Miscellaneous

  • Danes would round the bill upwards in restaurants and when taking a taxi. Tipping is not a custom.
  • You can tip at restaurants and cafes when you are very pleased with service.
  • Danes would look for a ticket machine in the post office, banks, or busy offices. The numbered ticket system provides an orderly system of queuing.
  • Danes would expect people to talk openly about the cost of things and even taxes. Politely make it clear if you consider these things as a private matter.
  • Danes would use the 24 hour clock – it is clearer to say 15.30 (halv fire) than half past three.
  • Danes would learn the basic rules of cycling before heading to work in rush hour bicycle traffic in order to avoid unnecessary accidents.
  • Danes would remind you that they are practical people. They may offer to help you, even though you may not have asked for it. Just say “thank you”, they come from a good place.
  • Danes would ask for help with baby strollers or other items when using public transport if nobody offers to help voluntarily. Danes are very willing to help, but they are also hesitant to offer help in case of being rejected.
  • Danes would always ask the elderly first if they need help. Many older Danes are very independent and proud of it.
  • Danes would often have their babies to nap outdoors despite the bad weather. This is a custom in Denmark and other Nordic countries as people believe that outdoor air is good for babies and they sleep better. Most parents have a child monitor in the baby carriage that rings an alarm if the child is awake.