Thanks for being so diplomatic, kind, and educated in your responses. I like the addressing of the viewer comments. I feel more YT'ers should do that. It's an important conversation.
Thank you, that’s always the tone we go for. We’ve never done a video like this but really saw way more discussion than typical on the first video and it seemed like a cool thing to continue the conversation and share some insights from people who took their time to leave them.
The sad truth is that most successful channels start out being very responsive to their subscribers. This does however attract more subscribers, and it's sadly impossible to interact with everyone when there's too many subscribers. It can be very overwhelming to even try with a portion of them. These guys are doing an amazing job so far though :)
@@dao6435 Oh, I look at the numbers. If they have a huge amount then I usually don't try to interact or leave a message. I may like the video, but that's about it.
Hi I’m a Dane and I really appreciate and enjoy these videos. It’s honestly amazing seeing Americans defending Denmark from American propaganda aka false rumors about Denmark. You guys speak the truth which is why you’re my favorite danish youtubers :)
I've never thought about how America and Denmark might have different views on what freedom means, and how in the US it might be more an individual freedom at the cost of the many and vice versa. Very good point and I feel like a lot of things about the US makes more sense to me now
In science theory, the terms "Negative Freedom" and "Positive Freedom" are used. Both terms are difficult to define, and their names are mysterious. See the names as "Minus" and "Plus", meaning "Subtract from" and "Add to", that give: "Freedom from" and "Freedom to" which, in my opinion, make far more sense. You can not have both at the same time.
Yeah, it’s definitely a different mindset in the states, and even in different regions around the country. Interesting to know there’s a science theory to this. Thanks for adding that Lars 😊
My grandmother came to visit a few weeks ago, and I had arranged with my brother -who's done the reverse of you guys, and moved to the states - for them to Facetime. My brother has three boys, only two of whom have met my grandmother (their great-grandmother) in person yet. One of the things she said after the video call, is how amazed she is at their total and open embrace of her, even the youngest who is yet to visit Denmark (thanks, Covid). My oldest nephew, when he came to Denmark and met his great-grandparents for the first time, ran right to them, happily calling "oldemor og oldefar!" giving them a hug. And as I told her, that openness is because they're American. 🙂
I really appreciate you guys and your videos. With comment number 3, I relate to y'all a lot, about how freedom is viewed different. I think also that here in america, the 70s serial killer craze has affected our trust in others (in my opinion). I also agree with comment four; it's unfortunate that we forget we are humans. Creatures that exist here together on this planet we call home! We can disagree, but still be able to talk to others and not be rude🥰🥰
Yeah, besides the basic freedoms, freedom is in the eye of the beholder I guess 🤔 It is weird how (talking as 80s babies) our parents raised us like kidnappers were behind every dark corner - also that we would someday fall down a well.
As per usual guys, a great video full of important information. I think I left a note with the video in question saying something to the effect of, ‘Oh boy, are you in for it now’ 😉 I wasn’t wrong but you both turned it into a learning for both Danes and Americans, making it into an opportunity to understand, if only in a small way, one another’s cultures. I think you guys are brilliant. Well done 👍🏻
You've spoken about the unwritten rules in Denmark a few times in your videos - curious to know more about what they are and how you've experienced them, maybe you could do a video about that? 🙂
@@RobeTrotting 😍Oh, and another idea 😌 Could you elaborate more on the differences between Danish and American English? I remember you touched on that briefly in another video. Really interested in some more examples on how Danes use English differently than Americans (and other natives, I guess) 🙂
Spot on and nuanced as always. Americans welcome strangers in a more obvious way. Religion is no-go in Scandinavia. Political argumentation is no-go in the US. Etc. The world is nuanced. Unfortunately, fortunately
@@RobeTrotting honestly I think we just don't have the same strong belief as in the states.. I've never seen anyone do grace before eating, or do anything ceremonial like that.. I don't think we even have confession rooms in denmark, atleast not in the churches I've visited, but I've only visited them for visual value anyways :) It's not a private matter for me, I don't believe in god :)
@@Vradica Hej Jesper, if I'm right then having no confession rooms in churches in Denmark hasn't to do with not beliving so strong, it's more because in the protestant lutheran churches there are no confession rooms. This seems to be a catholic thing. Here in Germany you can see that more prominent. Only in catholic churches you will find those rooms. Since in Denmark only about 45.000 people are catholic (according to Wikipedia) it is less then 1%.
@@VradicaHeller ikke mig, men det er hvad jeg har set i de forskellige kirker jeg har set som tourist. Og hvad jeg oplever med min kones familie, som er fra Sydtyskland....
I love how you ignored the comment on screen with the word "buffoon" in it... There's a big difference between being direct and being needlessly rude. Among people who cherish directness flat out ignoring someone is harsh punishment :P Also Derek: I absolutely LOVE your t-shirt! :D
Katyaaa! ... That is all. Ok almost, thank you for giving your opinion on my comment, I thought your general take on the comments section was interesting and it could definitely be fun to see more of in the future :)
@@RobeTrotting Haha, well, their videos are fantastic so I do get that XD Several UNHhhh are on my favourite episodes of all times. Heres to hoping that Katya will be a big part of Trixis new show.
When I lived and worked in Canada I was the only American in my office and I would very often have to listen to people giving critical reviews of certain American things happening in the news. It was as if they felt I had a direct line to the White House and could sort out their complaint. Still I definitely agree with you on your original video and on what you had to say here. Living abroad is a great experience. I wish everyone could do it.
Love the facial hair, Derek! You've always been a couple of handsome guys, of course - but you just went from Will Riker in TNG season 1 to Will Riker in TNG season 2 😁
Good idea, to go back and review the reviews! Love the new 'scruff' Derek, looks great! I have experienced the US welcome wagon, it's a bit overwhelming! 😱 Must say, I prefer the, 'do it yourself/myself' route and have seen things off the beaten path, that I definately preferred, to the American Way of Life tour (even though it was meant, in the best possible way)🙄 I probably came off as an impudent, bad-mannered, isolationist, saying, 'No thank you, about 50 times or That's not necessary or I have made other plans even, I think, I'll stay in today...etc' all answers seemed a very difficult concept to outward-going US colleagues 😵😖 hello from Hundested 🌸 ❄
Thanks so much 🧔♂️ It’s funny how we never realized the way that we can come on too strong, even with the best intentions. There are definitely times when we don’t want to take “no” for an answer and try to playfully peer pressure friends and even new acquaintances. We even feel overwhelmed when we return to the states now, so it’s definitely something that takes getting used to.
It does also happens in Denmark but to a lesser degree I'm an extreme introvert and I have tried it in Denmark. Please learn to understand that staying at home watching TV or reading is for filling to some and going out to eat or dance can take weeks to getting over.
@@kurtchristensen1699 I do understand, which is why I make apologetic excuses, to have time to myself. Work impressions, spare time impressions and social impressions, can be more than overwhelming!
I think a lot of the relationship stuff, especially new ones or the new colleague type are somewhat rooted in Janteloven. In the sense of "don't try to make yourself interesting" - which works for both the inviting people out or showing them around, as you say, we're imposing ourselves on their time and filling it with *us* - or performing to keep them entertained; too thirsty for the Danish soul lol. We'd maybe suggest Tivoli but buggered if we'd take them.. They'd gravitate to us and miss out on all the other interactions that they rushed through to "not ignore" us. Or maybe it's just my adhd that over-thinks it lol but the smaller the group, the more in the moment we seem to be, the more we recall without needing to look at pictures or videos on our mobiles.
Thank you for another thoughtful video... really enjoy hearing your fair-minded cultural insights. The "Wall" eye candy doesn't hurt either. Have a great weekend, D & M.
We don't see the average American on tv .. i understand and is aware that. Most people outside Denmark think Copenhagen it the way things are in Denmark ... but it's so much more. ;o) You two guys are very good ambassadors for the US. And when i was in the US back in the days i experienced that getting out of the tourist-hot-zones that's where you meet the average Americans - kind and open people.
Yes, very good analogy - it’s the same kind of thing. Plus no one on FRIENDS could have afforded those apartments in their twenties and people need to know that 😂
I love you guys! You are always making my day even currently where i am in isolation due to CoVid! And Mike next time i stumble across you i will come and say hi! Last time i saw you, you got on the same "S-Tog" as i was on i just had to much school work (Life as a person in last year in "Folkeskole" aka. elementary school) to come and say hello.
I’m sorry that this question is a bit off topic but I’m curious if you guys get a lot of requests to meet up from other Americans living in Denmark? And would you/do you actually meet up with any of them? Love your videos. Keep them coming. 😊
Have you seen Traveling Youngs video where they compare taxes? It is really good and easy to follow. Not to promote another youtuber but I remember you have mentioned them yourselves in the past
Yeah, they explain it so well. I wish more Americans would watch and digest that haha. The Youngs are great people, have been super supportive of us and have become good friends. We are always happy to promote them 😊
Hey :) I loved your point Mike about Danes not being as open and inviting as Americans because we also think kind of self-deprecating “why would you want to hang out with me for your limited time in Denmark”. I actually think if you mentioned in a meeting that you would love to met some Danes or have company or guidence navigating danish tourist spots or even just grap a beer or coffee after work - i really think Danes would be happy to do that.
Thanks Nina :) it took me a little while to learn that, and Derek especially still struggles with feeling like the initiative to hang out isn’t always balanced - but it’s really a very micro-trait of the culture. We could probably make a video on just that topic and how it can be a silly culture clash for some new arrivals in Denmark (especially Americans who are so eager to connect and meet up again, almost from the introduction haha).
@@RobeTrottingI really hate that for Derek. Especially since if he had studiet in Denmark he seems like he would proberly be one of those peolpe who had lots of friends in Denmark. You know kind of the one you feel like he knows everyone. And yes it could be a great topic.
Regarding the social aspect, I agree, though the term I usually use is acquaintances, (bekendte), and even then people usually become offended here. I just find it shallow to call someone a friend if I just met them, and 100% sure on that I can't be there for them when they need me and vice versa. For the 3 people I consider friends, I would turn every stone in the world to help them, the rest is people I just can't give them that guarantee.
Carlsberg LOL, love that very true comment :-) I was thinking about that thing, with a new co-worker or friend, and introducing them to your friends/family. I feel its a big responsibility, just like helping someone getting a job, where you work. If the person you dont know yet, behaves badly, its on ME. Its my fault, ruining other peoples day/evening, if I bring the wrong one... And sometimes even Carlsberg, can make everything worse :-D
I need to write more controversial comments to get into one of these videos 😅 That Guy speaking about how well Americans treated him when he Worked there and how they didnt do it when they came to Denmark.. that Guy should be the change he wants to see.. "i was surprised how WE treated Them".. he had every chance to take the Americans out for sightseeing or dinner.. if you get surprised by how you yourself treat others.. be the change you want to see. I really am amazed by that approach, sitting back not doing anything and then more or less complain about how you didnt do anything, when you could have changed it, dont blame other people if you are part of the same group that didnt do anything when you could have and should have, i just find it both sad and funny.. sorry. 🙂
Good point, sometimes it’s hard to notice those things in the moment - but you’re right about being the change! 😊 And we love your comments, we’ll have to do this type again and add yours haha
Thank you 😊 I didn’t plan to grow it and wasn’t even sure if I was “growing a beard” because I just let it go for a week or so - but then today I held the electric razor in my hand and had to pick “shave or trim” and I trimmed it. So I guess I’ve officially started growing a beard 😂
It is not the extremly religious people that stand out to me. They are every where. It is the fact that if a person does not stand by certain religious values, then it is a thing about them. And the fact that each chamber have a chaplain who is responsible for leading each days proceding with a prayer. It blew my mind the first time I saw that.
Most (adult) Danes are horrible at making new friends haha. I´ve thought about it often, after I moved from inner Østerbro in Cph. to a northern part of Odense, Fyn. When we are settled with kids, house and whatnot, it seems like life is just about work, family, sleep and maybe a hobby in the weekends if you're lucky. It´s not just frustrating for foreigners, it does hit our self pretty hard, if we ever move to another part of the country :D
About the medical stuff. I have a friend. Born and raised Texan, now lives in Oklahoma. Recently he's had some stomach issues he thinks are related to a pre-existing condition. He's in a position where he can't get insured, so anything medical is out of pocket. Just to be looked at, and figure out what's wrong, is $7.000, that he's not likely to be able to accumulate. About a decade ago he broke his collar bone. Last i heard he's still paying that off, and will be for the rest of his life. Now my understanding is, his situation isn't all that uncommon, that it's part of everyday life that people don't get treatable illnesses treated because, where would they get the money?
Does your friend work or have a high-paying job in Oklahoma? If he's unemployed or has a low-paying job or is low-income he might qualify for Oklahoma's Medicaid program, which was expanded only a year ago by Oklahoma voters under the "Obamacare" program. Obamacare is America's first tiny steps towards socialized/"almost free" health care. It's not as generous as most European health care schemes but it's an attempt to make health care more affordable for everyone in the US. About 40 of the states now have Obamacare, but Texas is one of the 10 hold-out states that refuses to accept federal funding for Obamacare. (BTW, I'm American and I used to be a state social worker who processed applications for the Medicaid health care program.)
On comment 3. Don't worry so much about it. In Denmark we have "Frisind". A word that doesn't really exist in english, but keep us free from making things controversial and abrasive.
I feel like the social clash between Americans and Danes, also just comes down to what you're used to. I'm fairly positive I wouldn't come off as open and inviting as an American to a stranger, but that most likely wouldn't be because of that person. Besides being really shy (😆), I wouldn't want to come on too strong by making plans or inviting them to my home, cos I wouldn't want to pressure them into doing something they don't wanna do. Maybe they don't have the time or they don't really want to come to my home, so it just feels more comfortable taking it slow and letting the friendship build from there if we're both showing an interest in staying connected and actually being friends. Personally I'm just very aware of not pressuring people to be a part of my life or making me a part of theirs 🤷 I will however say it would be nice to offer to take people who are new to the country out and show them around, which I think lots of Danes would do. Not all, but plenty of us are absolutely hospitable 😆
While I do acknowledge your comment to Danish closed-mindedness being partly due to a language barrier I would kinda think it's not. At least I know that I experience that same tightness and reservedness even though I'm well above decent in Danish (it's my native tongue and has been so for 40 years+) When you don't have you childhood friends, making new friends and/or close acquaintances as an adult can be quite difficult - and your workplace rarely change that
I think, in Denmark your religion is private - sort of like your sex life. In the US people I don't know that well will ask me about my religion. And look at me weird if I tell them I don't have any. "But who guides you?", one woman asked. This was in Oregon. ETA: ROFLOL - I replied before I saw the last part of the video. I need to find my own comment and read the sub-comments :)
I was thinking about the 5th comment. And it occured to me, that the way i see it is - Danes have a hard time trusting people they don't know. That is not something that's given, it has to be earned. You have to prove yourself worthy. And it has nothing to do with nationality. Even between danes, when moving to a new city and meeting new people, that can be kinda hard. - Where as it seems to me, from a Danes view point, that Americans welcome newcomers quickly, so they can gauge that persons values, especially politically... And if they don't align with that persons values, they get - at best - avoided. (Short term friendship, like you phrased it Mike). Or at worst - They will instantly see you as an "enemy" or someone to target. - Maybe in a sense, trust is either given more quickly, based on if the values align, or pushed away faster, if they don't... - Personally - That would make more sense, in why the left and right have such a hard time talking, in the States... But that's just my oppinion... Great video though. Love learning new things... I do plan to move to the States myself, within the comming year, to be with my girlfriend... Though i'm not sure of how to go about it ?? Oh well, Odin will light my path... (Yea, Pagan here... lol)
Really smart analysis Jesper, that makes a lot of sense and I think you’re right. Americans are quick to make a snap judgement and they have a very “innocent until proven guilty” approach to friendship. Maybe “friend until proven otherwise” and that could quick be because of a red baseball hat or a disparaging or “overly woke” comment - and at that point it may not be aggressive confrontation but polite avoidance and no more invitations or warm greetings. Good luck with the move, Odin will guide you! Hit us up if we can offer any help or advice, especially if you’re relocating to the northeast.
@@RobeTrotting My girl lives in NY, so that's where i'm headed. But i am on disability pension, and i've not really been able to find a lot of info online, how someone on Disability, in Denmark, moves to the states to live with their blue collar sweetheart. I don't even know if i should only move there, to live there, and remain a Danish citizen living abroad, or actually become a US citizen. There's a lot of unknowns, and i am a huge worrier, especially in face of unknowns... We met a couple weeks before the pandemic started, online, and hit it of right away. And we've been speaking daily ever since... The love is there, without a doubt... But it's hard to navigate the intriquesies of immigration laws, Danish and US... But i think so far, i have to start with a visit stateside... Most likely 6 months at first, and not over committing... She has been here, last october, and visited me for a week, so it's only fair i "return the favor" :P In terms of the "freedom" part of your video... I think, honestly, that we all have forgotten the true meaning of freedom, and we have our own understanding of it... Freedom is an illusion now a days, and i think that's because we're to focused fighting each other left vs right.. Democrats vs republicans... Instead of the right way, which is up vs down... There is 95% vs 5%, and STILL the top 5% wins every time, because they use the medias to spread propaganda that we need to fight our neighbors... Hence, the "freedom is an illusion" thought... Thanks for the reply. It's nice to receive some positive feedback...
Awww 🥰 thank you so much Jade. I have dropped a few kgs but still have a few more to go, but some healthier habits and being more active are the main goal 😊
LOL. The Queens last words on New Years Eve is - ALWAYS - "Gud bevare Danmark" (God Bless Denmark) 😊. Totally agree with your points about Freedom, and how they "differ" from culture to culture. As always.., good, informative and educational VLOG. I give it ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5. Always leave room for improvements 🤣 ).
Always need room to improve 😊 glad you enjoyed it. And yeah, I guess Gud Bevar Danmark is a bit like God Bless America - it’s not really in a religious tone but more of a tradition.
@@testofplaces Ja ja, Flueknepper 🤣 ! Hvad enten det er det ene eller andet, så er "Gud"" nævnt 😊 ! Håber at du kan tåle lidt drilleri 😉 ? Men i øvrigt har du ret..., "Preserve" er nok mere korrekt 😊, selvom det lyder lidt som noget man konserverer, i en dåse 😆 ! God Weekend !!
Hard to compare a country of 300,000,000+ inhabitants with one of a few million. A more apt comparison might be Denmark with North Dakota. ND has a small population, with a huge percentage of Scandinavian descent.
We have a love hate relation with the US here in Denmark. We love to point out all the thing things wrong with America. At the same time we love everything coming from america: Music, movies, food ect.
Hopefully people will soon realize that God has no religion, but if God had a religion it would be quite simple expressed by the Greek word "αγάπη" Edgar Cayce explained it so well when he said that it is all based on the law of love and the the karmic principle
The question is: Are Americans outgoing and welcoming because it is about you (being the newbie) or is it about them (as everything else within their society) ?
I think it’s generally to show you a good time. To me, even being here for some years now, keeping to yourself is more “about yourself” than engaging with people.
There's no doubt that Americans does the whole Welcome to our country, come and have a barbecue tomorrow.. Deal way better than Danes. But I do believe it can happen. Its not impossible here.. We might take a day ir two longer to make plans like that. But it can happen. I have personally been invited to stuff since i was 10 or so. Invited in in the Lake District in England by a family that found it insane that my mum was hitchhiking around UK at all hours. So came in around 8pm for later supper. Got taken in by a spanish family that had a giant party going on for days. I was hanging out with some English speaking guys from the basque country, at around 13 years old. My mum was in Bilbao at the time. So me and these 20 year olds had planted our tent in the mountains right outside thier moutain house without seeing anything. Got woken up at night and came in to a lot of food and music. Meat was haging down from the ceiling and whine was served in goatskin things. They looked like a bagpipe i remember. Went back to sleep a few hours later, but got up and joined in around noon again. This lasted all day so it was quite an adventure that my mum missed out on as she was far away from the village we was in. Also hang out with alot of spanish girls and went around the different villages and saw a turkey farm, and a mansion owned by the family of the two sisters i was hanging out with. Also met anither girl that lived above her parents bar. Bar Madras it was called. And we had rum and coke costing close to nothing compared to Denmark. So i seem to remember buying a lot of them before i realised that getting those drinks would be more money than i would be able to afford at 13. But there 1 Danish drink got you a lot of drinks in Spain. Also made a short cut on another night with a lot of danish adults. We got stopped by soldiers with machine guns. We had gone unto a military base with signs saying No Trespass. So, yeah... Not good 😅. A lot of making out with the local girls was done in the 3 weeks we where there. We all had girlfriends whilst there. I was just a bit all over the place as i loved all the attention. My fave girl was the girl from Bar Madras but her English was awful so hard to make plans with her. But she was amazing looking snd we did make out the last day i was there. But i feel she had bigger plans than that. She just couldnt understand me when I asked about it all. I remember she thought that my mum wouldn't allow me to stay at her place. But she would, but I was on about her parents might not allow it all. But she didnt get that. And what a shame. She was a 10 and looked better than any girl i knew back home. Even at 12. But there you go.. Last thing was me and my mum being taken in by an old 70 year old Norwegian man when skiing in Norway. Had tea and bread with him and his wife. This was the last skiing trip I was on. 16 I was. And again as always made a female friend also from Denmark. We hung out at the hotel. She was not as frisky as the Spanish girls. Bit of a let down.. 😁 But yeah, i think meeting people can happen everywhere. There might be an easier way in America. But you can still have adventures around Europe. It might just turn up differently. 😏
just a question. can you have a car in the USA registered if you do not have a address ? Did change last year 1 july. that we could here if you have a conection person. But normaly you couldnt. and still difficult
I'm an American, so I will try to answer: No, I don't think you can register a car in the US unless you have a physical address. Car registration in the US is handled by each individual state and each individual county within the state. When you register a car in the US you also have to pay your personal property taxes (a big source of revenue for the counties and the states.) They can't find you and tax you unless you have an address within the state/county, so it makes car registration impossible.
@@russbear31 Thanks for answering. But see many over there who live in the cars and motorhomes. Was wondering how they could manage it all with taxes and even a cellphone connection. Banks etc.
Danes don't know how much they pay in taxes. I pay top tax at sixty percent. But that is of the last krone and after some deductibles. So when I look at my tax returns and take the total amount paid in tax vs. income, it is more like 33% tax.
I think it is interesting that Denmark and the other Nordic countries are some of the most secular societies in the world, but our high level of trust, low corruption, equality, human values, social security and so on, show how we have integrated the Christian values in all aspects of our daily lives. Most of us may not be Christians (anymore) in a religious definition, but we still strongly uphold the Christian values. Afterall our ancestors have been christians for a 1000 years. On the other hand, American Christians are often fundamentalists and churchgoers, but they are also often pro death penalty and fight for their right to own weapons. They are also against immigrants (although they themselves are descended from immigrants) and all in all they just do not seem to have a particular Christian mindset and sometimes I wonder how they can read the Bible and interpret it this way. .?
@@RobeTrotting there are multiple that are obvious atheist, but if you ask them they will all say the are christian - even trump had to... who in the senate are openly atheists? according to wiki the closest thing is 3 that refuse to reply and 1 that says he is unaffiliated but believes in god
Can you explain to me why Americans are not more up in arms over the fact that private companies in America are taking away their precious freedom (with censorship)? I personally have been put in facebook prison more times than I can count for comments that aren't nearly as harmful / hateful as what I hear daily from American politicians and off course some comments that are seen as normal in Denmark. And worst is that most of the times it has been the algorithms that completely got it wrong.
@@RobeTrotting how to you manage without it? I would delete it in a heartbeat if I weren't an expat myself (Dane living in Thailand). It's the only way I communicate with friends and family in Denmark. Is there a similar alternative?
We still have the Facebook messenger app on our phones and that helps a lot. Besides that, we keep sms threads with our families to stay in touch and we were surprised how quickly we didn’t care about “missing out” on the little posts from people we haven’t seen in a while. Keep in mind that our feed was also a lot of Americans, who in general seem more negative than our Danish friends are on Facebook. It was easy to walk away from seeing the negativity. We just made a point to keep contact with messenger or SMS with the people we want to hear from.
think you got the religion bit wrong. The reason we're are awkward around religious people, is that we *in a judgmental moment* think they're kind of coocoo. And I am not alluding to mental illnesses, but just delusions.
Yes and No. In Sweden, America is being held as extremely individualist. But I don't think that they really understand the American perspective. The issue is more culture in general, and what is perceived as individualism in each country. Yes. America individualism is about being self-made.But, the most overseen part of the US is that it also much centered around family and local communities that help their members. To many Americans this is an important aspect of the fabric of society and the nation. People feel compassion and are helping each other out more. Generally, to me it seems, that Americans have close emotional bonds and family connections than Swedes. Both the Danish and Swedish societies are based around nation as the base community. To most of us is individualism is reflected in the “freedoms” that the welfare state grants us citizens, like universal healthcare, public schools, daycare, paid parental leave - so that parents and grandparents can work and pay taxes. A Scandinavian is in general less dependent on family and community and more on the State. Not to say that we are not helping each other out in bad situations. And a lot of Swedes equate individualisms with "atomicity". Which is not true about American view on family-backed individualism. Thus, to a Swede, it is unthinkable to have to think about decisions delegated to the State that an American take for granted having to make themselves. That is just how it is. So we have different views on individualism, liberty, and freedom. Freedom is not having to do something. Not having the right to make certain decisions about ourselves. We defer those to politicians and bureaucracy because we believe they can make fairer decisions. But Scandinavians might feel powerless when the politics seem to fail.
What I want to say is that people here lack the moral support of communities. This is what state individualism has caused. I do believe that Denmark is a bit different, though.
The US president finishes almost every speak with "God Save America". If a swedish politician would say the same (but Sweden not America) people would go bananas.
Well, they usually say “God Bless America” (Brits say “God Save the Queen”) but it isn’t really in a religious way. It’s not like they’re praying or anything. I don’t know if you’d have this spoken in any situation in Sweden but it’s like when the Queen ends her New Years speech with “Gud Bevare Danmark” - she’s not praying, it’s just an expression.
But he is very generous, he doesn't say:" God Save the USA", but he say America! He wants all good for whole of the continent. And when they say:"Let's make America Great again", it must feel very good for example in Brasil . Our kings, queens and presidents should address : "God bless Europe" too. President of India should say: All Gods bless Asia!" (Republiken Finlands president slutar sin nyårstal med: "Gud välsigne er")
The concept about freedom is so different in US an Dk, the mentioned comment doesn't really relate to freedom as such, but some more about security in your life, which gives you greater a sense of liberty and choice. In Denmark you can more or less be whatever you want to, just don't stick out too much or you'll be shunned socially, while in the US there's a greater tolerance to being and living in a different manner from others, you will most likely find an accepting community somewhere. But I must say that every time I've been in the US I've never felt so socially insecure in public spaces because there are so many unsaid rules you must follow.
Every time, without really understanding the tax system here or even there and they act like they don’t also pay a lot of taxes with less to show for it…
@@RobeTrotting Comparing tax systems betwen countrys is always a complicated mater. Here in Germany we also complain about taxes being to high, but then we look at Denmark and think: "Well, we could be of worse...". But if you look into it more deeply the final figures are really not that far away from each other. Some years back our friend from Odense asked about this, and we ended up comparing our paychecks. We were both working in the industry, I was in a factory making tooling for different things (like cuting/stamping tools to make cardbord boxes for vaccum packed coffee, or tools for repairing/maintenace on airplane engines), and he was working in a big shipyard making interior carpentry on the ships. We had about the same gros pay, and actually the net pay was also almost the same. The only difference was in how the deductions (taxes, social security insurances) were set. Some were higher on his side and some higher on my side. And some things are included or mandatory on one side, and other things are not mandatory, but you have to find it on your own because you need it anyway.
In regards to religion, yes it is not something we talk about. I think the 40ies did something to our society. See in Denmark when Germany walked in over our borders we got other peoples value showed down our throat but there's more to it. Shame. A lot of shame. Not many know this, but even though our government helped Jews escape, in Denmark books who taught antisemitism was huge bestsellers before second world war. People here actually agreed with it. It was the most popular books. Though we luckily didn't take it as far, the government after the war, made a huge deal out of hiding that, out of pure shame and there came a huge focus on how much we did good, almost propaganda like, to hide the fact that we had a lot of antisemitism being very popular. I think that shaped our society. When a government and whole country tries to forget something so embarrassing, it has consequences for society and shapes how future generations think because of how we behave. So religion and those topics have turned into some sort af taboo. I'm raised in a Jehovas witness family, and to be honest, I like that religion get smashed to pieces. I actually think religion gets to much kredit and aren't criticized enough even, but I of course have a huge bias there.
Hmm as a natural born US citizen, Mike and Derrick, I think you have some big blinders on. Considering your comment “extreme examples” is actual reality. “Smaller safety nets” are almost nonexistent in the US and available to repeat abusers that work the system. Politics, religion and crying racism for EVERYTHING is causing a horrible change. According to your timeline of moving, you left when agendas took root. I stumbled across your channel because I am so fed up with the decline in the US and considering a new country. I ❤️💕 your channel but this video does not represent current US. Religion, politics, race, sex and lack of common sense is destroying USA.
Well... Even on the money bills and coins of US, the words "in god we trust" are printed.. ;-). And for a Dane (as me), i'll see americans always "using" god as an excuse for almost everything... Sorry.. And.. In the american national anthem, there is writen: ""In God is our trust". :-), so god is everywhere.. Proud to have you guys here ;-) Yes.. A little harder to get a freind in DK, but when you got a friend, is is often for life... We are maybe more appreciating of the friend we have and getting.. ? Funny, that if an american ask: "how are you", you are not supposed to answer... But just carry on speaking...
I get the confusion, but these are all examples of being fluent in English but missing the actual meaning of English phrases (or ignoring it when it's explained). The Danish Queen isn't praying when she says "God save Denmark" every New Years Eve - same with the saying that's printed on the coins. Just like the phrase "how are you" is basically "hvad så" - it's a greeting/expression/idiom just like how I wouldn't expect you to say "thank you" a thousand times if you say "tusind tak".
We know what religion stands for, so not a good idea to tell if you're religious, better to tell how important you think Human rights are. Freedom to die alone on the street, or freedom to die alone in your apartment, same same. Personally, i would think it was exhausting to go do a lot, when working abroad for a few weeks, much prefer to stay at the hotel, but would have difficulty saying no thanks.
Thanks for being so diplomatic, kind, and educated in your responses. I like the addressing of the viewer comments. I feel more YT'ers should do that. It's an important conversation.
Thank you, that’s always the tone we go for. We’ve never done a video like this but really saw way more discussion than typical on the first video and it seemed like a cool thing to continue the conversation and share some insights from people who took their time to leave them.
The sad truth is that most successful channels start out being very responsive to their subscribers. This does however attract more subscribers, and it's sadly impossible to interact with everyone when there's too many subscribers. It can be very overwhelming to even try with a portion of them. These guys are doing an amazing job so far though :)
@@dao6435 Oh, I look at the numbers. If they have a huge amount then I usually don't try to interact or leave a message. I may like the video, but that's about it.
Hi I’m a Dane and I really appreciate and enjoy these videos. It’s honestly amazing seeing Americans defending Denmark from American propaganda aka false rumors about Denmark. You guys speak the truth which is why you’re my favorite danish youtubers :)
I've never thought about how America and Denmark might have different views on what freedom means, and how in the US it might be more an individual freedom at the cost of the many and vice versa. Very good point and I feel like a lot of things about the US makes more sense to me now
In science theory, the terms "Negative Freedom" and "Positive Freedom" are used.
Both terms are difficult to define, and their names are mysterious.
See the names as "Minus" and "Plus", meaning "Subtract from" and "Add to", that give: "Freedom from" and "Freedom to" which, in my opinion, make far more sense.
You can not have both at the same time.
Yeah, it’s definitely a different mindset in the states, and even in different regions around the country.
Interesting to know there’s a science theory to this. Thanks for adding that Lars 😊
It especially comes up in questions about guns and vaccination. Though in the case of abortion the attitude is sometimes turned around.
My grandmother came to visit a few weeks ago, and I had arranged with my brother -who's done the reverse of you guys, and moved to the states - for them to Facetime. My brother has three boys, only two of whom have met my grandmother (their great-grandmother) in person yet. One of the things she said after the video call, is how amazed she is at their total and open embrace of her, even the youngest who is yet to visit Denmark (thanks, Covid). My oldest nephew, when he came to Denmark and met his great-grandparents for the first time, ran right to them, happily calling "oldemor og oldefar!" giving them a hug. And as I told her, that openness is because they're American. 🙂
I really appreciate you guys and your videos. With comment number 3, I relate to y'all a lot, about how freedom is viewed different. I think also that here in america, the 70s serial killer craze has affected our trust in others (in my opinion). I also agree with comment four; it's unfortunate that we forget we are humans. Creatures that exist here together on this planet we call home! We can disagree, but still be able to talk to others and not be rude🥰🥰
Yeah, besides the basic freedoms, freedom is in the eye of the beholder I guess 🤔
It is weird how (talking as 80s babies) our parents raised us like kidnappers were behind every dark corner - also that we would someday fall down a well.
As per usual guys, a great video full of important information. I think I left a note with the video in question saying something to the effect of, ‘Oh boy, are you in for it now’ 😉 I wasn’t wrong but you both turned it into a learning for both Danes and Americans, making it into an opportunity to understand, if only in a small way, one another’s cultures. I think you guys are brilliant. Well done 👍🏻
Love your Katya t-shirt!🤩 And keep up the good work!! 💪🥰
Thank you - gotta rep Katya, she's the best! Thanks for watching and we'll keep it coming 😀
You are very reasonable and thoughtful. That's why I really enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work 👍👍
Aw, thank you so much, that’s the tone we really hope to hit 😊🙌🏼
You've spoken about the unwritten rules in Denmark a few times in your videos - curious to know more about what they are and how you've experienced them, maybe you could do a video about that? 🙂
Yeah that’s a good idea - we have touched on things here and there in videos but never a full compilation. We will let that one marinate for sure! 😊
@@RobeTrotting 😍Oh, and another idea 😌 Could you elaborate more on the differences between Danish and American English? I remember you touched on that briefly in another video. Really interested in some more examples on how Danes use English differently than Americans (and other natives, I guess) 🙂
Spot on and nuanced as always. Americans welcome strangers in a more obvious way. Religion is no-go in Scandinavia. Political argumentation is no-go in the US. Etc. The world is nuanced. Unfortunately, fortunately
Wait, what? I have to rewatch the entire video, cuz I was hypnotized by Derek's Katya T-shirt 🤩🥰🤩🥰🤩🥰
Haha, nice! Derek's pretty obsessed with Katya and tries to channel her when he can.
@@RobeTrotting Oh me too. She's my all time fave queen. And she's such a lovely doll in person 🥰
I don't feel religion is taboo at all.. I just don't think we're very religious anymore :)
Maybe not taboo but more of a private matter I guess
@@RobeTrotting honestly I think we just don't have the same strong belief as in the states.. I've never seen anyone do grace before eating, or do anything ceremonial like that.. I don't think we even have confession rooms in denmark, atleast not in the churches I've visited, but I've only visited them for visual value anyways :)
It's not a private matter for me, I don't believe in god :)
@@Vradica Hej Jesper, if I'm right then having no confession rooms in churches in Denmark hasn't to do with not beliving so strong, it's more because in the protestant lutheran churches there are no confession rooms. This seems to be a catholic thing. Here in Germany you can see that more prominent. Only in catholic churches you will find those rooms. Since in Denmark only about 45.000 people are catholic (according to Wikipedia) it is less then 1%.
@@ulie1960 That's probably true :) I honestly have no idea, as I said, we're not really a religious people to begin with
@@VradicaHeller ikke mig, men det er hvad jeg har set i de forskellige kirker jeg har set som tourist. Og hvad jeg oplever med min kones familie, som er fra Sydtyskland....
I love how you ignored the comment on screen with the word "buffoon" in it... There's a big difference between being direct and being needlessly rude. Among people who cherish directness flat out ignoring someone is harsh punishment :P
Also Derek: I absolutely LOVE your t-shirt! :D
Normally I don’t comment before watching the first 5 minutes, but hitting the like button before watching the video 👍🏻
We never knew it was a thing, but it’s pretty cool to see and we love it 😊
Katyaaa! ... That is all.
Ok almost, thank you for giving your opinion on my comment, I thought your general take on the comments section was interesting and it could definitely be fun to see more of in the future :)
Yassss 💃 Derek generally wishes we were running our channel like Trixie and Katya 😂
@@RobeTrotting Haha, well, their videos are fantastic so I do get that XD Several UNHhhh are on my favourite episodes of all times. Heres to hoping that Katya will be a big part of Trixis new show.
When I lived and worked in Canada I was the only American in my office and I would very often have to listen to people giving critical reviews of certain American things happening in the news. It was as if they felt I had a direct line to the White House and could sort out their complaint.
Still I definitely agree with you on your original video and on what you had to say here. Living abroad is a great experience. I wish everyone could do it.
Tell them to stop, that must have been annoying 😏
I am Dane 🇩🇰
Love the facial hair, Derek!
You've always been a couple of handsome guys, of course - but you just went from Will Riker in TNG season 1 to Will Riker in TNG season 2 😁
Thank you 😊🧔♂️ Daddy Will Riker is a nice compliment haha
Haha so spot on with the Riker reference ❤️
I definetly enjoy your views, on both sides, fresh opinions is important
Thank you Dennis 😊
Good idea, to go back and review the reviews!
Love the new 'scruff' Derek, looks great!
I have experienced the US welcome wagon, it's a bit overwhelming! 😱
Must say, I prefer the, 'do it yourself/myself' route and have seen things off the beaten path, that I definately preferred, to the American Way of Life tour (even though it was meant, in the best possible way)🙄
I probably came off as an impudent, bad-mannered, isolationist, saying,
'No thank you, about 50 times
or That's not necessary
or I have made other plans
even, I think, I'll stay in today...etc'
all answers seemed a very difficult concept to outward-going US colleagues 😵😖
hello from Hundested 🌸 ❄
Thanks so much 🧔♂️
It’s funny how we never realized the way that we can come on too strong, even with the best intentions. There are definitely times when we don’t want to take “no” for an answer and try to playfully peer pressure friends and even new acquaintances. We even feel overwhelmed when we return to the states now, so it’s definitely something that takes getting used to.
It does also happens in Denmark but to a lesser degree I'm an extreme introvert and I have tried it in Denmark.
Please learn to understand that staying at home watching TV or reading is for filling to some and going out to eat or dance can take weeks to getting over.
@@kurtchristensen1699
I do understand, which is why I make apologetic excuses, to have time to myself.
Work impressions, spare time impressions and social impressions, can be more than overwhelming!
Another great video 👏👏 also, I really like the soup strainer, Derek 😍
😂 thanks Anne glad you enjoyed the video too
I think a lot of the relationship stuff, especially new ones or the new colleague type are somewhat rooted in Janteloven. In the sense of "don't try to make yourself interesting" - which works for both the inviting people out or showing them around, as you say, we're imposing ourselves on their time and filling it with *us* - or performing to keep them entertained; too thirsty for the Danish soul lol. We'd maybe suggest Tivoli but buggered if we'd take them.. They'd gravitate to us and miss out on all the other interactions that they rushed through to "not ignore" us. Or maybe it's just my adhd that over-thinks it lol but the smaller the group, the more in the moment we seem to be, the more we recall without needing to look at pictures or videos on our mobiles.
Thank you for another thoughtful video... really enjoy hearing your fair-minded cultural insights. The "Wall" eye candy doesn't hurt either. Have a great weekend, D & M.
Love the beard on Derek 😘 (and hope Mike agrees 😉) haha, great video as always
Thank you 😊 he likes it too. So glad you enjoyed the video 🙌🏼
We don't see the average American on tv .. i understand and is aware that. Most people outside Denmark think Copenhagen it the way things are in Denmark ... but it's so much more. ;o) You two guys are very good ambassadors for the US. And when i was in the US back in the days i experienced that getting out of the tourist-hot-zones that's where you meet the average Americans - kind and open people.
Yes, very good analogy - it’s the same kind of thing. Plus no one on FRIENDS could have afforded those apartments in their twenties and people need to know that 😂
I love you guys! You are always making my day even currently where i am in isolation due to CoVid! And Mike next time i stumble across you i will come and say hi! Last time i saw you, you got on the same "S-Tog" as i was on i just had to much school work (Life as a person in last year in "Folkeskole" aka. elementary school) to come and say hello.
Great video. I love your thoughtful outlook.
Thank you John, so glad you enjoyed it and that time came through 😊
Lovin' the beard, Derek 👍🏾🤩
Thank you 😊
I’m sorry that this question is a bit off topic but I’m curious if you guys get a lot of requests to meet up from other Americans living in Denmark? And would you/do you actually meet up with any of them?
Love your videos. Keep them coming. 😊
We do sometimes, we are thinking about trying to plan some kind of in-person event
@@RobeTrotting Robe Trotting-con
Have you seen Traveling Youngs video where they compare taxes? It is really good and easy to follow. Not to promote another youtuber but I remember you have mentioned them yourselves in the past
Yeah, they explain it so well. I wish more Americans would watch and digest that haha. The Youngs are great people, have been super supportive of us and have become good friends. We are always happy to promote them 😊
Hello couple, I'm gay, Brazilian and an English learner and I loved your channel 😍🤝🏻☺️
Aw, that’s so cool. So glad that you found us and our channel 😊
Hey :) I loved your point Mike about Danes not being as open and inviting as Americans because we also think kind of self-deprecating “why would you want to hang out with me for your limited time in Denmark”. I actually think if you mentioned in a meeting that you would love to met some Danes or have company or guidence navigating danish tourist spots or even just grap a beer or coffee after work - i really think Danes would be happy to do that.
Thanks Nina :) it took me a little while to learn that, and Derek especially still struggles with feeling like the initiative to hang out isn’t always balanced - but it’s really a very micro-trait of the culture. We could probably make a video on just that topic and how it can be a silly culture clash for some new arrivals in Denmark (especially Americans who are so eager to connect and meet up again, almost from the introduction haha).
@@RobeTrottingI really hate that for Derek. Especially since if he had studiet in Denmark he seems like he would proberly be one of those peolpe who had lots of friends in Denmark. You know kind of the one you feel like he knows everyone.
And yes it could be a great topic.
Regarding the social aspect, I agree, though the term I usually use is acquaintances, (bekendte), and even then people usually become offended here. I just find it shallow to call someone a friend if I just met them, and 100% sure on that I can't be there for them when they need me and vice versa. For the 3 people I consider friends, I would turn every stone in the world to help them, the rest is people I just can't give them that guarantee.
Carlsberg LOL, love that very true comment :-) I was thinking about that thing, with a new co-worker or friend, and introducing them to your friends/family. I feel its a big responsibility, just like helping someone getting a job, where you work. If the person you dont know yet, behaves badly, its on ME. Its my fault, ruining other peoples day/evening, if I bring the wrong one... And sometimes even Carlsberg, can make everything worse :-D
I need to write more controversial comments to get into one of these videos 😅
That Guy speaking about how well Americans treated him when he Worked there and how they didnt do it when they came to Denmark.. that Guy should be the change he wants to see.. "i was surprised how WE treated Them".. he had every chance to take the Americans out for sightseeing or dinner.. if you get surprised by how you yourself treat others.. be the change you want to see. I really am amazed by that approach, sitting back not doing anything and then more or less complain about how you didnt do anything, when you could have changed it, dont blame other people if you are part of the same group that didnt do anything when you could have and should have, i just find it both sad and funny.. sorry. 🙂
Good point, sometimes it’s hard to notice those things in the moment - but you’re right about being the change! 😊
And we love your comments, we’ll have to do this type again and add yours haha
@@RobeTrotting Thanks.. i love your videos 🙂
Just remember to pick a good one then, if you add one of my comments haha 🙃
Love the beard, Derek
Thank you 😊 I didn’t plan to grow it and wasn’t even sure if I was “growing a beard” because I just let it go for a week or so - but then today I held the electric razor in my hand and had to pick “shave or trim” and I trimmed it. So I guess I’ve officially started growing a beard 😂
@@RobeTrotting good choice. At least while it's cold outside.
"Who am I to invite you...." is so true.
It makes a lot of sense when you hear it put that way and know more about Danish culture and the mindset.
I also think that bit is about not wanting to overstep someone else’s boundaries. With a pinch of fear of rejection.
It is not the extremly religious people that stand out to me. They are every where. It is the fact that if a person does not stand by certain religious values, then it is a thing about them.
And the fact that each chamber have a chaplain who is responsible for leading each days proceding with a prayer. It blew my mind the first time I saw that.
Yeah, the hypocrisy of religious people (especially in politics) is sad to see
Most (adult) Danes are horrible at making new friends haha. I´ve thought about it often, after I moved from inner Østerbro in Cph. to a northern part of Odense, Fyn. When we are settled with kids, house and whatnot, it seems like life is just about work, family, sleep and maybe a hobby in the weekends if you're lucky. It´s not just frustrating for foreigners, it does hit our self pretty hard, if we ever move to another part of the country :D
It could be fun to see you React to videos on “How America messed me up”. 😀
Haha, that could require a therapist 😂
The beard suits you Derek :)
About the medical stuff. I have a friend. Born and raised Texan, now lives in Oklahoma. Recently he's had some stomach issues he thinks are related to a pre-existing condition. He's in a position where he can't get insured, so anything medical is out of pocket. Just to be looked at, and figure out what's wrong, is $7.000, that he's not likely to be able to accumulate.
About a decade ago he broke his collar bone. Last i heard he's still paying that off, and will be for the rest of his life. Now my understanding is, his situation isn't all that uncommon, that it's part of everyday life that people don't get treatable illnesses treated because, where would they get the money?
Does your friend work or have a high-paying job in Oklahoma? If he's unemployed or has a low-paying job or is low-income he might qualify for Oklahoma's Medicaid program, which was expanded only a year ago by Oklahoma voters under the "Obamacare" program. Obamacare is America's first tiny steps towards socialized/"almost free" health care. It's not as generous as most European health care schemes but it's an attempt to make health care more affordable for everyone in the US. About 40 of the states now have Obamacare, but Texas is one of the 10 hold-out states that refuses to accept federal funding for Obamacare. (BTW, I'm American and I used to be a state social worker who processed applications for the Medicaid health care program.)
Derek, It suits you well with a beard
Aww thanks you Emilie 😊 I’m keeping it for a little
On comment 3. Don't worry so much about it. In Denmark we have "Frisind". A word that doesn't really exist in english, but keep us free from making things controversial and abrasive.
Oh, we need that word in english haha 😂 well we at least need the concept, we can call it “frisind” too.
I LOVE Katya SO much....She's my favorite neurotic mess....love her wierd mind and kind heart
The beard looks good on Derek. 🧔🏻
Thanks Matias, I’m definitely keeping it for now 🙂
The beard looks good
Thank you Anders 😊
Derek, love your new look
Thank you 😊
I feel like the social clash between Americans and Danes, also just comes down to what you're used to. I'm fairly positive I wouldn't come off as open and inviting as an American to a stranger, but that most likely wouldn't be because of that person. Besides being really shy (😆), I wouldn't want to come on too strong by making plans or inviting them to my home, cos I wouldn't want to pressure them into doing something they don't wanna do. Maybe they don't have the time or they don't really want to come to my home, so it just feels more comfortable taking it slow and letting the friendship build from there if we're both showing an interest in staying connected and actually being friends.
Personally I'm just very aware of not pressuring people to be a part of my life or making me a part of theirs 🤷
I will however say it would be nice to offer to take people who are new to the country out and show them around, which I think lots of Danes would do. Not all, but plenty of us are absolutely hospitable 😆
Is that Katya on the t-shirt??? I love her!
Yes, Derek is a Katya STAN
The Katya T-shirt ❤️
Yassss 🙌🏼 💃
Yeah, I'm gonna need Derek to keep that beard
✅ done (at least for now) 🧔♂️
While I do acknowledge your comment to Danish closed-mindedness being partly due to a language barrier I would kinda think it's not. At least I know that I experience that same tightness and reservedness even though I'm well above decent in Danish (it's my native tongue and has been so for 40 years+)
When you don't have you childhood friends, making new friends and/or close acquaintances as an adult can be quite difficult - and your workplace rarely change that
I think, in Denmark your religion is private - sort of like your sex life. In the US people I don't know that well will ask me about my religion. And look at me weird if I tell them I don't have any. "But who guides you?", one woman asked.
This was in Oregon.
ETA: ROFLOL - I replied before I saw the last part of the video. I need to find my own comment and read the sub-comments :)
Oh, you sparked a few comments 😂 but thank you for always adding great insights.
That is too funny “who guides you?” 😂 ugh
You to are so adorable with each other
Aw, thank you 😊
I was thinking about the 5th comment. And it occured to me, that the way i see it is - Danes have a hard time trusting people they don't know. That is not something that's given, it has to be earned. You have to prove yourself worthy. And it has nothing to do with nationality. Even between danes, when moving to a new city and meeting new people, that can be kinda hard. - Where as it seems to me, from a Danes view point, that Americans welcome newcomers quickly, so they can gauge that persons values, especially politically... And if they don't align with that persons values, they get - at best - avoided. (Short term friendship, like you phrased it Mike). Or at worst - They will instantly see you as an "enemy" or someone to target. - Maybe in a sense, trust is either given more quickly, based on if the values align, or pushed away faster, if they don't... - Personally - That would make more sense, in why the left and right have such a hard time talking, in the States... But that's just my oppinion...
Great video though. Love learning new things... I do plan to move to the States myself, within the comming year, to be with my girlfriend... Though i'm not sure of how to go about it ?? Oh well, Odin will light my path... (Yea, Pagan here... lol)
Really smart analysis Jesper, that makes a lot of sense and I think you’re right. Americans are quick to make a snap judgement and they have a very “innocent until proven guilty” approach to friendship. Maybe “friend until proven otherwise” and that could quick be because of a red baseball hat or a disparaging or “overly woke” comment - and at that point it may not be aggressive confrontation but polite avoidance and no more invitations or warm greetings.
Good luck with the move, Odin will guide you! Hit us up if we can offer any help or advice, especially if you’re relocating to the northeast.
@@RobeTrotting My girl lives in NY, so that's where i'm headed. But i am on disability pension, and i've not really been able to find a lot of info online, how someone on Disability, in Denmark, moves to the states to live with their blue collar sweetheart. I don't even know if i should only move there, to live there, and remain a Danish citizen living abroad, or actually become a US citizen. There's a lot of unknowns, and i am a huge worrier, especially in face of unknowns...
We met a couple weeks before the pandemic started, online, and hit it of right away. And we've been speaking daily ever since... The love is there, without a doubt... But it's hard to navigate the intriquesies of immigration laws, Danish and US... But i think so far, i have to start with a visit stateside... Most likely 6 months at first, and not over committing... She has been here, last october, and visited me for a week, so it's only fair i "return the favor" :P
In terms of the "freedom" part of your video... I think, honestly, that we all have forgotten the true meaning of freedom, and we have our own understanding of it... Freedom is an illusion now a days, and i think that's because we're to focused fighting each other left vs right.. Democrats vs republicans... Instead of the right way, which is up vs down... There is 95% vs 5%, and STILL the top 5% wins every time, because they use the medias to spread propaganda that we need to fight our neighbors... Hence, the "freedom is an illusion" thought...
Thanks for the reply. It's nice to receive some positive feedback...
Derek, love the new look
Thank you 😊
Derek what ever you have changed about yourself, you look handsome!!! and have you lost weight?
Awww 🥰 thank you so much Jade. I have dropped a few kgs but still have a few more to go, but some healthier habits and being more active are the main goal 😊
@@RobeTrotting You have to do like the danes: gain in kgs and lose in pounds. More impressive that way...
Reacting: Friends 1. grade: Friends since childhood - 2. grade Friends since 20 years - 3. grade since 5 years
Omg Is that Katya?! 😍
Yes 🙌🏼 💃 love her
LOL. The Queens last words on New Years Eve is - ALWAYS - "Gud bevare Danmark" (God Bless Denmark) 😊. Totally agree with your points about Freedom, and how they "differ" from culture to culture. As always.., good, informative and educational VLOG. I give it ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 5. Always leave room for improvements 🤣 ).
“Gud Bevare Danmark” when translated to English is more along the lines of “God Preserve Denmark”
Always need room to improve 😊 glad you enjoyed it.
And yeah, I guess Gud Bevar Danmark is a bit like God Bless America - it’s not really in a religious tone but more of a tradition.
@@testofplaces Ja ja, Flueknepper 🤣 ! Hvad enten det er det ene eller andet, så er "Gud"" nævnt 😊 ! Håber at du kan tåle lidt drilleri 😉 ? Men i øvrigt har du ret..., "Preserve" er nok mere korrekt 😊, selvom det lyder lidt som noget man konserverer, i en dåse 😆 ! God Weekend !!
Hard to compare a country of 300,000,000+ inhabitants with one of a few million. A more apt comparison might be Denmark with North Dakota. ND has a small population, with a huge percentage of Scandinavian descent.
It's not just "a few" or "some" people in usa that goes bankrupt in USA, more than 200.000 people have been bankrupted due to health expenses.
We have a love hate relation with the US here in Denmark. We love to point out all the thing things wrong with America. At the same time we love everything coming from america: Music, movies, food ect.
It’s true. But at least we aren’t Sweden… am I right? 😂
On religion: George Carlin once said that there should only be 1 commandment: Keep thy religion to thyself
Great advice in any country 😊
The beard suits you.
Thank you 😊
Hopefully people will soon realize that God has no religion, but if God had a religion it would be quite simple expressed by the Greek word "αγάπη"
Edgar Cayce explained it so well when he said that it is all based on the law of love and the the karmic principle
The question is: Are Americans outgoing and welcoming because it is about you (being the newbie) or is it about them (as everything else within their society) ?
I think it’s generally to show you a good time. To me, even being here for some years now, keeping to yourself is more “about yourself” than engaging with people.
There's no doubt that Americans does the whole Welcome to our country, come and have a barbecue tomorrow.. Deal way better than Danes. But I do believe it can happen. Its not impossible here.. We might take a day ir two longer to make plans like that. But it can happen. I have personally been invited to stuff since i was 10 or so. Invited in in the Lake District in England by a family that found it insane that my mum was hitchhiking around UK at all hours. So came in around 8pm for later supper. Got taken in by a spanish family that had a giant party going on for days. I was hanging out with some English speaking guys from the basque country, at around 13 years old. My mum was in Bilbao at the time. So me and these 20 year olds had planted our tent in the mountains right outside thier moutain house without seeing anything. Got woken up at night and came in to a lot of food and music. Meat was haging down from the ceiling and whine was served in goatskin things. They looked like a bagpipe i remember. Went back to sleep a few hours later, but got up and joined in around noon again. This lasted all day so it was quite an adventure that my mum missed out on as she was far away from the village we was in. Also hang out with alot of spanish girls and went around the different villages and saw a turkey farm, and a mansion owned by the family of the two sisters i was hanging out with.
Also met anither girl that lived above her parents bar. Bar Madras it was called. And we had rum and coke costing close to nothing compared to Denmark. So i seem to remember buying a lot of them before i realised that getting those drinks would be more money than i would be able to afford at 13. But there 1 Danish drink got you a lot of drinks in Spain. Also made a short cut on another night with a lot of danish adults. We got stopped by soldiers with machine guns. We had gone unto a military base with signs saying No Trespass. So, yeah... Not good 😅. A lot of making out with the local girls was done in the 3 weeks we where there. We all had girlfriends whilst there. I was just a bit all over the place as i loved all the attention. My fave girl was the girl from Bar Madras but her English was awful so hard to make plans with her. But she was amazing looking snd we did make out the last day i was there. But i feel she had bigger plans than that. She just couldnt understand me when I asked about it all. I remember she thought that my mum wouldn't allow me to stay at her place. But she would, but I was on about her parents might not allow it all. But she didnt get that. And what a shame. She was a 10 and looked better than any girl i knew back home. Even at 12. But there you go..
Last thing was me and my mum being taken in by an old 70 year old Norwegian man when skiing in Norway. Had tea and bread with him and his wife. This was the last skiing trip I was on. 16 I was. And again as always made a female friend also from Denmark. We hung out at the hotel. She was not as frisky as the Spanish girls. Bit of a let down.. 😁
But yeah, i think meeting people can happen everywhere. There might be an easier way in America. But you can still have adventures around Europe. It might just turn up differently. 😏
just a question. can you have a car in the USA registered if you do not have a address ? Did change last year 1 july. that we could here if you have a conection person. But normaly you couldnt. and still difficult
I'm an American, so I will try to answer: No, I don't think you can register a car in the US unless you have a physical address. Car registration in the US is handled by each individual state and each individual county within the state. When you register a car in the US you also have to pay your personal property taxes (a big source of revenue for the counties and the states.) They can't find you and tax you unless you have an address within the state/county, so it makes car registration impossible.
@@russbear31 Thanks for answering. But see many over there who live in the cars and motorhomes. Was wondering how they could manage it all with taxes and even a cellphone connection. Banks etc.
A like for Derek´s t-shirt :D
Yass 🙌🏼 Katya 💃
Danes don't know how much they pay in taxes. I pay top tax at sixty percent. But that is of the last krone and after some deductibles. So when I look at my tax returns and take the total amount paid in tax vs. income, it is more like 33% tax.
👍
I think it is interesting that Denmark and the other Nordic countries are some of the most secular societies in the world, but our high level of trust, low corruption, equality, human values, social security and so on, show how we have integrated the Christian values in all aspects of our daily lives.
Most of us may not be Christians (anymore) in a religious definition, but we still strongly uphold the Christian values. Afterall our ancestors have been christians for a 1000 years.
On the other hand, American Christians are often fundamentalists and churchgoers, but they are also often pro death penalty and fight for their right to own weapons. They are also against immigrants (although they themselves are descended from immigrants) and all in all they just do not seem to have a particular Christian mindset and sometimes I wonder how they can read the Bible and interpret it this way. .?
you guys should look up the polls on what people in the us would vote for - something like 70% of the US refuses to vote for an open atheist.
I can think of two in the senate, but like a lot of things, I think it’s changing over time and america is just behind europe by a few decades haha
@@RobeTrotting there are multiple that are obvious atheist, but if you ask them they will all say the are christian - even trump had to... who in the senate are openly atheists? according to wiki the closest thing is 3 that refuse to reply and 1 that says he is unaffiliated but believes in god
Spontaneous were laughing when told integration works good in US.
Where in the states do you live?
Can you explain to me why Americans are not more up in arms over the fact that private companies in America are taking away their precious freedom (with censorship)?
I personally have been put in facebook prison more times than I can count for comments that aren't nearly as harmful / hateful as what I hear daily from American politicians and off course some comments that are seen as normal in Denmark.
And worst is that most of the times it has been the algorithms that completely got it wrong.
Yeah, Facebook sucks haha. We actually both deleted it from our phones to avoid it in our daily lives (and it was a big mental health boost).
@@RobeTrotting how to you manage without it?
I would delete it in a heartbeat if I weren't an expat myself (Dane living in Thailand).
It's the only way I communicate with friends and family in Denmark. Is there a similar alternative?
We still have the Facebook messenger app on our phones and that helps a lot. Besides that, we keep sms threads with our families to stay in touch and we were surprised how quickly we didn’t care about “missing out” on the little posts from people we haven’t seen in a while. Keep in mind that our feed was also a lot of Americans, who in general seem more negative than our Danish friends are on Facebook. It was easy to walk away from seeing the negativity. We just made a point to keep contact with messenger or SMS with the people we want to hear from.
think you got the religion bit wrong. The reason we're are awkward around religious people, is that we *in a judgmental moment* think they're kind of coocoo. And I am not alluding to mental illnesses, but just delusions.
Interesting. You’re not the only one to say that… I smell a new video topic 🤩🤩🤩
Yes and No. In Sweden, America is being held as extremely individualist. But I don't think that they really understand the American perspective.
The issue is more culture in general, and what is perceived as individualism in each country.
Yes. America individualism is about being self-made.But, the most overseen part of the US is that it also much centered around family and local communities that help their members. To many Americans this is an important aspect of the fabric of society and the nation. People feel compassion and are helping each other out more. Generally, to me it seems, that Americans have close emotional bonds and family connections than Swedes.
Both the Danish and Swedish societies are based around nation as the base community. To most of us is individualism is reflected in the “freedoms” that the welfare state grants us citizens, like universal healthcare, public schools, daycare, paid parental leave - so that parents and grandparents can work and pay taxes. A Scandinavian is in general less dependent on family and community and more on the State. Not to say that we are not helping each other out in bad situations.
And a lot of Swedes equate individualisms with "atomicity". Which is not true about American view on family-backed individualism.
Thus, to a Swede, it is unthinkable to have to think about decisions delegated to the State that an American take for granted having to make themselves. That is just how it is. So we have different views on individualism, liberty, and freedom.
Freedom is not having to do something. Not having the right to make certain decisions about ourselves. We defer those to politicians and bureaucracy because we believe they can make fairer decisions. But Scandinavians might feel powerless when the politics seem to fail.
What I want to say is that people here lack the moral support of communities. This is what state individualism has caused.
I do believe that Denmark is a bit different, though.
as a kid in denmark i thought America was Awesome. but when becoming an adult you begin to see how rotten it is behind the shiny facade.
The US president finishes almost every speak with "God Save America".
If a swedish politician would say the same (but Sweden not America) people would go bananas.
Well, they usually say “God Bless America” (Brits say “God Save the Queen”) but it isn’t really in a religious way. It’s not like they’re praying or anything. I don’t know if you’d have this spoken in any situation in Sweden but it’s like when the Queen ends her New Years speech with “Gud Bevare Danmark” - she’s not praying, it’s just an expression.
But he is very generous, he doesn't say:" God Save the USA", but he say America! He wants all good for whole of the continent. And when they say:"Let's make America Great again", it must feel very good for example in Brasil . Our kings, queens and presidents should address : "God bless Europe" too. President of India should say: All Gods bless Asia!" (Republiken Finlands president slutar sin nyårstal med: "Gud välsigne er")
So I didn't comment that video.. so I comment this one: ohhhhhhh new beard ......zooooo masculine
😂
The concept about freedom is so different in US an Dk, the mentioned comment doesn't really relate to freedom as such, but some more about security in your life, which gives you greater a sense of liberty and choice. In Denmark you can more or less be whatever you want to, just don't stick out too much or you'll be shunned socially, while in the US there's a greater tolerance to being and living in a different manner from others, you will most likely find an accepting community somewhere.
But I must say that every time I've been in the US I've never felt so socially insecure in public spaces because there are so many unsaid rules you must follow.
They always go after the taxes, huh?
Every time, without really understanding the tax system here or even there and they act like they don’t also pay a lot of taxes with less to show for it…
@@RobeTrotting That is simply too true, at least the taxes we pay are used on us.
@@RobeTrotting Comparing tax systems betwen countrys is always a complicated mater. Here in Germany we also complain about taxes being to high, but then we look at Denmark and think: "Well, we could be of worse...". But if you look into it more deeply the final figures are really not that far away from each other. Some years back our friend from Odense asked about this, and we ended up comparing our paychecks. We were both working in the industry, I was in a factory making tooling for different things (like cuting/stamping tools to make cardbord boxes for vaccum packed coffee, or tools for repairing/maintenace on airplane engines), and he was working in a big shipyard making interior carpentry on the ships. We had about the same gros pay, and actually the net pay was also almost the same. The only difference was in how the deductions (taxes, social security insurances) were set. Some were higher on his side and some higher on my side. And some things are included or mandatory on one side, and other things are not mandatory, but you have to find it on your own because you need it anyway.
The polarization in US has gotten completely out of hand.
Yikes! Way too many ads for me. Interesting channel though…
We don’t control the ads 😂
Katya t-shirt. I love you.
She’s an icon 🙌🏼 💃
The tax always funny.
Because looking up average monthly Pay, the dane still makes more after tax.
To me, religion suxx BIG TIME. Love your videos.
Beliefs has the cons. that they puts a "security button", between common sence and the power of faith towards some deity to blame
Every time one of your (top-end) leaders, religious or not ,ends a speech, they go "For God and country" or "God bless America".
For god and country is British I think, but god bless America isn’t really religious. It’s the same as “gud bevar Danmark”.
Tabu to talk about religion in DK thats nonsens, we just dont care so much about it .. its not a topic ..
Probably a poor choice of words, if we could edit we would borrow yours 👍
In regards to religion, yes it is not something we talk about. I think the 40ies did something to our society. See in Denmark when Germany walked in over our borders we got other peoples value showed down our throat but there's more to it. Shame. A lot of shame. Not many know this, but even though our government helped Jews escape, in Denmark books who taught antisemitism was huge bestsellers before second world war. People here actually agreed with it. It was the most popular books. Though we luckily didn't take it as far, the government after the war, made a huge deal out of hiding that, out of pure shame and there came a huge focus on how much we did good, almost propaganda like, to hide the fact that we had a lot of antisemitism being very popular. I think that shaped our society. When a government and whole country tries to forget something so embarrassing, it has consequences for society and shapes how future generations think because of how we behave. So religion and those topics have turned into some sort af taboo. I'm raised in a Jehovas witness family, and to be honest, I like that religion get smashed to pieces. I actually think religion gets to much kredit and aren't criticized enough even, but I of course have a huge bias there.
Really Derek ??? Your T-shirt!!! WHY?!!
Not a fan? 😀
According to religion and politics: there certainly has happened a few things in the meantime....!
Katya!
The icon! ❤
Hmm as a natural born US citizen, Mike and Derrick, I think you have some big blinders on. Considering your comment “extreme examples” is actual reality. “Smaller safety nets” are almost nonexistent in the US and available to repeat abusers that work the system. Politics, religion and crying racism for EVERYTHING is causing a horrible change. According to your timeline of moving, you left when agendas took root.
I stumbled across your channel because I am so fed up with the decline in the US and considering a new country. I ❤️💕 your channel but this video does not represent current US. Religion, politics, race, sex and lack of common sense is destroying USA.
As a Dane, i dont trust people who rely in a god.
Everything gets better with smoked and bacon. Just a tip.
Well... Even on the money bills and coins of US, the words "in god we trust" are printed.. ;-).
And for a Dane (as me), i'll see americans always "using" god as an excuse for almost everything... Sorry..
And.. In the american national anthem, there is writen: ""In God is our trust". :-), so god is everywhere..
Proud to have you guys here ;-)
Yes.. A little harder to get a freind in DK, but when you got a friend, is is often for life...
We are maybe more appreciating of the friend we have and getting.. ?
Funny, that if an american ask: "how are you", you are not supposed to answer... But just carry on speaking...
I get the confusion, but these are all examples of being fluent in English but missing the actual meaning of English phrases (or ignoring it when it's explained). The Danish Queen isn't praying when she says "God save Denmark" every New Years Eve - same with the saying that's printed on the coins. Just like the phrase "how are you" is basically "hvad så" - it's a greeting/expression/idiom just like how I wouldn't expect you to say "thank you" a thousand times if you say "tusind tak".
We know what religion stands for, so not a good idea to tell if you're religious, better to tell how important you think Human rights are.
Freedom to die alone on the street, or freedom to die alone in your apartment, same same.
Personally, i would think it was exhausting to go do a lot, when working abroad for a few weeks, much prefer to stay at the hotel, but would have difficulty saying no thanks.