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As an introverted Brit I absolutely love living in Denmark... True, the dark winters are not for the faint of heart. My Caribbean heritage weeps for me from November to April... Thankfully, I have a well-paying job, so taxes are not a huge concern for me. For those taxes I live in a country that is clean and nice, education is free, I don't have to worry about doctors' fees and the like... I've been living here since 1990. The only annoying thing is Danes automatically thinking I'm an American until I open my mouth and speak The King's English. I also speak fluent Danish.👍🏾 Learning Danish *_IS_* important if you're going to live here... I'm all about slow living and peaceful days. I love the laid back way of life here. 🇩🇰
Hi Allison, Thanks for the comment and reflections. I also like the laidback culture, and I agree - like most Danes I guess - that taxes are OK considering what you get in return. At least it shouldn't be an argument not to come here I think, but I understand if people feel otherwise.
Nice video Steven! I beg to differ on # 2. I've been living in Valby (from California) since 2012 (I married a Danish citizen). I was assured I wouldn't make Danish friends. I quickly met random people at cafes, shopping near home, etc. Some have turned into very close friends. I've met young couples from their curious and friendly children who've tried to get my attention. I would say the open and truly curious, welcoming nature even beats places I've lived between the SF Bay Area and Los Angeles. Of course, there are frustrations, but there are in every realm, and people are just human. One could say I had a foot in the door socially, as I plugged into work by playing with the Copenhagen Philharmonic, Copenhagen Soloists and many other groups. My husband is Bosnian, but has been here for over 20 years and is well regarded in his field as an academic. However, I will say that 90% of my friends here are native Danes, and not related to my or my husband's work. Good luck with your channel! I stumbled on it totally at random.
I moved from the Netherlands 8 years and a week ago, and I agree with your list. But I am all-in. I started with my bachelor in webdevelopment in Kolding, and now, even after a burn-out I finished my studies as Bygningsstruktør, and right now, due to lay downs work as a gardener. I have fallen in love with Denmark, and working hard on my citizenship. Jeg er lige nu i gang med trin 4 i Dansk, og mangler bagefter kun lige den borgerprøve. Så skulle jeg have muligheden til at blive Dansk Statsborger næeste år. For håbentlig.
As an expat who has lived in many places and speaks several languages, I would like to reply with a top 10 reasons to move to Denmark: 1. Growing up in Florida, people always ask me why I moved to Denmark. My answer is always “The weather”. This always gets a laugh. But after living here you really appreciate the weather when it is good, and when it is harsh you just need to dress properly, and it is spectacular to experience. There is soo much to do if you get your butt outside in all 4 seasons here in Denmark. Bathing all year round, long walks through nature all year round, boating all summer long, mushroom picking in the fall in the beautiful forests, gardening in the spring time and soo much more. 2. Yes, the Danes are very closed people and hard to get through to. But, when you do interact with them (and you need to go to them, because they will not come to you) you will get some of the most loyal friends you have ever had. I have never understood why someone moves to Denmark and whines about it. Your an expat, you have a citizenship elsewhere.....go back to your paradise. 3. The nature is similar throughout the country, and so is the nature in Florida, but it is beautiful. There are soo many things to go and see. This is an very old country. Go out and find some of the old burial sites, these are 2500 years older than the pyramids! 4. The cities are expensive, but no more than other cities in other countries. I am shocked at the prices in Florida when I go back. Denmark use to be 2-3 times more expensive, but now it is 1-1. But....now that I am living in the countryside in Denmark, I have pockets full of extra cash. I buy from the local farmers. All the produce and meats are unbelievably good. I pay a third of the price for my vegetables than I did at the supermarkets in Copenhagen, and they don´t taste like water. My property taxes are a quarter of what they are in Copenhagen, and I still own my house there, so I know. You can get a house for cash out in the country and fix it up yourself. Nothing for the bank to kill you with on interest. I think I will have paid my house 3 times over when I am done paying for it in Copenhagen. 5. I am guessing that this Dane has never filled out US taxes. 6. People moving to Denmark should support Denmark, it should not be the other way around. Everyone should do what they can to make where they live a better place. There are more benefits in place for newcomers than I would ever think there was. I can walk down and get an education, money to live on and full health benefits tomorrow. I could never do that in the USA. 7. Copenhagen is the new city in Europe for innovation for food. I am in the industry and sell my products throughout Europe. Copenhagen is in the spot light now. 8. Alright, alright....I agree 100% with the difficulty in language. It is damn hard, and the Danish humor is as dry as the Brits. 9. Has this Dane ever really looked into what is coming out of Denmark today? It is amazing. Companies come here because of the high level of education and the low corporate tax system. It is an amazing place for innovation. 10. Getting to know another culture is always rewarding. But I guess what he is saying is true, if you invest in something and you throw it out the window. If you have not learned from it, it could be a waste of your time.
Hi Bertel. Thank you for this thorough reply. It's always nice with some perspective from someone, who experienced moving and settling here! Thanks for taking the time.
thank you from the bottom of my heart from a Dane, I agree 100% we have so much good food in Denmark the quality is way better than in many places lots of fresh food, the best bread, lots of organic food, and sure if you don't live in a big city there are not a lot of choice in restaurants but in Copenhagen Århus and Odense you can get everything, some people who aren't danish love traditional Danish food, but then there are new Nordic that is among the best food in the world, people are actually visiting Denmark just for the food these days, they did not do that 20 years ago! I also agree about the nature, not only mountains or huge forests you can walk in for days are beautiful sometimes a few hours are enough it is for most people, and innovation Denmark is known for being easy for startups that said I agree on what he said about investments and the weather and darkness that is certainly not for everybody and a lot of people cant cope
I am also danish, and I love traveling to USA. I agree with OP that it has gotten ridiculously expensive in USA lately, everything used to be so cheap, especially food at McDonald’s. Within the last years, I have really come to appreciate my living here in Denmark. USA is a really amazing place, IF YOU HAVE MONEY. Being broke there is less funny.
@@jakeforrest That's also my experience living in California back in 2013. If you don't have money in the US, it can be a hard life. Example is not being able to afford a car. In that situation you are severely constraint in terms of experiencing the country. I was funded, so I had a blast. But life for the less fortunate are better in Denmark in my opinion.
Thank you! I Agree with you on all points with a little explanation here. I am a Danish citizen, and have lived here for more years than out. I absolutely ADORE the Danish language and Danish smørbrod! I have no problem reading, listening to Danish, but unfortunately I butcher the language when I open my mouth. We (ex) Americans are bad that way, Germans have no problem at all. Yes most Danes can speak English, but when a shopkeeper automatically switches over to English I stubbornly just continue in Danish. Also talking on the phone with, f.ex. the electric company,city,county authorities. Everywhere. I have made a few close Danish friends, we speak only Danish. My friends with English as first language and I speak of course together in English., but to switch to Danish if there should be a Dane present.You are right. Life here is a total commitment and has been for me from day one--knowing I will always be foreign. But that is ok. I love it here. :0) !
Hi Marti. Sounds great, and you probably also reap the benefits now of your stubborn language practice in terms of understanding 'what is really going on', what people chat about in lunch breaks, humor etc. 🙂 I think you are right that it's necessary to just stick to it and continue speaking Danish in conversations forcing the Danish counterpart to take it slow and listen - of course only when you yourself has achieved a certain Danish level.
Thank you! However, I Still butcher the language verbally. It really upsets some Danes . They say my Danish sounds like a movie cowboy :0), but I just laugh and stubbornly continue. That really upset some, others just are amused along with me. As you have pointed out, living in Demark is a life long investment and commitment.@@danishdream
singing make muscles better to coop with new positions. i see results imediatly, 5 min or so, do the older danish, 70 ish, kim larsen is a good one to listen 2. and like in other contries, every place/town has it own charme, but we are pretty "save" and thats why we are so........hm settlet, dont come and make waves, dull, very country side living and now with this all digital shit, we have no time to be curious. and no service interact with real pbl, no one takes responsebillity for anything anymore, but thats all over the globe.
very informative video, im new on your channel,i plan to move denmark as a health care professional(nurse)which city is best as a new commer, cheapest residence,near to language schools etc
Hi Abdulhakim. There are many smaller hospitals in the towns outside Copenhagen, Odense, and Aarhus. E.g. Ringsted og Nykøbing Falster. Those could be good. Also, they will provide you with the language training as far as I know.
The first picture is from Copenhagen and not typical for Denmark at all. We live all over in smaller towns and the landskape between is a lot of farming. We are many islands and fjords. Its very visible. By that we also has a lot small and bigger bridges added ferries here. The rest of the video is very well done and not a tourist cartoon + + +
Spare the hate. Copenhagen IS the capital city, after all. Major airlines fly in visitors in Kastrup. Deal with it as that picture won't change in our lifetime. .
This video is very accurate! I moved to Denmark for almost 4.5 years as a non-European expat (33 yo). Every experience is different, somehow not only in Denmark but also in other countries people are more curious about knowing more about specific nationalities and people with similar interests (for instance professionals with professionals, artists with artists etc., similar political inclinations, etc). I worked as an engineer with non-Danish command, it is an advantage compared to other non-English speaking countries. Unfortunately, 2 months ago, I moved out probably for some of the reasons you mentioned in the video and I will add 1 more: Migration policies. I wanted to start my own business as an entrepreneur and for that reason I came to Berlin, since Germany offers a much better integration and migration policy. Also, Getting Self-employment Visas is way easier. After watching your video, I realized that, probably I showed too much ambition part :D, great video! cheers Juan!!
Thanks a lot for the kind words, Juan. Actually, the immigration policies is a good one that I should have included as a reason not to move to Denmark. The part about the entrepreneurship is also interesting, as Denmark is also a small starter-market, and the angel investor capital market does work best for you if you have connections. I'll look into the legislation about starting companies for a future video 🙂
Very many Danes combine humility with pride in a way that may be difficult to handle for foreigners. On one hand we are very much aware of the smalness and vulnerability of our nation. On the other hand we are also aware of the quality level of our society. If you come from a big country and expect us to feel inferior, you may be in for a harsh awakening.
Fedt med lidt kontrast til alle de jubelglade, der hylder dansk kultur som det bedste i verden. Jeg er lidt overrasket over, at du ikke tog "Jantelovern" i din mund, men du klarede det egentlig ganske godt uden dét ... 🙂
Tak for kommentaren Jørgen. Jeg kommer nok til at lave en hel video om Janteloven. Den er jeg selv lidt skeptisk omkring, selvom det selvfølgelig er en ting. Men det skal nuanceres 🙂
Imagen if we gave all who came to our country the excact same right as a Dane, we would be out of money in month, Denmark would a free ride if we did that. U gotta understand we all carry our society together. Danish mentality.
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Wonder what the good reasons are for moving to Denmark? Then, check out this video: th-cam.com/video/PLqlp3Epq64/w-d-xo.html
As an introverted Brit I absolutely love living in Denmark...
True, the dark winters are not for the faint of heart. My Caribbean heritage weeps for me from November to April...
Thankfully, I have a well-paying job, so taxes are not a huge concern for me. For those taxes I live in a country that is clean and nice, education is free, I don't have to worry about doctors' fees and the like...
I've been living here since 1990. The only annoying thing is Danes automatically thinking I'm an American until I open my mouth and speak The King's English. I also speak fluent Danish.👍🏾 Learning Danish *_IS_* important if you're going to live here...
I'm all about slow living and peaceful days. I love the laid back way of life here. 🇩🇰
Hi Allison, Thanks for the comment and reflections. I also like the laidback culture, and I agree - like most Danes I guess - that taxes are OK considering what you get in return. At least it shouldn't be an argument not to come here I think, but I understand if people feel otherwise.
Nice video Steven! I beg to differ on # 2. I've been living in Valby (from California) since 2012 (I married a Danish citizen). I was assured I wouldn't make Danish friends. I quickly met random people at cafes, shopping near home, etc. Some have turned into very close friends. I've met young couples from their curious and friendly children who've tried to get my attention. I would say the open and truly curious, welcoming nature even beats places I've lived between the SF Bay Area and Los Angeles. Of course, there are frustrations, but there are in every realm, and people are just human. One could say I had a foot in the door socially, as I plugged into work by playing with the Copenhagen Philharmonic, Copenhagen Soloists and many other groups. My husband is Bosnian, but has been here for over 20 years and is well regarded in his field as an academic. However, I will say that 90% of my friends here are native Danes, and not related to my or my husband's work. Good luck with your channel! I stumbled on it totally at random.
Sounds great! I'm so happy that you had that good experience 🙂
I moved from the Netherlands 8 years and a week ago, and I agree with your list. But I am all-in. I started with my bachelor in webdevelopment in Kolding, and now, even after a burn-out I finished my studies as Bygningsstruktør, and right now, due to lay downs work as a gardener. I have fallen in love with Denmark, and working hard on my citizenship.
Jeg er lige nu i gang med trin 4 i Dansk, og mangler bagefter kun lige den borgerprøve. Så skulle jeg have muligheden til at blive Dansk Statsborger næeste år. For håbentlig.
Great personal story Mike. Thank you for sharing! I hope you get the citizenship and get back in the game in the construction business!
As an expat who has lived in many places and speaks several languages, I would like to reply with a top 10 reasons to move to Denmark:
1. Growing up in Florida, people always ask me why I moved to Denmark. My answer is always “The weather”. This always gets a laugh. But after living here you really appreciate the weather when it is good, and when it is harsh you just need to dress properly, and it is spectacular to experience. There is soo much to do if you get your butt outside in all 4 seasons here in Denmark. Bathing all year round, long walks through nature all year round, boating all summer long, mushroom picking in the fall in the beautiful forests, gardening in the spring time and soo much more.
2. Yes, the Danes are very closed people and hard to get through to. But, when you do interact with them (and you need to go to them, because they will not come to you) you will get some of the most loyal friends you have ever had. I have never understood why someone moves to Denmark and whines about it. Your an expat, you have a citizenship elsewhere.....go back to your paradise.
3. The nature is similar throughout the country, and so is the nature in Florida, but it is beautiful. There are soo many things to go and see. This is an very old country. Go out and find some of the old burial sites, these are 2500 years older than the pyramids!
4. The cities are expensive, but no more than other cities in other countries. I am shocked at the prices in Florida when I go back. Denmark use to be 2-3 times more expensive, but now it is 1-1. But....now that I am living in the countryside in Denmark, I have pockets full of extra cash. I buy from the local farmers. All the produce and meats are unbelievably good. I pay a third of the price for my vegetables than I did at the supermarkets in Copenhagen, and they don´t taste like water. My property taxes are a quarter of what they are in Copenhagen, and I still own my house there, so I know. You can get a house for cash out in the country and fix it up yourself. Nothing for the bank to kill you with on interest. I think I will have paid my house 3 times over when I am done paying for it in Copenhagen.
5. I am guessing that this Dane has never filled out US taxes.
6. People moving to Denmark should support Denmark, it should not be the other way around. Everyone should do what they can to make where they live a better place. There are more benefits in place for newcomers than I would ever think there was. I can walk down and get an education, money to live on and full health benefits tomorrow. I could never do that in the USA.
7. Copenhagen is the new city in Europe for innovation for food. I am in the industry and sell my products throughout Europe. Copenhagen is in the spot light now.
8. Alright, alright....I agree 100% with the difficulty in language. It is damn hard, and the Danish humor is as dry as the Brits.
9. Has this Dane ever really looked into what is coming out of Denmark today? It is amazing. Companies come here because of the high level of education and the low corporate tax system. It is an amazing place for innovation.
10. Getting to know another culture is always rewarding. But I guess what he is saying is true, if you invest in something and you throw it out the window. If you have not learned from it, it could be a waste of your time.
Hi Bertel. Thank you for this thorough reply. It's always nice with some perspective from someone, who experienced moving and settling here! Thanks for taking the time.
thank you from the bottom of my heart from a Dane, I agree 100% we have so much good food in Denmark the quality is way better than in many places lots of fresh food, the best bread, lots of organic food, and sure if you don't live in a big city there are not a lot of choice in restaurants but in Copenhagen Århus and Odense you can get everything, some people who aren't danish love traditional Danish food, but then there are new Nordic that is among the best food in the world, people are actually visiting Denmark just for the food these days, they did not do that 20 years ago! I also agree about the nature, not only mountains or huge forests you can walk in for days are beautiful sometimes a few hours are enough it is for most people, and innovation Denmark is known for being easy for startups that said I agree on what he said about investments and the weather and darkness that is certainly not for everybody and a lot of people cant cope
@@veronicajensen7690 Thanks a lot! :-)
I am also danish, and I love traveling to USA. I agree with OP that it has gotten ridiculously expensive in USA lately, everything used to be so cheap, especially food at McDonald’s.
Within the last years, I have really come to appreciate my living here in Denmark.
USA is a really amazing place, IF YOU HAVE MONEY. Being broke there is less funny.
@@jakeforrest That's also my experience living in California back in 2013. If you don't have money in the US, it can be a hard life. Example is not being able to afford a car. In that situation you are severely constraint in terms of experiencing the country. I was funded, so I had a blast. But life for the less fortunate are better in Denmark in my opinion.
Thank you! I Agree with you on all points with a little explanation here. I am a Danish citizen, and have lived here for more years than out. I absolutely ADORE the Danish language and Danish smørbrod! I have no problem reading, listening to Danish, but unfortunately I butcher the language when I open my mouth. We (ex) Americans are bad that way, Germans have no problem at all. Yes most Danes can speak English, but when a shopkeeper automatically switches over to English I stubbornly just continue in Danish. Also talking on the phone with, f.ex. the electric company,city,county authorities. Everywhere. I have made a few close Danish friends, we speak only Danish. My friends with English as first language and I speak of course together in English., but to switch to Danish if there should be a Dane present.You are right. Life here is a total commitment and has been for me from day one--knowing I will always be foreign. But that is ok. I love it here. :0) !
Hi Marti. Sounds great, and you probably also reap the benefits now of your stubborn language practice in terms of understanding 'what is really going on', what people chat about in lunch breaks, humor etc. 🙂
I think you are right that it's necessary to just stick to it and continue speaking Danish in conversations forcing the Danish counterpart to take it slow and listen - of course only when you yourself has achieved a certain Danish level.
Thank you! However, I Still butcher the language verbally. It really upsets some Danes . They say my Danish sounds like a movie cowboy :0), but I just laugh and stubbornly continue. That really upset some, others just are amused along with me. As you have pointed out, living in Demark is a life long investment and commitment.@@danishdream
singing make muscles better to coop with new positions.
i see results imediatly, 5 min or so, do the older danish, 70 ish, kim larsen is a good one to listen 2.
and like in other contries, every place/town has it own charme, but we are pretty "save" and thats why we are so........hm settlet, dont come and make waves, dull, very country side living and now with this all digital shit, we have no time to be curious.
and no service interact with real pbl, no one takes responsebillity for anything anymore, but thats all over the globe.
very informative video, im new on your channel,i plan to move denmark as a health care professional(nurse)which city is best as a new commer, cheapest residence,near to language schools etc
Hi Abdulhakim. There are many smaller hospitals in the towns outside Copenhagen, Odense, and Aarhus. E.g. Ringsted og Nykøbing Falster. Those could be good. Also, they will provide you with the language training as far as I know.
@@danishdream thanks sir guide me
The first picture is from Copenhagen and not typical for Denmark at all.
We live all over in smaller towns and the landskape between is a lot of farming. We are many islands and fjords. Its very visible. By that we also has a lot small and bigger bridges added ferries here.
The rest of the video is very well done and not a tourist cartoon + + +
Thank you, Jens 🙂
Spare the hate. Copenhagen IS the capital city, after all. Major airlines fly in visitors in Kastrup. Deal with it as that picture won't change in our lifetime.
.
This video is very accurate! I moved to Denmark for almost 4.5 years as a non-European expat (33 yo). Every experience is different, somehow not only in Denmark but also in other countries people are more curious about knowing more about specific nationalities and people with similar interests (for instance professionals with professionals, artists with artists etc., similar political inclinations, etc). I worked as an engineer with non-Danish command, it is an advantage compared to other non-English speaking countries. Unfortunately, 2 months ago, I moved out probably for some of the reasons you mentioned in the video and I will add 1 more: Migration policies. I wanted to start my own business as an entrepreneur and for that reason I came to Berlin, since Germany offers a much better integration and migration policy. Also, Getting Self-employment Visas is way easier. After watching your video, I realized that, probably I showed too much ambition part :D, great video! cheers Juan!!
Thanks a lot for the kind words, Juan.
Actually, the immigration policies is a good one that I should have included as a reason not to move to Denmark. The part about the entrepreneurship is also interesting, as Denmark is also a small starter-market, and the angel investor capital market does work best for you if you have connections. I'll look into the legislation about starting companies for a future video 🙂
Very many Danes combine humility with pride in a way that may be difficult to handle for foreigners. On one hand we are very much aware of the smalness and vulnerability of our nation. On the other hand we are also aware of the quality level of our society. If you come from a big country and expect us to feel inferior, you may be in for a harsh awakening.
Thanks for the comment! I agree, most Danes will be able to tell a foreigner, why Denmark is the best country in the world :-)
most of this describe zealand and not jutland. BUT most ppl that dont live in denmark wants to move to copenhagen so it is valid :)
Ugh if I could just snap my fingers and already be in Denmark 😂
Fedt med lidt kontrast til alle de jubelglade, der hylder dansk kultur som det bedste i verden. Jeg er lidt overrasket over, at du ikke tog "Jantelovern" i din mund, men du klarede det egentlig ganske godt uden dét ... 🙂
Tak for kommentaren Jørgen. Jeg kommer nok til at lave en hel video om Janteloven. Den er jeg selv lidt skeptisk omkring, selvom det selvfølgelig er en ting. Men det skal nuanceres 🙂
Imagen if we gave all who came to our country the excact same right as a Dane, we would be out of money in month, Denmark would a free ride if we did that. U gotta understand we all carry our society together. Danish mentality.
True. It's a very generous welfare state, and that makes it prone to exploitation.
No dont move to denmark, if you dont wanna learn our language.
You can get by, but it's not the full experience.
Dansk er ikke smukt? Hvad snakker du om, dansk/skandinavisk sprog er fyldt med føelser.... ❤
Hej Kenneth. Det var mere i forhold til det fonetiske, hvor dansk ikke er kendt for at lyde særlig pænt.
@@danishdream Kan vi til dels godt være enige om, det kan godt lyde harsk i nogles øre. 🤭👍
Sys bare personligt dansk er smukt. 🇩🇰
@@kennethDKmonberg Kunne du så ikke gøre dig lidt mere omhyggelig med dit skrevne sprog?