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.
This little, easy-to-read book will help Americans understand their Danish colleagues better. It is a companion volume to the author’s previous book, “Working with Americans: Tips for Danes.” If you’re an American who is about to do business in Denmark or with Danes, the Danish colleagues you will meet probably know a lot more about your country than you do about theirs. In fact, Americans often hear descriptions of Denmark that are not entirely correct. It is neither a socialist hellhole or a socialist paradise; instead, it’s a capitalist social welfare state, where voters have agreed to be taxed very highly in return for universal health care and tuition-free universities. Having the social welfare state as a backup influences the way Danes act in the workplace. Subordinates aren’t as dependent on their bosses as they are in some other cultures, so lower-level employees won’t perform a task just because the boss says so. Instead, they expect to be allowed to influence the assignment based on their own expertise, and carry it out independently without a lot of micromanagement. They may also jump over several levels of hierarchy to tell the top boss how they think the organization could operate more efficiently. One of the major differences between Danish business culture and US business culture is that Danes don’t need the kind of positive reinforcement that is common in the US. From their point of view, someone doing a job correctly requires no applause; comments are only necessary when something goes wrong. This can make Danes seem grumpy and negative to their American colleagues. This book will give you important insights into Danish business culture and Danish business etiquette and help you improve your interaction with your colleagues and counterparts in Denmark.
Looks at the social life, customs, and national characteristics of Sweden, including coverage of such topics as values, attitudes, religion, family, food, language, and social relationships.
Offers information to travelers on German culture and society, providing a brief history of the country, and covering values and attitudes, customs and traditions, the Germans at home, shopping, business dealings, and other topics.
Part reportage, part travelogue, this is a fascinating introduction to contemporary Danish culture for anyone who wants to know more about the happiest nation in the world. Denmark is the country of the moment. The motherland of Borgen and The Killing, it’s the runaway champion of Eurovision, and home to Noma, the world’s most eccentric restaurant. But though we wear their sweaters and read their thrillers, how much do we really know about the Danes themselves? Part reportage, part travelogue, How to be Danish fills in the gaps – an introduction to contemporary Danish culture that spans politics, television, food, architecture and design. Welcome to the happiest country in the world.
International bestseller As seen in The Wall Street Journal--from free play to cozy together time, discover the parenting secrets of the happiest people in the world What makes Denmark the happiest country in the world--and how do Danish parents raise happy, confident, successful kids, year after year? This upbeat and practical book presents six essential principles, which spell out P-A-R-E-N-T: Play is essential for development and well-being. Authenticity fosters trust and an "inner compass." Reframing helps kids cope with setbacks and look on the bright side. Empathy allows us to act with kindness toward others. No ultimatums means no power struggles, lines in the sand, or resentment. Togetherness is a way to celebrate family time, on special occasions and every day. The Danes call this hygge--and it's a fun, cozy way to foster closeness. Preparing meals together, playing favorite games, and sharing other family traditions are all hygge. (Cell phones, bickering, and complaining are not!) With illuminating examples and simple yet powerful advice, The Danish Way of Parenting will help parents from all walks of life raise the happiest, most well-adjusted kids in the world.
Danish cuisine has been in the gastronomic spotlight since Noma was voted the best restaurant in the world four times, starting in 2010. Noma is part of the New Nordic Cuisine movement, making use of fresh local ingredients to create variations on traditional food and drink. The average visitor to Denmark is not likely to eat at Noma reservations are almost impossible to get and prices are high even by Danish standards but there are countless opportunities throughout the country to enjoy traditional and New Nordic Danish dishes ranging from the world-renowned wienerbrod pastry to rye bread topped with pickled herring. This indispensable guide will educate you about the time-honored foods that form the cornerstone of New Nordic Cuisine, as well as the correct way to eat smorrebrod, how to order a hot dog from a polsevogn, and what Danish words you need to shop for fresh grontsager in an outdoor market. For a small country, Denmark is surprisingly rich in culinary traditions, many of which date back to Viking times and earlier. Join us for an entertaining, informative trip through the country, from Sjaelland to Jylland, sampling the full range of Danish national specialties. Eat Smart in Denmark connects menus and markets to geography, history, and regional pride. The easy-to-use guide includes these practical and fun features: "Tastes of Denmark" provides dozens of delicious recipes from chefs and other food experts to allow travelers and food lovers to re-create Danish specialties at home "Danish/English Menu Guide" demystifies food selection, equipping restaurant diners to order with confidence "Danish/English Food and Flavors Guide" provides a comprehensive list of foods, spices, kitchen terms, and more to assist in shopping and cooking in Denmark "Culinary History of Denmark" delves into the origins of ingredients and Danish dishes from pre-history to the present "Regional Danish Foods" explores local culture, specialty dishes, and holiday traditions "Helpful Phrases" provides phonetic translations of phrases essential to the "foodie" traveler. Winner, Best Culinary Travel Book in USA, Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, Gourmand International Finalist, Travel, IndieFab Book of the Year Awards "
Don't just see the sights—get to know the people. Germany powerhouse of Europe and pillar of the Eurozone feels reassuringly familiar. However, despite superficial appearances, this is a country that operates very differently from the USA and Britain. German history is more than a thousand years old and the relatively new German nation-state encompasses an astonishing variety of cultural and regional differences. German society is also in a state of flux, as people respond to immigration and a tough economic climate, and traditional attitudes such as formality and rigid protocol are softening as German business globalizes. Culture Smart! Germany sets out to show you how to be a good and sensitive guest. With chapters on core values and attitudes, and a practical business briefing, it is a valuable introduction to the German way of life. It tells you what treatment to expect, what pitfalls to avoid, and how to build rapport and credibility with this culturally rich and inventive people at the heart of Europe. Have a richer and more meaningful experience abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on history, values, attitudes, and traditions will help you to better understand your hosts, while tips on etiquette and communicating will help you to navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.
* NOW WITH A NEW CHAPTER * 'A hugely enjoyable romp through the pleasures and pitfalls of setting up home in a foreign land.'- Guardian Given the opportunity of a new life in rural Jutland, Helen Russell discovered a startling statistic: Denmark, land of long dark winters, cured herring, Lego and pastries, was the happiest place on earth. Keen to know their secrets, Helen gave herself a year to uncover the formula for Danish happiness. From childcare, education, food and interior design to SAD and taxes, The Year of Living Danishly records a funny, poignant journey, showing us what the Danes get right, what they get wrong, and how we might all live a little more Danishly ourselves. In this new edition, six years on Helen reveals how her life and family have changed, and explores how Denmark, too – or her understanding of it – has shifted. It's a messy and flawed place, she concludes – but can still be a model for a better way of living.
