VISIT COPENHAGEN/ MAJA GRØNHOLDT JENSEN
INTRODUCTION VISIT COPENHAGEN/KIM WYON
WELCOME TO COPENHAGEN A SAFE, GREEN AND FRIENDLY CITY
First, I would like to thank you for making the decision to move and relocate to our beautiful city of Copenhagen. For some of you, it is the intention to pursue your future career here in Denmark that draws you to us. For others, you may come here as a spouse or a student in order to support your family or to study. Either way you are most welcome. We need you! Danish society and Copenhagen as a city need eligible international labor to fill the vacant positions in many of our companies. International labour creates growth and more jobs, and we cannot afford to lose the progress and development in which foreign labor plays such an important part. As mayor of employment and integration, I wish to thank you for your future contribution to the Danish welfare state, in which you are about to live. Without you, we would be a poorer society. MAKE THE MOST OF IT Once you are here, I recommend that you make use of all the opportunities that an open and friendly city like the Danish capital has to offer. Copenhagen is ranked as one of the safest cities in the world, and you can easily enjoy a nighttime stroll in the inner city
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or a picnic watching the sun set over the King’s Garden (Kongens Have). This is also why you will see plenty of tourists in the streets. Follow them, and you will find yourself in our many museums, castles and other cultural highlights.
Use our many sports clubs, churches and other religious places, the social gatherings at your workplace or university, or a course at an education association, and don’t give up if your first try fails. A Dane is a friend you haven’t met yet!
GREEN CITY, GOOD FOOD, COLD WEATHER We are also amongst the greenest cities on the planet, so do use our excellent bike paths as much as you can. And go see for yourselves what the different neighbourhoods of Copenhagen have to offer. When it comes to cultural and culinary experiences. Your brain and stomach will be full, I’m sure of it.
You can also engage in local politics or the democratic institutions at your child’s school or at your place of education. Remember, we Danes take pride in the fact that Denmark is a society concerned with the well-being of all our citizens.
For some, the weather can be a bit of a drag on our latitude, so remember to buy warm clothes for all kinds of situations. But trust me, the sun will come out eventually, and you will feel the warmth and pleasant atmosphere of Copenhagen on your face and body.
So, observe and learn from the Danish way of living while you’re here, and we would love to enhance our lives and society by doing the same with all the fine and enriching elements of life you bring to us. I’m very happy to bid you welcome to Copenhagen and I wish you a great stay.
So, go out and visit our many green spaces and the clean harbour where you can take a dip; try our city bikes and the street kitchen where you will most likely find food from your own home country. THE WAY OF THE DANE Danes are warm and open-minded people, but sometimes we need to be unlocked from our Nordic coolness. On the outside we can seem a little distant, but if you make an effort, you will get friends for life and experience the world-famous Danish ‘hygge’.
CECILIA LONNING-SKOVGAARD Mayor of employment and integration
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE VISIT COPENHAGEN/MATHIAS BRANDT
Hej, Relocator!
that does poached eggs just like your old local.
It’s tough moving to a new country. Hell, it’s tough moving to a new table in a restaurant when you’ve already got your starters. What do you bring? What do you leave behind?
Relocating isn’t about being reborn. It’s about fitting the old in with the new. That’s why this issue of Relocation is packed with practical tips on getting set up in Denmark, along with guides on culture, hobbies and places to visit to satisfy both your sense of adventure and of belonging.
You 2.0 At its most extreme, relocating is a factory reset of your life. You’re purged of all routines – the useful as well as the superfluous. The parts of your identity that are tied to your routines are culled too. It’s liberating and scary. Stepping off the plane you’re reborn like a phoenix – you’re an enigma, a blank slate. No more cigarettes, no more hitting snooze. Maybe you’ll start listening to jazz, drinking natural wine or blogging. The boundless prospect is thrilling ... but also exhausting. When you relocate it doesn’t take long to realise that you are in fact not a completely new person. Modal jazz is just not that catchy and, well, blogging is lame. Familiar feelings As you begin to embed yourself in a new city, remnants of your old life resurface. You look for the familiar: you play your favourite radio show on your new commute and find a café
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Plenty to chew on! Feeling lost on your first day at the office? On page 8 we delve into the unwritten rules of the ‘fællesskab’ – the nebulous feeling of solidarity that acts as social glue in Danish society.
Perhaps you really will be reborn in Denmark as a rugged Nordic hunter-gatherer: in that case you’ll need some pointers on spearfishing, hunting, hiking and sailing in the Danish wilderness. Turn to page 20 to get in touch with your primal self. There’s plenty more to get your teeth into – tips on schooling, the job market, health system and making friends – so arm yourself with some basic knowledge and then go out there and get stuck in. Who knows, maybe you’ll write a blog about it.
If you’re ungainly on two wheels and view Danish bike lanes as narrow, high-speed corridors of death, then turn to page 16 for a roundup of cycling rules and contacts for adult bike classes. For those considering buying a car, there’s handy information on tax and licensing in the same guide. One of the greatest and simplest joys of travel is discovering new cuisines. Denmark is no France when it comes to plating up – in fact, the oddities of Danish gastronomy could fill an entire supplement. Read up on Denmark’s food culture – the good, the bad and the ugly – on page 18.
LENA HUNTER
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COVID-19
LIVING IN THESE CORONA TIMES PIXABAY
BY LENA HUNTER
What does it mean to move to Denmark in the wake of the pandemic? The corona policy landscape is rapidly shifting but these bytes of information will guide you through.
education is operating at a 50 percent capacity. Bars, restaurants, cultural institutions, gyms and small businesses are open – but nightclubs and large capacity festivals are still on hold.
Many governments have talked about it, but Denmark – bureaucracy capital of the EU – is the first country in Europe to have successfully rolled out a corona-passport strategy.
A handful of European countries are cautiously opening for travel, with varying degrees of quarantine-stringency on arrival. Visits abroad look to be possible in the summer, and with Ryanair reestablishing a flight base in Billund, opportunities for low-cost air travel from Denmark to EU destinations will expand in the coming season.
The ‘passport’ is an app called Min Sundhed. All Danish residents with a CPR number and a yellow health card can access the platform, which holds a record of recent corona tests and their outcomes, vaccinations, and immunity. How does it work? When you go for a test, the result is automatically uploaded. The queue for a quick-test takes around 20 minutes, a result will follow in half an hour and a negative Coronapas is valid for 72 hours. Your passport grants you access to indoor dining and drinking, cinemas, galleries, museums, haircuts, massages and the like. What’s open? Many workplaces are still operating remotely, but schools are back and adult
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Getting the jab in Denmark The Danish vaccination scheme garnered early praise for its rapid rollout but is falling behind its EU neighbours’ as Johnson and Johnson and AstraZeneca have been slashed from the program. Some policy flip-flopping ensued, putting the vaccination calendar into a state of flux. However, the latest Danish Health Authority estimates are that all eligible residents will have been offered the full vaccine by the end of August. If everything goes to plan, June and July should see the first of the age groups 20-
34 and 35-49 vaccinated – the final groups in the program. A good time to move Denmark has kept a lid on its infection rate for many months, executing one of the swiftest lockdown strategies in Europe, and it is enjoying a gradual reopening. It’s a good time to relocate to Denmark. The winter will undoubtedly see a surge in infection everywhere, but Danish health policy has adapted and innovated admirably so far. Newcomers to Denmark can rest assured that the Danish system errs on the side of caution when it comes to corona rules, and that living here – even under lockdown – is relatively easy.
GETTING STARTED
PIXABAY
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
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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
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
Setting Up A Bank Account 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
GETTING STARTED
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.
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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.
SOCIAL RULES
FÆLLESSKAB
- WHY DANISH COLLEAGUES ALWAYS EAT LUNCH TOGETHER
VISIT DENMARK/ NICLAS JESSEN
BY PUCK WAGEMAKER Sharing lunch at work makes you a better co-worker according to the Danish concept of fællesskab. It’s all about feeling comfortable and safe in the workplace. The first day at work in Denmark started for Holly from Australia with a tour around the office and ended with a trip to the canteen and the advice that “we all take the stairs down and up for lunch.” Now, she starts every day with a morning coffee chat, and on Fridays breakfast is served at work. “It’s all extremely different to what I’m used to. I would have previously slacked off these kinds of habits, but it’s actually so lovely and made me feel super welcome.’’ The Danes are crazy about meeting and lunch is just another excuse to meet up, according to Gert Tinggaard Svendsen, political science professor at Aarhus University. ‘’With food, you have an excuse to meet. You meet at a regular time when you are hungry - the same time every day, which creates kind of a tradition.’’
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More than a meet-up – it’s about trust But Svendsen also says it’s more than just a lunch meetup. “Danes believe this tradition of having lunch – or occasionally breakfast or cake – makes you a better co-worker.’’ It’s all to do with the fællesskab – a new concept for foreigners, but extremely important for Danes. But what is ‘fællesskab’?
fællesskab norms, and that you can trust him,’’ says Svendsen. Hygge as a lubricator Svendsen explains that the social norms of the fællesskab are maintained over time when you meet and talk. “Danes are crazy about meetings and they use hygge as a lubricator.”
In answer, Svendsen returns to the high level of trust in Denmark – it’s the secret behind why Denmark is such a wellfunctioning country. In his book on the feeling of trust in Danish society, Svendsen claims to have solved the puzzle of Nordic success. His motto: “Control is good, but trust is cheaper.”
Former prime minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen once said that it is rare to see a Dane with a knife in one hand, without a fork in the other. The Danes at the office have rundstykker for breakfast, kanelsnegle with their coffee and lunch together in the canteen. Usually just a quick sit-down, but enough time to ask how your co-worker is doing.
The fællesskab also has to do with trust. “It makes people feel safe. People will contribute and help each other. The feeling of fællesskab is togetherness. When you meet a Dane, you know he knows the common social understanding of the
And that’s what is most important about the fællesskab - the small talk with your co-worker. The ultimate fællesskab feeling makes you feel comfortable and safe at work – like you can talk to everyone. It creates a better working atmosphere
SOCIAL RULES VISIT COPENHAGEN/ NICLAS JESSEN
say yes. Danes are the nicest and most helpful people I know.” Actions speak louder than words “It’s not something you can write down and study. It’s something you need to experience,” says Svendsen. His best tip is to surround yourself with Danes: Not only to find out about what the fællesskab is and why this feeling is important in Danish society, but also because it’s important to do stuff outside work. “You have some fun in your leisure time and you have something to talk about at lunch,” jokes Svendsen. He says that most of the small talk during work lunches is about what you do in your leisure time. ‘’That’s how I got recommendations to buy a SUP board, for example.” Sport is usually a sure conversation-topic, he says. And if you want to become really popular at work, Svendsen has a good tip: bring cake! In creating the fællesskab-feeling, actions speak louder than words – especially if it involves food. “It’s a signal that you’re giving something to the common pool, which ties the group together. You are not the one bringing cake every day. You do something one day, something else another day. In this way everyone will provide collective goods for the group.” No forced hygge But it’s important to keep in mind to do it because you like it. “The fællesskab-feeling will only be there as long as it’s voluntary. “Nobody should force you,” says Svendsen. “If you have forced fællesskab, then you don’t have hygge. It won’t be nice.” Fællesskab is a broad concept. “Give yourself some time to get to know it – maybe within a year you’ll know what the feeling is like. In the meantime join the lunches at work and remember that trust and togetherness are key,” he concluded.
because colleagues co-operate better. Unwritten rules But these social norms are unwritten, and can be hard to understand – let alone find out about – for a foreigner, because the Danes are on autopilot when it comes to fællesskab. That was what Judita found when she was a guest teacher at Aarhus University. “I spent most of my time in the office, so my trajectory was office, kitchen, coffee, office. I always ate my lunch in the office. Nobody told me to “come with us to the canteen”. “In December I met one Danish colleague – I saw her before several times – and she was very surprised. She said ‘wow, you are here? I thought you were already gone weeks ago as I didn’t see you in our canteen! Where have you been all those months?’” For other expats the ‘lunch rules’ were spelled out, like at Kleo’s office. “I was told that I always need to spend my lunch break with colleagues and that I shouldn’t look at my phone during lunch, because lunchtime is meant for socialising.” Bogi from Hungary experienced that she needed to take the initiative when it came to lunch. “Just ask if you can sit with them for lunch and if they want to speak English with you, they will always
SCHOOLS VISIT COPENHAGEN/ MARIA SATTRUP
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
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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.
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.
Free or fee-paying? All children are entitled to free tuition at Danish municipal primary and lower secondary schools, as are adult 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 state-subsidised, the fees are not as high as they might be in other European countries. Private schools may be faith-based 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
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
SCHOOLS be assigned to a reception class, a scheme for teaching in teams, or 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 mothertongue. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 These are aimed at giving direct entry into the labour market and their couples’ integration program, which provides help are often in conjunction with internships in various top Danish managing your relocation. As for digital means of language companies. learning, you can start by checking out duolingo.com.
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Our goal is to enable all to understand the world around them, and the talents and character within them, so that they can become connected, creative individuals that are compassionate, active global citizens. Skt. Josef’s, located 25 minutes from Copenhagen Central Station in historic Roskilde, provides quality, international education for children aged 5 to 16. Skt. Josef’s International School
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tel: +45 4635 2526
HEALTH PIXABAY
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
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RELOCATION SUMMER GUIDE 2021
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-of-hours 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 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
HEALTH
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.
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.
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.
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.
Health checks and child vaccination All children can be examined and
Read more The information in the above article is
VISIT COPENHAGEN/DANIEL RASMUSSEN
problems as early as possible in your pregnancy.
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).
Study IB at a truly international school a stone’s throw from Copenhagen
Birkerød Gymnasium, HF, IB & Boarding School has been an IB world School since 1991, offering Pre-IB and the upper secondary IB Diploma Programme. We have a vibrant environment of more than 60 nationalities. IB at Birkerød Gymnasium is a unique chance to experience the international atmosphere of the IB Diploma programme as well as the atmosphere of a Danish national school.
To learn more about IB at Birkerød Gymnasium visit www.birke-gym.dk Follow us on @birkegym and facebook.com/birkegym
TRANSPORTATION
A DUMMY’S GUIDE TO DRIVING AND CYCLING IN DENMARK
VISIT DENMARK/ DENNIS BORUP JAKOBSEN
BY ARZIA TIVANY WARGADIREDJA Arriving in a new country where everybody cycles is amazing when you also bike – but it can be incredibly frustrating if you don’t In Denmark, bikes are more than just a mode of transportation. For Danes, cycling is historically a symbol of equality and freedom. Some say that it was also a symbol of resistance during the German Occupation. In Denmark’s biggest cities, like Copenhagen and Aarhus, bikes are the main mode of transport since cars and parking prices are not that affordable. Bike like a Dane Danish kids learn how to bike at a very young age. Often, it is part of the school program to learn how to bike in traffic, so most Danes know the basic rules. Even if you already know how to bike, you still have to adhere to the following general rules: if there is a separate lane for cyclists, keep in that lane. If you can’t find it, make sure you are on the right side. Follow the traffic rules, and always use hand gestures if you’re going right, left or stopping. On top of this, make sure your lights, brakes, reflectors, and bells do their jobs.
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Not wearing a helmet won’t get you fined, but it’s important to protect the one and only head you have, right? Lessons for adults If you don’t bike there are a few options to take, including learning from friends ‘for free’. Most Danes know how to ride a bike, so it’s more than likely that someone in your network can teach you. Another option is learning from the pros. Cyklistforbundet (The Danish Cyclists Federation), usually provides lessons for adults in different regions in Denmark. It is also worth trying to check out bike shops or rental agencies to ask if they provide bike lessons for adults. Common crime: Bike theft Statistics show that at least one in six Danes have stolen bikes – a surprising figure given the high level of trust in Danish society. It’s estimated that 200 bicycles get stolen every day, and most thefts never end with criminal charges. It’s a good idea to make sure your bike is insured. If you don’t, you just have to let it go when you get unlucky as the police won’t take action in cases of theft of uninsured property. The more expensive
the bike is, the likelier it is to get stolen. However, second hand bikes are great and surprisingly cheap – usually less than 1000 kroner. Parking You can park your bike almost everywhere in Denmark. There are numerous parking facilities in almost every building for free. But it is also not uncommon to see bikes being parked in unconventional places. If you need to travel by Metro, tram, S-train, regional or intercity trains and buses (Flixbus or Kombardo), you can bring your bike. This is common amongst commuters. It is usually free to take your bike, but sometimes only during a certain period of time, and you have to check with the operators. Cars One piece of advice Danes will give you when you think you need a car is: ‘Maybe ... you don’t”. For decades, Denmark has been consistent in taxing motorists, while at the same time profiting economically from cyclists. The government considers every kilometre travelled by bike in Copenhagen to equal health benefits, reduced CO2 and decreased sick leave. Driving cars, however, equals the exact opposite.
TRANSPORTATION In 2019, a Car Cost Index released by LeasePlan estimated the cost of owning a car in Denmark – across all categories of electric, petrol, and diesel – as the highest in the world. It assessed several factors: depreciation, road tax + VAT, cost of fuel, insurance and accident management, maintenance, repair, road assistance and tyres, and interest. Do I need a car? Do the maths This situation might differ depending on where you settle. In Copenhagen’s most central residential areas, and close to gentrified culture hubs, public transport will almost always be available. While there has been a lot of debate about how expensive public transportation is in Denmark, will driving actually work out to be cheaper? In contrast, you may want to consider a car when you live in smaller municipalities where public transport is not always readily available. You may also think about owning a car when you have a family of four or more and public transportation can be very costly. Figures from the National Cycling Report show that the further away from the capital you are, the less bicycles are used. In some municipalities bike use is as low as 10 percent. Tax on cars: ‘buy two get one’ The tax on car ownership in Denmark is one of the world’s highest. Vehicle registration tax – often called Registreringsafgift – can soar up to 150 percent of the price of the car. That means every car you buy costs you another on top. Before 2017, Registreringsafgift was even higher at 180 percent. For a small petrol car, SKAT will tax you 85 percent on the first 18,500 kroner of its price, and 150 percent on the remainder. There’s a big government push on electric cars – and going green could be a better deal for you. Tax on electric vehicles registered from 2016 to 2020 is 20 percent of the vehicle value. However, the average ownership cost is still one of the world’s highest. Foreign cars If you stay in Denmark less than 185 days within a 12-month period, you don’t need to pay registration tax on your foreignnumberplated cars – you just pay in your country of residence. If you are unsure of the length of your stay, you can apply for permission to drive a foreign vehicle. Meanwhile, ‘importing a car’ means that you register your vehicles, paying a 10 percent custom duty tax (non-EU cars), plus VAT at a rate of 25 percent if the car is new. This process is started by informing SKAT, completing a form, and having your vehicles inspected. Once approved, you can request a registration tax valuation, pay registration tax, and get a new Danish plate number. Parking In Copenhagen and other big cities, parking areas are divided into tariff zones. The more centrally you park, the higher the price. The time of day can also influence the cost. If you live in a Park and Pay area, which allows you to park in your neighbourhood at reduced prices, you need to consider annual parking fees. Prices range from 205 to 4,060 kroner per year depending on fuel consumption and the age of the vehicle. And that’s only when it’s parked around your home. If you own electric cars, parking can be cheaper, or even free. At least for now. So, which set of wheels suits you best?
LEARNING, ADVENTURE, FRIENDSHIP AND FUN! Welcome to a fun-filled summer programme for children aged 4 to 12! Join us this summer for an active and engaging time of learning, adventure and summer fun in a safe and positive environment! Children are signed up for our summer care and camp programmes on a weekly basis so your family can choose summer activities according to your schedule. You are welcome to mix and match CARE and CAMP weeks according to your child’s interests and needs. The Summer CARE Programme, aimed at children aged 4-10, consists of daily activities such as crafts and educational games organised in a child-centred and interest-based setting. The Summer CAMP Programme, for children aged 7-12, is a series of thematic camps within a variety of areas such as music, science, photography, and more. Read more about each camp on our website.
To learn more and register visit www.ish.dk/summer The International School of Hellerup is a Not-For-Profit IB World School with over 600 students representing more than 70 nationalities from around the world. Find out more about ISH, book a visit or contact us at: + 45 70 20 63 68 I info@ish.dk I www.ish.dk International School of Hellerup Rygårds Allé 131, 2900 Hellerup Præstøgade 17, 2100 København
CUISINE VISIT DENMARK/MIKKEL HERIBA
KØKKEN CONFIDENTIAL: A GUIDE TO DANISH CUISINE
BY LENA HUNTER
Gird you palates – pickled things incoming
køkken (the Danish kitchen) is rooted in early 1800s peasant cooking.
There’s a loose understanding of Danish food culture circulating in the general psyche. We know the Danes love pork and we know of Danish pastries (which actually originated in Austria in the 1800s) – though they’re now so widespread that to continue calling them ‘Danish’ seems absurd.
The 19th century provincial menu was short: rye bread, fish, pork and potatoes. These remained staples even after the Industrial Revolution made fresh meat, vegetables, dairy and new cooking techniques more widely available.
We also know that Danes love fish in tins, dark bread as heavy as a tombstone (rugbrød), cakes with whipped cream and sweet summer berries, pickled vegetables and elderflower cordial. But the below-the-surface peculiarities of Danish food seem to be insider knowledge – the kind that ambushes you when you’ve already moved your family to Denmark and you realise you’re surrounded by grown men drinking chocolate milk. Don’t get caught out – read on and get to know some of the mainstays and quirks of Danish eating. First, a history lesson What we recognise today as det Danske
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But Danish cuisine has always borrowed from foreign practices: the use of imported tropical spices like cardamom, nutmeg and black pepper can be traced all the way back to the Vikings. Today, many outwardly odd dishes owe their weirdness to this practice of shoehorning an exotic element into a stubbornly Danish concept (‘boller i karry’, anyone? Meatballs in a curry-cream sauce). Other gastronomic idiosyncrasies are less easily explained: the overuse of mayonnaise, piping hot liver-paté ‘to go’, salted liquorice, and sugared potatoes (brune kartofler) for example. Humble rød pølse A major stalwart of the Danish plate is the rød pølse (red sausage). As the central
element of the ubiquitous Danish hotdog, the crimson banger is a kind of cultural treasure. They’re dyed with carmine – a Peruvian colourant made from crushed insects. Legend has it that old sausages were originally dyed red as a warning. Today’s røde pølser are boiled and distinctly rubbery. Their salty, artificial flavour is reminiscent of an aeroplane dinner – making them both cartoonishly kitsch and totally unpretentious. But the cult of the rød pølse is about more than taste. They symbolise the pølsevogn – the barely-roadworthy hotdog carts dotted around Denmark. Manned by coarse-voiced veterans armed with a motherboard of mayo pump-dispensers and encyclopaedic local knowledge, the pølsevogn is the cockney fruit market of Denmark – and the rød pølse is a mascot of the proudly ordinary. “I’ll have the salad” Speaking of mayonnaise – a word needs to be said about the Danish ‘salat’. Don’t be fooled by the word’s close resemblance to the English ‘salad’ – a Danish salat has no
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greenery.
right there and then.
Salat is a topping made from mayo blended with finely chopped ham (skinkesalat), egg (æggesalat), peas and carrots (Italiensk salat) and more. Not so strange you might think, but what about a frugtsalat with mayo, cherries, peaches, raisins and chocolate?
It’s a facetious observation of course – the wide availability of prepared leverpostej reflects the popularity of smørrebrød (open sandwiches) and the Danish custom of a shared hot lunch with colleagues. Hot-served leverpostej is an integral part of ‘det kolde bord’ (the cold table). It’s a buffet made up of rye bread and pålæg (toppings) that vary, but include pickled herring, hot leverpostej, eggs and pickled vegetables. The usual order in which to eat is cold fish, cold meats, hot dishes and dessert.
Another mayonnaise-based specialty is Rémoulade. Similar to but yellower than tartar sauce, it’s flavoured with curry and chopped pickles. The recipe for Rémoulade is fast and loose – horseradish, paprika, anchovies and more can be included. Danes fiercely defend Rémoulade as a standalone condiment. However there’s no standard ‘chips and ketchup’ or ‘ham and mustard’ equivalent couplet for Rémoulade because it’s an existential crisis in sauce form. It’s a car crash of sweet, sour, creamy, sharp, chunky, smooth and only occasionally vegetarian. In that sense it goes with everything … and nothing. The people’s spread Another bread-topper of note is leverpostej – a paté made from coarsely ground pork liver and lard. Now, it would be a stretch to label paté as unusual. Every deli in Europe is slinging it, and most countries have their own native varieties. What is unusual, however, is the staggering availability of Danish leverpostej. Kiosks, 7-Elevens and all supermarkets stock it – and not just to fill your fridge. Hot leverpostej in to-go containers are everywhere for when you need a steaming, forearm-sized slab of meat-composite
Although det kolde bord is for special occasions, an abridged workday version exists as a shared smørrebrød lunch. It’s a ritualistic meal for Danes – a microcosmic embodiment of the socialist philosophy. Communal smørrebrød signifies the simple sense of community at the heart of Danish work and food culture. New Nordic movement That’s not to imply that every cosmopolitan Dane sits in a circle in the office unboxing a carbon-copied square of rugbrød and skinkesalat for lunch. It’s the modern world: nobody blinks at a bowl of pho. Though these deep traditions exist, modern Danish food culture is not bound by them. As such the dining-out scene in Denmark is one of the most progressive in Europe. The ‘New Nordic’ cuisine movement originated in 2004 through a group of Copenhagen chefs whose cooking manifesto sparked a renaissance in Scandinavian food.
The emphasis was on seasonality, purity and simplicity. In the following years, Copenhagen restaurant Noma shot to gastro-stardom, winning the ‘World’s Best Restaurant’ title four times. And since then more sustainable, hyper-local, hyper-high-end Nordic restaurants have cropped up such as Kadeau and Geranium in Copenhagen, and Henne Kirkeby Kro on the west coast. Today, Danish restaurants are renowned for their sustainable approach and research. Ancient traditions of smoking fish, distilling schnapps with native herbs, and pickling vegetables are being resurrected in Michelin star kitchens. High quality local fare like seabuckthorn, oysters and prawns from Limfjord and the North Sea are highly sought-after internationally. Simple at heart Today’s Københavner is spoilt for choice. But thanks to the international hype around how organic, natural, progressive, precise and exclusive Danish cuisine is, it’s easy to forget that at its root Danish food is simple. Yes, in Copenhagen you can eat a lentil burger flavoured with umami koji-fungus that’s grown on an ancient grain in a temperature-controlled chamber. But you can also stop at the pølsevogn and get a hotdog ‘med det hele’ (with everything) and partake in the national culture just as much, if not more. In short, Danish cuisine is about community and making the best of the Nordic climate – and for all those who are moving to Denmark, there’s a lesson there that transcends food.
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OUTDOORS VISIT COPENHAGEN/ JASON CHARLES HILL
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. Added to that is the marvellous Danish coastline. Extending for 8,750 kilometres, it outstrips Chile and even India! So there are plenty of opportunities 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. 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
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session organised by Denmark’s oldest rowing club, Roforeningen KVIK. You’ll find more information on their 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 wouldbe 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 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. 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,
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VISIT DENMARK/METTE JOHNSEN
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 recordbreaking 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.
VISIT DENMARK/NICLAS JESSEN
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, pheasants, pigeons) are the most popular prey. Among the best estates are Bielefeld, Giesegård, Bregentved, Gisselfeldt and
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VISIT DENMARK/ANNE NØRKJÆR
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. 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. 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. Mountain Biking There are plenty of off-road tracks in Denmark offering good exercise, fresh air and an adrenalininducing challenge. Be warned, though, that some locations forbid mountain biking because the rough wheels can tear the ground up. 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/mtbtrails-in-denmark
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Publisher: CPH POST • Editor: Hans Hermansen • Journalist: Lena Hunter • Layout: CPH POST • Info: hans@cphpost.dk • Tel: +452420 2411
OPINION
PIXABAY
For the thousands of expats who settle in Denmark each year, transitioning into a career can be tough. Whether you’re a recent graduate, spouse or traveller, many arrive hoping to advance their careers and to experience a better work-life balance, along with the many other work-related benefits that Danes often take for granted. As a senior recruiter & HR business partner, I am well versed in the mistakes internationals make when trying to start a career here. That’s why in 2019 I launched the non-profit English Job Denmark to guide internationals on how to navigate the Danish job market. Realising that internationals are not the only ones making mistakes and needing help to learn how to accommodate another culture, I also deal directly with Danish companies, aiding them to create people-focused strategies to onboard and retain international talent. Cultural minefield Before travelling to a new country, we often buy a travel guide and try to orientate ourselves according to the local customs and culture. We do this as we wish to familiarise ourselves with what to expect upon arrival at our destination.
in gaining relevant work experience, then try to find something that is related to your line of work. For example, if you are a marketing manager you could volunteer to help a nonprofit organisation with their social media or marketing strategy. Be sure to add any relevant work experience to your CV and LinkedIn profile as this will show your current location as Denmark, which is very important.
In Denmark, cultural boundaries are well hidden, making it even tougher for those not familiar with Danish culture to orientate the cultural landmine. With a lack of knowledge and understanding about the Danes and their work culture, many internationals are simply unable to adapt to what is needed and fold under the strain or, worse, commit a cultural no-no!
Networking is key Building your professional network is a surefire way of gaining momentum on the career ladder. A simple connect request to the hiring manager of a company is sometimes all it takes. In Denmark, almost 70 percent of all roles are filled through unsolicited applications or networking, meaning that you should try to perfect both.
So, what should you be doing to advance your career in Denmark?
LinkedIn is used extensively, so unless you have achieved an ‘all-star’ rating on your profile, you have work to do. Firstly, make sure your profile is complete with as much detail as possible.
Stay relevant and modest Try not to concentrate on big achievements or personal gain in order to impress recruiters. The Danes tend to be modest and don’t appreciate grand gestures of self-proclamation. Instead, it is the little things that make a big difference here and will ultimately lead to career success. It is essential you make small adjustments and include only scattered details throughout your CV and cover letter to ensure you are communicating in a way that Danes will want to respond to you. With less than seven seconds to make an impression (the average time it takes to review an entire application in Denmark) you have to hit the mark quickly. Volunteering looks good! If you are interested
lunchtime when all staff (including heads of departments) eat lunch together. Another occurrence that tends to worry internationals is the Friday bar. Most companies actually close earlier on a Friday, and some even offer an alcoholic drink during work hours to start the weekend off in the form of a Friday bar! In order to sustain growth in an international arena, Danish companies are more reliant than ever on international talent. Although the need exists for a talented international workforce, not all companies know how to onboard and retain internationals. That is why English Job Denmark focuses on educating Danes and internationals to work better together.
Secondly, connect, like, share and comment on others’ posts and articles. This will help your profile to gather what we refer to in the trade as “reach”, thus ensuring that more people notice you. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others with a simple, yet concise note stating that you are new to Denmark and would like to build your network. It works every time! Flat: hierarchies, not beer! Denmark is flat and so too is the hierarchy within most companies here. For those who have been used to working within a hierarchical structure, Denmark and its flat organisational structure, with no middle management, can be daunting. This is demonstrated throughout the company at everyday events, but no more so than at
KAREY-ANNE DUEVANG Formerly the CEO of a consulting firm, Karey-Anne is a partner of The Welcome Group. Over the past 20 years, she has worked extensively in strategic HR, overseeing change management projects, the training of employees and managers, and the recruitment of international specialists and executives.
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Backstage Explore what’s at stake when Danish architects design Exhibition 21.04 – 03.10.2021
dac.dk