The biggest draw of the Full-Time MBA and Executive MBA are the concentrations, which offer the students the chance to dive deeper into an area they find particularly interesting or that they feel will benefit their career.

Students choose from Digitalisation, Entrepreneurship, Finance, and Governance & Austainability. The aim is to empower them to become the leader our future needs.

The choice of concentrations was decisive for Kelsey Frandsen, an alumna from the class of 2021.

“I researched various programmes, but the way that sustainability is taught within the Copenhagen MBA peaked my interest,” she revealed.

“It is taught holistically and emphasises the importance of innovation. The concept of sustainability seemed a lot closer to the business community here, which is a testament to Copenhagen in general.”

The best place to study Sustainability sets Copenhagen apart, but it is not the only reason why the Danish capital is a great place to study. It is a place where talent can flourish. Especially when it comes to business.

“Talented people from across the business world are recognising that Copenhagen is where major advances are blossoming in so many areas of innovation,” enthuses Mercedes Delgado, an Associate Professor for Concentration in Entrepreneurship at CBS, who is also a research scientist at MIT. “These are highly competitive, cuttingedge fields such as environmental

technologies, energy, food production and bioresources, life sciences and welfare technologies, construction, design/fashion/furniture, advanced manufacturing … the list goes on! And of course, it is important not to forget the worlds of shipping, transport, and logistics, which this region is famous for and, to an extent, underpin everything.”

A foot in the door Students are accordingly spoilt for choice when it comes to finding their dream internship. Many such openings often lead to full-time employment.

The Full-Time MBA offers Internship placements that allow you to put your new skills into practice in a Danish company.

Danske Bank, Nordea Bank, Maersk, Ørsted and Pandora are just a few names of a long list of places where you could shine for as an MBA intern.

Strong alumni community Bonds formed during the MBA tend to be long lasting thanks to the intense, challenging, and rewarding experiences they sharetogether. These bonds will not only benefit them while they are pursuing their degree but for many years to come.

The CBS MBA Alumni Society spans more than 80 nationalities. The alumni come from a wide range of industries – which makes it a great networking hub.

The MBA Alumni Society also organises business events in order to keep alumni appraised of the most recent trends and developments within academia and business.

Excellence to achieve excellence When you choose to study at CBS you are choosing a ‘triple-crown’ institution.

Indeed, it is one of the few schools worldwide to be accredited by EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB. Students from CBS are expected to have great opportunities in the Danish Clusters of Excellence – biopharma, financial services and clean technology, among others.

No matter which MBA you pursue, the members of the faculty will help you enhance your competences in the field of your choice.

Remember: it is the student who personalises their journey. This way, they can stay at the top. In basketball terms, that’s making the NBA All-Star team!

RELOCATION SUMMER 2022 GUIDE

15

HEALTH

YOUR GUIDE TO THE DANISH HEALTHCARE SYSTEM DENMARK HAS A COMPREHENSIVE TAX-PAYER FUNDED PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE

BY STEPHEN GADD Under the Danish healthcare system medical treatment is usually free of charge. However, dentistry and any medicines prescribed may be charged to the patient, though these costs are often subsidised to some extent by the government National health insurance card All permanent residents in Denmark are eligible to use the healthcare system.

Permanent residents receive a national health insurance card from their local authority which acts as an identity card and must be shown on visits to doctors, emergency rooms and hospitals. Anyone acutely ill is entitled to free hospital treatment, and this also applies to visitors from other countries.

Interpreter If you do not speak or understand Danish, the staff can call in an interpreter to assist you. Likewise, if you need an interpreter at an appointment with a doctor, midwife, health visitor or visiting nurse you should indicate this when you make the appointment. This service is free of charge. Interpreters are neutral and bound by the rules of professional secrecy.

General practitioners Anyone resident in Denmark is entitled to be registered with a general practitioner (GP). Your own GP will normally be able to find out what is wrong with you and how to treat you, but in some cases, may refer you to a specialist or a hospital. The name, address and telephone number of your GP is written on your national health insurance card. In order to see a GP, you will have to make an appointment by phone or via the internet.

If you are dissatisfied with your GP, you can change to another one. Changing a GP without moving to a new address at least 15 kilometres from where your current GP is will incur a 190 kroner fee. If you change GP as a result of moving, that is free of charge.

If you need medication, your GP will prescribe it for you. Prescription medicines can only be bought at pharmacies.

Specialist doctors If your GP deems it necessary, you may be referred to a specialist. Some specialists require no referral, such as eye specialists and ear, nose and throat specialists.

Out-of-hours services If you become ill outside your own GP’s service hours, you can call the out-ofhours service.

In most cases you will have to go to a treatment centre yourself to see an outof-hours doctor. The out-of-hours service is open from 4 pm to 8 am on weekdays, weekends, and on public holidays.

Emergency Rooms Located at hospitals, emergency rooms are for serious injuries that your own GP cannot treat. At some hospitals you have to phone the emergency room in advance to let them know that you are coming.

Alarm 112 If you need an ambulance, call the emergency centre at 112, stating your name and explaining what has happened, where and when it happened, and where you are calling from.

Pregnancy

16 RELOCATION SUMMER 2022 GUIDE

If you are pregnant, you may be examined several times during the pregnancy by your own GP and a midwife.

Ultrasound scanning is also available in hospitals to make sure that all is well with you and the baby and to identify any potential problems as early as possible in your pregnancy.

When you are pregnant, the first examination in your pregnancy will be carried out by your GP, who will create a maternity record that you must bring along to all subsequent appointments.

Your GP will notify a midwife of your pregnancy. The midwife will then contact you to make an appointment. Together with your GP you can decide at which hospital you want to give birth to your child. You can also elect to give birth at home with the assistance of a midwife.

Termination In Denmark all women have the right to opt for termination of the pregnancy at a hospital in the first twelve weeks. In order to obtain a termination you must contact your GP, who will then refer you to a hospital.

Childcare in Denmark You will receive assistance from a health visitor in your home when your child has been born up to the age of 2. In addition to examining your child, the visitor can answer any other related questions you may have.

Health checks and child vaccination All children can be examined and vaccinated free-of-charge. All children in Denmark are also entitled to free dental care until they reach the age of 18. Upon reaching school age, local authority doctors and nurses will perform preventative examinations of children

in their first and last years of schooling, and children will receive automatic appointments with the school dentist. If your child encounters problems at school, you can talk to the school psychologist about them.

Help and care in your own home Special services are offered to elderly people who need care and assistance.

Elderly people may apply for home help for personal care, cleaning and assistance with shopping. You can also apply for help if you are very ill.

Elderly people and those who are very ill can also request a district nurse to come to their home to provide care and administer medication. A doctor will assess your needs in this respect.

If you have been hospitalised you may need home help or a nurse to help you when you return to home. Normally, the hospital will contact your local authority to make sure you will be given the help and assistance you need.

Read more The information in the above article is taken from a brochure issued by the Danish Health Authority and the Danish Cancer Society. The easiest way to obtain this brochure is to visit cancer. dk/international/english, click on ‘Cancer prevention’ and find the link that reads: The Danish healthcare system. For information about the coronavirus in Denmark, see the Health Authority’s website: sst.dk/en/English For seniors, more information about your rights and opportunities can be found at the DaneAge Association (ÆldreSagen): call +45 33968686 or aeldresagen.dk (but fire up Google Translate because the website is Danish-only).

ATTRACTIONS

But try not to be downcast, as this is the perfect time to explore the country like you have never done before.

FIVE REGIONS TO VISIT THIS SUMMER

ELLA NAVARRO

It would appear that we won’t be able to travel abroad much this summer.

After all, in good weather Denmark really does have it all: from sandy beaches and forests, to islands and historical attractions.

The Germans are coming!

Already it looks like the most popular destination among Danish holiday-goers will be the sunshine isle of Bornholm, as it has more or less been fully booked for July.

But don’t worry, as there are plenty of other islands to explore, even though we advise you to hurry now that the German tourists have been given the green light to visit from June 15 onwards.

With that in mind, we’ve gathered a list of the key places you should consider visiting this summer.

BY ELLA NAVARRO

Møn Most people go to Møn to visit its impressive white chalk cliffs at Møns Klint. But while the views are impressive, and the water just as turquoise as you see it in the pictures, there’s a lot more to enjoy on the island. If you are looking to do some hiking and reconnect with nature, Møn is perfect. Similar to Camino de Santiago in Spain, you’ll find Camønoen, a 175-km hiking trail taking in the three islands of Møn, Bogø and Nyord. The routes are for both experienced and unskilled hikers with magnificent natural landscapes that range from forests and large plantations, to fields populated

by Hereford cows and fantastic sandy beaches. Along the trails, you’ll find plenty of benches, toilets and shops to re-energise after your long walk. A good point to start your journey is at Stege, where you’ll find Møn’s main museum. Here you can get a map of the trails and recommendations from the staff. Stege is a beautiful town with charming restaurants and small shops where you can buy local products such as gin or honey. For a long sandy beach, visit Rytsebæk – it’s ideal for sunbathing and swimming.

Also visit Klintom Havn for a stroll in the harbour and to sample great seafood and ice cream.

ELLA NAVARRO

ELLA NAVARRO

18 RELOCATION SUMMER 2022 GUIDE

Ærø Love birds travel to get married on the ‘Wedding Island’ – and for good reason. But even if you are not attending a wedding, it is well worth a visit for its colourful and quaint houses and its peaceful environment. It looks like something out of a Danish fairy-tale. To get there from Copenhagen you can either drive or take a train and then the ferry to Ærøskøbing Havn – in total, it takes about 3.5 hours. Once on the island explore great beaches such as Søby and Vester Strand, which are ideal if you are travelling with children. For the traditional colourful beachside cabins you have to go to the shores of Eriks Hale, near the town of Marstal, where there is a charming marina. This beach is an isthmus. On one side of the bay, you can enjoy the calm, shallow and warm water, while on the other one you’ll find the refreshing waters of the Baltic Sea. Ærø is certainly best enjoyed by bike.

With 150 km of biking trails, the best option to experience the island to the fullest is to rent a bike and explore. To indulge in some local tastes we recommend you stop by Den Gamle Købmandsgaard. They sell local products and serve an unforgettable brunch.

Also, try smoked specialties at Ærøskøbing Røgeri and don’t forget to try Ærø’s famous thick pancakes, Løvtens Paa’kar – surely the island’s masterwork!

ELLA NAVARRO

Zealand There’s far more to Zealand than the capital of Copenhagen.

A short drive away is Camp Adventure. Ideal for all ages, you can visit for the climbing park or the forest tower, or both! Towering above the forest canopy, fully 95 metres above sea level, good views are guaranteed – and a good workout! A 3.2km wooden boardwalk takes you through the forest, up the tower and back. The tower is designed to give visitors a new and exciting way to embrace nature and the natural forests of Denmark. The structure itself is majestic and the views vary according to where you are standing. The Climbing Park offers 10 courses encompassing different levels. You move from tree to tree via obstacles or zip lines.

Expect to spend at least four hours if you do both. Our second recommendation is Stevns Klint, a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to a clay layer in which you can find fossils of animals such as sharks and sea lizards that lived there 66 million years ago. Take the footpath ‘Trampestien’ from Bøgeskov Harbour to Rødvig. This 20 km path stops at all the points you need to see: the beach, the cliffs, the cold war museum and the picturesque lighthouse. The best place to catch a glimpse of the fossils is at the beach in Højerup. Last stop, we recommend Karlstrup Kalkgrav in Køge for a day of picnicking and swimming. Karlstrup Kalkgrav is a limestone quarry formed millions of years ago.

It covers around 30 hectares and its lake is about 6 hectares in area. Parts of the lake are 14 metres deep. Enjoy a swim or stroll to appreciate the flora and fauna surroundings.

VISIT DENMARK/NICLAS JESSEN

Samsø Samsø once belonged to the king of Denmark, but he gave it as a present to his mistress in 1678. But with its apples, potatoes and peaceful surroundings, it turned out to be a gift for the entire nation. It is also the home of a lot of legends – did you know, for example, that trolls can be found in the hills of Dansebjerg or St Vorbjerg. Samsø is mostly flat and best enjoyed by bike, offering wide bike paths that take you from Tranebjerg in the middle of the island to Nordby in the north. Look out for the roadside tables filled with strawberries, potatoes and asparagus that you can pick up and pay for with MobilePay. With a 120 km coastline, you’ll find a sandy beach wherever you look. In the north, check out Mårup Østerstrand and in the west lookout for Sælvigbugten. We recommend you visit Samsø Bær, where they make fantastic jams and schnapps using local products. On Wednesdays, there’s a tour of the premises with tastings. For the best smørrebrød with local potatoes head to Carlo’s Corner. To get to Samsø from Copenhagen take a train to Kalundborg.

From there take the ferry to Ballen.

PIXABAY

Lolland The fourth-largest island in Denmark mixes history with nature and long beaches. Less than a two-hour drive from Copenhagen, these are the three areas in Lolland you must visit. Start at Maribo’s Cathedral and admire its lakes by taking a boat tour: here you’ll encounter extraordinary birdlife, meadows and beautiful old manor houses. If you are travelling with children, a good option is to visit Knuthenborg Safari Park where you’ll see Siberian tigers and the largest elephant enclosure in Europe. Next, visit Nakskov and its fjord. The town is historically charming and they have the best cherry wine, as well as the oldest pedestrian streets in Denmark. Take a tour in the old ‘Post Boast’ through the fjord and visit Albuen for fine sand beaches and an eye-catching lighthouse. Last but not least is the Dodecalith, Denmark’s answer to Stonehenge, where the visit is enhanced by an art project by sculptor Thomas Kadziola. Take the Glentehøjstien trail starting at Kragenæs Harbour and in 15 minutes you’ll arrive to see the 12 menhirs carved in granite facing inwards in a circle. Each weighs 25-45 tonnes and is 7-9 metres high. Inside the 40-metre circle, there are stones where you can sit and listen to music by composer Wayne Siegel. It is an outstanding piece of art where nature, history and music blend together.

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19

OUTDOORS

OUT OF THE CAGE AND INTO THE WILD: NATURE AND WATER SPORTS IN DENMARK

VISIT DENMARK/RUSLAN MERZLYAKOV

BY MATHIAS FREUDENTHAL Lockdown’s out, so set yourself free and explore the Danish landscape in its full summer glory Although more than 50 percent of Denmark is comprised of arable land,16 percent consists of forest and heath and 7 percent of wilderness areas such as lakes, bogs and meadows.

for newcomers to get the most out of their new country even in these socially distanced times; it is just a matter of your personal preference – and choosing the right clothes.

Added to that is the marvellous Danish coastline. Extending for 8,750 kilometres, it outstrips Chile and even India!

Rowing Rowing clubs are always looking for new members and you don’t have to be an experienced oarsman. If you are a newbie, why not try it out at a special free trial session organised by Denmark’s oldest rowing club, Roforeningen KVIK.

So there are plenty of opportunities

You’ll find more information on their

20RELOCATION SUMMER 2022 GUIDE

website: roforeningen.dk/english. To help you with settling in, other expats in the club provide a special mentoring service to newcomers.

Surfing Denmark isn’t the next Hawaii or Australia, but given its weather conditions, big waves can be found along the west coast of Jutland, especially between Klitmøller and Agger, where you’ll find plenty of would-be surfers cutting their teeth ahead of heading off to sunnier climes.

Conversely perhaps, the tendency for strong wind but small waves in Danish waters favours windsurfing.

Kitesurfing is another popular pastime.

Combining aspects of snowboarding, windsurfing, surfing, paragliding, skateboarding and gymnastics, it’s one of the ultimate sports for adrenaline junkies.

Beginners can start by enrolling in a course or taking part in a camp at places like copenhagensurfschool.dk/en , coldhawaiisurfcamp.com and klitmoller. en.westwind.dk

VISIT DENMARK/NICLAS JESSEN

PIXABAY

Sailing Whether it’s a rowing, sailing or speedboat, a kayak, canoe or pedalo, or even a floating spa, given the proximity of water, you’re never far away from a rental company in this country. But if you want to learn to sail properly, the Royal Danish Yacht Club offers beginner, intermediate and advanced sailing courses in English (learn more at kdy.dk) with the opportunity of earning a Danish sailing licence.

VISIT DENMARK/NICLAS JESSEN

Fishing With its long coastline, and over 5,000 lakes, Denmark has a great selection of places to fish to suit all tastes. Along the seashore, Jutland’s west coast offers the best conditions thanks to its large population of cod, flatfish, and mackerel. From there, sail a cutter to the Yellow Reef – remember your sea-sickness pills because it’s going to get rough! – where most of the country’s biggest fish records have been set. Heading freshwater, but staying in Jutland, the Brede Å, Kongeå, Skjernå and Varde Å streams are all recommended for monster trout and salmon. Fyn’s seashore is also highly recommended, particularly for trout, while the Øresund is good for trout and cod – especially during the winter.

Staying in Zealand, the freshwater lakes at Furesø and Esrum are famed for their record-breaking pike and perch, and Isefjorden is another excellent location for trout.

Join Copenhagen’s network of anglers at fishingcopenhagen.com or check out fishingzealand.dk if you’re ready to wander away from the capital. Head to fiskeristyrelsen.dk/english for more information on acquiring a fishing license.

Spear fishing Speargun hunters don’t use any scuba gear as they rarely leave the surface, surveying the marine wildlife through their masks with a gun that is rubber or air-powered, or a hand-held spear. This tends to make the pastime tricky during the summer as most fish seek out deeper waters due to the heat – remember that it’s illegal to spear fish in freshwater areas – so your best bet is trying it out in the spring or the autumn.

On Zealand, Asnæs is recommended for flatfish, while the north coast is good for mullet, flounder and turbot, as is Sejerø Bay, which also provides good conditions for flatfish and dab.

The best place, however, is Jutland, and particularly around Djursland and Hirsholm, which both offer large populations of coal-fish, sea-bass and cod, with the latter also offering superb conditions for mullet. On Funen, Kerteminde and the north shore around Sprogø are excellent for mullet and cod.

Hunting Despite being protected by hunting laws, the vast majority of animals in Denmark are fair game – provided it’s the right season. The difficulty is finding somewhere to do it; you can’t just go out into the wilderness and start shooting.

VISIT DENMARK/KIM WYON

You will need to get a Danish hunting licence, so your first step should either be joining a club or befriending a club member. On Zealand, roe deer and birds (especially mallards, greylag geese,

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Among the best estates are Bielefeld, Giesegård, Bregentved, Gisselfeldt and Svenstrup Gods. But for fallow deer and red deer, head to Jutland. Skagen and the northern part of Djursland are home to some of the biggest populations of the highly-coveted red deer.

KENNETH STJERNEGAARD – VISITVEJLE

pheasants, pigeons) are the most popular prey.

For more information, visit https:// eng.mst.dk/nature-water/hunting, eng. naturstyrelsen.dk/experience-nature/ hunting and en.nordichunters.eu/ hunting-permits/denmark.

Hiking Though Denmark’s countryside isn’t too hilly, it’s still beautiful, boasting a huge variety of flora and numerous footpaths to follow. Copenhageners’ first choice should be Jægersborg Dyrehave where 2,000-plus deer inhabit an 11 sq km area full of ancient oak trees.

VISIT DENMARK/METTE JOHNSEN

You know that part of Denmark, the one stuck between Jutland and Zealand, called Funen? The 165th largest island in the world? No? Of course not… Well, now’s your chance to explore at least some if it through one of the country’s longest hiking trails (220 km): The Archipelago Trail (visitfyn.com/fyn/experiences/ archipelago-trail). Afterwards, pay a visit to H.C. Andersen’s house in Odense (Denmark’s third-largest city).

Lille Vildmose in the eastern part of Jutland between Randers and Aalborg is also exceptional and the only part of the country where you might encounter wild boar, eagles, cranes, beavers, red deer and elk. Also recommended are the following national parks: Wadden Sea (eng.nationalparkvadehavet.dk), Thy (eng. nationalparkthy.dk) and Mols Bjerge (eng. nationalparkmolsbjerge.dk). Finally, make sure to embark on some island journeys as well (there are plenty of opportunities), for which Bornholm or Møn would be a great start.

While flat Zealand and Funen have limited possibilities restricted to the odd wood and bog, they still have a number of locations where challenging tracks have been laid out. Try the Red Track in Hareskoven, Store Dyrehave in Hillerød and Teglstrup Hegn if you’re near the capital. Other tracks on Zealand include the Blue Track in Himmelev and the White Track in Bidstrup Skovene by Roskilde.

You can also opt for a trip to Funen and bike through Trunderupskoven, Kongebroskoven and Langesøskoven.

And, if you do end up visiting the island of Møn, give Klinteskoven a try.

Jutland, with its hillier terrain, is the best option if you want to test yourself. Try Mols Bjerge, Hasle Bakker, Rold Skov, Fussing Lake or the Hammer Hills.

For more options see: singletracker.dk/ en/mtb-trails-in-denmark

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VISIT DENMARK/ANNE NØRKJÆR

Mountain Biking There are plenty of off-road tracks in Denmark offering good exercise, fresh air and an adrenalin-inducing challenge.

Be warned, though, that some locations forbid mountain biking because the rough wheels can tear the ground up.

OPINION

THE JOYS OF MOVING HOME IN DENMARK

BY CONRAD MOLDEN There are many joys involved in moving home here in Denmark.

Arriving at a crime scene The biggest one greets you the moment you casually walk into your new home.

Because press the light switch and you’ll remain in total darkness.

You look up, puzzled, only to see that the light fitting has gone. Not the light bulb. The fitting itself. The whole thing.

The cable has been pulled out of the ceiling and now there is a hole with some mysterious dangerous-looking electric component hanging out.

It is as though you have arrived at a crime scene, where every possible piece of evidence in the murder case has been taken away for examination.

Reading by phonelight What kind of sadist takes the light fitting?

Everyone apparently! It is a fantastic tradition enabling electricians to make a handsome packet, while everyone else is thoroughly pissed off in the dark.

And when you ask Danes why they take the cables from the ceiling, they simply respond: “Because there won’t be any at the new apartment.”

It’s time to establish a new rule of etiquette: leave the lights in the ceiling where they belong! Let us end this madness and restore some sanity to a chaotic world. There is already enough

stress when moving, without throwing expensive electricians and depressed families into the mix. “Please can we read a bedtime story in my new room?” “Yeah maybe, but we’ll need to use the dim torch from my iPhone because someone stole the lights.”

Who needs an alarm clock?

Electrical lighting is one joy, natural light another. Because the curtain rails will probably also be missing, unscrewed from the walls and sitting in Storskrald somewhere.

And even if they are still there, most Danes have tissue paper curtains. So many times I’ve stayed with friends and awoken at the crack of dawn as the light penetrates the skinny bits of cloth decorating the window. I have never understood how people can sleep in a room filled with sunlight: does this not violate some fundamental human need?

But don’t worry, you’ll be in bed when it’s dark and up again with the sunrise – much like life in the 1800s.

A true test of friendship The etiquette around moving also moves into the friendship circle. There is no test more strenuous than being asked to help someone move.

The first question we all beg to know is “Which floor?” and the second: “Is there an elevator…?” Because the higher the floor the more painfully the friendship

will be tested.

“Fifth floor and no elevator? When was it …, oh next Saturday? I’m actually… not even in Denmark that day…”

Then, at the risk of being seen on Saturday you rush to the Ryanair website to find a last minute deal to De Kanariske Øer. Failing that, you can subsist on Wolt deliveries while spending the whole weekend photoshopping yourself onto generic holiday snaps.

lights in all the rooms, install an elevator in every building and make a gentleman’s understanding that we will update our address on Borger.dk when we have the f*cking time.

It might even ensure a peaceful future that brings some joy to the madness of moving.

Dealing with angry parents Finally, nothing is more joyous than the demand from the Borgerservice that you tell them, within five days, that you have moved. Like an angry parent, they absolutely insist you tell them where you are with no delay.

Of course, you forget. You are still unpacking boxes because the bag of essential items is missing: the light fittings! And it doesn’t help that you feel exhausted from sleeping on an unbuilt IKEA bed in broad daylight after climbing countless flights of stairs, moving in on your own.

It’s understandable that you’ve completely forgotten the government is furious with you.

An end to the madness!

So, let us start afresh with a new dawn!

Black out all the curtains, put permanent

Conrad is a 30+ stand-up comedian and father of two. He has had two one-man-shows that have toured around Denmark, ‘Danglish’ and ‘Danglish 2’, which are both streaming on TV2 Play or his website. His new 2022 show ‘Hyggelicious’ is coming in September. He is an amateur anthropologist living amongst the Danes and reporting back to his international friends. He has ambitions to lær the dansk but after nine years thinks nodding and grumbling might be a more realistic survival tactic. His comedy is aimed at anyone seeking comfort, support or relief in this strange land.

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Easter holiday at the Viking Ship Museum April 9th - 18th

Feel the past ...

- Want to be a history detective?

Follow in the archaeologist’s footsteps and investigate artefacts from the depths of the sea.

Want to be a history detective?

With the discovery set in hand, you can travel around the museum and find clues, solve the tasks - and get a prize.

Workshop at 10:30 - 15:30: Get close to the past...

Family ticket

(2 adults + children 0-17 år)

230 DKK

Workshop at 14:00 - 15:30: Bake Viking biscuits over open fire Bake ‘Birka Biscuits’ in the large Viking tent. The biscuit is a small piece of flatbread known from the Viking Age.

Exhibition: Climb Aboard!

Examine a skeleton and learn about the people of the past.

Feel the past... Explore ancient finds from the depths of the ocean.

Embark on Viking ships and get the experience of being on an ever changing voyage across the high seas.

Guided tour in English at 13:00

Who can solve the MuseumMystery?

Join the guided tour in English about the five Viking Ships at 13:00 or embark on the family guided tour (only in Danish) at 11:00.

A digital treasure hunt, which brings you around the Viking ships in a fun way.

Eat New Nordic Viking food in Café Knarr with views of the wooden ships in the Museum Harbour.

Find out more: vikingshipmuseum.dk