Copenhagen Relocation Guide 2008 by Jason Heppenstall

RELOCATION 2008

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24-30 OCTOBER 2008

FOCUS ON RELOCATION 2008

THE COPENHAGEN POST 24-30 OCTOBER 2008

Things to remember when you arrive in Denmark Dear newcomers to Copenhagen, Any move involves adjustments - and in most cases a great deal of hassle - regardless of the household’s size. Relocating to a new country and adjusting to its culture, language and bureaucratic hazards: it is certainly not for the faint at heart. Navigating through a new jungle of tax regulations, residence permits, labour market regulations, educational differences, childcare facilities and transport systems requires a brave soul. Making sense of it in a guttural language spoken by a mere 5.4 million people does not make it any less challenging. With that said, Copenhagen is a good place to set up a new home. It is an international city on the move, and its geographical location makes it a natural gateway to the rest of Scandinavia. Correspondingly, an ever-increasing number of international companies have established their Nordic and European headquarters in the city. At the same time, the city has a long and interesting history, a lively cultural life, a comfortable size, and a high standard of living - all which makes it an attractive alternative to other European capital cities. As the main provider of Danish news in English and the publisher of Denmark’s only English-language newspaper with Danish news, we hope that our weekly publications and daily news service can help give you access to current events and political developments, as well as to a diverse range of culture. With the Copenhagen Post’s relocation supplement, we hope to offer practical help as well as inspiration. Even with a confusing bureaucratic system, high taxes and a seemingly unintelligible language, Copenhagen remains one of Europe’s most attractive capitals. Welcome to Copenhagen! Jesper Nymark CEO, The Copenhagen Post

POST BOX President and Publisher Ejvind Sandal Chief Executive Jesper Nymark Editor Patricia Drati Rønde Supplement Journalists Kamilla Stoffregen Sophia Hesselgrave Layout Antonieta Medeiros Sales & Advertising Jeanne Thames Mark Millen Cover picture Cees van Roeden Editorial offices: Store Kongensgade 14, DK 1264 Copenhagen K Telephone: 33 36 33 00 - Fax: 33 93 13 13 Editorial e-mail: info@cphpost.dk Web: www.cphpost.dk

This might be your first Christmas in Denmark. Don’t forget to register at The National Register, if you are planning to stay here til the next one.

National Registration Office (Folkeregistret)

Health insurance

If you are going to stay in Denmark for more than three months, you must register at the national registration office in the municipality you are going to live in as soon as you arrive in Denmark. If you move from another Nordic country or from an EU/EEA country, you can stay in denmark for up to six months without registering. When you register at the national registration office, you get a CPR number (personal identification number) and a health insurance certificate.

Foreigners in Denmark are covered by the public health insurance. It ensures that everybody has equal and free access to the public health services. Some newcomers have to wait six weeks to become eligible for public health insurance. The public health insurance is financed by taxes. Your key to public healthcare is your yellow health insurance card. It is of course possible to obtain a private health insurance policy to supplement the public health insurance.

Tax authorities You are under an obligation to contact the tax authorities. As soon as you arrive in Denmark to take up employment, you must contact (The National Register) of your local municipal authority to get a CPR number. After this you have to contact your local tax administration. Based on the information given about your financial situation and an assessment of your tax liability, the tax authorities make a tax card that the employer needs in order to figure out how much tax to collect. The tax card also shows your tax allowances.

Schools All children from the age of seven who live in Denmark have the right to receive education free of charge at the Danish Folkeskole. Apart from the municipal schools, a number of private and international schools offer education for a fee. Families with children aged six to 16 will automatically receive information about school and education when they register at the National Register. It is the responsibility of the municipality to inform the family about the possibilities and to help newcomers fill out the applications - this goes for foreign newcomers as well. You can always contact the school administration and ask for guidance and advice about your opportunities. The school year starts at the beginning of August and ends in the middle of June, but students are generally admitted whenever they arrive in the municipality.

Childcare facilities In most municipalities, parents are guaranteed a place for their child in a childcare facility within a short period of time. If you would like to have your child cared for by a childcare facility, childminder or kindergarten, you must contact your local municipality, which will try to find a place for your child as quickly as possible. Usually the local authority will try to find a place in a childcare facility close to your home. Most local authorities, however, allow you to make requests as to what type of facility you prefer, eg if you would rather have your child cared for at a kindergarten than through a childminder arrangement or in an outlying facility rather than an ordinary kindergarten.

Driving in Denmark It is not necessary to convert a foreign driving licence if it has been acquired in an EU country or in Norway, Iceland, Switzerland or Lichtenstein. Licences from other countries may be used for 14 days after permanent residence has been established in Denmark, after which period they should be converted. If you are from a country outside of the EU you may have to take a test. Contact the nearest Citizen Service Centre (Borger Service), there are several in Copenhagen, eg: Indre By Jarmers Plads 7 1551 Kobenhavn V To apply you need: Current driving licence Passport or original birth certificate Residence Permit or Visa Health Insurance Card Medical certificate 1 Photograph DKK 260 More information can also be found at www.kk.dk

Choosing a doctor When you fill in the forms for the health insurance card, you receive a list of general practitioners in your area of residence. You are free to choose between those who accept new patients (these will be indicated on the list). The doctor's name, address and phone number is displayed on your health insurance certificate. You can get a new doctor if you wish. If you belong to insurance category 1, you can change your doctor by contacting your local authority. The change will take effect 14 days after the authorities received payment for issuing a new health insurance card. If you are in insurance category 2, you do not choose a particular doctor, but may consult a new one whenever you please. It does not cost anything to get a new doctor, but you have to pay for the new health insurance card you will receive after a change of doctors. More information can be found at www.nyidanmark.dk

THE COPENHAGEN POST 24-30 OCTOBER 2008

FOCUS ON RELOCATION 2008

THE COPENHAGEN POST 24-30 OCTOBER 2008

Biking your way through the city’s streets safely By Kamilla Stoffregen elcome to the city where majority of the population uses a two-wheeled vehicle for transportation Given the number of cycling paths crisscrossing the city and the general flatness of the landscape, cycling is not only doable, it's a national means of transport in a country with almost as many cyclists (5 million) as citizens. Joining fellow cyclists in the city bustle is

therefore absolutely recommended when relocating to Copenhagen. Idyllic as it may look, however, the country's bicycle traffic is not for the fainthearted, and newcomers should get acquainted with the basic rules before venturing outside on two wheels. Many newcomers on the bicycle lanes find their first venture into traffic traumatic, as they get yelled at, rung at, and even shoved if they fail to adhere to the streets' unwritten traffic regulations.

Some advice to follow before jumping on your bike 1. Use a helmet. Even though use of helmets is optional, head injuries, which comprise half of the serious injuries that occur to cyclists, can be prevented if cyclists use helmets. Helmets come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. To find a helmet approved by European standards, look for the label reading EN 1078. 2. Remember to indicate your intentions to turn or stop in the traffic. Others should be able to anticipate your movements from your indications. Turning is signalled by extending the arm horizontally. Raising the arm vertically signals you are about to stop. Photo: Mikkel Bo

3. Don't always maintain your right of way if the situation looks dangerous. As a cyclist, you are vulnerable and often the victim should an accident take place. 4. Keep behind trucks and buses as a general rule. Most accidents happen at crossroads. Trucks making a right-turn are known to be a hazard, especially to cyclists. 5. The law states that bicycle lights should be used from sunset to sunrise and in bad weather. Lights should be able to be seen clearly, from the sides as well, from a distance of 300 metres. Rear lights should be red and may blink, if the blinking speed is more than 120 blinks per minute. Headlights should be yellow or white, possibly with a bluish tint. Whereas white lights should blink at least 120 times per minute, yellow lights should not blink. 6. If under the influence of alcohol, take a taxi or push your bike. Should you meet the police while drinking and biking, you may well be fined 500kr depending on their evaluation of your alcohol intake. Bike well! For more information contact the Danish Cyclists Federation/ Dansk Cyklist Forbund, www.dfc.dk

Watch out for: E The Unhinged Parent - the back wheel child-seat conspicuous in the absence of junior should send alarm bells ringing among the most confident of cyclists. These young parents are know for their lethal pedalling and God help anyone who gets in their way. E The Green-Jersey Cyclist - this cunning fox knows the location and timing of ever red light in the city, so don't be surprised when the middle-aged buffer who you passed three blocks earlier comes tearing pass you at the speed of light to make it through a junction you gave up on ten seconds ago, often raising their hands in jubilation. E The Multi-Tasker - chatting to friends, text messaging, reading the newspaper while driving no-handed, looking at members of the opposite sex, plotting future world domination EThe Special One - self-appointed arbiters who are always there to tick you off should you dare to err from the unofficial rule book, which they frequently break themselves E The Scooter Polluter - often traveling in excess of 80km per hour, these noisy maniacs shouldn't be on the lanes, but thanks to bureaucratic short-sightedness they are. It's like putting the sharks in the same pool as the dolphins.

In rainy weather epending on who you ask, public transportation in Copenhagen is convenient and useful - or expensive and unreliable. New residents in the capital city should make the effort to get acquainted with the public transportation system, however, and make their own decision. Three forms of public transportation - buses, trains, and the underground Metro are available when rain clouds gather and make life on the bike lanes a drag. Buses provide a regular service throughout a city. Become friends with your local 'A' bus marked by a red stripe, which provides a service fiveminute intervals during rush hour. Blue 'S' buses offer express services over longer distances that skip stops - so if you hop on a 'S' bus, make sure it actually stops near your destination. It's also worth trying out the 'harbour buses' that offer the chance to commute by boat with six stops spread along the city's grand central canal. Trains in the capital region come in two varieties: local Strains and regional trains. The S-trains provide the best way to cut quickly across town from Vesterbro in the west to Østerbro in the east and also provide services to outlying suburban areas on five different lines. Regional trains provide services towards Roskilde and other cities in the west and Elsinore in the north. The electricallypowered Metro was introduced in 2002 at a cost of kr 20 billion. Although growing pains have marred its introduction, recent years have seen reliability rates of 98 percent maintained. The Metro's net is still somewhat limited: the service starts in Vanløse in the west, passing through the city, and

splitting into two lines on the island of Amager, one of which will get you to Copenhagen Airport Kastrup. Plans are in the works, however, to extend the network with a ring around the city. Metro services run until midnight, Sunday to Wednesday, and continuethrough the entire night, Thursday to Saturday. The cost of your trip using public transportation depends on how far you travel, but all three transport forms use the same zoneticketing system, which makes it easy to transfer from the bus to the train, for example. To pay for your journey, simply find out where you are, and where you're going, and how many zones you pass through in the process. Most journeys within the city limits only consists of two zones. The cheapest way to make a local trip is to purchase a blue, 2-zone punch ticket that will enable you to take 10 ten trips for a total of kr 125. Once you become acquainted with the zone system, it's actually easy to use. One final note: be sure to punch your ticket before boarding trains and the Metro the fine for traveling without a ticket is a stiff kr 600.

THE COPENHAGEN POST 24-30 OCTOBER 2008

FOCUS ON RELOCATION 2008

THE COPENHAGEN POST 24-30 OCTOBER 2008

Probably the best city in the w o r l d

The little yellow card

By Patricia Drati Rønde Copenhagen has been crowned the best city in the world in a survey of global urban treasures ow much did you know about Copenhagen before you actually moved here? What came to your mind when you heard the name of the Danish capital? Was it Lego, beer or Andersen's fairytales? Or have you always thought that Copenhagen is the best city to live in? It is only a few months since Copenhagen was awarded top spot - for its quality of life and status as a cutting-edge design centre - in the survey conducted by researchers at the Londonbased lifestyle magazine Monocle. The authors of the report looked at many different factors, from how easy it is to buy a good glass of wine at 1am to the quality of architecture and the number of cinema screens. Researchers praised the city's compact planning, its well-functioning transport system and infrastructure, as well as its new architecture, high-end restaurants and renewed focus on environmental issues. ‘There are many reasons why Copenhagen trumped the other cities in our quality of life survey. One of them is its undeniably seamless urban planning, paving the way for the mobility, and ultimately, the happiness of its residents. Denmark's capital is, put simply, designed for life’, said Tyler Brule, Monocle's editor-in-chief and founder of the

or many, the excitement of relocating to a new country is overshadowed by the confusion that comes with it - as well as the bureaucratic necessities of local life. Moving to Denmark is no exception, and jumping through a few procedural hoops will be at the top of your list before you even begin to unpack. Why? Well, numerous aspects of Danish life are contingent on possessing the 'yellow card' (sygesikringsbevis in Danish, which translates as health insurance certificate). This entitles you to doctor visits, and is essential for obtaining internet and phone services for your home, or a cell-phone service. But before you can even apply for your yellow card, you must possess a Certificate of Registration. (Not an EU citizen? You have already obtained the document with the Danish immigration authorities abroad, and you may happily skip to the next paragraph.) As an EU citizen, to apply for residency in Denmark, you should head to Copenhagen's Statsforvaltning (see box) with your passport, a passport-sized photo and a declaration form filled in by your employer ('Arbejdsgivererklæring'), or an equivalent document proving that you can independently support yourself during your stay. If you meet these requirements, you will receive your approval letter within approximately two weeks. Statsforvaltning advises you to make an appointment before visiting. Once you have proof of official residence in Denmark, you go to the municipality (see box) in person to apply for your CPR number (the Danish equivalent of a social security number). To apply, you will need your Certificate of Registration, proof of your address in Denmark and your passport.

Photo: Mikkel Bo Copenhagen was proclaimed not only the design capital of the world, but also the best place to live in

Wallpaper magazine (known for uncovering all the things cool ahead of any other publication). In a further accolade, Copenhagen was proclaimed the design capital of the world, with researchers hailing the return of a buzzing scene that had not seen such creativity since its heyday in the 1950s and 60s. From my own experience, it is actually hard to criticise something in this city. When

discussing this subject with friends, who also moved here from different countries, we cannot come up with much more that the Danish weather. But that is something that cannot be changed, of course, so we'd better get used to. On the other hand, what people like about Copenhagen is that despite the fact that it is a capital city with around one million inhabitants, it doesn't

feel overwhelming like big cities usually do. The scale of this city is the secret why people who move her fall in love with it. It is large enough to have a vibrant cultural scene as well as to embrace all the benefits of diversity. Yet, you can get everywhere on your bike, which makes a big difference when coming from a city where you are used to commuting by metro or sitting in the car for many

hours on a daily basis. Liberation from the big city traffic gives Copenhagen its humanfriendly feel. And then there is the water. The centre is practically intertwined with canals, which lends it a certain serenity. Even on the warmest days (yes, there are some) you get a fresh sea breeze in your face when biking on your way home - your new home in probably the best city in the world.

The State Administration for Greater Copenhagen Statsforvaltning Hovedstaden Borups Alle 177 Copenhagen K Tel: 7256 7000 Opening hours: Mon-Wed 9.00-15.00 Thur 9.00-18.00 Fri 9.00-14.00 Copenhagen Municipality (Folkeregistret) Dahlerupsgade 6 Copenhagen V Tel: 7080 7010 Opening hours: Mon-Wed 9.30-14.30 Thur 9.30-17.30 Fri 9.30-13.00 Note: addresses are for residents of Copenhagen city (Københavns Kommune) area only. To find out more, check out www.statsforvaltning.dk under 'kontakt din statsforvaltning'.

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THE COPENHAGEN POST 24-30 OCTOBER 2008

Our selection of useful numbers and addresses Websites about Denmark

Banks:

Weather Get your local weather forecast in English - www.dmi.dk

Amagerbanken www.amagerbanken.dk Jyske Bank www.jyskebank.dk

Post Office Whether you're shipping a package, buying concert tickets or paying a bill, Post Denmark can help you with items on your to do list. www.postdanmark.dk Ministry of Foreign Affairs Its website contains lots of useful everyday information about living and working in Denmark. It's targeted towards families as well as business professionals, and even has a special page for kids. www.denmark.dk/en

Danske Bank (this bank has netbanking in English!) www.danskebank.dk Nordea www.nordea.dk Arbejdernes Landsbank www.al-bank.dk Spar Nord Bank www.sparnord.dk

Pet Information:

Denmark for Americans A humorous and informative look at living in Denmark www.justmorons.com/dk4us.html Hospitals in Copenhagen Rigshopitalet is the only hospital with information in English. http://www.rigshospitalet.dk

Online maps & planning: Rejseplanen Journey Planner One of the most used websites in Denmark, this amazing service will help you find your way to and from just about anywhere in Denmark and even some parts of Europe. Be sure to click on the English flag to change language. Definitely bookmark this one! www.rejseplanen.dk

Shopping malls:

Bernstorff Palace & Gardens Dogs are not required to be on a leash here and can explore acres of expansive fenced lawns, gardens and woods. This park is an absolute dream for citydwelling dogs and their owners who long for the countryside. You'll find this oasis just outside Copenhagen in Gentofte. www.ses.dk/395e55f0 Travelling with pets Travelling with pet animals? Check the regulations for travelling with pets into and out of Denmark. www.uk.foedevarestyrelsen.dk

City of Copenhagen information Visit www.kk.dk and click on "English" at the top of the page. There you will find lots of useful information such as: citizen services, marriage info, education, employment, registration, taxes, and much more. Tax information http://www.skat.dk

Marina), Christiansvold, Damhusengen, Fælledparken, Utterslevmose, Valbyparken, Vigerslevparken. FYI: the Danish term "i snor" means "on a leash" so keep an eye out for this sign in parks where you should get your dog on a leash, or you could be facing a hefty fine.

Veterinarians In Danish, a vet clinic/animal hospital is called dyrehospital, dyreklinik or dyrlæge. If you need to find a vet, ask a Danish friend or colleague for a referral or you can visit www.dgs.dk (the Danish Yellow Pages) and search for any of the mentioned Danish terms. Add your postal code to the search and find a vet near you! City Dyreklinik Centrally located and open Monday-Friday 8.00-17.00 and Wednesday until 19.00 Kronprincessegade 76, 1306 Cph K. Tel:33 93 98 00 www.citydyreklinik.dk Dyreklinikken Ryesgade 100 Open every day from 8.0011.00 and 14.00-17.00 Ryesgade 100, 2100 Cph N, Tel: 35 43 43 20 www.dyreklinikken-ryesgade.dk

Pet supplies & food There are many neighborhood pet shops, and you can buy premium food at most vets' offices. If it´s superstore shopping you're looking for, try: Maxi Zoo (www.maxizoo.dk) or ZooZity (www.zoozity.dk). If you've ever tried biking home with a 15 kilo bag of dog food, you know how difficult it can be, so perhaps home-delivery pet food is what you're looking for. Try Oliver's Petfood (www.olivers.dk). Copenhagen cat-sitters Does this sound familiar: you are planning your vacation but the big question is what to do with your cat? You want it to be in good hands but you also want to give it as little stress as possible. How about we take care of each other's cat? You can find more info about how this group works at www.kattevenner.dk

Houses of worship:

City2 (Høje Tåstrup) www.city2.dk Waterfront Shopping (Hellerup) www.waterfront-shopping.dk Fields (Amager, largest mall in Scandinavia) www.fields.dk Fisketorvet (Vesterbro) www.fisketorvet.dk Frederiksberg Centret www.frederiksberg-centret.dk Lyngby Storcenter (Kongens Lyngby) www.lyngbystorcenter.dk Rødovre (Rødovre, Denmark's busiest)www.roedovrecentrum.dk

The Dansk Kennel Klub (colloquially: DKK) is the largest organisation for dog owners in Denmark. All dog owners (both of pure-bred dogs and other dogs) and others interested in dogs can become members. Parkvej 1, 2680 Solrod Strand, Tel 56 18 81 00 E-mail: post@dansk-kennel-klub.dk www.dansk-kennel-klub.dk Dog-friendly parks There are several leash-free areas for dogs in Copenhagen: Amager Strandpark (outside park, 500m south of Sundby

Sakramentskirken Roman Catholic church with mass in English on Wednesdays 5pm and Sundays 6pm, and in French on the first and third Sunday of the month. Nørrebrogade 27, 2200 København N www.sakramentskirken.dk Vor Frue Kirke Roman Catholic church with mass in English every Thursday 9.30am and Sunday 11.30am. Herlevgårdsvej 14, 2730 Herlev www.katolskvorfruekirke.com The International Church of Copenhagen International, ecumenical ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Sunday worship at 11.30. They have a crèche, Sunday school for all ages, pre-teen and senior youth groups, young adult and student programmes, fellowship events and service projects. Gothersgade 148, 1123 Cph K Tel: 39 62 47 85 internationalchurch@excite.com www.international.church.dk Copenhagen Community Church Inspiring gospel messages, good music, friendly atmosphere and a café style where you can meet other internationals. Amagertorv 5, 3rd floor, Stroget, 1123 Cph K www.ccchurch.dk Living Church A fun, relaxed environment with Bible-based teaching, youth events, home meetings and camps. Everyone is welcome. Femagervej 39, 2650 Hvidovre (close to Hvidovre station) Ministers: Chris and Clara Brett Tel: 32 96 41 93 www.levendekirke.dk/english First International Baptist Church Copenhagen Sunday services at 13.00 Kristuskirken, Baggesengade 2, 2200 København N Phone: 39 63 72 22 www.fibc.dk e-mail: nenielsen.pastor@fibc.dk

Kennels If you need a home for your pet while you're travelling, the following kennels are a good option. Asserholm Dog and cat kennel where the staff speak English and your pets are treated to a lovely holiday in the countryside. Asserholmvej 1, 4390 Asserholm. Tel: 59 18 16 98 www.asserholm.dk

school, and refreshments are served on Sundays after the 10.30 service. Churchillparken, 1263 Cph K Tel : 39 62 77 36 - Fax: 39 62 77 35 Email: chaplain@st-albans.dk Website: www.st-albans.dk

International Christians Community ICC is an interdenominational church representing more than 50 nationalities and welcoming people from all different backgrounds to come to their Sunday services. Fredens Kirke, Ryesgade 68, 2100 København Ø Ravi Chandran, tel. 36 72 60 58. E-mail: icc@pc.dk Website: www.getintouch.dk St Alban's Church (Anglican) Services: Sunday at 9.00 (Holy Communion 1st April - 30th September) and 10.30 (sung Eucharist/HC), Wednesday at 10.30 (HC). St. Alban's warmly welcomes residents and visitors of all nationalities. There is a crèche room and a Sunday

International Baptist Church of Lyngby Worship every Sunday at 13.00 Odinsvej 1, 2800 Lyngby For more information contact Gunnar Larson. Tel: 40 26 56 00 Synagogue Morning and evening services are held daily. Service on Saturday begins at 9.00. Krystalgade 12 1172 København K Tel: 33 12 88 68 (for exact times check www.mosaiske.dk) International Harvest Christian Centre Sunday service starts at 11.00, Wednesday service at 19.00.

Norre Farigmagsgade 45-47, 1364 Cph K. Tel: 33 32 92 64 www.Ihcc.dk Church on the Rock Sunday service 15.00. Coffee, tea and cake served afterwards. Salvation Army, Valbylanggade 83, 2500 Valby Pastor James Lubega Tel : 36774071 www.ontherock.dk A detailed list of international church services in Denmark can be found at: w w w. t v a e r k u l t u r e l t center.dk/servicesinenglish

Sports:

Copenhagen Exiles Rugby Club Play rugby here in Copenhagen with the exiles. They cater for all levels: men, ladies, veterans, boys or girls and they are always looking for new players. They run two senior teams, a women's team and a veteran's team. They have also recently started an under-17s youth team. On the social front, Exiles can frequently be found at the Southern Cross Pub in central Copenhagen. Visit www.exiles.dk for more information and contact details. American Football Club American football organisation with clubs all over Denmark. For administration and information contact Lars Carlsen, Tel: 22 75 56 84 E-mail: coach@daff.dk The website is not yet in English but you can check out www.daff.dk Copenhagen Celtic Football Club Expat football club seeks new

players. We operate seven teams (three senior, two old boy, and two veteran). We are a good mixture of Brits, Irish, Europeans, Americans and Aussies etc. For further details about the club and training times please contact: Chris 22 65 51 87 or email:copenhagenceltic@hotmail.com Københavns Golf Club (Copenhagen) Just north of Copenhagen this is the oldest course in Scandinavia. The course is laid out on protected, open areas of the deer park, Dyreparken. The golfers share the area with hundreds of red deer. It naturally hosts many important tournaments. Dyrehaven 2 - 2800 Kgs. Lyngby - Tel: 39 63 04 83 There website is also in English. www.kgkgolf.dk Netball Club in Copenhagen Newly formed club that is seeking new members for games. Players of all abilities welcome. Contact Sarah Tel: 50 34 77 36 E-mail: copenhagennetballclub@gmail.com Or take a look at www.facebook.com Groups- Copenhagen Netball Club

Theatre groups:

Copenhagen Theatre Circle P.O. Box 188 2800 Lyngby Chairman: Maureen Egerup, Tel. 39 63 63 71 Secretariat: Frank Theakston, Tel. 39 76 36 80 Email: info@ctcircle.org Website: www.ctcircle.org Danish Shakespeare Society Chairman: Søs Haugaard Østerbrogade 144, 3 th 2100 København Ø Tel.: +45 26 74 38 65 Email: shaugd@hum.ku.dk

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Dansk: learning to speak the lingo Spoilt for choice By Sophia Hesselgrave

anish has a reputation for being a difficult language for foreigners, but if you plan to spend a while in Denmark, learning the 'local speak' is an absolute must. All you need is some qualified tuition (plus a bit of practice!) and before you know it you'll be conversing like a Copenhagen native. Whatever level you are, there are a few tips and words of warning before you start. Danes are known to be incredibly lazy when it comes to diction, and tend to both swallow some of the letters and chain the words together making it harsh to listen to. They also speak very quickly, leaving foreigners in dust. But don't be dis-heartened, with the help of a qualified language teacher you will find yourself picking up the pace. There are plenty of opportunities to learn Danish in Copenhagen. Whether you are a beginner, or a Scandinavian neighbour brushing up on pronunciation, there are Danish courses to suit everyone's timetables. If you are short on time, Danish language school, IA Sprogcenter, is working to make classes more accessible for

busy people. After a chat with the Principal of IA, Jørgen Jespersen, it's clear the school is motivated to adapt their courses to suit individuals. Their i.t initiatives are particularly appealing to the busy person who can't make all classes. Course work is loaded onto the internet, online tests ensure that homework can be done easily, you can even take your class via internet call conference when you really can't make it out of the office (or out of bed!) Jørgen Jespersen of IA, insists that "it really isn't that hard to speak Danish! Language is communication, and communicating should be enjoyable." He says that "focused learning in a fun, relaxed atmosphere" is one of the main goals of IA's Danish language courses. The school, offers classes that range between 4 and 14 people as well as individual tuition. Their 'audio-linguistic' method is particularly appealing. IA reinforces that practice makes perfect, and they continue to develop new exercises and teaching methods for their students. When all the word repetition has you gagging from swallowing so many letters, IA's curriculum screens short Danish language films, or gets you practicing online tests in their

Sprogcenter IA

Mac PC suites. So once you have mastered a few basic phrases, you may be dying to go out and flaunt your new linguistic talent. Often people find, especially if they are living and working among an international community, find that it is hard to integrate Danish into their everyday language. IA's advice for this is to get involved in some Danish activities. Many sports teams

are a mix of both Danish and Foreigners and they are more than happy to speak some English, as well as giving you the opportunity to practice speaking Danish. Learning a language should not be a chore, it's something we all do from birth, and grasping some Danish language will no doubt enrich your time in Denmark. So get out there and start speaking like a local!

AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGIST

SHORT TERM THERAPY AND COACHING

ARTHUR BUCHMAN M.A. ØSTERBROGADE 210, 5TH - 2100 COPENHAGEN Ø

CALL: 39 27 44 99 www.arthurbuchman.com

Studieskolen Tries to keep their classes small and issues on lots of written homework. www.studieskolen.dk Borgergade 12 · 1300 Cph K · Tel: 33 18 79 99

Sprogcenter - Hellerup Offers intensive courses and a combination of ordinary classes and flexible e-learning. www.sprogcenterhellerup.dk Bernstorffsvej 20 · 2900 Hellerup · Tel: 39 46 30 50

Sprogcenter IA Sets homework based on a CDRom programme. To complete the assignments, a computer can be loaned from IA. www.sprogcenter-ia.dk Hejrevej 26, 2.sal · 2400 Cph NV Tel: 38 88 32 33

Virksomhedsskolen Teaches many languages to Danes and foreigners, Danish included, and focuses on cross cultural communication. www.virksomhedsskolen.dk Vesterbrogade 37 · 1st floor · 1620 Cph V · Tel: 33 25 70 70

Berlitz Offers cultural consulting programmes to bridge cultural gaps for international business travellers and transferees on top of the language teaching. Take the free test on their website to find out what level and class will suit you. www.berlitz.dk Berlitz City Tel: 70 21 50 10 Belitz Lyngby Tel: 70 21 50 30 VoksenUddannelsescenter Frederiksberg Has a counseling office for foreigners, culture courses, and prepares you with an individual study plan for their morning, afternoon or evening classes. www.vuf.nu Falstersvej 3-5 2000 Frederiksberg CSOK Is prepared for highly educated foreigners and has an open door signing-up interview every Tuesday from14-16.30 www.csok.dk Norre Voldgade 94-96 · 1358 Cph K · Tel: 70 26 89 26

BLS - Business Language Services Specialises in providing language training to corporate clients and professional individuals. They offer tailor-made courses to suit individual needs in any language. Winner of the 2008 Gazelle Award from Børsen newspaper. www.bls.dk Nørrebrogade 183 · DK-2200 · Cph · Tel: 35 82 12 14 In addition to those more established schools, there are less pricy - and apparently interesting - ways of acquiring the language. Both the InterCultural Christian Centre (Tel. 35 36 65 35, e-mail: info@tvaerkulturelt-center.dk, or visit www. tvaerkultureltcenter.dk) and the Salvation Army offer courses free, or almost free of charge. Their morning classes are for women only, while those in the afternoon are open to everyone.

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TAKE AWAY & SHOPS

PUBS

ØSTERB

Parken

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CULTURE & SIGHTS

Tel: 35 38 78 00 - www.figarovinbar.dk

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Rugby - Cricket - AFL - NFL - Football BBC ITV - NASN - Setanta - Skysports Løngangsstræde 37 - 1468 Copenhagen K. 3 Tel: 33 11 09 39 www.southerncross.dk

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Happy hour daily 2-8PM 28 kr pints Aussie beers, sports & music LIVE ON THE BIG SCREEN

Blågårds Plads

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Southern Cross Pub

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Dronning Louise’s Bro

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Amagertorv 5. 1160 Copenhagen K. Pub +45 33 32 22 26

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Sunday jazz in April at 3pm • Thursdays from May 1 to September 20 at 7pm All Sundays from September 23 to December 9 at 3pm. Departure from Nyhavn. Boat trip approx. 2 hours.

r No

Triangle

Tivoli Concert Ha nsgad Tietge

DGI-byen

Post Da (Posta Dybbølsbro

S-Trains to Frederikssund / Høje Taastrup / Køge

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Next to Jorcks Passage on the walking street

Regional Trains to Kastrup Airport & Malmö

t torve Fiske

VIMMELSKAFFET 46 (STRØGET) Tel. 33 33 73 93

www.theirishrover .dk

7 days 10 am – 2 am

Bistrot Bacchus Winebar

TOURISM & SIGHTS

MUSEUM TIP

25-26 October Museum tip: Delicacies at the museums

Viktoriagade 8 b&c Kld - 1655 Cph V Tel: 33 22 67 97 -www.bacchusvinbar.dk

Enjoy our friendly service...

11 10 9

REMEMBER COPENHAGEN IS BEST SEEN FROM THE WATER

As well as some great exhibitions, the museums can also boast some award winning restaurants. Two great places to dine are Restaurant Noma in the North Atlantic House, which has been awarded two Michelin stars, and Café Hovedtelegrafen at the Post & Tele Museum in the city centre, which offers a spectacular view and great food. Read more at www.mik.dk.

Royal Stables and Coaches Museum

Slotsholmen, Cph city; Adm 20kr; Sat-Sun 14.00-16.00; Tel 3340 2677 Of course the prime attraction at the Royal Stables of Christiansborg Castle are the Queen’s stately and well groomed horses, but the building itself is an attraction, with its Tuscan marble columns by Danish architect Niels Eigtved, which, together with the remaining interior, date from 1740.

H.C. Ørstedsparken

Thorvaldsens Museum

B Nørre Voldgade, Cph City; Free adm; Open Daily Located on the banks of the old moats of the original walled city, HC Ørsteds Park is a little oasis in the heart of Copenhagen. In the daytime its hilly grass plains witness all kinds of activities, from sunbathing to ball games, while its staff-run, municipal playground is one of the best maintained in the city. In summer time, the park’s Hacienda café provides a mellow place.

C Bertil Thorvaldsens Plads 2, Cph City; Adm 20kr /10kr /under 18s free & to all on Wed; Open Tu Sun 10.00-17.00; Tel 3332 1532 The Thorvaldsen Museum is a must anyone interested in Denmark’s Gold Age (1800-1850), the collection of D ish sculptor Bertil Thorvaldsen (17 1844). Thorvaldsen was Denma leading sculptor of the era. An attr tion in itself, the building was inspi by Greek and Roman architecture.

PRACTICAL LOCAL INFO Emergency calls = 112 Cph Commune Information Tel 7080 7060 www.kk.dk WWW.CANALTOURS.COM

24-hour doctor / Lægevagt Tel 7013 0041 www.laegevagten.dk

Woco Official Tourist Info

Travel Connections / Metro & Bus & Trains www.rejseplanen.dk

Wonderful Copenhagen Tourist Information, Bernstorffsgade 1, Cph City; Open Mon-Fri 09.00-16.00, Sat 09.00-14.00; Tel 7022 2442

Lufthavnsboulevarden 6, Cph Kastrup; Tel 3231 3231

woco.dk

www.cph.dk

visitcopenhagen.dk

Copenhagen Airport / Kastrup

Taxi Companies Hovedstadens Taxi: 3877 7777 Amager Øbro Taxi: 3252 6473 Codan Taxi: 7025 2525 Taxi-Motor: 3295 9506 Taxa-Motor: 3810 1010

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THE COPENHAGEN POST 24-30 OCTOBER 2008

TOP HOTELS

BRO vnsg.

41 Strand Hotel ***

Livj æg erg ade

R ade iag ian t s i Kr

Kastellet

Krokod illegad e

Cinemateket Filmhuset

M øn te rg .

Hotel Kalvebod Brygge 5 DK-1560 Copenhagen V Tel +45 8833 9900 Fax +45 8833 9999

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St. G Ko rønning ng en en Skt. Pauls sg . Plads

Sølvg ade

Boltens Gothe 11 rsgade Gård 14

Langelinie Pavillion

Maritime Hotel ***

Frederi ciagad e

Peder Skramsgade 19 DK-1054 Copenhagen K 44 Tel +45 3313 4882

Quintus Bastion

Esplanaden 48

G Amalienborg (Royal Palace)

The Square ****

Charlotte A. Bastion

Am alie g.

Åbe nrå Hauser Plads

La nd em æ rk et

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Copenhagen Marriott *****

Den Lille Havfrue (The Little Mermaid) x

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ade

ade Øster Voldg

Statens Museum for Kunst (National Gallery)

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ips cruise sh

Kastelsvej Dag Ham mar Skjo lds A lle

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Havnegade 37 DK-1058 Copenhagen K Tel +45 3348 9900 Fax +45 3348 9901

S-Trains to Farum / Hillerød / Holte / Klampenborg

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CITY

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Sydhavnen

Institutions & official buildings

Islands Brygge metro

Main car traffic streets

metro M1 to Bella Center / Ørestad / Vestamager

This map of central Copenhagen shows what you need to know to call yourself a ‘Københavner’.

Map: Rebo & Fleurquin // human

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Frederiks Bastion Gam re Sto Ny Adel me Pile g. lM Rundetårnet stræ Holmen ønt 9 de (The Round Tower) Nyhav Nyhavn sg. Købm Kongens Nytorv n n e ns ager de . gade ronpri lga str sta de K 1 ke Det Kry i Herlu rga f Troll ade nn ste ade es gad nsg Nie Kongelige Ø g e Ka e nge lk ls H i o S e K r Teater e l e l i o m L de a mi St Gråbrødretorv g Strøget s (Royal Theatre) n g r g e (Grey Friars Square) sen b æde rv Hol Vor Frue Kirke Klo Nikolaj Kirke aardstr Helligånds sg. agerto Dyssen ste Ad (Copenhagen Cathedral) Ving e A2m Kirke Højbro rst 41 l m (Christiania Lake) r. 43 ira na de e plads kaftet de a a ls e d m a l 16 g K ga im se s ræ erg Strøget V 12 de Lak and en e rst ind 18 e Ba Str ad Sk 7 æde d olm dst l a e H eg L g Kn u y m n e Gammel v N F ab 52 str. Nationalbanken Ha Gam ro torv e Råd s . str d hu Holmens Kirke de reg sen . ga d e s l g Christiania a r a m ra Nytorv stræ Sn be orv eu ist ks de Th Mus gn eri Katt tr. C a s d p Børsen esu m en ag Fre n Ko unst M (Old Stock Exchange) r. det øget lst k Christiansborg e e Knippelsbro d d Bå nd n an 19 ga (Parliament) V47 ve ds rve La m e Fa gg an y r B A 3 ds s n e a i str d t Nationalmuseet s i r ga . h Rådhuset s 51 C u Det Kgl. Bibliotek 17 (National History Museum) h j ø Town Hall) T (The Royal Library) / . g Løvens s r lad ste Bastion Ve e D ards Pnd ad Ny g a o ns g e Dantes Plads ke am Christmas ng er Di Ko Ves H.C Ki Møllers Plads ter n lack .An Ny e r Vol B de Am Amagerbro metro Sø dga rse ns de ag Ny Carlsberg Bo er ule br Glyptoteket var all og d ad metro M2 to Lergravsparken de e Langebrogade Bern Politigården stor ffsg (Police HQ) ade Langebro anmark 42 al HQ) ge Bryg 49 e Amager ebod Boulevard gg Kalv Strøget - main pedestrian street ry B Njal s s g ade d Pedestrian areas & popular squares Kultorvet Rosengården

Rådhuspladsen 14 45 DK-1550 Copenhagen K Tel +45 3338 1200 Fax +45 3338 1201

Hebron Hotel ***

46 Helgolandsgade 4 DK-1653 Copenhagen V Tel +45 3331 6906 Fax. +45 3331 9067

Hotel Astoria ***

Banegårdspladsen 4 DK-1570 København V Tel +45 3342 9900 Fax +45 3342 9999

48 Hotel Twentyseven *** Løngangsstræde 27 DK-1468 Copenhagen K Tel +45 7027 5627 Fax +45 7027 9627

Comfort Hotel Esplanaden *** Bredgade 78 50 DK-1260 Copenhagen K Tel +45 3348 1000 Fax +45 3348 1066

Radisson Scandinavia ****

51 Amager Boulevard 70 DK-2300 Copenhagen S Tel +45 3396 5200 Fax +45 3396 5555

52 Hilton Cph Airport ***** Ellehammersvej 20 DK-2770 Copenhagen Kastrup

COOL DOWN AT The Black Diamond

Søren Kierkegaards Plads 1, Cph City, Mon-Fri 10.00-17.00, Sat 10.00-14.00, Tel 3347 4747 Viewed from Christianshavn, this building’s black granite dances in reflected sunlight during the day. Perhaps one of the most stunning buildings constructed in recent years, The Black Diamond (Den Sorte Diamant) is a bastion of learning and culture, housing reading rooms, a concert hall and archives.

Frederiksberg Have, Cph Frederiksberg; Free adm; Open daily; Tel 3392 6300 Frederiksberg Have is a stately, romantic park, elegantly designed with a lake and Chinese pagoda, with the large royal palace, Frederiksberg Slot, towering above the green on its impeccably mowed lawns. Along with the herons and the popular children’s playground, Frederiksberg Have has everything for a warm Copenhagen Sunday afternoon.

24-Hour Pharmacy

Bicycle Rental

Steno Apotek, Vesterbrogade 6C, Cph Vesterbro; Tel 33148266

Near Nørreport: Cykel Børsen, Gothersgade 157, City; Tel 3314 0717 www.cykelboersen.dk

www.stenoapotek.dk Denmark’s Official Information website www.denmark.dk

ABSOLUT ICEBAR COPENHAGEN

Frederiksberg Gardens

WE WELCOME YOU TO A WORLD OF ICE IN ONE OF COPENHAGEN’S COOLEST ATTRACTIONS. ABSOLUT ICEBAR COPENHAGEN LØNGANGSTRÆDE 27 1468 COPENHAGEN K BOOKINGS +45 7027 5627 ICEBAR@HOTEL27.DK

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Negotiating the pitfalls of the city’s property market By Patricia Drati Rønde Moving to Denmark has probably presented you with yet another dilemma: Buy or rent? An apartment or a house? We have investigated some of the options for you nitially, when you are considering whether to buy or to rent, you should take the following basic factors into account: EU citizens can buy property in Denmark as their main residence (helårsbolig) immediately. However, they cannot buy a summer house (this, despite the fact that Danes have no restrictions on buying summer residences abroad!) until they have lived here for five years. Non-EU citizens can only qualify to buy property, whether a main residence or a second home, after they have lived in Denmark for a minimum of five years. There are no restrictions for EU or non-EU citizens when it comes to renting.

How long will you stay? When looking for a property, the length of time you expect to remain in Denmark is critical. Even when renting, you should have a firm idea concerning your length of stay, because rental agreements vary depending on the duration of the tenancy. Traditionally, for those who have chosen Denmark as their permanent or long-term home, buying has been the best option: your life savings are invested in property, paying off your mortgage, you can do alterations to the house. You are ‘working off’ the fees accrued during the purchase. However, under current market conditions, unless money is of no concern to you at all, buying a property is probably inadvisable. This is equally true for houses, summer houses, condominium apartments (ejerlejligheder) and co-ops (andelsboliger). Buy? Forget it. The Danish property market boomed from 2001-2006, providing homeowners with substantial profits. But since 2006

prices have tumbled, up to 30 percent in some Copenhagen areas, and most experts agree that prices will go lower before they stabilise. Real estate agents are reporting a virtual standstill in sales, and although this might indicate a buyers' market, even the most incorrigibly optimistic are forecasting declines of at least another 5-10 percent over the next 12 months. A recent report from Handelsbanken predicted that by January 2009, 160,000 households are at risk of owing more on their homes than they paid when they purchased. 'Buying a home today is the same as buying immediate negative equity,' Copenhagen Post property expert Philip Shepherd tells us, 'You might just as well put your cash into an incinerator. Quite frankly my advice to prospective house purchasers at the moment is to simply forget it.' Shepherd suggests that you should put off buying a home and hang on to any money you might have available for a deposit for as long as possible. 'Rent instead, and keep your cash in the bank,' Shepherd says. 'You can earn interest of as much as 6 percent without any risk at all, because for the next two years all high-street bank deposits are covered by an unlimited government guarantee.' Rental contracts If you take Philip Shepherd's advice and decide to rent, there are three basic types of rental agreement available: Tidsbegrænset with a fixed end date. Fremleje where an existing tenant sublets an apartment for a maximum of 2 years. Ubegrænset which is permanent. As in most EU countries, Danish legislation governing residential lettings (lejeloven) gives the tenant many rights and it is legally quite difficult for a landlord to terminate a rental contract. Many of these fundamental rights override any special conditions in an agreement that may be unfavourable to the tenant, even if they have been agreed and signed for by the tenant in the rental contract. Although various forms of public rent-controlled housing

exist in Denmark, access to these is normally via a lengthy up to twenty year - waiting list. Therefore private rentals are the most common for foreigners. For private rentals, a rental contract is not mandatory but it is always a good idea to enter into a written agreement anyway. If the landlord will not enter into a rental contract, you should not hesitate to ask why. When subletting, on the other hand, it is mandatory in all cases for an agreement to be entered into in writing. Flexibility Do you think you might need to move out with short notice? Bear this in mind when looking for an apartment. With a rented apartment, you will normally have to pay at least three months rent in advance - as well as a deposit - and you will have to give three months notice when you decide to leave. Knowledge of the area Are you sure you know in which area you want to live? Town vs. city? Inner city or suburbs? Even though Copenhagen is small, each area has its own vibe and there is a distinct difference between living, for example, in Frederiksberg (very Danish, conservative and a bit stuffy) or in Nørrebro (multicultural, laid back and trendy), although these city districts are no more than a couple of miles apart. People often find that their plans change and after they have lived in the city long enough and they know it better, they discover their own preferred area where they want to live. But remember - moving is not cheap in Denmark. Tax status (for EU citizens) If against all advice you decide to buy, having a mortgage can give you significant tax deductions. However, if you are here on the 25 percent tax scheme, you will have forfeited all rights to deductions. If both partners have an income, putting the property in the name of the spouse not on the scheme could be the most advantageous - unless, of course you are planning a separation or

divorce during your stay! If you are here long term, it is worth checking out the financial implications of paying normal tax and enjoying the mortgage deductions versus being on a 25 percent tax scheme for three years (or 33 percent for five years) Budget With the current fall in house prices, there are an increasing number of rentals becoming available, particularly in new projects where the developers can't sell. This opens up the opportunity to live in a larger house or apartment than might previously have been affordable. Location With regards to location - the same criteria apply in Denmark as everywhere else: good access to public transport, in an area with many shops and cafés, well-kept, newly-renovated older properties, close to schools (particularly the international schools for the highend market) are the most popular. For the suburbs: childfriendly, easy commuter access, good neighbourhoods. 'In the Copenhagen area, the districts of Valby and Vanløse are getting more interesting. If you want something ultra-modern, Ørestaden or Sluseholmen, where most of the new developments are, could be an economical choice, although a lot of people feel these places lack soul,' Maria Osborne from Citilet, a Copenhagen firm specialising in short-term rentals explains. 'The old favourites, Østerbro, Frederiksberg and Hellerup/Gentofte are always safe, but usually cost a bit more. Because of the location of Copenhagen's international schools, Hellerup and Gentofte are especially favoured by expats. As many older buildings have no lifts, ideally you don't want to be too high up, but not too close to street noise either.' Generally Denmark's rental stock is mostly of a very high quality and allows tenants to do a great deal of personalisation - hanging up pictures, affixing furni-

Are you planning to buy a house like this? Experts advise to wait as prices are tipped go lower

ture to the walls, painting etc. Check with your landlord. Clause §11 in a standard rental contract lists all the special agreements - renovation, duration, rent increases - discussed specifically with the landlord. Make sure you know what is required when you move out - a complete repainting or just a good clean? Most local authorities have a huslejenævn - a kind of rental overview committee. For a small fee you can register a complaint, if you believe your rent or rent increase is unfair and the committee will undertake a review. The owner must abide by any subsequent ruling and cannot evict you. There are quite a few rules regarding what constitutes a fair rental contract, so it is worth getting some advice. If you want to complain, you must do so within a year of the increase or contract com-

mencement, in order to get your rent refunded if the committee finds in your favour. Only authorised estate agents are entitled to deal with purchasing and selling property on your behalf (relocation agents can't), although you are allowed to handle the legals and paperwork yourself. Relocation agents can help you find a rental property, and there are several local estate agencies that specialise in rentals. Most of these advertise in the national press, and of course, here in the Copenhagen Post. The best independent advice on the Danish property market in English is at www.workindenmark.dk, where you can find the appropriate terminology and an explanation of the markets. The author would like to thank Louise Langkjær from the relocation agency TEAM Relocation for her advice.

THE COPENHAGEN POST 24-30 OCTOBER 2008

FOCUS ON RELOCATION 2008

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A coffee a day helps the Danes work, rest and play By Kamilla Stoffregen Taking coffee away from the Danes would be ripping the heart out of an age-old tradition that keeps Danish society going, stronger even than what mjød did for the Vikings. Going strong, too, is the quality of coffee and how it's served in Copenhagen. 'll play it if I like it," says Christian to the three young Italian ladies visiting his record and coffee shop one Thursday morning in August. The conversation begins with one of the ladies complimenting the coffee. Which must mean something, as Italians are among the few customers Christian serves with a slight shake of his otherwise steady hand. Having complimented the coffee, the young Italian cautiously asks whether she and her friends may listen to one of the records in Christian's shop. Luckily their choice matches the coffee connoisseur's taste in music, and soon the funky film soundtrack from Quentin Tarantino's latest flick, Death Proof, fills the air. What does this episode

about Italians in a vinyl/coffee shop, selecting music that matches the shop owner's taste tell us about coffee culture in Copenhagen? When in Rome do as the Romans and do the same in Copenhagen! Coffee came to Denmark in the 1660s, at a time when beer and wine were the prime beverages. Replacing the brew of the day, "mjød" (an intoxicating concoction of water, honey and yeast), with the black fluid was at first unheard of. The majority swore against touching the stuff, but then the advantages of coffee over mjød surfaced. For example men were happy that their women now returned home sober from their many social visits, contrary to previously. Coffee came to stay and was world-widely enjoyed, especially after Brazil took on the coffee market, reducing the high price and thereby enabling a coffee culture to spread. In Denmark this meant coffee at all times, good, bad and in the meantime. There was church coffee, before and after funerals; coffee was enjoyed at births, also known as midwife coffee; people drank coffee at parties; and gradually every day was an occasion to drink coffee. Coffee became a safeguard against beer and wine: the indulgence that had broken many a home. During wartime and times of hardship, the import of coffee

became restricted and products that compensated for coffee were consumed instead. They tasted awful, yet some actually claimed to enjoy these products even more than real coffee. Coffee was an inseparable part of the Danish home, come what may - and taste as it may. Coffee became connected with workplaces as well, and today there isn't a workplace without a coffee-machine. A coffeemachine that is out of order spells trouble, because coffee at the office means more than the specific black liquid. It brings people together, while it's brewed, when it's fetched and while it's drunk, usually accompanied by a chat. Without coffee and the get-together culture that ensues, Danish society would be in trouble. That coffee has to taste, and match the taste of the coffee drinker - as opposed to war-time coffee or modern-day office coffee - shows the blossoming in recent decades of a Danish coffee culture which commands meticulously-produced coffee. One thing that hasn't changed, though, is coffee's evergreen quality of bringing people together. Make no mistake, Christian's "I'll play it if I like it" attitude displays his conscious and selective decision, which he most certainly appreciates from his customers too. No wonder he aims to serve coffee as in Rome.

Pick up or enjoy your next cup of coffee here: Sort Kaffe & Vinyl Skydebanegade 4 1709 Cph V Opening hours: weekdays 8-18 weekends 11-18 Estate Coffee Gammel Kongevej 1 1610 Cph V Opening hours: weekdays 8-22 weekends and holidays 10-22 Risteriet Studiestræde 36 1455 Cph K Opening hours: weekdays 8-18 Saturdays 10:30-14:30

Photo: Mikkel Bo Christian, the owner of Sort Kaffe & Vinyl, can serve you with the coffee as good as it gets

Riccos Kaffebar Studiestræde 24 -1455 Cph K Istedgade 119 - 1650 Cph V Stefansgade 15 - 2200 Cph N Opening hours: weekdays 8-17 Saturdays 11-16 Sundays 10-16 Sweet Treat Sankt Annæ Gade 3A 1416 Cph K Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 8-19, Fridays 8-20, Saturdays 10-18, Sundays 11-16 The Coffee Factory Gothersgade 21 1123 Cph K Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7:30-19, Saturdays 9-18, Sundays 12-17

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THE COPENHAGEN POST 24-30 OCTOBER 2008

Maria Gade, Sales and marketing Manager

Welcome home at Charlottehaven

Hotel Apartments | Conferences | Health Club | Café

Hotel apartments in Copenhagen For more freedom, privacy and spacious surroudings combined with 5 star facilities and service, check into our fully serviced apartments and enjoy Charlottehaven’s tranquil atmosphere in the centre of Copenhagen. All apartments are beautifully appointed in fully furnished luxury - carrying private balconies facing the city and the harbour. Please contact Maria Gade for reservation and more information at tel. (+45) 3527 1517. See the apartments and our other facilities like the Health Club, Café and the Conference Hall at www.charlottehaven.com

Welcome Home!! Hjørringgade 12C | DK-2100 København Ø |

Tel: +45 3527 1500 | info@charlottehaven.com

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A crash course for beginners in Danish idiosyncracies By Kamilla Stoffregen Proclaimed the world's happiest country by the World Values Survey, one would expect Denmark to be the land of the happy-go-lucky Danes ith economic power, tolerant social norms and a democratic political system, Denmark must be a happy nation. Commenting one of the myriad of studies showing Denmark to be the world's happiest place, Foreign Ministry political scientist Ronald Ingelhart concludes: 'The results clearly show that the happiest societies are those that allow people the freedom to choose how to live their lives." This lightness of being, enabling the freedom of choice in how to live life, shines through in many aspects of Danish society. In terms of service, whether a price is paid for it or not, asking Danes for or offering them help can be an interesting experience. For example, it shouldn't be taken for granted that the waitress on duty is at your service. When you request her to clear your table of the remains from the previous customers, the response you may get is that she'll clear your table when

she's doing her rounds, in other words when she is ready - not you. After all, she is a waitress out of her own free choice. Then there's the bicycle mechanic who may fix your punctured bike with a smile early on Tuesday morning while you wait and without being bribed, pressured or coaxed to do so. At this point you may be wondering about the gender of the journalist writing this article and thinking this may be relevant: after all a male bicycle mechanic would be more inclined, than a waitress, to be of service to a female customer. But speaking of gender and helpfulness, what's to be made of two female Danes who in a state of perplexity miss their elevator ride when a male foreigner queuing in front of them offers to let them in first? Offering Danes a "free ride" and letting them jump the queue all at once is too much to ask. Moreover, a foreign, male stranger showing politeness to female Danes is bound to awaken suspicion. The normal order of the Dane's day would be to stand in queue, male and female alike, not even questioning the notion of queuing at queue number machine in a bank/post office/pharmacy. Assuming that the Danes are the happiest in the world, where is the happy-go-lucky attitude to be found, if not in the every-

Photo: Mikkel Bo If there is one thing you cannot question about the Danes, it’s their humour

day Danish queue or service culture? Strolling, or preferably cycling, through Blågårdsgade street in Nørrebro gives a clear indication. This street brings together both the foreign and the national Danish (free) way of life. You'll find cafés, clothes shops, greengrocers, a bakery, eateries, a bicycle shop, a florist etc run and frequented by ethnic and

non-ethnic Danes in one big, spicy melting pot. About halfway down the street, set in bold black letters on an orange poster in the window, is the clear wording: FOREIGNERS, PLEASE DON'T LEAVE US ALONE WITH THE DANES. This sign has remained in the window untouched for years now, and surely indicates that if there's one thing you can't ques-

tion about the Danes, it's their humour. It takes some selfreflection and sense of humour to let this message bluntly reverberate and reveal characteristic Danish shyness towards things that are foreign. A question which has caused the rye bread to get stuck in the throats of some Danes is whether the Little Mermaid should be shipped off to Shang-

hai to be exhibited at the world exhibition, EXPO 2010. It's yet to be seen if the world will come to see the little Dane or if she'll go out to see the world in 2010. What would Hans Christian Andersen have said to such an atrocity? On a good, happygo-lucky day, he might have encouraged the venture and replied: "At rejse er at leve" "To travel is to live."

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Uncovering the secret of Danish cuisine By Patricia Drati Rønde You might not believe it, but Danish food is the best in Scandinavia - in fact, it's among the best in Europe he Michelin Guide considers Copenhagen the most exciting city in Scandinavia when it comes to dining. The city has this year won enough of the coveted Michelin stars to be among the top-ranking cities in Europe. The fact is that the restaurant standard in Denmark's capital has never been higher, hence ten of those famous stars. In most of the luxury restaurants you will be served Nordic cuisine in combination with flavours from all over the world, but what if you want to taste the traditional food? And what is Danish traditional food anyway? When I asked my husband to cook me a traditional Danish dish, he surprised me with something called Brændende Kærlighed, Burning Love. It consisted of fried onion and crispy bacon pieces served in their own fat and poured over mashed potatoes. It was good hangover food and we enjoyed eating it, but this dish would surely not impress any Michelin guide inspector. Further research showed me that probably the only truly Danish food, and also the favourite dish at lunchtime is the ubiquitous smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) - a national institution. Literally this means ‘bread and butter’, but there is, however, precious little bread involved. A little square piece of ryebread (Danish favourite) is covered with a variety of toppings, which the Danes love to stack up high as if it were the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The favourite combinations are roastbeef with horseradish, fried onions and pickles, blue cheese with radishes, liver paté with pickled beetroot or pickled herring and a hard-

boiled egg, capers and red onion. If you want to experience smørrebrød at its best, lunch is the right time to go out (don't get greedy, two pieces will fill you more than enough). It can be quite an experience, because normally every piece of smørrebrød is accompanied by a small snaps. Restaurant Ida Davidsen on St. Kongensgade specializes in Danish open sandwiches and offers practically everything. The menu is two metres long. For dinner, the Danes tend to keep farmers' hours: 18:30 is a common time for dining, although restaurants remain open much later. Many maincourse dishes might sound familiar, but they're prepared with a distinct flourish in Denmark - for example, lever med løg (liver and fried onion), bøf (beef, in a thousand different ways), lammesteg (roast lamb), or that old reliable staple, flæskesteg med rødkål (roast pork with red cabbage). Danish chefs are really noted for their fresh fish dishes. The tiny Danish shrimp, rejer, are splendid; herring and kippers are also greeted with much enthusiasm. Top-notch fish dishes include rodspætte (plaice), laks (salmon), makrel (mackerel), and kogt torsk (boiled cod). One of the Copenhagen restaurants that specialises in innovative Nordic cuisine with emphasis on fish and seafood is Noma (which has been voted one of the 50 best restaurants in the world). Noma is situated in an old refurbished warehouse in Christianshavn. Its chef René Redzepi has previously worked for the world-famous El Bulli. The food is smoked, salted and pickled according to time-honored Northern traditions. One course might include cereals, herbs and berries, vinegar and honey. It sounds rather like Viking cuisine, but that is not the case. The ingredients are wonderfully combined with langoustines, oysters and other topnotch delicacies, and this has

THE COPENHAGEN POST 24-30 OCTOBER 2008

All the food you’ll miss from home

Do you get cravings for a Marmite toast, a cup of PG tips tea, or a Cadbury finger? These days it is not so difficult to get these familiar goodies even here in Copenhagen was intrigued when a customer once came to ask me about Aunt Jemima Syrup. I didn't know what the lady was talking about,' says Rasmus Vejbæk, owner of the SuperBest store in Hellerup (Strandvejen 64). His shop is very close to Copenhagen International School, so it was only natural that more and more Britsh and American mothers started coming over, demanding the ingredients they needed for cooking dishes for their families. It was very fortunate that Vejbæk is a man of decision and he likes to respond to requests from his customers. You can now find more than 250 articles of UK or US origin in SuperBest Hellerup, and 50 new products are introduced every month. It is also possible to order a fresh turkey for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Funny enough, the above mentioned syrup became one of the bestsellers. Another shop that has a good stock of British and South African food can be found close to Copenhagen's main library. Abigail’s is on Peder Hvitfeld Stræde 17 and it will even deliver directly to your door once a month. Next door to them is an American food shop, which though in need of restock on much of its products can sometimes have what you need. For those fond of internet shopping there is w w w. f o o d f r o m h o m e . d k , which has a gigantic selection of 750 items and delivers to two different pick-up places in Copenhagen twice a month. Also the Asian shops in Nørrebro area are good when you are looking for pickles, chutney, curry powder or poppadoms.

made Noma one of the finest restaurants in Denmark. Some of the produce comes from Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Iceland, and you might taste seaweed as well as musk ox and deep-sea crabs. Generally speaking, the Danes are fond of meat and you will be presented with meat specialities on every possible occasion, some of them are definitelly worh sampling: frikadeller, the Danish meatballs (prepared in various ways); a Danish omelette with a rasher of bacon covered with chopped chives and served in a

skillet; and hakket bøf (Danish hamburger patties) topped with fried onions and coated with a rich brown gravy. It might all sound a bit heavy, but when cooked the right way, even the simplest of those dishes can be

a real delicacy. After all, the competition between chefs in Copenhagen right now is tremendous. They pace each other, and so they keep raising the standards. It would be a shame not to taste it.

Where to taste the traditional? Noma, Strandgade 93, tel. 3296 3297 www.noma.dk Ida Davidsen, St. Kongensgade 70, tel. 3391 3655, www.idadavidsen.dk Gammel Mønt, Gammel Mønt 41, tel. 3315 1060 Den Danske Kro, Nørre Farimagsgade 13, tel. 3311 1513 Nyhavns Faergekro, Nyhavn 5, tel. 3315 1588 Gammel Strand, Gammel Strand 42, tel. 3391 2121

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THE COPENHAGEN POST 24-30 OCTOBER 2008

COPENHAGEN - A COOL PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK

Copenhagen is one of the best cities in the world to live in, according to a number of international surveys. To many people that will be no surprise, taking into consideration the level of pollution, crime rates, minimal traffic congestion, a wide range of cultural events, green environs, the language capabilities of the population, good housing standards and extensive public service provision – all garnished by a friendly population. However, Copenhagen is also one of the best places in the world to work and do business. A working culture characterised by flat organisational structures, a tradition of teamwork, minimal red tape, a high degree of self-management and flexible working hours, together with attractive salary levels and an abundant supply of job opportunities, make Copenhagen an attractive place to work. Therefore we say: in Copenhagen, you can have both - a good job and an attractive, advanced lifestyle.

Copenhagen Capacity is the Danish Capital Region’s official inward investment agency. Copenhagen Capacity’s mission is to promote the region internationally with the aim of attracting and maintaining foreign companies. The services are open to all foreign-owned companies, and are confidential and free of charge.

Copenhagen Capacity Tel.: +45 33 22 02 22 Mail: info@copcap.com Web: www.copcap.com