Language and Culture

One of the first things I think about when considering traveling to a new place is language and culture. I want to know whether the destination in mind will have a welcoming, fun culture and how navigable I can be as an English speaker. While the official language in Copenhagen is Danish, almost everyone speaks English. Danish people start learning English in schools as early as the first grade. While this is comforting to hear, especially as someone who doesn’t speak Danish, it is helpful to learn simple phrases like “Hej” for Hello, “Tak” for Thank you, and “Hej Hej” for Bye. The pronunciation for “Hej” sounds just like saying Hi in English, and “Tak” is pronounced like saying Tock.

In addition to language flexibility, Copenhagen’s young population creates great nightlife and opportunities to make friends. Copenhagen features a number of universities that draw droves of people from around the world to the city. Paired with bar and hostel culture, I always had an opportunity to go out with my friends or meet new people at social events! (psst, it helps that Copenhagen allows public drinking – wink, wink).

Simplistic Design and Lifestyle

If you’ve ever heard of Scandinavian design, Copenhagen is one of the cities that the term describes. Scandinavian design describes a design movement characterized by minimalism and simplicity. But don’t let the simplicity fool you! Decor and the cost of living in general can be quite pricey in Copenhagen, and that’s coming from a girl who is native to a high-cost-of-living American city.

I truly appreciated how this idea of Scandinavian design influenced my grocery shopping and even the brands I consumed. I was accustomed to buying my food in bulk or large quantities and having it serve me for weeks. But, with my tiny apartment and even smaller fridge, I was forced to grocery shop more often but in smaller quantities. Where I was used to Western retailers like Fashion Nova and Forever 21, I discovered shops like COS and Gina Tricot. Nordic design is worthwhile discovering when traveling to Copenhagen, Denmark.

The Kindness of Danish Locals

A large factor when choosing a country to live in for 4 months was the attitude and kindness of locals. This would be the first time I’ve ever lived outside of the US, and I wanted to ensure that I would be welcomed and respected. While that’s always the goal when traveling, there may be instances where folks experience harassing or unwelcoming locals. Fortunately, I did not experience that in Copenhagen.

To my surprise, locals never stared at me in public; many even thought I was Danish and would start speaking to me in their local language before realizing and switching to English immediately. Danes will tell you that they follow a culture of humility and simplicity. That being said, they believe that no one is inherently better than the other, no matter economic status or social class. This way of thinking shows when you interact with Danes and experience kindness and genuineness (unless you walk in the bike lane – then you will definitely upset the Danes!).

Hygge!

Finally, Hygge! Hygge, pronounced like hoo-gah, is a Danish word that describes the feeling of coziness and comfort. Copenhagen encapsulates the meaning of this term through and through. If it isn’t because of the endless cafes where fresh baked goods are set out on display, then it’s because of the calmness of the busy city. Where folks prefer relaxing bike rides over driving, public transportation is also readily available and clean. In the spring and summer, you will find droves of families and friends picnicking under the sun.

Copenhagen feels like a warm hug on a snowy Christmas morning. The city is definitely a change from the bustling city that I call home, and one that I could never regret. If I haven’t convinced you yet to book the next flight to Copenhagen, Denmark, I’m not sure what else will. Use the comment section below to let me know your thoughts. Until our next adventure–Tak Tak!