Sep 28th 2020

Denmark is one of the most magnificent countries in the world — the landscape is beautiful, it’s clean, eco-friendly, and the locals love to have a good time. As one of the happiest countries in the world, Danish people are very welcoming to tourists; however, no matter how tolerant Danish people may be when it comes to other cultures, they insist on etiquette of a certain level from their foreign friends and associates. Here are some Danish etiquette you should know!

Dining Etiquette in Denmark

A Danish dinner is typically considered a formal affair and ones’ etiquette will affect the other guests’ impressions. In most cultures, it's basically the same thing but there are some things one must know when they visit a Danish home. When it’s time to gather around the dinner table, wait to be told where to sit because there might be a seating plan. Table manners are very important in Danish etiquette, do not begin eating until the host starts with a toast and says, “Skål”. When toasting, raise glasses about eye level and make eye contact with each person around the table. Always respond to the toast “Skål” by saying it back to each person who says it.

Shoe Etiquette

In Danish etiquette, it's impolite to wear the outdoor shoes inside a person's home, so we're expected to remove our shoes when entering a person's home. Sometimes the host will have extra house slippers, but it is advisable to bring an extra pair just in case.

Gift-giving Etiquette

When it comes to picking a gift that suits Danish etiquette, remember that disproportionately expensive gifts will only cause discomfort, a thoughtfully packed item will be better appreciated than something extravagant. For dinner parties and celebrations, a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates are appropriate but they have to be wrapped. Flowers are a popular option, and florists in Denmark are familiar enough with the tradition that they will typically offer to wrap bouquets meant as gifts.

Another common gift is a box of Brysslkex or butter cookies. One of the most famous butter cookies from Denmark is Danisa Butter Cookies. Made with an authentic Danish recipe passed down through generations of Denmark’s master bakers, Danisa Butter Cookies is the perfect choice for gift-giving. Originated from the traditional treats enjoyed by European nobility, Danisa Butter Cookies has been producing its world-famous butter cookies for decades.
Globally known as a symbol of festivity and luxurious indulgence, Danisa Butter Cookies continues to delight an international fan base, establishing it as one of the world's most sought-after treats. The richness of the butter, the gentle vanilla flavor, and perfectly balanced sweetness is just right to please people all over the world.

When visiting a home with children, make sure to bring small gifts such as toys that the kids would love! It may also help to ask their parents what their children would want as most Danish parents actively discourage giving expensive gifts, even kids’ birthday parties generally have a maximum amount limit.
In the end, Denmark's culture, etiquette, and society stem from a long history and described by these three aspects of Danish life: simplicity, politeness, and equality.