Denmark is one European country that may not be as popular as its peers but for those who already have hints perceive it as a great destination. Across the seas and over the mountains, so many people hope that they can just find an opportunity to come to Denmark, sit pretty and drink from its deep wells of goodies. This kind of people may pick issues with anyone who makes it appear as if Denmark is not a smooth sailing anyways. The word “survival” already gives a connotation that may conflict with the popular expectation of a country that ranks as number two happiest globally.

Denmark in brief

Located in the southern borders of Scandinavia, Denmark remains Europe’s access point to the Nordic region. The degree of safety and security is quite commendable with the registered low crime rates. Denmark exhibits the least levels of corruption globally with high degrees of social trust. Trust is not an issue in Denmark as the population greatly trusts one another as well as their government.

Denmark is for sure a special country with spectacular contemporary culture and ways of life. Danish are celebratorily affectionate and patriotic. Any Danish will for sure express a strong belief that their country is a small country but has done spectacularly well for itself. But who wouldn’t like their own culture and be proud of a place they have as a home? I love their expression of strong patriotism.

Survival in Denmark cannot be refuted with the fact that the country is considered the world’s best country to live in. Both business and life are splendid given the degree of safety that exists in the country. In terms of cleanliness, the environment, and the healthcare services, Denmark is undisputedly perfect with affordable housing and cost of living.

The challenges that come with Living in Denmark

But how is it possible that any foreigner or visitor is able to survive while staying in Denmark? Well, there are some things that every person struggles with. Talk of the administrative headaches in getting the right visa and the challenges that come with finding a place to live in. Not forgetting the high taxes by the government that would equally make it a headache for you to save enough money.

Living in Denmark

Of all the world’s most lovable places, Denmark is number one place to live in. Considering the high degree of income equality that is present in Denmark, the temptation to brace the gates of this lovely country is undeniable. For crying out loud Denmark is the second happiest country in the world.

Denmark creates a high sense of social and community responsibility with a social welfare model that works interestingly so well. Though informal, the Danes are quite relaxed and very ironic humans, cozy and will definitely make you feel at home.

The Danes are generally very appreciative of simple and small things in life. For a Dane, spending time with friends and family while at the same time focusing on balancing work and life is very important. The ‘Friday Bar’ enables employees to have a social space at work to finish off the week. This idea is an obvious explanation as one of the reasons why the Danes are always very happy people.

What shows that Denmark is an International Country?

Since the Danes are the best non-native English speakers globally, communication is often very easy. Even if you are not a Danish speaker you can still communicate easily as you find your way around. Hence, this attribute makes Denmark a very international country.

Another aspect is evident from the fact that Denmark is a home to various global companies. What this means is that opportunities for employment and study are open to the international community.

Standards of Living: Denmark

The standard of living in Denmark is above the European average. Looking at the situation in other countries, food, transport, and accommodation are relatively expensive here. However, salaries are relatively high with medical services being free of charge.

What you need in order to survive in Denmark

Of course, one may ask you about what you like about living in Denmark. A quick response will automatically be given with an insight on the pleasant, clean and peaceful nature present in Denmark. With the presence of a low-pressure environment, the Danish government services work so well.

There are however some very notable aspects that one needs to adjust to when they first move to Denmark. If any chance your mind is made up about relocating to Denmark, then here are three most important things you need to know.

Learning the Danish Language

Is it worth learning the Danish language? Yes, especially if you have plans of staying in Denmark for a couple of years. Danes start learning English from when they are 6 years old. By the time they are teens, they become very proficient in their English speaking. It is astonishing how they still prefer to speak Danish especially with friends and family.

Not being a Danish speaker will definitely make you the odd one out in any social space. Furthermore, not being able to speak Danish may limit your job prospects. Most jobs with the Danish government require you to be able to speak the national language. Danish is probably the most difficult language to learn but very necessary for one to be able to survive in Denmark.

Surviving the harsh winters and hot summers in Denmark

The classic Danish song, Danish summer, I love you – but you have disappointed me so often rings a bell. You may easily tell that the Danish weather may not be something that can be very easy to come by. Most Danes are frequently on the spot complaining about their own country’s weather which is normally rainy, gray, or perhaps cold. Sometimes you could be lucky to get some pleasant sun around April and September.

For a first timer, it tends to sting very deep with the long hours of darkness and few hours of day. Therefore, if you are thinking of moving to Denmark, then it is important to have a hobby or any other thing to keep you occupied during the winter nights.

Loneliness can be frustrating in Denmark

Danes are the most social, reliable, gentle, and friendly people once you get a chance to make friends. But making friends cannot be easy, particularly after university. Most Danish people build their lifelong friendships in their childhood and may not be looking to find any new ones in their adulthood. Therefore, most of them can appear very friendly professionally and not socially.

For this reason, any interest to make social friends and escape loneliness should be focused on other avenues. Joining social groups like running clubs and choral groups should be your number one consideration. Such groups are reportedly very common in Denmark.

Nonetheless, you may also beat loneliness by joining religious or political groups, voluntary programs, and community initiatives. From joining such activities, you may find luck with the Danes who may want to share and converse with you as you share initiatives.