Chill Danes vs. Uptight Americans

As I sit here in the Studenterhuset, or the Student House in english, enjoying my 20 kroner latte waiting for my next class 5 hours from now, I figured I had enough time to go on a little rant about Denmark versus America.

I have decided to study public health here in Denmark. While my major back home is business with a concentration in marketing, my minor is public health. If I really had things my way, I would be majoring in public health, but unfortunately my school does not offer that. My school also really only offered one class specifically geared towards public health, so I thought, Denmark is known for their fantastic universal health care system, why not study there instead? I have yet to regret this decision. The health care system in Denmark is fascinating, especially because it is the polar opposite of private health care in the U.S. I could entirely write in depth on everything I’ve learned so far about health care here, but I don’t want to bore you too much. Their health care isn’t the only thing different from the U.S., it’s also the people and their way of life. So now, just because I’ve had a burning desire to talk about this, I’m gonna go on a rant as to how and why Danes are so different in the best possible way.

I clearly remember the first time I noticed something that was a little off… I remember it so well because it pissed me off for a week. I have no idea why it got to me so much, but it just plain old annoyed me. I was sitting down on a bench after a concert next to this group of people, and the table was a little packed. One woman got up and I thought she was leaving for good so I scooted over a bit, happy for some extra room to spread out. Several minutes later the woman came back and instead of saying “excuse me, can I have my seat back” (or something along those lines), she actively nudged me and said “move.” Now, most Americans, like myself, would find this rude. Of course I happily would have moved if she had only asked, but that was not the case. I know this rant might sound pitiful, but it actually says a lot about Danes.

It was not until a couple weeks later when I was in my Danish 101 class that I found out that this was normal. Danes are not very social in public, unless they are with friends of course. But what I mean is that they don’t talk with other people when they are out and about on trains or buses or just walking around. They keep to themselves. After the initial annoyance with the bench incident, this nudging thing happened many times. I take the train to my classes in the city, and it’s usually pretty packed and quiet. If I’m sitting on the outside of a seat and the person next to me on the inside wants to get off at the next stop, they will start to noisily pack their things and make it obvious that they want me to move to let them get by. They will do almost anything to not talk to you. Now that I know this, I think it’s pretty funny, and I no longer consider it rude because that’s just the way things are here. Danes are quiet and modest in public, they are very conscientious about how their actions might effect other people. So, lesson #1, Danes don’t talk in public, so pay attention to social cues and don’t be offended when they do something you would consider impolite.

Also, just adding to the train atmosphere before I forget… If you get on the train, and you find yourself sitting in the quiet section, BE QUIET. I usually take the train alone so I have no reason to talk whatsoever, but there was one occasion when I noticed that the person sitting across from me was from DIS too, so of course I said hello. Bad decision. As soon as I uttered the words, “Hi! You’re part of DIS too?” Even though I said them relatively softly, every head in the compartment turned to look at me. Can you say, AWKWARD??? Needless to say, the conversation was very short. People use the quiet section of the train to do work, sleep, or just think in a calm environment. I’ve heard stories of other DIS students from the states going into the quiet sections of trains and actively getting kicked out for talking loudly. My Danish teacher even admitted that that might have been a bit harsh. But still, when in Denmark, do as the Danes do.

In one of my earlier posts noted that Denmark is known to be the happiest country in the world. I NOW KNOW WHY. I feel like I’ve unlocked Pandora’s box. Everything makes sense now! The only way to really sum it up is to say that money is NOT a factor here in Denmark. I don’t know how to write down everything, so I’m just going to make some lovely bullet points:

- Lesson #2: Education is FREE, and on top of that, people are PAID to be students *envy.* Going to college here is free because it is paid with taxes. And the state knows that students don’t have much time to work, so they even give them a monthly stipend of around 6,000 kroner, which is roughly $1,000. This system doesn’t put any pressure on Danes. It allows them to study what they want to study and when they want to do it. It’s not a big deal to take a year or two off and travel or work. This system also allows students to figure out what they want to become at whatever pace if comfortable for them. And boy do I envy that. In the states, it is socially acceptable to enter college right after high school. People can take a year off, but it’s rare. Danes wind up doing what makes them happy. Not to mention the fact that they don’t have thousands of dollars in loans looming over their heads when they leave college.

- Lesson #3: As I mentioned before, health care is also free. Doctor visits, surgery, emergency treatment, almost everything is taken care of by the state. The only downside may be waiting lists for treatment or doctor visits, but overall the health care in Denmark allows Danes the opportunity to stay healthy throughout their lives. Again, I could keep going but I don’t want to bore you =P

- Lesson #4: Danes are chill. They just are. Because money is not an issue, they don’t have much to worry about. They just have a good time. I have a theory for this. The drinking age in Denmark starts at 16, where they can purchase beer and other “light” alcoholic beverages. At the age of 18, they can buy hard liquor like vodka and aquavit. Because it’s legal for them to start drinking at an earlier age, they go out more. Because they start going out with their friends to bars and parties at such a young age, they learn to take of themselves earlier on. Families are very close and trusting, so parents allow their children to go out and have a good time, trusting their kids to make the right choices, and if they don’t, then they learn from it. Danes have to start making responsible choices for themselves at a young age, therefore making them more mature compared to Americans of the same age. I have met many Danes my own age at this point, and they all seem so advanced in maturity compared to myself. I always have to ask them how old they are because while they might seem 25 to me, they are actually only 20.

- Lesson #5: Danes don’t dwell on the little things. As you read earlier, I was instantly annoyed with the bench incident. If I were a true Dane, I would build a bridge and get over it. Biking is very popular here, so accidents are just bound to happen. People get cut off and bumped into, but what I’ve noticed is that the Danes look annoyed for a second, and then just get over it. They don’t really even say anything, they just keep going.

- I recently read an article on why Danes are so happy, and their main finding was because they don’t have high expectations. Lesson #7: Danes don’t expect or take more than they need. In America, people are always striving to make a lot of money so that they can have a comfortable or luxurious life style. Here in Denmark, people just aim for comfortable, and don’t worry about money so much because they know they can fall on the welfare system if they really have to. The average workweek is 37 hours, and they get 6 weeks of vacation. Think about that. Let that sink in. Kinda jealous?? Me too. They spend time with their family and friends, eating and drinking to their hearts content. And while the taxes here are ridiculously high, after what I’ve learned, it seems so worth it.

- Lesson #6: Danes love candles. There’s no explanation to this. They just do. It’s a very catchy trend, I’m now wondering why I never used candles before. They create a warm and cozy atmosphere, also known as “hygge” to the Danes.

Me lovin' the candles in the Studenterhuset.

I can't think of any other major differences for now, but if I do (and I'm sure I will) I will definitely mention it later on. Overall, I love the lifestyle of the danes. They are laid back and really try to do things that make them happy. The welfare system allows them to live comfortably, no matter how much money they make. If a Dane wants to do something, they can do it, they just have to want it.

Thanks for reading!

xoxo, 

Sarah