The soul and character of Denmark: what guests need to know in the country of Hygge

Information about the country and population

Denmark is the southernmost of the Scandinavian countries. It is located on the Jutland Peninsula and 409 islands of the Danish archipelago.

The population of the kingdom is about 5.7 million people. According to statistics, more than a million of them live in the capital. The vast majority of residents are native Danes. But representatives of other nationalities and nationalities also live in the country: Germans, Swedes, Norwegians, Dutch, Turks, Syrians.

It is not immediately easy to identify a native Danish person. Although in appearance, Danes and Danish women differ from their fair-haired neighbors - the Swedes. Many natives of the kingdom have dark hair and light eyes. The appearance of Danish women has captivated many: girls from this country often appear on world catwalks and on the covers of glossy magazines.

Banks and payments

The local currency is Danish krone. When I wrote the article, 1 Danish krone was equal to 9.4 R. To convert prices into rubles, you can simply multiply by 10 - this is convenient.

Cash is rarely used in Denmark, and when paying with a foreign card, a commission is charged almost everywhere, so you will definitely have to open a bank account. You will have to pay for opening an account, issuing a card and servicing, but for students these are Nyukredit and Danske Bank.

To open an account, you will need to come to the bank, but other services can be obtained via the Internet. To use Internet banking, you need to order a personal digital key “Nem-ID”. You can do this yourself at the Borgerservice public service center (an analogue of government services), or a bank can do it for you - it’s more convenient.

In Internet banking, you can add the MobilePay application and continue to pay everywhere by phone. It will also be possible to transfer money to other people using a phone number. Everyone in Denmark uses this application: even at flea markets you can pay for small things using your phone number. Cash is rarely used in Denmark.

I have an account at Danske Bank. I'm a student, so I didn't pay anything for opening an account or servicing. There is a convenient Internet bank in English; There is also a mobile application, but it is only in Danish.

The MobilePay application was developed at Danske Bank, but it is available to clients of any bank

Denmark: the country of victorious common sense

I have been living in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, for six months now. In this article I want to show why I consider this country to be an adequate kingdom. “Trust but verify” is about Denmark.

Confidence

In a shopping center with the strange name "Magasin" I asked how they control theft - after all, there are no surveillance cameras at all. The answer was simple - there are no cameras. At some stage, they came to the conclusion that the level of thefts did not exceed the acceptable threshold, and it was more profitable
to abandon surveillance and simply trust people.

One day I decided to rent a boat for a ride along the canal. When I asked what documents I needed to bring, they answered that there were none, “we in Denmark trust people” was the answer. It’s understandable - you still can’t row far, but it’s captivating, you can’t say anything.

If the taxi driver says, “Well, it’ll cost you about 200 crowns,” then it might come out to 150.

There are no turnstiles in the metro - you just get on the train and go.

Control

Trust does not mean promiscuity.
The Danes control everything very clearly. On the one hand, the police are almost invisible - there are no intrusive police/militia squads, like we have, at every metro station. I have never seen a traffic policeman at all.

On the other hand, there are inspectors. For example, the fact that there are no turnstiles in the metro does not mean that everyone is trying to ride like a hare. Just the opposite. A special inspector walks around and carefully, not forgetting to smile and thank, looks at the tickets. Those who have run out of tickets, or those who forgot to pay for the transportation of a bicycle, are taken to the platform and are given a considerable fine - 700 crowns ($125).

A colleague of mine was once given a fine of 1,000 kroner ($175) for riding a bicycle through a red light.

The metro pass is made in such a way that you can’t tamper with it: it’s a plastic booklet, on the one hand, a permanent coupon listing the available metro zones and your photo, on the other, a replaceable coupon for the current month, and the control number for both parts is the same.

I saw two men in uniform and with a flashlight walking along my street in the evening, checking parking tickets under the windshield.

Is it true

As you know, in the USSR there was no sex, no prostitution, no homosexuality, no drug addiction.
Everyone, of course, understands that they were present and that those in power, with the help of statistics and deception, tried to put a good face on a bad game. Not so in Denmark. In the station area there are black women in the evenings, gay pride parades are held in the city every year, in the central quarter and at the same time in the self-proclaimed country of Christiania you can freely and inexpensively buy a joint. However, the authorities do not pretend that this does not exist - they preferred to localize the problem: you can get high in Christiania, but preferably only there.

People

The standard Russian rich man is, as a rule, an arrogant pot-bellied guy in a jeep.
The standard rich Dane is in very good athletic shape, smiling, takes the metro or taxi. In the string of my bosses and investors, everyone runs 10 km in no more than an hour, many have run marathons. In general, the sport is very popular - on the way home I meet up to a dozen runners, even now in January. Most Danes, from teenagers to old ladies, speak English.

No one gives a damn what you look like or what you do. I saw girls in fur coats and heels riding a bicycle (somehow we couldn’t wrap our heads around this). In addition to regular bicycles, adults can ride semi-recumbent bicycles, scooters, and a hybrid of roller skates and even with ski poles in their hands.

Let me compare Russian and Danish programmers. From my experience, the bosses can play on the Slavic engineer’s sense of responsibility, and when an important bug is found, our person may decide to stay after work and finish it in a hurry. But the Dane will responsibly start tomorrow with a fresh mind.

Studies

What was striking: students of the Department of Architecture do their final work not on abstract topics, but design real architectural forms that will stand in Copenhagen. They can point their finger at a city map and say that here, near the central square, there will be a parking lot for bicycles, the sketch of which I am now drawing.

Power

In general, the following urban legend is indicative: in the Second World War, Denmark surrendered without a fight, but when the Nazis ordered the Jews to wear stripes with the “Star of David,” the Danish king was the first to publicly put it on, and ordinary Danes followed him.
I remember how a motorcade of some bigwig passed by. No traffic jams for several hours - 4 motorcyclists arrived, blocked the key points of the intersection, and with hand signs indicated to those who did not understand or did not see to stop. A motorcade passed, and in front of them were another four motorcyclists who went to block the next intersection. We took off and let's go. The whole procedure took 1.5-2 minutes.

I was impressed by this photo at the exhibition (sorry for the quality). It depicts Jens Otto Krogh, who at that very moment took over as Prime Minister. At the same time, the worn out sole of his shoes is visible in the foreground. Maybe, of course, PR like Obama's cheap watch, but it's impressive.

About the army. I once talked to a Dane who served in Afghanistan. This cheerful guy recalled the contract service as a resort - yes, they shot, but they had everything - better security and food, good housing, a big salary. He wants to go again.

Technologies

The metro is one of the best in the world, unmanned, that is, there is a windshield in front and behind; the tunnels are brightly illuminated, so the front seat has an excellent view.

You can buy a metro ticket via SMS.

S-Train commuter trains have Wi-Fi.

The queues are perfectly organized. You approach, press a button on the machine, take the coupon that appears with a serial number and wait until it appears on the display (usually quickly). This is also starting to appear here, but here it’s like this everywhere - in the ministry, and in the exchange office at the station, and at the post office, and in the confectionery shop. A technique like “I’ll just ask” loses its meaning.

Another sketch of the established system. My scheduled payment at the client bank did not go through. To let me know about this, the bank sent me a notice by paper mail. I received this letter in the evening of the same day.

Speaking of letters. When you hand over a letter to the post office for dispatch, the sender’s address is crossed out with a pen - in order to save time at the sorting office for “parsing” the recipient’s address.

Saving water

There is such a place in Kyiv - the “Museum of Water”.
So, it was created with the support of the Danish Ministry of the Environment to improve public awareness of the value of water resources. There are practically no baths in Denmark. The bathroom is usually very small, combined with a toilet. This is how the Danes save water.

Drinking water flows from the tap here - it’s not a sin to save it.

Electronic money

Here I was once given a cool wallet, but the irony is that in Denmark it is not needed.
I only take it out when I fly to other countries. As a rule, I only have to carry a bank card with me, plus a travel card. You can pay with a card almost everywhere - not only in shopping centers, but also at the post office, in a sandwich shop, and in a taxi. You cannot pay with a card only for bus fare (the alternative is the metro and S-Train) and everything that is sold secondhand - an item at a flea market, gifts from Christiania, etc.

Transport

The transport system is so well organized that there are special websites with which you can plot a route from point A to B with transfers accurate to the minute.
These include: metro, S-Train, buses and waterbuses. The S-Train has a special carriage for bicycles.

Bicycles are a whole story. I won’t tell you for the whole of Europe, but it seems to me that there are more of them here than, say, in the Netherlands. Both single and tandem, and with a cradle in the front, and with a saddle for the baby in the back, and reclining with pedals in the front. Of course, there is infrastructure for this - everywhere (not just in the center) there are wide bicycle paths, markings, special traffic lights, and free compressed air hoses.

"Luxury tax"

Beer in a supermarket costs 8-10 crowns ($1.5), in a bar - 50-70 ($9).
The tax on the purchase of a car is 100-200% (yes, one hundred to two hundred percent).

In general, the salary tax is 36-40%, and you can see where this money is spent. For example, foreign children who go to preparatory class at an international school are transported by taxi at government expense, and taxis here are very expensive.

In general, Denmark made a lasting impression on me with its sanity. I’m learning this from the Danes while I’m working on my educational project.

If modern Peter I decided to send students to study in Europe, I would wish him to choose this country.

Continuation:

1. “Language learning system in Denmark”,
2. "Moving to work."

Permanent residence: conditions, procedure, documents

A foreigner over 18 years of age who:

• resides in the kingdom for at least 6 years;
• passed tests for knowledge of the Danish language;
• has a constant income for the last three years;
• knows local legislation;
• owns or rents housing;
• has no criminal record or debt.

The applicant submits documents to the migration service at the place of residence that confirm his legal presence in the country - a marriage certificate, a contract with the employer, a letter from the university. You also need to attach a certificate from the bank, tax receipts and certificates of no criminal record, and a real estate purchase or lease agreement.

Documents are reviewed within three months. If an immigrant wants to reunite with his family - a month. To obtain permanent residence you need to pay 150 euros.

Eight and a half: average salary in Denmark

The Danish government has included in the 2021 budget an increase in allowances for members of the royal family. Queen Margrethe II will receive a salary of $12.9 million (836 million rubles) for the year, that is, about $1,075,000 (69 million rubles) per month. The annual salary of Crown Prince Frederik will be $3 million (194 million rubles), his wife, Crown Princess Mary, will be $320 thousand (20 million rubles).

Features of the Danish economy: what affects the income of the population

Over the past year in Denmark, the salaries of social workers in institutions in the municipal sector have increased the most by 3.4%, in the private sector - by only 1%. The editors found out how much representatives of different professions earn in 2021.

In Denmark, Olga got married, learned the language and went back to work. At that time she was about 60 years old. Five years later, Olga retired from her position as department manager at the store. It was then that it turned out that she would not be able to receive a full basic pension, and there would also be very little money in her personal pension fund due to her short work experience in the country.

Obtaining a residence permit

Obtaining a Danish residence permit is possible under one of the following conditions:

• marriage to a Danish citizen;
• reunification with relatives;
• opening and running a business;
• obtaining refugee status;
• work contract;
• studying at a Danish university.

If there is one of these grounds, it must be documented: provide a marriage certificate, an employment contract, a company registration certificate, a letter from the university. Along with one of these papers, the applicant for a residence permit submits the following documents:

• A completed application form;
• original and copy abroad;
• photo 35x45 mm;
• receipt of payment of the consular fee.

To obtain a residence permit you will have to pay from 8,400 rubles, as well as a service fee if the application takes place through a visa center. Documents can be processed for up to three months. A residence permit is issued for the duration of an employment contract or training contract. Refugees receive a document for six months. A residence permit can be extended for up to five years, after which the issue of obtaining permanent residence is decided.

Danish services may refuse to issue a residence permit if the applicant has a criminal record, no sources of income, or insufficient funds in the bank account. They can refuse if you do not submit all the required documents or if you provide false information in them. To obtain a residence permit, it is not enough to marry a Danish citizen: subsequently you will have to prove that the marriage is not fictitious.

Boltology. About life in Denmark. Interview with gossip girl Xenka.

I know, I know, I promised a post no earlier than Wednesday... But the wonderful Xenka turned out to be so interesting and easy to work with that I can’t wait to share the result! So, mysterious northern Denmark!

Tell us how you ended up in Denmark? While studying at school, I was an ardent patriot and often said: “Here I am, I would never marry a foreigner!” However, life turned out in such a way that although I met my beloved man in Russia, he turned out to be Danish. My husband and I are the same age with approximately the same income. We talked for a long time about where to live and decided to stay in Denmark, because it was unrealistic for him to find a job in Russia.

About the Danes: The Danes are polite and tolerant people. They are very polite on the roads and never make trouble in public places, which is something I periodically encounter in Russia. But at the same time, for me, as a Russian, it can be difficult to understand what exactly they feel, since they do not express their dissatisfaction, disagreement or objections out loud. This is where you have to guess.

The Danes are a closed people. Over the 8 years of living here, I have not made any friends, although this is compensated by excellent relations with my husband’s relatives. They received me very warmly and became a real family to me.

The Danes are not at all interested in life in Russia or Russia as such. At least, it’s extremely rare for anyone to ask me about this. But the Danes themselves are very often patriots. It is believed that everything made in Denmark is the best, and being born Danish is generally a blessing from God.

About the Danish language : When I arrived without knowing the Danish language, I was surprised that there was virtually no language barrier. Absolutely all local residents speak English fluently and solving everyday problems does not cause any difficulties. However, fluency in Danish is required to obtain a residence permit. The state system helps with this - all foreigners (except EU citizens) are required to attend a language school for three years and pass language proficiency exams.

About the climate: The climate in Denmark is difficult for a person accustomed to the sun. There are very few sunny days, and even fewer hot ones. It rained every day all last winter. The temperature was around 5 - 10 C, in the summer months it is usually 15 -20 C. I live in the north of the Jutland peninsula, it is very windy here. This is probably why the temperatures are low. The southern part of Denmark has a warmer climate.

About the tax system: Denmark has a very unusual system for us, Russians, for the formation and distribution of the state budget. The more you earn, the more taxes you pay. It often doesn't make sense to get promoted and earn more because the money you earn will go to taxes. And the salary will essentially remain the same. Often people receiving unemployment benefits are in no hurry to look for work, because the amount of the benefit, plus social assistance for the unemployed, turns out to be higher than even the most decent salary.

Is life in the province different from the capital? Is there a clear difference in living standards, like in Russia? Life in the provinces, of course, differs from life in big cities. In the capital and other large cities, everything is much more expensive. Especially housing and transportation. But it's like everywhere else. I live in a small village 15 minutes from a small town and I love it. The nature here is stunning with a wide variety of wildlife - rabbits, foxes, deer, badgers, swans and pheasants. I had the opportunity to meet all these comrades in person several times, and this touches me.

Thanks to modern socialism, the difference in living standards is minimal. Everyone lives about the same. Personally, I don’t know either very poor or very rich people (although, of course, they exist). The state actively helps the poor, but it is difficult and unprofitable to be rich here. At the same time, the rich do not boast of their wealth; this is not accepted. For example, several years ago I read a newspaper article about how the president’s wife was robbed in the NM store in Copenhagen, where she was buying clothes for her children. This is very significant. Indeed, people with high incomes do not spend money on expensive clothes. But they buy baby strollers for 10,000 - 15,000 kroons and car seats for 5,000 kroons. Because it is comfort and safety.

About maternity leave and education: Maternity leave in Denmark is 8 months. I study in college and my maternity leave lasted 1 year with a stipend. The average scholarship is from 4,500 to 6,000 Danish kroner (approximately 45,000 - 60,000 rubles). But don’t be fooled, life here is expensive! Nurseries for children from 6 months to 3 years cost from 2800 to 3500 CZK. Kindergarten is cheaper - up to 2500 kr. Public schools are free, private schools can cost more than 2000 kr per month. At the same time, about 2,000 kr a month is spent on extracurricular activities at school from the family budget.

To the surprise and horror of my compatriots, children are not fed in the kindergarten and school. Parents are required to pack a lunch box for their child every day. At the same time, the contents of the lunch box must be healthy and healthy (this is especially required in kindergarten, no one really checks at school) - vegetables, grain bread, cheese, a minimum of fruit and no drinks other than water, even milk is prohibited.

Education (schools, colleges and universities) is free here and is highly valued in Europe.

About medicine: Medicine is free, except for dental services - they are free for children under 18 years of age. It must be said that the attitude towards teeth in Denmark is completely different than in Russia. When my son was 6 months old, we were called to the dentist to talk about caring for his soon-to-be-developed teeth. Nowadays every six months there is a mandatory visit to the dentist. When they found a hole in the tooth, they did not treat it right away - they gave me time to get used to the clinic and the environment. We had to come about once a week just to lie on the dentist’s chair, look at the instruments and try on a mask with laughing gas (without gas) in order to get rid of the fear of the dentist.

Ambulances only come to the elderly and in critical cases (road accident or heart attack). If something happens, you need to go either to the family doctor, or, if it happened during non-working hours, to the doctor on duty, but there you will have to wait in a live queue. Family doctors, in my opinion, are not particularly professional and sometimes they look for a diagnosis based on symptoms on the Internet, right in your presence. But specialized medicine in hospitals is at the highest level.

About giving birth in Denmark : I gave birth here twice by caesarean section and I still don’t understand the stories about the horrors of a CS from those who went through it in Russia. It is customary here after the first birth (if it was natural) to send the woman in labor to a special hotel (this is literally a hotel), where the woman in labor can stay for up to 2 days together with her husband. After the second and subsequent births, the woman in labor is sent home by taxi 3-4 hours after the birth event.

In general, home birth is recommended here (of course, if there are no contraindications), but in the presence of a professional midwife. And in the case of childbirth in a maternity hospital, you can decide for yourself how to give birth - in water, for example, or using epidural anesthesia and acupuncture. In general, I have the most wonderful memories from giving birth in Denmark and being in the hospital.

What myths about the country do you most often encounter in the information space and would like to dispel? I have never heard any myths about Denmark, so there is nothing to dispel. But many of my fellow citizens remember the terrible story with the giraffe in the Danish zoo. This story seemed just as terrible to many local residents. Therefore, I cannot say that the Danes are insensitive monsters, at least in my close circle there are no such people.

Margrethe II has been Queen of Denmark since 1972. How do the Danes view her personality and family? Queen Margrethe enjoys the sincere love and respect of the Danes. All stories about her have only positive characteristics. For example, my husband’s friend served on the Queen’s ship and was assigned to her to provide an ashtray and cigarettes whenever she needed it. However, the queen declined his services. This fact was perceived by all Danes who heard this story as proof of her undemandingness and philanthropy. I objected, saying that it’s clear that she doesn’t need a stranger in her cabin. But everyone disagreed with me and began to defend their position.

The Queen represents traditional Danish values ​​and culture. Nobody criticizes her. Even the fact that she smokes counts in her favor - she is so perfect that she can afford small weaknesses. Her family also enjoys the love of her subjects, especially her eldest son Frederick and his wife Mary (pictured on the far right). The younger one, Joachim (far left), is a bit of a loser in my opinion. At least there are critical articles about him in the press, while about Frederick they are extremely rare.

Who would you advise to move to Denmark and who would you not? What type of people is it suitable for? Denmark will become an ideal country for law-abiding people with traditional family values. The institution of marriage is highly valued here. The Danes' favorite pastime is sitting on the sofa in warm company with a can of beer or a glass of red wine with lit candles. This is called “hygge”.

What advice would you give for emigrating to your country? I can’t give you any special advice on emigration, but if it suddenly happens that you end up here with the intention of staying, remember: you must strictly comply with all your obligations and not break the law even in small things.

And one last thing. Is Prince Nicholas handsome? To be honest, I don't know anything about him. Here his personality is somehow not discussed in the media space. My husband’s sister is very interested in the royal family and periodically tells me something about them - so, I’ve never heard from her about Nikolai. Probably because we are much older.

Thanks Xenka for the most interesting story! The girls who also sent me their stories about life in different countries - I remember each one! I publish in order of priority. Thank you for taking the time ❤

Do you live abroad and also want to share your story? Write to me in a personal message and we will organize everything! Have a nice day, everyone!

Updated 03/03/20 12:44

:

So, 2 additions:

1. I mixed up the sides in the photo of the royal family))) *huge face-drag*

In the photo, Prince Frederick and his wife Mary are on the far left, and Prince Joachim is on the right.

2. Several topics of interest to gossipers emerged: refugees, the work of juvenile justice, same-sex marriage, pensions and the social sphere in general. Gossiping Danes, share how you are doing with this?

In-demand professions and availability of vacancies for Russians

The basis for immigration is the conclusion of a labor contract, which is not easy to obtain. The most in demand here are the following professions:

• programmer;
• doctor (especially dentist);
• environmental engineer;
• manager

But in order to start working in your specialty, you need to go through a complex procedure for recognizing your diploma. Men and women from other countries can do unskilled seasonal work here. Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians come to Denmark to work on farms.

Attitude towards foreigners. How to behave when communicating with Danes

In general, Danish people are normal people and there is no need to behave in any special way. They say hello, say goodbye, say thank you and you're welcome, and shake hands firmly when they meet. They love to communicate and invite people to visit. If you want to win over a Dane, you need to consider several nuances:

• When greeting, they shake hands with both men and women!
• Be punctual and don't delay others.
• Unless there are compelling reasons, do not refuse when you are treated to a meal, invited to a party or to a picnic.
• Feel free to express your admiration for the Kingdom, share your impressions, talk about yourself... But don’t ask too many questions, especially don’t ask about your personal life - this is considered uncivilized.
• Words of gratitude for pleasant communication and a cozy atmosphere will be a balm for the Danish soul.

Photo: djligedays.com

As we have already said, residents of a small northern country love gatherings and communicating with new people. There are even such interesting projects for foreigners:

• Dine with the Danes. Do you want to visit a comfort guru? You are welcome: you can come to lunch or dinner with a Danish family, chat and perhaps even stay overnight. You can find such a family through the agencies Dine With The Danes and Meet the Danes. A home-cooked dinner will cost around 400 DKK (54 €) per person, including a two-course meal with drinks, sweets and, of course, a helping of Hygge.
• House exchange. The Danes offer foreigners the opportunity to exchange houses during their holidays. The house exchange agency acts as an intermediary: it connects you with a Danish family who would like to exchange their house for yours. Here are some of them: Intervac Denmark, Home Exchange, Danish Homelink.

Immigrants in Denmark: attitude towards Russians

The Danes speak of Russians peacefully and respectfully. The kingdom's subjects, like many Europeans, are tolerant and tolerant. And yet, they treat all visitors with caution.

The Danes are friendly and always ready to help Russians and other foreigners. But, like all Scandinavians, they are closed and not ready for friendship. It is not customary here to talk about your problems and share personal experiences. Visitors rarely manage to establish close relationships with locals.

Doing business in Denmark: pros and cons

Interesting! In this chart, the leaders of other ratings, the USA and Switzerland, although they are in the top 10, occupy the last two places in it - 9 and 10, respectively.

Each type is characterized by an age category and different approaches to education. Also, in each of the groups the number of children attending and their time spent on the territory of the institution are radically different.

This is a map and list containing monthly or more precisely, annual, divided by 12 gross and salary minus taxes in Europe in Euros and in local currencies.

Social benefits and pensions: sizes

Residents of Denmark are not afraid of old age, because they know that they will receive a high pension, free medical care and all kinds of support from the state. The average pension in Denmark is 2,500 euros per month. Officially, people become pensioners at 65 years of age.

The kingdom has very high social benefits, and the reasons for receiving them may vary. The monthly allowance for children is about 1,500 euros. Denmark also has high unemployment benefits, which are equal to the average wage. Here you can even receive a payment for the maintenance of a dog - about 13 euros per day. By the way, local services can check the conditions in which the animal is kept. Migrants in Denmark also receive benefits - 1,400 euros per month.

Pension system

Denmark's high standard of living is also reflected in its attitude towards people of retirement age. The government has taken all possible measures to provide for pensioners.

In 2021, Danes will be paid a pension when they reach the age of 65. Retirement in Denmark is not a ban on a person’s further work activity, so most people retire at the age of seventy.

Denmark does not provide a fixed amount for pension payments. The pension amount is calculated based on factors such as:

1. Total work experience.
2. Number of years lived in the Danish state.
   Pension size in Denmark and other countries

To receive a state pension, a Dane must have lived in the country for at least forty years. If the length of stay is less than this indicator, a Danish citizen still has every right to receive a pension. True, its size will differ significantly from the state pension. The calculation of payments is carried out by the municipal authorities of the pension department.

Every Dane has the full right to pension savings in addition to the state pension. During the period of his employment, he has the right to transfer a certain amount of financial resources to the fund. After retirement, this amount is provided to the owner.

The Danish state also provides for the possibility of early retirement at 60 years of age. But to do this, you must have the status of a member of the insurance fund and make monthly payments in the amount of a certain amount.

Geography, climate and ecology

Denmark is washed by the Baltic and North Seas. It has a sea border with Sweden and Norway, and a land border only with Germany. It has a maritime temperate climate. In winter there is a lot of snow and there are no severe frosts, but summer is also cold - the temperature in July does not rise above +17 degrees.

Danish nature is very beautiful. There are lakes, picturesque plains, low hills, meadows, heathland and forests. Preserving natural beauty has become a Danish national idea. Windmills are actively used here to generate electricity, waste is disposed of with minimal damage to the environment, almost all garbage is sent for recycling, and people ride bicycles instead of cars.

Pros of living in Denmark

• High level of economy, and, accordingly, high salaries.
• Free healthcare and many opportunities to live a healthy lifestyle and take care of yourself.
• Residents of the country and its government are doing their best to protect the environment from pollution, therefore the environmental situation in the country is very favorable.
• In Denmark, it is not at all necessary to own a car to move around the city comfortably. A bicycle will do an excellent job for this purpose, and the country has excellent conditions for cyclists.
• Anyone can learn Danish for free.
• Free education.
• The Danes are very friendly and welcoming people, which can make getting to know the country even more enjoyable.

Climate, ecology, way of life

Once in the country, I was pleasantly surprised by the comfortable climatic conditions. The usual temperature of +20˚C pleased me, but I soon realized that drizzling rain and strong winds would be constant companions. I always took an umbrella with me everywhere.

I was amazed by the cleanliness of the city streets. It didn’t even occur to me to throw a plastic bottle on the grass in the park. In Denmark there are machines for collecting used containers.

Unfortunately, I am lazy, I smoke, sometimes I drink, and I cannot consider myself a supporter of a healthy lifestyle. I felt awkward among the Danes, who enjoy jogging and cycling every day, even in the pouring rain. Each resident and his family are constantly involved in sports in his free time from work.

I could not live like a programmed robot, not leaving a minute for my little human pleasures.

Public transport

If you don't want to ride a bike, use public transport. It is better not to buy tickets for a single trip, so as not to overpay. The most flexible payment method is the Risecourt card. You can buy it at special sales points (a list of them can be found on the card website) or order it on the Internet. You will receive the card within 2-4 weeks after arrival. There are several types of cards: the most profitable is to buy a “Risecourt-personnel”, but for this you need to have a civilian number.

“Risecourt” costs 50 kroner (470 R), is valid throughout Denmark and will save you up to 50% of the cost of a ticket in Copenhagen - pay 15 kroner instead of 30 (141 R instead of 282 R) during rush hour. In Aarhus, the discount on travel on the Riesecourt will be 20%. There is also a savings system: the more and further you travel using the card, the cheaper each trip becomes. The card is valid in all types of transport: buses, metro and commuter trains.

282 R

costs a ticket for one metro ride in Copenhagen during rush hour

"Risecourt" must be applied to a special terminal at the beginning and end of the trip. This is how its cost is calculated.

The blue circle is the Risecourt card terminal, with a green sticker to start the trip, and a red one to end it

If you use public transport more than 6 times a week, it is more profitable to buy a pass. A pass for 2 zones - the city center and the main suburban areas - costs 375 CZK (3525 RUR) per month.

I do not recommend traveling without a ticket. Fine - 750 CZK (7050 RUR). They check tickets frequently and fine them mercilessly.

Check the schedule via the Rejseplanen app. Otherwise, in Aarhus you risk being left without transport after midnight. There are night buses here, but they only run on Fridays and Saturdays. If the route includes a transfer and you use Risecourt, then you do not need to touch the card to the terminal with a red sticker at the transfer station. Apply it to the terminal with a green sticker at the transfer points and to the terminal with a red one at the end of the route - you will save 100 rubles on each transfer.

7050 R

fine for ticketless travel

If you are bringing a bicycle with you, you need to buy a separate ticket for it. The exception is the red trains in Copenhagen. They have special carriages for free transportation of bicycles.

Cars for transporting bicycles and strollers are marked with special signs

I rarely use public transport; I prefer to ride a bicycle. At first it was unusual: I used to ride a bicycle only around the yard as a teenager, but over time I got used to it. I rarely take the bus or metro - only when it’s raining heavily and there’s no way to avoid leaving the house, for example, if I need to go to class. A round trip costs 24-30 crowns (225-282 rubles), depending on whether I get there during rush hour. Now I try to ride a bicycle in any weather, since public transport does not help from the rain: you still have to walk 10 minutes from or to the stop.

Price of accommodation

The high level of income and tax revenues leads to expensive pricing in all areas of life, from food and housing to additional services. The level of expenses depends on the chosen city. The more densely populated the place and the closer to the capital, the more expensive life costs. Main expenses:

• rental of real estate and payment of utility bills;
• Food;
• payment for communication services such as telephone, Internet, television;
• additional expenses: car maintenance, kindergarten for the child, gym membership.

How much will you have to spend on the cost of living?

The official cost of living in the country is not fixed, but for comfortable conditions € 1200-1300 is enough in the regions. When moving to the capital, the indicator must be increased by 20-25%. In addition to food and housing costs, you will have to pay:

• mobile communication: € 25;
• Internet: € 30;
• TV: €20-30;
• private kindergarten for a child: € 450.

Prices are indicated in euros, but payments in the state are made using the local crown.

Cost of products

Food prices in Denmark are higher than in the rest of the world, especially for meat and animal products. It is necessary to add 20-25% of the net cost to the average world price. Considering that Denmark has a high standard of living, salaries and prices correspond to each other. The average cost of the main product categories is shown in the table.

Prices for apartments and private plots

Renting a home is a large expense category, which is why Danish citizens are keen to buy their own home. If we talk about real estate in the capital, prices here are the highest. Per square meter in central areas you will have to pay from € 4,800 to € 6,000, and in bedrooms - approximately € 3,700. Apartments are sold in the form of studios up to 30-40 sq.m., options with two bedrooms up to 40-65 sq.m. , as well as large options of 65-80 sq.m.

Housing outside of Copenhagen is much more affordable. In other cities you can buy an apartment with prices ranging from € 1,300 to € 2,500 per 1 sq.m. Old houses and private plots are cheaper - from 40,000 to 60,000 €. But the Danes are used to using mortgages with an average annual rate of 2.2%.

How much will it cost to rent a living space?

While there is no money to buy their own housing, local residents rent apartments and houses. The cost depends on the city, as well as the selected region. In Copenhagen, especially in the central areas, rent is expensive. Other cities allow you to rent real estate cheaply.

Basic prices:

• the cost of renting real estate varies between € 300-1300 depending on the location, state of repair, equipment;
• utilities cost approximately €120-180.

It is cheapest to rent small studios in residential areas. This allows you to significantly save your budget and find a suitable option.

Russians in Denmark

How to adapt to life?

The best option is when an immigrant tries to assimilate: he studies the language, tries to observe traditions and conform to the peculiarities of the local way of life. The best way to assimilate is to obtain a higher education. This will allow you to make new acquaintances, look at the life of the Danes from the inside, and most importantly, get a diploma from a local university. It will greatly increase your chances of finding a decent job. Danish higher education has the following advantages:

• it is taught in English, so you can study here even if you don’t speak Danish;
• Tuition fees are not as high as in other Scandinavian countries. A year of “higher school” costs from 6 to 16 thousand euros;
• The quality of education, on the contrary, is high - people from all over the world strive to get into Danish universities.

The Danish language is indeed quite complex for people from the CIS countries - both linguistically and phonetically. However, the plus is that foreigners who come to Denmark for permanent residence are taught the language completely free of charge: lessons are given, dictionaries and textbooks are given out, so if you want, learning the language is quite possible. If you want to gain a foothold in the country and try to become “your own” here, you must know the language.

Adaptation to a new country rarely goes without problems, and integration into the ancient culture of a small people requires much more effort.

Natalia Karpan Lieknins

Video: interview about what awaits a migrant in Denmark

What do Russians do here?

Here everything depends primarily on the person himself, on his mood and desire to adapt to new conditions. Some immigrants from Russia say that it is impossible to get a good, well-paid professional job here, because... supposedly immigrants from the CIS countries are considered by local employers to be worthy only of the simplest work in the service sector. Others prove the opposite by their own example: many successfully find employment in their specialty and occupy high-status positions in international companies. These are mainly those who have found the opportunity to learn a language and obtain a diploma from a local university, or have confirmed an existing diploma by successfully passing a professional qualification exam.

With our medical diploma you CANNOT get a job as a nurse, and our teacher will NOT be accepted into kindergarten! Simply because to work as a nurse you must have a nursing diploma approved by the Danish system (education lasts 4 years).

Natalia Karpan Lieknins

In Denmark, both highly qualified specialists of a narrow profile and representatives of blue-collar professions are in demand. Here you can get a job as a builder, farm worker, or nanny. Many people do just that to begin with: they sign a contract to do, for example, seasonal work in order to live here for 3-4 months and get a first impression of the country. Salaries, especially on farms, are not as high as in Copenhagen for highly skilled work, but still, compared to Russian ones, they are much higher. For cleaning the territory, caring for livestock and harvesting crops on agricultural farms, they pay a little more than 100 crowns per hour (13.5 euros or 1140 rubles). On average, a cleaning woman in the country receives 16 thousand crowns per month, which is equivalent to 177 thousand rubles. In low-skilled positions, it is quite possible to earn up to 3,500 euros per month, which is a lot of money for a Russian at the current exchange rate.

Please note: you can assess your relevance in the Danish labor market by looking at the so-called Positive List () - it indicates those professions that the state needs most at the moment. Today, the TOP includes builders, industrial professionals, medical workers (both highly qualified doctors and junior staff), and IT specialists.

In addition to the service sector, Russians are actively involved in the transport sector. Russian truck drivers are recruited into all European companies, and sailors are accepted on board Scandinavian ships. At the same time, the main advantage of our fellow citizens, alas, is not professionalism, but cheapness.

Expert opinion

–1-0–5460

Where do our compatriots live?

Today there are few Russians in Denmark: about 8 thousand. Difficult language and extremely high cost of living are just some of the reasons. Many people from the CIS countries prefer to move to those countries where there are more Russians, which means it’s easier to assimilate - this is, for example, Germany.

Denmark has only one large city by Russian standards - its capital, Copenhagen. Immigrants from Russia strive to get here: wages here are higher than in rural areas, there are more employment options, and the attitude towards immigrants is more loyal, because in the provinces people are always more conservative.

The entire territory of the country can be divided into 3 zones: Copenhagen, the island part and the mainland (it is called Jutland). In Jutland, the largest city is Aarhus, but it doesn’t seem that way to a Russian, because only 300 thousand people live here. Herning, Odense, and Aalborg are also considered fairly large cities. Immigrants from the CIS live in both cities and rural areas. There are no Russian districts, such as Brighton Beach in New York, either in the capital or in the provinces, so choose your place of residence depending on what specialty you plan to choose, what lifestyle you prefer, etc.

Photo gallery: panoramas of the largest cities in Denmark

The most famous tourist street in Copenhagen is Nuhavn Panorama of Aarhus View of Aalborg Panorama of Odense Streets of Herning

Russian societies

People from the CIS countries try to maintain contacts with their compatriots, communicate on forums, but this is ordinary friendly communication, and not communalism, as is the case with representatives of eastern civilizations. In Denmark there are several organizations uniting Russian-speaking immigrants, for example:

• “Russian Society in Denmark” ();
• “Council of Russian-speaking Societies of Denmark” ();
• "Danish-Russian house" ();
• “Danish-Russian house in Jutland” ();
• "Danish-Ukrainian partnership" ().

There are specialized Internet portals, for example, where news, information about vacancies, and announcements about various seminars that are interesting for Russians are posted. Also here you can simply chat with compatriots, get advice, share your problems, and agree on a joint celebration of the New Year or Christmas.

There are also more specialized organizations, for example, the “Russian Center for Science and Culture in Copenhagen” (). There are Russian theatres, literary and artistic associations, art studios, clubs, Orthodox parishes, schools - in short, people from the countries of the former USSR have no shortage of communication with their compatriots.

Russian pensioners in Denmark

In Denmark, the retirement age is 65 years old - the same for both men and women. From this moment on, a person can count on receiving a state pension. However, there is one important nuance: only those who have lived in Denmark for at least 40 years receive a full pension. Most immigrants cannot boast of such length of residence in the country, which means they will not receive a full pension.

Please note: to obtain information about the amount of state pension you are entitled to, you must contact the municipal pensions department.

In addition to the state pension, there are early pension payments. To be eligible, you must have contributed to the unemployment insurance fund for at least 30 years. If you pass this stage, you can leave your job at 60 instead of 65, or work part-time. In this way, early pension payments will be paid to you from the moment the insured event occurs (you can refuse to work either at 60 or 62 years old) until you reach the age of 65 years.

In addition, when you retire in Denmark, you can count on:

• providing assistance at home (need assessed by municipal authorities);
• obtaining special housing adapted to the needs of the elderly and disabled, or enrollment in a nursing home.

Denmark through the eyes of a Russian girl

Before settling in the country with the happiest people in the world, Marina (@aarhuscityguide) worked as a flight attendant for Qatar Airways. And thanks to her romantic profession, she seems to have visited every corner of the globe. However, the great love and perseverance of her future husband became decisive in the choice of the place that Marina began to call her home.

“My future husband had to look for meetings with me all over the world for a year! I worked as a flight attendant for Qatar Airways and he lived in Denmark. Imagine how stubborn you have to be, organized and purposeful when making dates in London, Rome, Brussels, Doha, Dubai, Paris, Frankfurt, Stockholm, etc. Until it was time for my flight to Copenhagen, where around Christmas the main question arose.”

“First of all, the birth of a child in Denmark is accompanied by a flag. It is raised on a flagpole near the house, it is used to decorate the room of a woman in labor, and is even placed on a new mother’s plate. A sculpture of a stork with a baby doll in its beak is placed in the yard. Mommy is presented with two bouquets of different sizes, tied with one ribbon. The cutting of the ribbon symbolizes the cutting of the umbilical cord."

“Among the Russian-speaking population, it is customary to scold Danish medicine. Here they really believe that the body should cope with the disease on its own; they will send you home to drink some water and will not prescribe unnecessary medications. They don’t call a doctor at home, but go to the clinic for an appointment themselves. But, firstly, the service process itself is as computerized as possible - from making an appointment online to issuing a medicine according to an electronic prescription by a robot in any pharmacy in the city; from an instant blood test for a virus or bacteria at the first symptoms of the disease to an electronic archive for each patient. Medical care is provided free of charge. Even the Queen herself is being treated in a regular hospital. And we will be discharged soon. On the sixth day after heart surgery. And the child is already riding a bicycle"

“My tourists find it hard to believe that even the prince rides his children around Copenhagen. Here this is the norm for directors, politicians, and not just for students.”

“In Denmark it’s not always cold and rainy, it’s just windy here. The sun rarely shines in Denmark except in winter! Summer is beautiful with white nights, but you can get sunburned not on the beach, but on the way to it!”

“Despite the modest territory occupied by Denmark, the country has accumulated so much cultural wealth that my lifetime will not be enough to see even half of it. There are more than 800 castles in Denmark, and many of them are not ruins at all, but superbly preserved architectural gems.”

“A Russian-speaking person living in Denmark smiles at the sound of Danish words! But, having taken up learning the language, it becomes not funny at all - we need to pronounce many words as if our mouth is full of potatoes. The Danes themselves admit that in order for their country to be ideal, all they need is a beautiful language and good weather. The funniest words in Danish, in my opinion: yellow root - gulerod - carrot; summer bird - summerfugl - butterfly. The longest word is ejendomsserviceassistentuddannelsen - education of an assistant in the field of building maintenance. A sentence of the shortest words: æ ø i æ å - island in the middle of the river"

“The easiest time to fall in love with Denmark is in the spring. You don’t expect such fragrance and colors from northern latitudes! The Danes are obsessed with gardening: from the age of two, children learn to care for a mini-garden in a nursery; City residents who do not have their own garden can get a small vegetable garden almost in the very center of the city for a nominal fee. About 40% of Danes grow spices and herbs for their kitchen within their own home."

“Do you want to upset the Dane? Start comparing him with the Swede. Do you want him to be completely confused? Give him a sincere compliment! Have you decided to make the Dane laugh? You are unlikely to succeed; they themselves are full of self-irony and sarcasm. Modesty, in the Danish understanding, is a huge virtue!”

“Bicycles. What’s impressive is not only the number (there are already more of them than cars), the insane variety of models, but also the very ways of using them. Some people drive and sing, half of them drive without holding the steering wheel at all, children from the age of two can drive independently, they can easily pedal in the snow and rain - it’s so Danish! Is it difficult for you to check Instagram while sitting in the saddle and at full speed?”

The most relevant and useful information for modern parents is in our newsletter. We already have over 30,000 subscribers!

"Pork. Besides the fact that there are five heads of pigs for every Dane (most of them are exported), Denmark really has a huge selection of sausages, ham, bacon, pork ribs and pork pates. There are even monuments to Pigs! Vegetables on a plate are often perceived only as decoration. But! The nationwide love of carrots for lunch is changing things.”

“The Danes love knitted things. You can see a woman with knitting needles in any place where you can sit down. At a jazz concert, in the doctor's waiting room, at the airport and on the plane. There are even clubs for knitting enthusiasts; they often sit in cafes and chat.”

“In Denmark, such things as the slightest tardiness, the desire to beat the queue, uninvited guests, business calls after 16 are very critically perceived. You should not look for decaffeinated coffee or soup for lunch, just like eating an open sandwich with your hands or taking the last piece from the common dishes. Try to avoid demonstrating social status through material attributes and always say your name at the beginning of a telephone conversation."

“Love of black in the wardrobe. The joke here is “If it's not black, put it back!” As confirmation, the Danes themselves agreed with me. For a long time I searched for the reason for such love, but no one confesses. We can assume that this is external protection from strangers, a way to avoid criticism, or simply ease of combination with other colors and a universal color that gives harmony and mystery.”

“The Danes do have picnics and go to cemeteries to sunbathe, but cemeteries here are more like gardens where it’s nice to walk, relax and go for a run.”

“If you prefer to travel in comfort and get the most authentic experience, pay attention to the local Scandinavian hotel chains: Scandic, Radisson, Guldsmaden, Comwell, First hotels, Small Danish Hotels. If you want romance and royal luxury, then Denmark has a huge number of palaces and estates turned hotels, look for Slotshotel and Herregård in their names. If your trip to the seaside must be combined with a sea view, check out badehotel, the Danish version of resort hotels. Or rent a summer house - summerhus. If you are looking for legendary locations, the Nimbus Hotel and Angleterre Hotel in Copenhagen are full of stars and even royalty.

Look for economical options for thrifty and unpretentious travelers in the Wakeup, Cabinn, Zleep hotels and airbnb networks to help you! Hostels and campsites are also very popular in Denmark.”

“Are you going to Denmark with children? I offer you five of the best amusement parks that will delight not only children, but also adults: 1. Legoland. The park with 65 million Lego bricks is famous throughout the world. There are 9 Legoland parks in the world, but the Danish one is the first and largest. 2. Tivoli. The magical park in the very center of Copenhagen was once visited by Walt Disney himself, and it was there that he came up with the idea of ​​​​creating Disneyland. 3. The oldest amusement park in the world that still exists today, Bakken has been open since 1583.4. Djursommerland has Denmark's coolest roller coaster and water park. 5. Tivoli in Aarhus. The younger brother of the capital's park. Smaller, which means more comfortable and calmer. Please note that the opening season of most parks in Denmark is April-September, and they are also open on Halloween and Christmas."

“Danish beaches have shallow waters, which is ideal for families with children and the water warms up quickly. Thanks to the warm Gulf Stream, the water can be surprisingly pleasant. And our neighbors, the Germans, fell in love with these beaches; they are the ones who occupy summer houses on the coast and campsites in Denmark every year in millions!”

“What can you bring from Denmark? Everything related to creating coziness (hygge): designer vases, mugs, candlesticks, skins, blankets, socks and other coffee pots. Chocolate or any marzipan bars, chocolate covered licorice. Salty items include herring in various sauces, crackling chips, seed bread mixture. Those who are not too lazy to carry alcohol should pay attention to Danish gin, aquavit and mead. Children should definitely buy new Lego sets, the little mermaid and other souvenirs based on Andersen’s fairy tales. And, of course, Danish trolls and Nisse Christmas gnomes."

“What can we learn from the Danes? Modesty, creativity, the ability to work in a team, a high level of social responsibility, the desire for coziness, minimalism, comfort and the ability to enjoy the little things.”

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How to look for housing

For visiting students who are not citizens of the European Union, the university can provide a room in a dormitory, but the maximum period is one year. The idea is to help newcomers find accommodation before they arrive. It is almost impossible to rent housing remotely in Denmark: the owners want to meet with potential tenants. I recommend looking for first housing through the university.

This is what my dorm room looked like. The room had a small kitchen.

After a year, you can continue to live in the hostel, but you need to apply for this in advance. The queues for housing are long, you can wait for months. You can apply on the websites of student housing organizations in Copenhagen and Aarhus.

Rooms in dorms and apartments differ little in price. I advise you to look for a room in a communal apartment. For this, there are paid services like Boligportal, but subscription to them is expensive: from 300 CZK (2820 RUR) per month for one site. It is unlikely that anyone will respond if you send messages in English rather than Danish. I don’t know anyone who could find housing through such sites.

Boligportal has a user-friendly interface and a lot of advertisements, but finding housing is still difficult

The most reliable method of finding housing is word of mouth, so don’t be shy to write a post on social networks and ask your friends, especially Danes, to share it. I also advise you to actively respond to advertisements in special groups on Facebook.

I recommend looking for accommodation in groups on Facebook: Aarhus Internationals, Roommate in Copenhagen, Leje i København - Rooms and apartments for rent in Copenhagen, Roommate Copenhagen, Lejligheder til salg og leje i København, Roommates and Flat Finder

Finding housing in Denmark is like looking for a job. Landlords receive dozens or even hundreds of inquiries, so you need to present yourself in the best possible light.

Life in Denmark: what does an immigrant need to know about it?

Standard of living

Denmark is a prosperous state with a stable economy. Denmark occupies top positions in the rankings of countries with the lowest level of corruption, the most favorable conditions for doing business, and the most effective government policy in the field of ecology. As a result, the Danes are the happiest nation - the vast majority of the country's population is completely satisfied with their lives.

Taxes are high here, but this is quite justified: medicine, the education system and social security are all at the highest level, and people are willing to pay for it. In addition, Denmark is one of the safest countries in the world. There is a low crime rate and a large proportion of crimes are cases of domestic violence. A robbery on the street is an unlikely situation in Denmark. Even at night you can walk along the streets without fear for your life. Strikes here are also a single phenomenon, and not a mass phenomenon, as, for example, in France, where it would seem that everyone goes on strike: taxi drivers, students, workers, and with enviable regularity.

The monument to the Little Mermaid from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale is perhaps the most popular attraction in the country

Climate and ecology

The climate of Denmark is quite comfortable for a Russian person: it is not hot here, the average air temperature varies from + 10 to + 20 degrees Celsius. However, this is not a dream climate, as, for example, on the Californian coast. The sun rarely appears in the Danish sky, but rain and wind are constant daily companions.

Not a single Dane leaves home without an umbrella: the weather here changes in a matter of minutes. If you see the sun outside your window in the morning, this does not mean that the whole day will be clear. It is likely that within a minute a gusty wind will blow outside and it will start to rain.

Popular proverb: if you don't like the Danish weather, wait 5 minutes, it will change.

Denmark experiences cloudy weather almost all year round.

Caring for the environment is another principle in the life of every Dane. The policy of local authorities contributes to the successful development of this trend. In every supermarket you will see a machine that accepts plastic bottles. I handed over the empty container and received a receipt that can be used to pay for purchases in the same supermarket. Thanks to such a well-thought-out system, everyone has the opportunity to save a little, and local authorities can ensure clean streets at minimal cost.

Nuances of lifestyle

The Danes are simply obsessed with a healthy lifestyle. Kayaking, daily jogging, cycling as the main form of transport - all this is in order here (and this despite the constant rainy weather!). Many large companies have gyms for employees and members of their families, sports competitions are held regularly, and many employers provide their subordinates with discounts on visiting the pool/fitness center/gym.

Bicycles are a separate topic for Denmark. This type of transport became popular after World War II, when, due to a shortage of gasoline, more and more people opted for a two-wheeled vehicle. Bicycles are still very common: Denmark has an extremely high tax on car ownership (it is higher than the cost of the car itself). As a result: the bicycle today is the main mode of transport for most citizens, and the winners of bicycle races are no less popular than show business stars.

Interesting fact: in Denmark, anyone can use a bicycle for free if they don’t have their own. There are special parking lots everywhere where you can rent an “iron horse” for 20 CZK - this deposit will automatically be given back to you when you return the vehicle to its place.

Bicycle traffic jams are a common phenomenon in Denmark.

Work takes up much less time in a Dane’s life than a Russian or Ukrainian . The average working day here lasts only 6.4 hours, and an annual paid vacation of 6 weeks is provided. In their free time from work, the Danes play sports, attend various trainings, courses (here it is customary to constantly learn something), interest groups (for example, there are communities of young mothers or pensioners), and spend time with their families.

This is a plus: the average Dane has 16 hours a day “for himself” - this is time for sleep and relaxation, communication, hobbies and sports.

Video: how Denmark lives through the eyes of a Russian woman

Danish cuisine

Danish cuisine is quite modest and monotonous. Baked goods, meat and potato dishes are held in high esteem here. It is understandable to Russian people, but many immigrants say that they lack typical Russian products: pickles, sprats, dumplings, caviar, buckwheat.

Sandwiches with various fillings are the most popular type of snack in Denmark

National Danish cuisine often includes pork dishes - in the summer it's grilled ribs, in the winter it's oven-baked pork with skin, and various types of potatoes.

Estreiiita

Features of mentality

The Danes are very practical and conservative. Here it is considered normal to present a list of desired gifts along with a birthday invitation. What seems inconvenient to a Russian person is considered practical here.

There is a clear sign of equality between men and women. There is no division of responsibilities into “male” and “female”. Men do housework on equal terms, women do work. But Russian women need to be prepared for the fact that equality also results in other aspects that are not entirely familiar to our mentality: a separate family budget, paying the restaurant bill equally.

Interesting fact: being a housewife is extremely unpopular in Denmark (even among older ladies): 80% of women work.

Women here dress much more modestly than is customary in Russia. Bright makeup and elegant clothes are appropriate here only at appropriate events. Here it is not customary to boast about fashion brands and go “to work as if it were a holiday.” The priority is practicality and comfort.

Here it is customary to start a family in adulthood and approach this very responsibly. There are many 30-year-old men and women here who have not yet been burdened by marriage. Couples have been cohabiting for a long time, but if they finally decide to legalize their relationship, it is usually forever. By the way, unequal marriages are rare here: you almost never see an older man dating a girl old enough to be his daughter.

Men often postpone marriage until age 30+, but value family; A lot of time is spent on children, but at the same time, women are expected to work and not just care for children.

Mermaid

The Danes do not boast of wealth: you won’t see as many expensive cars on the streets as in the average Russian city. A sign of status here is simplicity and comfort, which is manifested in minimalist Scandinavian interiors, in the style of clothing, and in the choice of car.

Standard of living, salaries and prices for the population in Denmark in 2020

Scandinavian countries are distinguished by great attention to the social problems of the population. As a result, the quality of life here significantly exceeds even that of the richer and more developed world powers. Scandinavians are not interested in global geopolitical issues, expanding spheres of influence, or building up arms. Therefore, life in Denmark is considered one of the best. According to the HDI index, the country ranks 5th. The leader is Norway. Fans of foreign holidays are divided into two categories.

The first is travelers who use the services of travel companies. In this case, the trip is more expensive than organizing it yourself. But if this is your first voyage outside of Russia, then it is better to stay with this option.

Travel agency employees will help you choose a suitable excursion route and tell you about the rules of entry into the country and customs control. The group's accompanying person will provide information about transport in the host cities, the work of shopping establishments, and explain how to behave in the country. The second category is tourists who organize their own trip. During the preparation process, a long list of must-see attractions is carefully compiled.

And there is simply not enough time to get acquainted with the laws at the border and customs, the operation of the transport network and communications, the rules of behavior when communicating with local residents, and actions in case of emergency situations. But for single tourists, especially those traveling abroad for the first time, this is extremely useful information.

Embassy address: Copenhagen, st. Let's consider key indicators of the population's well-being. From them you can see how high the standard of living is in Denmark. One of the main features of the country is its leading position in many areas, despite its small territory and scarce resources.

The country is located on the Jutland Peninsula and occupies a mostly flat area with partial glaciation.

Denmark has a mild maritime climate. In summer the air warms up to an average of 15-17 oC. Autumn and spring are not characterized by sudden temperature changes. The country is relatively warm in winter. The minimum average temperature is -1 oC. Due to its proximity to the sea, the country experiences frequent precipitation. The weather can change several times during the day. Modern authorities pay great attention to environmental concerns.

Every year the Danes plant hectares of forest. Unlike many neighboring European powers, Denmark is a kingdom. Monarchical sentiments are quite high here, despite the constitutional system. Queen Margret II is respected and loved, her opinion is listened to. The country honors the traditions of the Vikings and its past warlike culture. In a man, masculinity, strength, and the ability to make decisions are valued. The country's population is punctual.

Responsibility is valued in people. Everyone rides bicycles around the cities, goes to gyms, and prefers active recreation. In terms of demographic indicators, the Kingdom is doing well. The birth rate exceeds the death rate - Birth rate - 1. Infant mortality - 4. Average life expectancy according to experts in the city. This is one of the best results in the world.

The monetary unit in Denmark is the krone. Dollars and euros are not accepted for payment in the country. To pay for purchases, services in restaurants and hotels, banknotes in denominations of 50, or crowns, are suitable. It is better for tourists to make a one-time exchange of the required amount into Danish kroner. After all, a fixed fee is paid for each operation. The amount of the commission is indicated on the information board at the exchange points. The minimum fee is at post offices and Forex exchange offices located at airports, train stations and some streets.

It is more profitable for tourists to change money at bank branches than at hotels. On weekends, banks are closed, only post offices are open. The financial situation of the population is good. However, the cost of living in Denmark may seem unreasonably high for someone coming from Russia. The living wage in Denmark is not officially fixed. Therefore, the amounts indicated are approximate. Let's look at specific cost indicators. Denmark is not known for its spacious pastures and fertile soils.

Of course, this leads to an increase in the cost of the food basket. Housing in the capital is expensive. Local legislation strictly restricts foreigners wishing to purchase real estate in the country: The listed restrictions are designed to reduce the demand for already expensive housing. Another reason for the bans is the desire to provide an advantage to one’s own citizens and to deny access to the country to foreign migrants who do not want to work, but live on benefits.

In the regions, rent is cheaper by 1. Denmark has exemplary transport links. There are regular ferry lines between the islands of the kingdom. The country is covered by an extensive network of free highways. Tolls are collected only on two bridges - across the Great Belt and Öresund straits. Railways connect many settlements, but traveling on a comfortable train is expensive, while traveling by bus is a little cheaper.

However, such methods of transportation tie the tourist to a schedule. Therefore, for a traveler in Denmark, the best form of transport is a rented car. Car rental in Denmark is available to drivers over 21 years of age with an international driver's license. Payment is made on site upon receipt of the car. You can only pay with international Visa or MasterCard cards.

The amount remaining on the card is frozen until the rental car is returned and must exceed its cost by at least 2 times. The size of fines for traffic violations in Denmark amazes Russian tourists. For example, if a car is driven with low beam headlights off, a fine of dollars is imposed. A popular form of transport in Denmark is the bicycle. Wonderful paths for this popular mode of transport are laid even outside cities and often run parallel to intercity highways.

A person riding a bicycle has an advantage over other road users. Tourists can get a vehicle at the nearest of the many rental points.

Rent 9 - 15 euros per day. To work in Denmark, a foreigner will need to enter into a formal agreement with the company. After employment, you need to register with the state migration control authority. Traditionally, the kingdom has many vacancies in agriculture, migrants with minimal education are accepted, in the fish processing industry, work in Greenland, in the field of medicine and in the field of ecology.

The Danes also experience a shortage of programmers. There are many vacancies in the field of human resources management on the labor market. To confirm their qualifications, a foreigner will need to undergo a complex procedure for nostrification of a national diploma or graduate from a local university.

There are few Internet cafes in Denmark; most residents use the Internet at home. But everywhere in the country - in public places, hotels, cafes, trains - free access to the Wi-Fi network is provided. Russians can use their phone in the kingdom if the mobile operator has entered into a roaming agreement with a Danish cellular company. Most often this is the case, but before traveling it is better to check the availability and cost of communication services. Incomes of the population correspond to the highest European indicators.

Specialists earn much higher:. Local legislation has limited interference in the labor market. There is simply no minimum wage established by law here. However, the minimum hourly rate is approximately This indicator depends on the region and profession.

Personal transport - carsharing

It’s better to completely forget about taxis and your own car in Copenhagen. A 3 km trip by taxi will cost you about 100 CZK (940 RUR), and you will have to pay a very high tax for your car (even if it is used). If you suddenly need a car, I advise you to use car sharing.

940 R

costs a 3 km taxi ride

Car sharing in Copenhagen is well developed. I use Drivenau, but there are at least four other companies. The biggest advantage of car sharing is that you only pay for the time you use. All cars in car sharing are electric. Insurance, parking and charging are already included in the price. If you take a couple of friends with you, the trip can be cheaper than using public transport.

This is what a Drivenau carsharing car looks like

When registering with Drivenau, you need to pay a fee of 89 CZK (836 RUR). It includes a 30 minute drive. It is profitable to pay for minutes in advance - so one minute will cost 2.5 CZK instead of 4 CZK (23.5 R instead of 37.6 R). To do this, you need to purchase a package for 180 or 300 minutes before your trip. It is valid indefinitely, and minutes for each trip will simply be deducted from the package. If you charge a car with less than 20% charge, you will receive 20 minutes free of charge to your internal car sharing account.

You can drive in Denmark with a Russian license for a year, but then you need to exchange it for a local one. A replacement will cost 880 CZK (8272 RUR), you will have to go for a medical examination, but you do not need to take exams or take additional classes for category B.

8272 R

it's worth changing the rights

the cost of living

The average gross salary in Denmark is 42,500 crowns per month (approximately 520 thousand rubles). A little less than half of it immediately goes to taxes - the basic tax is 38%, the labor market payment is 8%, pension contributions are 4% and the social contribution, which for me is equal to about a hundred crowns per month. At the same time, I receive about one and a half thousand crowns back as compensation for travel to work and about five thousand crowns for supporting my wife, who is not working yet. If you overpay (or underpay) part of the taxes, they will be returned/deducted in April of the next year. This happened to me with my salary - due to the fact that I was not registered with the tax office for the first few months, the maximum tax of 65% was written off from me, so by April I suddenly lost a very decent compensation. As a result, after paying taxes, I have about 70% left in my hands, which is good news.

Main expense items:

1. Housing - 7,500 crowns per month (90 thousand rubles), taking into account the cost of water and heating.
2. Utilities - my employer pays for my internet, so I only pay for electricity - 1,300 crowns every three months (1,600 rubles).
3. Travel - an unlimited monthly travel pass from home to work cost me 660 crowns (8 thousand rubles).
4. Gym subscription - 230 CZK per month (2800 rubles).
5. Contribution to the unemployment fund is 500 crowns per month (6 thousand rubles). If I am a member of this fund for at least a year, then after dismissal I will be paid about 20 thousand crowns (250 thousand rubles) per month until I find a job (or until a year has passed from the date of dismissal).
6. Additional medical insurance - one thousand crowns every three months (12 thousand rubles). It is not mandatory, but it covers all paid medical services, including dentistry, either 50% or 100%, so if you plan to spend a lot of money on treatment, insurance can be very beneficial.
7. Products are on average one and a half to two times more expensive than in Novosibirsk. The prices that stand out are the prices for eggs (23 crowns - 300 rubles) and bread with bananas (20 crowns - 250 rubles) - almost three times more expensive.

There are also very expensive taxis here, and slightly unpleasant prices for dental treatment. So, for example, they charged me 4,500 crowns (55 thousand rubles) for removal, taking into account diagnostics and anesthesia. I used to pay 46 kroons (600 rubles) for a one-way trip to work, but then I realized that I could take a monthly pass and travel much cheaper. Cars are expensive, and taxes on them are too (up to twice the cost of the car itself). But at the same time, healthcare is almost completely free, education is also free, and the mortgage rate is also very low, somewhere around zero to one percent.

The old water wheel at the Den Gamle By museum.

What to check before renting

Be sure to sign a contract with the landlord. The market is highly regulated, and without a contract you will most likely be kicked out of your apartment pretty quickly. Tenants who do not have the right to sublet often rent out premises without a contract. This is quickly revealed by the real owners or landlords.

Check if utilities and internet are included in the rental price. If not, then they can cost you another 200-300 crowns (1880-2820 R).

Do not leave any deposits or other payments until the contract is concluded: there are many scammers in Copenhagen. If you doubt the intentions of your interlocutor, check him out in the Scammers in Copenhagen Facebook group.

Do not pay a large amount as a deposit. The maximum normal deposit is the amount for 3 months of rent. Ideally, you will be able to get the full amount back within a couple of weeks after you move out of the apartment, if you don’t break anything. Read the terms of the deposit return contract. For example, let's say you move in with someone who has been living in an apartment for a couple of years. The contract may include a clause stating that upon departure the deposit will be divided equally between you, although you only lived there for a couple of months and are unlikely to have broken anything.

If you find a large apartment that you want to sublet part of, check whether your contract with the landlord allows subletting. If subletting is allowed, you can try to find tenants for free rooms or rent out your home through if you are leaving the city for a short time.

Housing is often rented unfurnished. You will have to buy it yourself. It is better to buy secondhand, for example on the Danish equivalent of Ibay - the DBA website. Large appliances like a refrigerator and a washing machine will most likely still be in the apartment.