Global Travelers

• Denmark is an egalitarian society.
• Interestingly this is reflected in their language, which employs gender-neutral words.
• Most Danes are modest about their own accomplishments and are more concerned about the group than their own individual needs.
• Maternity and paternity leave provisions are particularly generous in Denmark.
• Men are more actively involved in child-rearing activities than in many countries, although the division of domestic chores is similar to other developed countries.

• Women are highly respected in business and generally receive equal pay and have access to senior positions.
• Working mothers can easily arrange flexible hours so that they can maintain both a career and a family.
• Danish women expect to be treated with respect in the office.

• Tipping is generally not expected in Denmark, due to a combination of good wages for service staff and laws that govern service billing.
• Laws in Denmark dictate that restaurant, hotel and taxi bills must include service charges and tips.
• As such, tipping is neither common, nor expected, in Denmark.
• However, if you feel that you would like to tip waiting staff, then a tip is always appreciated.
• The only exception, in reality, relates to taxis as most people round their bill up as a gesture of thanks.

Proper Public Behaviour

• Danes believe there is one proper way in which to act in any given circumstance.
• If someone is not following the rules, be they written or merely understood, someone will generally speak up and admonish them to obey the accepted protocol.
• They expect courteous behaviour from everyone.
• Talk in moderate tones and do not do anything to call attention to yourself.

Meeting Etiquette

• Greetings are casual, with a firm handshake, direct eye contact, and a smile.
• Shake hands and say good-bye individually when arriving or departing.
• Shake hands with women first.
• Danes tend to introduce themselves with their first names.

Dining Etiquette

If invited to a Danish home:

• Arrive on time. Danes are punctual in both business and social situations.
• Check to see if you should remove your shoes before entering the house.
• Contact the hostess ahead of time to see if she would like you to bring a dish.
• Offer to help the hostess with the preparation or clearing up after a meal is served.
• Danes enjoy showing off their homes since they have usually done the decorating themselves and are proud of their accomplishments. Therefore, they are happy when you ask for a tour of their house.
• Do not discuss business.

Watch your table manners!

• Wait to be told where to sit. There may be a seating plan.
• Table manners are Continental — hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
• Always keep your hands visible when eating. Keep your wrists resting on the edge of the table.
• Try everything.
• Expect to be offered second helpings. You may refuse without offending your hosts.
• Finish everything on your plate. Danes do not like wasting food.
• When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork across your plate with the tines facing up and the handles turned to the right.
• The man seated to the left of the hostess generally offers a toast of thanks during the dessert course.
• Do not begin eating until the host toasts with ‘Skol’.
• When toasting, raise your glass about eye level and make eye contact with the people seated closest to you.

• Danes believe there is one proper way in which to act in any given circumstance.
• If someone is not following the rules, be they written or merely understood, someone will generally speak up and admonish them to obey the accepted protocol.
• They expect courteous behaviour from everyone.
• Talk in moderate tones and do not do anything to call attention to yourself.