Have you heard that Denmark is the happiest place in the world to live? With an impressive reputation for a great work-life balance, this could be the perfect destination for your next move.
So, what is it like to live in Denmark? We take a look at everything you need to know about this Northern European country.
1. A large majority of Danes speak English
English is taught from a young age in Danish. Around 86% of the population speak fluent English as a result of this, so it’s not a problem if you’re not fluent in the Danish language.
However, Danish people are very proud of their culture, so you should always try to make an effort to speak Danish, even if it’s just a few phrases.
2. The cost of living in Denmark
The cost of living is quite high in Denmark compared to other countries in Western Europe, placing 5th out of 17. However, as bad as this sounds, the living expenses here are comparable to most other developed countries.
Income tax is quite high, but you can offset this with high salaries in most job categories in the country. The cost of living in the USA is reported to be 0.4% higher than living in Denmark overall, so although some things may cost more, the average is very similar.
3. Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world
The Danes are known for being a happy nation. Living in Demark seems to have many benefits when it comes to your outlook on life and mental health.
Denmark is a world leader in sustainability and urban design. The Danish government has a big focus on creating a safe and green society where people are brought together in a community. They have a low crime rate meaning people feel safe and happy as a result.
They are one of the most socially mobile societies due to the well-funded social services, healthcare, and free education.
4. Equality for all is a big deal
Community is really important in Denmark, meaning a strong focus on equality for everyone. In Denmark, men will get involved in childcare, and women will go out to work. The emphasis on equality for all is clear, even down to schools avoiding ranking children according to achievements.
They have some of the world’s lowest-income inequality and are proud of their flat management structure, which allows all employees a voice and emphasizes working collectively as a team where everyone is valued equally.
5. Taxes in Denmark are quite high
Danish taxes are high, around 45%. However, the money is used positively for the people of Denmark, and the high salaries make up for it. It gets put back into excellent healthcare services, including free medical treatment, and education is also free, even higher education.
You are also entitled to child allowance up to the time they turn 18. Money is also spent on maintaining a high level of public transport and well-maintained cycle paths and roads.
Parks and green areas are also a place you will see taxes well spent, so Danish people don’t resent the high taxation because they directly benefit from the way the money is spent.
6. Danes love their bikes
Danish people love to be outside, and so more than 50% of people will commute to work on a bike. They see cycling as a way of getting free exercise whilst being able to socialize at the same time. There are many well-maintained cycle paths even in the bigger cities. So if you are thinking of living in Denmark, make sure you get yourself a bike!
7. Free healthcare
Living in Denmark, you will be entitled to free healthcare – they have a comprehensive healthcare system. Although it is free to access healthcare, don’t forget you do pay for it out of your taxes.
8. LEGO is one of Denmark’s most important assets
The Lego Group’s global headquarters is situated in Billund, Denmark. Thousands of people are employed here and work tirelessly on innovation and product design. It was founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen and is still a family business at its heart.
Lego is now sold in over 130 countries, making it one of the most successful exports from Denmark. The word Lego comes from two Danish words leg and godt, which mean “play well” in English.
9. Denmark is one of the world’s flattest countries
Living in Denmark, you will notice that it is mostly flat. The terrain that was shaped by glaciers during the Ice Age has a few gently rolling hills but is mostly flat. This makes it perfect for all the cycling you will be doing there!
10. They have the cleanest tap water on record
You will find yourself enjoying better water from your tap than in a bottle! Amazingly, Denmark has the cleanest tap water on record.
Denmark has an Environmental Performance Index score of 82.5, making it the world’s cleanest and most environmentally friendly country. It scored a perfect 100 score for wastewater management, making its tap water incredibly clean.
11. Danish food and drink
Traditional Danish foods were created from whatever they could grow during the short summers, like in other Nordic countries. For example, root vegetables form an important part of Danish dishes, along with pork, fish, and rye bread.
The so-called “national dish of Denmark” combines all of these traditional ingredients. It is called stegt flaesk and comprises pieces of fried pork served with boiled potatoes and covered in a rich parsley sauce.
Another favorite, particularly for lunch, is the smorrebrod, which is an open sandwich – a slice of rye bread topped with eggs, pickled fish, cold meats, and pickles.
Finally, living in Denmark, you can enjoy a good beer with Carlsberg and Tuborg breweries based here.
12. Visas and permits
Depending on the reason for your move and your nationality, you may need an entry visa, residence permit, student visa, or work permit. Foreign nationals will need to apply for a visa which will allow them to stay in the country for up to three months.
You are not allowed to take paid work for this period and may be asked to show a return ticket and proof of finances for your stay. Any stay that lasts longer than three months needs a residency permit. More information can be found online.
13. Job opportunities for expats in Denmark
40% of the job opportunities in Denmark are government-provided, so you need to be aware that government jobs require you to be fluent in Danish. However, if you aren’t speaking Danish fluently when you move, you can still get a job in the technology or engineering sectors.
Most employers will want you to be able to agree to work for at least 2 to 3 years. The working culture in Denmark is markedly different from other countries in that the workplace is very much seen as a team.
There is a great work-life balance, and the average salary you can expect is around DKK40,600 ($6,144.54) per month. So for the perfect expat life in Denmark, do your research into the job market first and make sure you have a strong CV because many people are applying for the same jobs, around 50 per job!
14. Danish traditions and customs
Family values are very strong in Denmark. Children are raised to be very independent and self-sufficient. Manners and etiquette are important, too. For example, you don’t ask someone how much they earn or where they live. Privacy is also important. Most Danes are part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
15. The education system in Denmark
If you are going to be living in Denmark with your family, rest assured that the education system there is excellent. Schooling is slightly different from the US education system. You can freely enroll your children into what is called “peoples school” or folkeskole.
This is from the age of 6 to 16, and the great thing is Danish culture and language are widely taught in schools as a priority in helping your children understand the cultural differences and settle into their new home country.
There are international and private schools that tend to focus on teaching in English, making it easier for your children to settle in. There are wonderful opportunities to study at a Danish university too which amazingly is also free, the same as in most other Scandinavian countries.
16. Housing and accommodation in Denmark
Moving to Denmark, not only do you need to find work, but you also need to find accommodation. You may need proof of where you are going to stay when you fill out your visa application.
There are major cities you can choose to live in; however, you need to make sure you do some research first. For example, Copenhagen is one of the best cities for job opportunities, but it is the most expensive city to live in. Aarhus is the largest city in Denmark – maybe you’d like to base yourself in the city center here if you like the hustle and bustle.
17. Taxes are used well in Denmark
Taxes in Denmark are very high, but the money is used in a way that it comes back to you. You’ll enjoy a great healthcare system, free schooling, and the roads, towns, and parks are all well kept.
18. One of the most “free” countries in the world
Living in Denmark, you are entitled to healthcare and education, including university, for free. If you have a Danish passport, you can travel freely to almost 200 counties without a visa. Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are also protected by the constitution – that’s a lot of free things!
19. Danish weather
Denmark’s weather is quite mild and temperate, with the coldest month being February and the warmest being July. It rains all year round but is broken up with sunny days too.
20. The danish doesn’t really belong to Denmark
The beloved Danish pastry is actually from Austria originally. It is affectionately known as Viennese bread to the Danes.
21. Getting around in Denmark
There is a highly developed transport system in Denmark, including trains, buses, and trams. Getting around by bike is popular too. Even if you don’t drive, you’ll have no problem getting around when you move to Denmark!
FAQs
What is the work-life balance like in Denmark?
Denmark has the best work-life situation of all the countries surveyed in the OECD Better Life Report. In all other countries surveyed, the average number of people working long hours is 13% compared to Denmark’s 2%, which is a huge difference.
Danish people report that they spend a large portion of their day indulging in leisurely pursuits and eating, even taking the occasional afternoon nap. Danes put a high emphasis on prioritizing life over work.
Workplaces in Denmark tend to be more flexible, meaning people often have the option of working from home or choosing what time they start their working day.
Can you buy private health insurance in Denmark?
Denmark has a comprehensive healthcare system meaning the private sector is still quite small. You can purchase private health insurance to cover medical treatments not covered by the public healthcare system and also general dentistry and orthodontic treatments.
What is traditional Danish food?
Denmark’s traditional national dish is stegt flaesk. Translated, this means fried strip of pork belly. It is normally served with boiled potatoes and parsley béchamel sauce. Open sandwiches are also a classic and a favorite for lunches.
They consist of a slice of rye bread with various topping choices on top. These include roast beef, eggs, and pickled herring. A beloved institution in Denmark is the good old hot dog with the traditional red sausage.
The Danish also love a good pastry; however, the Danish pastry isn’t even from Denmark! Treats include Vienna bread and cinnamon snails.
What is the official currency of Denmark?
The official currency of Denmark is the Danish Krone.
Final Thoughts
Living in Denmark has many benefits, perhaps the most impressive is the work-life situation. With free healthcare and education and a rich and diverse culture, this could be the perfect destination for you and your family!
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