We know that moving to a new country has its ups and downs. The excitement of something new can mix with the feeling of fear of the unknown. Leaving your ordinary, well-known environment behind and starting a journey in a new country takes courage. Before a change of this proportion, it might be a good idea to plan and investigate the new country and city you want to settle down in, so we have compiled a list of pros and cons. Moving to Denmark – pros and cons.
PROs
High Quality of Life
Denmark consistently ranks high in global quality of life indexes. The country boasts an excellent healthcare system, top-notch education, and a strong social safety net. The Danish welfare system ensures that citizens and residents have access to essential services, contributing to a sense of security and well-being.
Denmark has a very relaxed atmosphere, lots of people using bikes as their main transport option. When the weather is good and the sun is shining people will be outside in the parks, by the seaside or the harbors, hanging out, listening to music, barbecuing. During the cold months, it’s mainly indoor gatherings with hot tea and blankets.
Work-Life Balance
Danish culture places a strong emphasis on work-life balance. The official workweek is 37.5 hours, and there is a generous amount of vacation time, usually five to six weeks per year. This balance allows people to enjoy a fulfilling personal life alongside their professional commitments.
Most offices are empty by 5pm. And parents with small children often leave work at 3.30pm. to pick their kids up from daycare. This does not mean that people in Denmark are less productive than people from countries with longer work hours. In fact, they work just as hard. Denmark just has a culture of separating professional and personal lives, and spending time doing what they love or with family and friends is seen as important.
Environmental Awareness
Denmark is a global leader in environmental sustainability. The country has made significant strides in renewable energy, particularly wind power. The cities are designed to be bike-friendly, reducing the carbon footprint and promoting a healthy lifestyle. The emphasis on green living is a significant draw for those who value environmental consciousness.
Safety and Low Crime Rate
Denmark is known for its low crime rate and high levels of safety. This makes it an attractive destination for families and individuals seeking a secure environment. The strong sense of community and social trust further enhances the overall feeling of safety.
Criminal activity that does occur is usually in the form of petty offences, and these occasions are few and far between. Expats going about their normal lives in the country will not have to worry about their safety.
Cultural Richness
Denmark offers a vibrant cultural scene, from historic landmarks like castles and Viking ruins to modern art museums and music festivals. The Danish concept of “hygge” emphasizes coziness and contentment, contributing to the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the country.
Healthcare system and governmental supports
Denmark is famous for its free healthcare system. Of course, it is only technically free, every citizen has healthcare included in their taxes, which means that you will not be charged directly when you visit the doctor.
In general, Denmark has a high rate of taxation, some would say too high. However, when you look at all the healthcare benefits and government support you receive for free, it doesn’t look that bad.
In addition to free healthcare, this is an example of a few things that Denmark offers:
- Free education
- Financial support for students (from EU member countries)
- Maternity leave and benefits
- Clean and well-maintained cities, parks, and other public spaces
- Extensive bike-lines
Professional childcare availability
It is very common in Denmark that both parents are working outside their home, even before their child turns one year old. Therefore, professional childcare is available to help the parents. The teachers in these childcare facilities are trained professionals. They usually highlight integration and social rules and teaching Danish to the kids from an early age.
This professional childcare system however is not for free. Depending on where you live, it could vary between 300-500 euros per month. Although, depending on how many kids you have, the price can be lowered.
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Related: Best Schools for Expat Children in Copenhagen
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CONs
High Cost of Living
One of the most significant downsides of living in Denmark is the high cost of living. Everything from housing to groceries and dining out can be expensive. Taxes are also high, which, while funding excellent public services, can be a financial burden for newcomers, especially those not accustomed to such a tax structure.
Everything in Denmark is expensive, from accommodation to utilities to fuel and eating out. In fact, Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Luckily, salaries in Denmark tend to the high and in most cases, can cover an expat’s cost while also providing them with a good quality of life.
Language Barrier
While many Danes speak excellent English, especially in urban areas, Danish is the official language and is necessary for full integration into society. Learning Danish can be challenging for newcomers, and fluency is often required for certain jobs and social settings. This language barrier can make it difficult to fully integrate into the local culture.
Denmark has the second highest percentage of English-speaking population in the world according to the 2020 English Proficiency Index, while Copenhagen is the first on the list of English Proficiency Index in the capitals of the world.
In general, this means that you will have no problem coming to the country and communicating basically to anyone about anything if you speak a good level of English. However, if you are planning on staying in Denmark for more than one to two years, it might be a good idea to learn the language.
In general, people prefer to speak their first language, and they are also more opened and direct when it comes to social life speaking Danish.
Danish is not an easy language, especially when it comes to their pronunciation. However, you will most certainly have a better experience and feel more included in society if you speak the language of the Danes.
Weather and Climate
Denmark’s weather can be a downside for some. The country experiences long, cold winters with short daylight hours, which can lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) for some people. The summers, although pleasant, are brief and often unpredictable. The climate may take time to adjust to, particularly for those from warmer regions.
The weather is not Denmark’s biggest charm. Approximately from around October, the days are getting shorter and shorter in terms of daylight, it is rainy, it is cold, and this can last until March, some years even April.
Summers are usually quite nice; however, the average temperature is usually around 23 degrees, and depending on the year, the whole summer can be rainy too.
For the ones that are used to heavy sunlight and warm weather, Denmark might be a tough one to get used to and like.
Cultural Adjustment
While Denmark is welcoming, its culture can be quite different from what some expats are used to. The society tends to be more reserved, and making close friendships can take time. The cultural norm of “Janteloven,” which discourages excessive pride and boasting, may also require some adjustment for those from more individualistic societies.
Migration and population change are something that is happening all around the world, also in Europe. Unfortunately, the so-called passive racism is present in almost all countries towards especially minority racial groups.
Denmark is a country that advocates for freedom and equality; however, you might encounter high nationalism and cultural superiority when living in Denmark.
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Related: Cultural Etiquette in Denmark: What New Migrants Need to Know
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Photo: Yadid Levy / Norden.org
Job Market Competition
The job market in Denmark is competitive, especially for non-EU citizens. While there are opportunities in sectors like IT, engineering, and healthcare, it can be challenging to secure a position without proficiency in Danish. Additionally, the country has a strong preference for hiring locally, making it difficult for foreigners to break into certain industries.
Moving to Denmark – Pros and Cons: Conclusion
Living in Denmark is a good experience for most people. No matter where you go, it is always extremely difficult to leave your home and create a new one somewhere else, where you will feel safe, comfortable, and happy. However, Denmark is a country with good governance, a safe and clean environment, and peaceful people.
The negative side of Denmark is balanced out by the supportive services and structure of the country. There is a chance you face failures and things you don’t like or are not used to. You might find that this country is not for you. But you also might find that it’s just the perfect place for you to be.
Moving to Denmark – Pros and Cons, compiled by Tor Kjolberg
Feature image (on top) © University of Copenhagen