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Foreigner Friendship Building: Tips for Danish Residents

Strangers often find Danish people hard to befriend, according to multiple assessments. A literary work on Scandinavian traditions suggests methods Danish folks could employ to foster connections.

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Building Friendships Across Cultures in Denmark 🇩🇰

Foreigner Friendship Building: Tips for Danish Residents

By Michael Barrett 📝 Save

Foreign residents in Denmark frequently speak of the challenges they face in forming personal relationships with Danes. Now, two separate studies corroborate their experiences.

Last year, Denmark was ranked a dismal 47 out of 53 countries in "Finding Friends" by Internations' annual Expat Insider report. The survey-based analysis also considered categories such as "Ease of Settling In", "Culture & Welcome", and "Local Friendliness". Unfortunately, Denmark did not rank in the top 40 in any of these categories.

In the 2020 Expat Study conducted by Oxford Research, 43 percent of participants termed "expats" found it difficult to make friends in Denmark. One in five reported trouble settling in the country. Most often, foreigners found their friend groups among other foreign non-Danish speakers.

Tips for Foreigners in Denmark 🌟

  • Break the ice: Engage in casual discussions, and be open about your own life and interests.
  • Find common ground: Discover shared hobbies, cultural events, or sports to bond over.
  • Join local groups or clubs: Connections with organized associations could extend to Danes, increasing opportunities for friendships.
  • Bridging the cultural gap together: Reciprocity and consistency are key as foreign relationships develop more slowly.

Tips for Danes Welcoming Expats 🇩🇰

  • Embrace spontaneity: Schedule activities with flexibility to accommodate last-minute plans and outings.
  • Make an effort: Invite foreign colleagues or acquaintances for dinner or other social gatherings.
  • Inquire about expat experiences: Ask questions and show genuine interest in their lives, backgrounds, and perspectives.
  • Extend a welcoming network: Introduce new international friends to other Danes and cultivate connections across cultures.

Denmark's focus on workplaces contributes to a favorable environment for professional relationships. However, the flip side is that Danes may shy away from spontaneous friendships due to heavy daily responsibilities and a preference for structure.

The author of "Living with Vikings", Kirsten Weiss, suggests that Danes need to adjust slightly to better connect with foreigners. Weiss asserts that by taking active steps based on Danish lifestyle and cultural norms, both parties can have enriching cross-cultural friendships.

References:1. How to make friends in Denmark: a guide for foreigners2. Living in Denmark: A Guide for Expats by Expat Guide Denmark3. Expat Insider 2020 Report4. Learn the Basics of Danish5. Living in Denmark: A Guide to Copenhagen

  1. Despite the challenges, the culture of Denmark, comprising art and lifestyle, offers opportunities for forming deep and lasting friendships.
  2. A strong economy, coupled with a rich social media presence, allows for the sharing of news and ideas that could potentially bridge the gap between relationships.
  3. A recommended book for expats, 'Living with Vikings' by Kirsten Weiss, provides empirical advice on navigating Danish relationships and lifestyles.
  4. To foster personal growth, some expats rely on books and courses from the Education-and-self-development sector, helping them adapt to their new home-and-garden in Denmark.
  5. For career-development purposes, integrating oneself into Danish workplaces could lead to fruitful professional relationships.
  6. In attempts to blend in, some expats immerse themselves in Danish art, tradition, and home-and-garden design, hoping to foster closer relationships.
  7. On the other hand, Danes looking to connect with expats might find it helpful to explore entertainment and cultural events where they can engage and learn from one another.
  8. Learning Danish, advised by various resources like the 'Learn the Basics of Danish' course, can aid expats in breaking the ice and starting meaningful relationships.
  9. In a nation where workplaces encourage career-development, Danes are advised to embrace spontaneity, be curious, and open their homes and hearts to expats, creating a foundation for enriching cross-cultural relationships.
Foreign newcomers to Denmark often struggle to form friendships with Danes, backed up by two separate analyses. A writer specializing in Nordic culture provides suggestions for Danes to break the ice and foster friendships.

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