Denmark - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

Culture Smart / Cultuur Bewust

by Mark Salmon

Mention Denmark and some people will think of marauding Vikings with horned helmets or one of Denmark’s more famous exports—Carlsberg beer—or the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen. But of the Danes themselves they may know very little. The Danes tend to be more relaxed and less formal than their fellow Scandinavians—and more independently minded. In fact, Denmark used to be referred to by its puritanical northern neighbors as “the loose woman to the south.” This book gives an insider’s perspective on Danish home, work, and social life, and on the Jantelov—the principles underpinning the traditional Scandinavian virtues of modesty, equality, and social cohesion, but which also warn against the dangers of individualism. This book offers many practical tips on travelers should conduct themselves in Denmark and what to expect in social situations. Readers will discover that, beneath their quiet northern reserve, the Danish people are friendly, fair-minded, civilized, and warm.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

168 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 2005

Reviews

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative without being overwhelming.

[Selina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was interesting and somewhat informative, but often repeated itself then offered contradicting information. For example, it says businessmen do not dress up for work because it indicate hierarchy, yet it later states that wear a suit. Overall, a few places were confusing, but a decent guide for heading that way!

[Marion Littman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful

[Frances · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting short guide to Danish culture and society, with some very useful practical tips.