During the month of June, Danish towns are overtaken by jubilant young adults wearing assorted styles of graduation caps (studenterhuer). The Local brings you a guide to what the caps mean, their history and significance.
Danes are famously private, with neighbours offering no more than a quick 'hej hej' in the hallway if they’re unlucky enough to pass by at the same time. Small talk, known as 'småsnak', makes them very uncomfortable.
The Danish language has has a rich tradition of coining creative compound words. Many of them have something to tell us about the Nordic country’s traditions and culture.
From doing the dishes to scheduling when you eat sweets and the positioning of your washing machine, there are certain signs that you're slowly - but surely - turning into a true Dane, writes The Local's British journalist Michael Barrett.
Danes are known to be particularly obedient when it comes to pedestrian traffic lights, with few people defying the rules by crossing on a red. So is it actually illegal to jaywalk?
If you’ve lived in Denmark for a while, you might be acquainted with social conventions particular to the Scandinavian country. For others who have recently relocated, certain things might come as a surprise.
It can be hard for newcomers to Denmark to make friends with Danes, who have settled routines and longstanding friendship groups. So what can you do to come in from the cold?
It’s easy to notice things like bicycles, candles and mixed weather when you move to or visit Denmark. But which everyday items are conspicuous by their absence?
If you ever drive past a Danish house with the national flag flying high and scores of small paper versions decorating the front garden, you are more likely to have stumbled upon a child’s birthday than a nationalist convention.
There’s a different culture around certain swear words in Denmark. One such word in particular can add an exciting new challenge to raising bilingual children, writes The Local Denmark’s Michael Barrett. Share your own views below.
A faultless accent and broad vocabulary aren't the only ways to stop Danes immediately switching to English in your presence: these quirky interjections can help you fake fluency.
Friday the 13th is here again, so let's take a look at how common it is in Denmark to believe in ghosts (and zombies), why it's a shame people still think black cats are unlucky, and where the phrase "7-9-13" comes from.
It’s hard to miss the campaign posters which have popped up all over Denmark since the election was announced earlier this month. But why do the Social Democrats have the party letter A, and why is the Danish People’s Party O?
Drive through any Danish town or city and the country’s homegrown brand names are prominent everywhere, from Jysk furniture stores to Kims potato crisps. We look at where these names come from – and what they might have been instead.
Understandably, there's no such thing as a 'danish' in Denmark. But there's a reason the country's name is synonymous with flakey pastries worldwide — Denmark excels at treats.
During the cold and dark early months of the year, one of the bright spots in Denmark is the national favourite ‘fastelavnsbolle’, a traditional pre-Lent treat that reminds you spring isn’t too far away.
There are a surprising number of unwritten rules when it comes to greeting people throughout the Christmas season. So when should you say 'god jul', and what do you say after Christmas but before New Year?
Denmark’s cold, dark months can be formidable for even the most resilient internationals. So how can we actively embrace winter in our adopted country, rather than just waiting for the days to get longer again?
