Denmark 101 with Alex Berger
57 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 5 years ago - ★★★★ - 17 ratingsTips, tricks, and cultural observations about the Danes and life in Denmark. From Copenhagen on the island of Sjaelland to Aarhus, Alborg and the far reaches of Jutland. I aspire to explore Denmark and to report back on Denmark's wonderful people, rich traditions and subtle quirks.
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Episodes
Shoe Etiquette and Danish Homes
December 24, 2018 17:00 - 5 minutes - 6.73 MBWhen you visit a Danish household, apartments in particular, there tends to be one hard and fast rule....the podcast title probably gives it away, but give this episode a watch and weigh in with your own stories and experiences. If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way....
Danes and Doggy Bags
December 12, 2018 21:55 - 4 minutes - 6.03 MBThe meal was amazing. The portions were bottomless. You're ready to go home but feel guilty about wasting food. You're also feeling a bit lazy - why cook tomorrow morning? So, you ask for a doggy bag. What's a doggy bag? It's a to-go bag for your leftovers and while it may eventually find its way to a canine friend, the food you save and take home is usually reserved for human consumption as delicious leftovers. At least, that's how we do it in the US. But, what about Denmark? If you're Da...
Scandinavia and Fur Fashion
November 17, 2018 13:40 - 6 minutes - 8.01 MBYikes! It's a hard topic. What's up with all the Danes wearing fur and working it into Danish fashion? Why is it still so popular in Nordic and Scandinavian fashion when most other regions have abandoned it? I encourage everyone tow atch the full video for commenting, particularly as I know it's an emotional and sensitive topic for most. Right or wrong is up to you, but, as with everything in this series - I aim to better understand and explain the what and the why. The rest, I leave up to y...
Famous but Controversial Licorice Pipes
November 06, 2018 22:05 - 4 minutes - 6.2 MBThey may be delicious and a simple candy, but that does not mean they're not noteworthy and are without controversy. Tune into this episode of Denmark 101 for a look at one of Denmark's most iconic candied treats! **I opted for the American black licorice spelling, but yes, I'm aware you probably prefer "Liquorice"** If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this...
Julefrokost: Danish Christmas Lunch Parties
September 02, 2018 14:57 - 6 minutes - 7.09 MBStarting in late November, the Christmas Lunch / Danish Julefrokost season starts and it is a wild and crazy time. With charming dinners, fancy clothing, wonderful food (and not so wonderful food) as well as inappropriate flirtations and more than one or two frisky encounters - it's quite the cultural experience. Here's a quick down and dirty look at what it is and some casual observations. If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outla...
Danish Snaps vs Akvavit: What's the Difference?
August 04, 2018 09:21 - 5 minutes - 6.6 MBWTH is Snaps? Is it the same as Akvavit? Do you spell it snapps, schnaps, akvavit, or aquavit? In this episode of Denmark 101 I take a shot at explaining how Danish snaps is made and its cultural significance in preparation for next week's julefrokost video. If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us...
The Danish Export Economy
July 22, 2018 16:48 - 10 minutes - 14.5 MBAt the heart of understanding Denmark, Danish history, and Danish culture is the Danish economy. To do that, I've put together this video summarizing and discussing a number of statistics that serve as a great insight into where Denmark's job market is centered, where the country's economy is going, potential pitfalls in the future, and exciting opportunities. Figures for this video are pulled from: http://atlas.cid.harvard.edu/explore/?country=64&partner=undefined&product=undefined&produ...
Boobs and Danish Beaches
July 15, 2018 08:47 - 11 minutes - 14.7 MBFor my 50th Denmark 101 episode it's time to circle back around to the topic of Danes and Nudity, this time, let's focus in on beaches, breasts, and general nudity. Is it legal? Is it true that Europeans run around beaches naked? Are the men naked? Do people still go topless? Tune in and find out in this episode of Denmark 101 - and just a reminder for those watching, idiotic or disrespectful comments will be treated with disrespect or re-located to where they belong; the trash. If you're ...
Copenhagen's Neighborhoods
July 10, 2018 18:48 - 11 minutes - 14.6 MBDo you know the difference between København V, Vesterbro, Nørrebro, Østerbro, Christianshavn, Christiania, Amager and Frederiksberg? Each is widely different with very distinct with their own unique personalities. I do my best in this episode of Denmark 101 to give you a quick crash course run-through. Hint: If you're not familiar with Copenhagen, you may want to also pull up a map for this one! If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too...
Danish Bodegas
June 23, 2018 10:12 - 6 minutes - 8.26 MBThere are few things more Danish than the Bodega. Far from a local corner shop which might share the same name in other countries, a Bodega is the name for the traditional Danish corner bar. They're small, they're gritty, they're a bit rough, and they're overflowing with charm. In Today's Denmark 101 episode I dive into what a Bodega is, why they're an important part of Danish culture and some of the more subtle observations I've come to learn from my time in Denmark. If you're Danish ho...
Candles and Hygge
May 14, 2018 16:00 - 5 minutes - 6.52 MBHygge? You bet, but don't forget your candles! In today's episode I dive into the differences between how Americans deal with and view candles (especially southwesterners like myself from warmer regions) and how Danes view and use candles. Five years in, I've got to admit the Danes have won me over completely and I'm now decidedly on #teamcandle and loving the warmth and charm they offer. Though, we're still going to have to agree to disagree on how to use aromatic candles. If you're Danis...
Danes Hate Root Beer
May 13, 2018 16:00 - 3 minutes - 4.55 MBRoot Beer. As an American it's a classic cornerstone of American culture. Even though it's not as popular these days, it's still the definition of iconic for many Americans right there next to a Hamburger shop or Drive in Movie. For Danes though? Whew. Not so much. So, which side of the Root Beer divide do you fall on? Team Root Beer or Team Toothpaste? If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a for...
Danish Hard Alcohol
May 12, 2018 16:00 - 7 minutes - 9.77 MBExperiencing Danish culture means experiencing Danish alcohols. From Gammel Dansk to Aalborg Gold and Fisherman's Friend in-between, this episode is dedicated to exploring many of the most common Danish hard alcohols. Just writing this description and thinking about how horrible a lot of it is gives me chills and goosebumps. So, on that note, enjoy and...skal! If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're ...
Trying to Find and Buy Condoms
May 11, 2018 17:58 - 5 minutes - 7.52 MBWithout fail one of the things most non-Nordics find captivating about the Nordic countries are their liberal approach to sex and the stunning beauty of their populations. It doesn't take long looking for information about Denmark before the beauty of Danish men and women comes up. In the last few years there have even been some very widely viewed TV commercials which tackled the topic, such as Speis' "Do it for Denmark" campaign. But, one thing that doesn't get mentioned much, despite Dan...
Danes and Religion
May 11, 2018 17:51 - 12 minutes - 15.7 MBYou requested I share observations about religion, religiosity and related considerations in Denmark, including some comparisons to what I was exposed to growing up in the US. In this episode, I attempt to dive into a very complex topic while still trying to keep things fairly brief. As usual, this likely is somewhat biased towards Copenhagen (and the other major cities) and may not be as completely applicable to more rural areas which tend to be more religious and practice religion differ...
University Graduation Ceremonies
February 27, 2018 18:19 - 6 minutes - 7.72 MBWhen I graduated from Arizona State with my Bachelors there were three separate ceremonies all of which required I purchase and wear a maroon robe. I was initially skeptical of it all, choosing to only attend one, and thinking it was overhyped, a bit tacky, and ridiculous. But, later, I came to realize it offered a sense of closure and bookmarked the end of one chapter and the start of another. So, when it arrived in Copenhagen ready to attend the University of Copenhagen for my Master's n...
Studenterhue and Graduation Wagons
February 24, 2018 09:47 - 6 minutes - 8.25 MBRemember the incredible experience that came with graduating from High School or Gymnasium? The Danes know how to kick things up a notch with their Studenterhue and "wagon" ride around town. It's a crazy fun tradition that involves white sailor's hats denoting a recent graduate combined with a day spent touring the city, raising hell, drinking, dancing, smiling, and celebrating with friends and family from the back of an old converted military transport with lots of fake flowers, horns, and ...
Searching for a Job
December 03, 2017 10:55 - 14 minutes - 33.7 MBThis is the final part in my sub-series of videos looking at lessons learned during my time looking for work in Denmark and shares lessons garnered from helping friends go through the same process. Searching for a job in Denmark was something that ended up being deeply educational, humbling, and challenging. In this episode I explore what I learned during the process, advice I wish I'd known at the start, and some of the tangible first-steps I suggest for job seekers gearing up and hunting...
Creating a Danish Resume
November 01, 2017 22:38 - 10 minutes - 24.1 MBThis is part two in my sub-series of videos looking at lessons learned during my time looking for work in Denmark and shares lessons garnered from helping friends go through the same process. This episode is dedicated to the subtle (and not so subtle) differences in how Danes write their resumes. I discuss the evolution my resume had to go through and point out a few key differences I've picked up on. Of course, resume varies widely from industry to industry, not just country to country, s...
Neck Ties and Job Interviews
October 05, 2017 18:28 - 4 minutes - 11.2 MBThis kicks off a series of videos looking at lessons learned during my time looking for work in Denmark and shares lessons garnered from helping friends go through the same process. This episode is dedicated to ties, neck ties more specifically. Sound like a strangely specific topic to focus on? Watch and see why I've decided it deserves its own episode including the significance of neck ties during the job search process and when deciding what to wear for public speaking gigs and fancy re...
Danish Summer Homes
October 03, 2017 20:18 - 5 minutes - 13.2 MBSummer homes are a key and common part of Danish culture. In this episode of Denmark 101 I delve into what they are, how they fit within culture and how I've typically seen them used. When I first arrived in Denmark I found it particularly surprising just how prolific summer homes/summer cottages were. Over time, I've come to realize just how integral a role they play in Danish culture and history. To the Danes watching - care to elaborate on what summer homes mean to you? Do tell! If yo...
Taxes and the Tax System
October 01, 2017 12:35 - 10 minutes - 23.3 MBThe Danish tax system is relatively simple (for a tax system). However, it's still quite different than what most of us are used to in our home countries. In this Denmark 101 I discuss what people get wrong about tiered tax systems, discuss how the Danish tax system works, and hit upon how much simpler and more streamlined the process has been living and paying tax here in Denmark compared to doing the same in the US. A great guide to how tax brackets work: https://www.thesimpledollar.c...
Wedding and Reception Traditions
September 20, 2017 20:46 - 8 minutes - 20.3 MBDenmark is a country with a long and rich history. So, it only makes sense that they'd have equally rich wedding traditions. In this episode of Denmark 101, I delve into Danish wedding traditions, things to expect at Danish wedding receptions and discuss some of what you'll find when couples in Denmark decide to tie the knot. Denmark and its residents are a fascinating group. In this video series, I'll be leveraging my observations and research to share with you insights into how to get th...
Biking Like A Local (Rules and Advice)
September 20, 2017 20:35 - 8 minutes - 19.1 MBYou've asked repeatedly for a video covering biking rules, norms, and suggestions for Copenhagen (and the rest of Denmark). After debating recording a traditional Denmark 101 video it struck me that it would be far better to go out and recruit some locals to tell you a bit about their approach to biking in Copenhagen, the rules...norms...and then to offer up some great (and some really bad) advice. In this Denmark 101 video I'm joined by Tuni a German-Vietnamese international student alongsi...
New Years Traditions
July 18, 2017 20:39 - 8 minutes - 19.7 MBWhat are Danish New Years celebratory traditions? I dive into several of the major ones and describe the series of events that make up a typical Danish new year in this episode. If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way. Topics that will be covered include the Danish a...
Leaving Danish Babies Outside
July 01, 2017 23:19 - 4 minutes - 10.5 MBHave you heard the stories about Danish parents leaving their young children in strollers outside while they enjoy a coffee or do some light shopping? Those stories are true and the focus of this episode of Denmark 101. The NY story I mention: "A 14-month-old girl who was taken away from her parents after being left alone in her stroller outside an East Village restaurant while her parents dined was ordered returned to her mother by a Family Court judge yesterday." http://www.nytimes.c...
Bike Riding Danish Mailmen and Women
June 18, 2017 12:54 - 4 minutes - 9.37 MBDanish mailmen and women often ride bikes - regardless of the weather or time of year. Rain? Snow? Wind? No problem. You'll find Denmark's stalwart bike mailmen and women making their rounds. If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way. Topics that will be covered in...
NemID and Using Credit Cards in Denmark
June 11, 2017 07:34 - 7 minutes - 16.1 MBVisiting Denmark? There are some things you should know about how their credit card system works. This includes the incredibly cool and secure Nem ID security code system used for all secure Danish logins (think taxes, city services, your doctor, etc.), passwords, and credit cards, as well as some of the challenges foreigners face when attempting to use non Dankort credit cards in Denmark. I also explain how chip and pin credit card systems work and how they differ from magnetic strip and ...
Life Lessons from the Multi-Lingual Homeless
May 22, 2017 20:29 - 5 minutes - 12.6 MBDenmark's homeless population has taught me a very humbling and important life lesson. In today's Denmark 101, I delve a bit into the topic and the humbling realization that virtually all of Denmark's homeless are better linguistically educated than I am. This is a touchy subject, so I invite you to approach comments and discussion with an open mind and to be respectful of reach other. If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outland...
A Look at Christiania, Copenhagen's Freetown
May 15, 2017 21:31 - 16 minutes - 37.3 MBThe Freetown of Christiania is famous the world over as a fascinating cultural experiment. In this episode of Denmark 101 I attempt to combine a mixture of the history, with my own experiences/observations and commentary that has arisen during conversations with Danes. The result is a look at what Christiania was, has become, and how it has experienced radical changes over the past decade which make it a vastly different place than it was 5, 4, or even as recent as 2 years ago. If you're D...
Scandinavia vs. The Nordics
April 13, 2017 09:31 - 5 minutes - 12.7 MBSo, is Denmark a Scandinavian country or a Nordic one? The answer is...both. In this episode of Denmark 101 I run through the relationship between the Nordic countries, Denmark, and the Scandinavian countries. Want more of a deep dive? Read my blog post about the differences here: http://virtualwayfarer.com/what-is-the-difference-between-scandinavia-and-the-nordics/ If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. ...
Denmark's Service Problem
April 02, 2017 15:23 - 4 minutes - 9.43 MBDenmark has become famous for it's less than stellar service culture. While it's not as bad as what you'll find in some countries, apathy and a mild sense of buyer-be-ware is definitely quite often the case. This doesn't apply to service support and warranties, as these have been regulated by the government. If you're at a bar, restaurant, or shop though? Good luck. You're likely to find friendly but generally apathetic employees and a service culture that almost rarely goes out of its way...
Lunch Culture & Lunch Restaurants
March 15, 2017 22:03 - 5 minutes - 12 MBA key part of many Danish workplaces is their unusual approach to lunch. While many larger workplaces offer Canteens smaller companies also often offer catered lunch. This is done through interesting lunch services that allow you to pay one fee and then pick and choose between 30 or 40 different restaurants at will. While some work places charge on a per-meal basis, the vast majority of Danish workplaces offer a subsidized lunch that usually costs about 360 DKK/month ($60 USD). It's worth...
Can Pant and Recycling
March 09, 2017 20:00 - 5 minutes - 11.7 MBRecycling cans and bottles is a huge issue in most countries. While major progress has been made, the vast majority of cans and bottles in countries around the world, particularly in the US, still end up in the trash. Denmark's solution? Make it financially worthwhile to recycle, and it's not just working - it's a stunning success. if you've ever seen locals leave bottles on the ground next to trash cans in Denmark, here's the reason why. If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this serie...
Birthday Traditions in Denmark
February 26, 2017 16:41 - 5 minutes - 12 MBA look at how Danes celebrate their birthdays (part 2 of 2) and their use of the Danish flag. If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way. Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, an...
Birthdays and the Danish Flag
February 19, 2017 11:30 - 2 minutes - 6.61 MBA look at how Danes celebrate their birthdays (part 1 of 2) and their use of the Danish flag. If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way. Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, an...
Talking While Inhaling
February 08, 2017 21:26 - 3 minutes - 7.33 MBEvery culture has its interesting linguistic quirks. For the Danes, an expression similar to "uh-huh", "yes", and "yup" is of particular interest. In this video I delve into their use of the word yeps/yips and how they manage to express it while simultaneously in-haling. Watch the video for an in-depth look at it and a few examples. If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Den...
College Sports
January 30, 2017 20:50 - 3 minutes - 8.98 MBIf you're from the US, you've grown up with a College and University system where sports are fully integrated into the University system. Each school has a variety of school teams spread across a mixture of sports. In many cases some of the students also likely are attending the University explicitly because they have received University scholarships to play in these sports programs. If you're not from the US - this may seem like a pretty crazy concept. As an American moving abroad, I was...
Cake Day in the Danish Workplace!
January 24, 2017 21:44 - 2 minutes - 6.22 MBMost Danish workplaces have a half hour set aside every week where everyone gets cake. Sounds delicious, right? Tune in to learn more about this long-standing Danish tradition and what it means for the Danish workplace. Feeling inspired? Let's see if we can't help this tradition catch on outside of Denmark. If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you b...
A Look at Danish Universities
January 18, 2017 21:09 - 6 minutes - 14.7 MBDanish (and European Universities in general) take a very different approach to education, specialization, and curriculum than those in the US, UK and various other countries that fall more in line with the US/UK approach to education. If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the ha...
Dating Danish Women
January 02, 2017 17:45 - 10 minutes - 14.2 MBDenmark, dating, and Danish women are always a popular topic. While this isn't a deep dive, in it I quickly try and share some of my observations, experiences, and the conclusions that have come from dating in Denmark, conversations with peers (Dane and International alike), as well as information accrued from reading up on a collection of blogs and articles all of which attempt to explain what makes dating in Denmark so distinctly a-typical. If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this ser...
Drinking and University Culture
December 31, 2016 13:40 - 4 minutes - 6.43 MBI did my BA at Arizona State University. In addition the the US' nonsensical drinking age, which is set at 21 our campus was also a "dry campus" which meant that even after turning 21 drinking on campus or in the dorm rooms was prohibited. I did my MA at University of Copenhagen, one of Scandinavia's largest, oldest, and most prestigious Universities. The difference in drinking culture and these "wet" campuses was significant. While the topic of on-campus bars and drinking is controversial...
Are the Danes Similar to the Germans?
November 29, 2016 22:18 - 3 minutes - 4.9 MBThey may be neighbors, but just how similar are Danes and Germans actually? If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way. Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, and even a look at ...
Are Danes Easily Offended?
November 27, 2016 16:24 - 3 minutes - 5.22 MBDanes are famous for their directness and their open-mindedness. But, how does that translate into how easily (or difficult) Danes are to offend? When navigating the pitfalls of cross-cultural communication this is a highly relevant topic to be aware of. Enjoy =) If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the res...
Danes and Nudity
November 17, 2016 18:56 - 3 minutes - 5.33 MBThe Danes are famous for their Nordic beauty. They also have a reputation for being quite liberal in their approach to nudity and sex. The genders in Denmark enjoy a level of equality that is, perhaps, the most equal in all of the world. One expat, married to and living with a Dane, remarked that Denmark is the most shameless country in the world.To support this she referenced a report from 2014 which backed up the claim. Impressive! While I suspect it may may be a bit of a stretch, it de...
How Are You Doing?
October 31, 2016 20:46 - 2 minutes - 3.99 MBComing from the west coast of the US "How are you doing?", "How's it going?" and other similar questions are used less as questions and more as alternatives to hello. For internationals in Denmark these types of questions can cause problems leading to all sorts of confusion. I delve into the impact of these questions and cultural miscommunication in today's video. Denmark and its residents are a fascinating group. In this video series I'll be leveraging my observations and research to shar...
The Hamburger Rant
October 24, 2016 20:40 - 2 minutes - 4.41 MBI'm a huge fan of hamburgers. In truth, I could eat a different type of hamburger for lunch and dinner non-stop for a week and be completely happy with my meal selection. So, it is with a not-insignificant amount of passion that I weigh in on how hamburgers are eaten in Denmark. Is this the grand cultural epiphany you've been waiting for? I doubt it. But, perhaps you'll join me in my cause never the less. Denmark and its residents are a fascinating group. In this video series I'll be le...
Janteloven
October 18, 2016 22:42 - 5 minutes - 8.23 MBThe Law of Jante defines the Nordic societies and is particularly prevalent in Denmark. To understand Danes and the Danish society it is essential that you understand the Law of Jante. What is it? In this episode I explore the topic, my observations, and share a bit about what you can expect when running into Janteloven. Denmark and its residents are a fascinating group. In this video series I'll be leveraging my observations and research to share with you insights into how to get the m...
Talking to Strangers
October 12, 2016 16:54 - 3 minutes - 3.34 MBThere are rumors that I am constantly terrorizing Danes throughout Copenhagen - from the metro to the line at the super market. What am I doing you ask? Breaking the social norms and talking to strangers. Luckily, I'm American which gives me a get-out-of-jail free card ... and of course, I'm not-so-secretly convinced that the Danes actually love my gregarious antics. Denmark and its residents are a fascinating group. In this video series I'll be leveraging my observations and research to s...
Danish Fashion Sense
October 06, 2016 21:50 - 4 minutes - 4.45 MBDanish design and fashion is famous the world over...yet, it isn't exactly what you'd expect... I'm far from a fashionista, but in this video I discuss some of the characteristics that shape the Danish fashion sense with a particular focus on 20-30 something Danes. Denmark and its residents are a fascinating group. In this video series I'll be leveraging my observations and research to share with you insights into how to get the most of your interactions with the Danes and time in Denmar...