Social Customs

This blog is to inform you about Business Etiquette in Denmark. There will be three different posts:

• Social Customs
• Business Etiquette and Protocol
• Extra Tips to Remember in Denmark

Dane's Way of Greeting

Dane's greetings are casual like North America and tend to introduce themselves with their first name.

Man greeting Man: They shake give a firm but fairly brief handshake greeting one another while having direct eye contact. With friends, a simple hello will do.

 

Woman greeting Woman: When women first meet; they generally shake hands while having direct eye contact. With friends, they give a simple kiss on the cheek. If you have not seen someone in a long time, a light hug is common.

Men and Women Greetings: At a first meeting a regular handshake will do. With friends and people they see often, a simple hello works. Good friends may give a kiss on the cheek, which is normal for the younger generation. 

Conservative Attire for Men and WOmen

Danes find it being very important to be conservative but nicely dressed and groomed.

• Men: Suits that are dark or medium colored with shirt and tie are acceptable. Have your shoes nicely polished. 
•  Women: Business suits, dresses/skirts, pantsuits and blouses. 
•   Accessories are normally worn, but make sure they are not flashy or expensive. 
•  Jeans and other casual attire are not acceptable in business situations.

Gift Giving in Denmark

• Gifts are not normally brought to a meeting.
•  If invited to a Danish home, be sure to bring a good quality bottle of wine, liquor, or chocolates. 
• Wrap gifts nicely and expect them to be opened right away.

Denmark's Communication Style

• Danes tend to be both direct and indirect when speaking. 
• Danes like to be polite and courteous, but be aware of hints as Danes expect you to read between the lines in their tone and words.
•  They can be very sarcastic, with a dry sense of humor. 
• Avoid raising your voice to show anger, Danes try to avoid conflict.

Dane's Views on Time 

• Promptness is greatly respected, it is important to be on time, especially in business settings.
• Transportation services normally follow a tight schedule and are almost always on time. 

Works Cited:

Denmark - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette." Kwintessential. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 May 2013. <http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/denmark-country-profile.html>

Landers, Michael. "Denmark." Culture Crossing. Ed. Lisa Grossman. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 May 2013. <http://www.culturecrossing.net/>.