Understanding Denmark – Danish society, culture and everyday life

Are you new to Denmark, or would you simply like to understand Danish society and everyday life better?

This course gives you an introduction to Danish society, culture, language and everyday life. Through conversation, presentations, examples and shared experiences, we explore some of the things that make everyday life in Denmark different from what you may know from other countries.

The course is taught in English and is aimed at adults who want to gain a broader understanding of Denmark while also becoming familiar with basic Danish words and expressions that can be useful in everyday situations.

We will explore topics such as:

• Danish society and everyday life
• Danish culture and traditions
• banks and everyday financial matters
• insurance and housing
• public transport, including buses, trains and ferries
• pharmacies and aspects of the Danish healthcare system
• waste sorting and environmental practices
• schools, school communication and holiday periods
• housing and everyday services
• basic Danish language and useful expressions
• communication and cultural differences

The course is not a practical "how-to" course, but an opportunity to understand how Danish society is organised and why things are done the way they are.

For example, when we talk about public transport, we can look at how the Danish transport system works and learn relevant words and expressions. When we talk about schools, we explore school communication, holidays and some of the traditions surrounding Danish education.

We also look at cultural differences and similarities. Participants are encouraged to share experiences from their own countries and discuss how everyday life in Denmark may be similar or different.

The teaching combines presentations, dialogue, questions, language activities and examples from everyday life. There is room for curiosity, discussion and the occasional laugh along the way.

The course is suitable for adults who are relatively new to Denmark as well as people who have lived here for some time but would like to understand Danish society and culture better.

The course is part of folkeoplysende voksenundervisning, with focus on language, culture, society and general knowledge.

Instructed by Mr Martin Taylor (Australia).
Co-instructed by Dorthe H. Jacobsen (Denmark).