How to Piss Off Danish People (aside from being in Denmark) 

Hah! First time I was in Denmark I was sitting on the train next to an extremely chatty Dane. Not only did he talk forever, he brought other people into the conversation and translated for me. When I told my Danish friends what had happened they replied "That was strange!"

Ppl do talk in public transport unless you pick a seat in the quietzone on the train. We just use our indoor voice.

I work for a Danish company and remember my first time over there and having two talking incidents. First, I went over to a restaurant some of my friends were at and got to the table everyone was sitting at. I started talking in what I thought was a very normal inside voice. My friends start motioning for me to tone it down. I look around and everyone in the restaurant is eyeballing me down. Second, was in a grocery store line. Being a South Carolinian, small talk is what I'm all about. I start having a light conversation with the older lady in front of me. Everyone would just keep turning back and looking with how does he have the nerve to talk in this line.

I love your videos, especially the ones about Denmark, ❤😊 it is so great to get another point of view of how we Danes behave ... 😂😂😂😂 that being said. I am from Jutland myself and we do talk on the bus.. and on the train.. and I personelly would love to see tourist in our area, because we have a lot to offer, and I would love to her stories and give advice on what to see 😊😉

Ok so, my mistake was not looking left and right before walking over a bike lane. An Older lady on her bike got frustrated with me as I stepped on the bike lane in front of her, I forgot what she said in Danish, but it was a soft grunt about me inconveniencing her. Which I did, I'll admit that. Secondly, yeah don't talk loudly, it's the nation of introverts. Keep it low and hushed. Also don't boast. They don't care how good you are at something, be humble and give credit to others before yourself :)

As a Dane I agree on some of your points, but not all. Actually we are not easily offended as we don't care what other people think, say or do 😂.

I really love Denmark and its my favorite Nordic country! I really like Copenhagen with Nyhavn Harbor (probably spelt wrong) and Rosenberg Castle. Copenhagen is a very walkable city and of course like you mentioned it is very bike friendly. It was also easy to communicate with Danes as every Dane I met spoke English extremely fluently!

I personally need to visit Denmark then because it sounds like totally my country. LOL I’m all about quiet and people not being loud. It literally irks the crap out of me when people are being loud and obnoxious. And I’m from New York. 😂😂😂😂 One week of quiet in Denmark sounds like heaven.

Dang this would have been helpful a week ago since we just got back from Copenhagen yesterday 😢 Also something to mention is whenever we took the train, it was quiet but people still talked quietly, and no one shushed us on the trains when my family was talking We were only there for a week though, so maybe if we stayed longer we'd get a shush

The locals on bikes will stop when you're getting off a bus (they're supposed to), but check anyway just to be sure. Bikers assume people know not to walk in the biking lane, so their speed is often quite fast and you could get really hurt if accidentally stepping out there when walking on the sidewalk.

As a dane this is so funny 😆 i dont Think many of the points are true Maybe because I’m not a turist😊. However The Bike Lane is true, like you Will not stand in the Streets either people Will get mad or worse. I experience People love when foreign people talk about what they Think or know about Denmark, sometimes also a great conversation starter. You Can absolutely freely talk in public transportation just not in the silent zones (special areas in the train)😃 i my self have made that mistanke, and then you get some looks and some people Will shush you 😂 i Will say dough that if you speak very loud and no one Else is talking in a normal area people Will get annoyed With you. Just respect the people around you. ❤ thanks for the video

Getting off the bus, you have the right of way, so bicycles are supposed to wait for you to pass. That doesn't mean you shouldn't get the hell out of the way so they can move on though. Standing around on the bike lane, is basically standing in the middle of traffic. Standing in the middle of the road would piss people off in more car-centric places too. Being quiet on public transportation isn't really a thing to my knowledge, but then I haven't used it much recently. Maybe it's a Copenhagen thing, or a matter of volume. Being unnecessarily loud will annoy people. I haven't noticed any issues with smalltalk either, so maybe that's another Copenhagen thing.

That is pretty much the rules you should follow in all of Europe. Great Video, I wished you would have informed us on what an average Dane puts on their hotdog. Thanks for the videos, we always watch them when we travel to Europe.

in a bike lane you can really get hurt "but more importantly" you may annoy them lol

Went to Denmark before covid and if you keep to yourself you won't have any of these problems. What I did learn was when you get off a bus use the BACK as the exit. A bus driver wanted to murder me with his eyes when we got off the front of the bus.

We're planning a trip to Denmark later this year and these tips will come in handy. Thank you.

Welcome to Denmark. Hope you have a fantastic time in our lovely country

My friend and I are talking about taking a trip to Copenhagen next summer and I gotta say their culture is so much different than what I'm used to. Kinda nervous to go but still excited to experience something new😊❤

Planning to go to Skærbæk Fan Weekend in September, so this is useful information!

So many of the points are right, as someone from Copenhagen, that rides ones bike everyday. Regarding biking, the honest answer is that we dont want stop for someone getting off the bus or otherwise, it is not how the rules are but how it goes. We will do a lot for that bescause no one wants to lose ones biking speed. The issue that wasn't addressed was tourist on rented bikes, I am sorry but there is nothing polite to say about them, they are just dangerous for themself and everyone else in the street.

Many of these are very age related. As a Dane in Copenhagen myself, I think many of these points are with the older Danes and way less so with the younger ones :)

Yes you talk quietly in public transport and restaurant. No need that every person can hear you on the train. But the shushing is in the quiet zone (stillezone) Well yes of course people get annoyed a bit when you are in Copenhagen an think its Malmö (and vice versa). But Im not sure how happy people are when tourist in Seattle keep saying here in Canada/or when people in Vancouver say here in the USA.

Danes are not so cold, I mean who just starts talking to people on the train anyway? Danes will talk to you if go to places where people actually socialise like bars because alcohol is a great social lubricant. It's probably quite annoying to be disturbed on the public transportation while you might prefer some quiet time, listen to music or read a book and suddenly a stranger makes you converse in a second language.

Going to Copenhagen next month and really looking forward to it

Hey Mark, awesome video

I have used public transport in several European countries and there is no difference. Strangers don't sit and talk together. I guess you have to be an American to think this is normal behaviour. And of course Danes like it when tourists like their country. I think most people will find that Danes are very nice and willing to help tourists.

no one can diss Sweden, but Danes, and no one can diss Denmark, but Swedes... it's like 2 brothers, that can make fun of each other, but no one else can... ♥ from Denmark!

I was there in 1989 as part of an architecture college tour group and a visiting professor from Copenhagen gave us a tour and conveyed Danish attitude toward their Swedish neighbors. "In Denmark we have a saying: keep Denmark clean, take Swede to the harbor." Ouch, I guess not all is forgiven from occupation days. Also I didn't experience it there but American satirist Tom Lehrer (look into him you'll thank me) did a concert there around 1960 videos on RU-vid, and the applause style I found to be unusual. They applaud what I consider normally and then after a few seconds they would clap in unison for about 5 or 10 seconds, then it would fade back into general applause. I have no idea if that is unique to Danish culture or if it is done other places as well. Finally we also participated in a Meet the Danes program where we spent an evening with a Danish family. We split into smaller groups and five of us spent it with a family living in a commune where we ate at a common dining hall and we got to ask each other such cultural questions. That was cool.

Well - there are a few important omissions. The most important: 1) Dont throw your garbage on the ground - or even worse in the harbour.

Copenhagen was one of the most underrated cities I visited in Europe. It’s an awesome city and very beautiful!

Good timing! My 1st trip to Denmark is next month 😊

I’m danish and it still look messy when I eat a hotdog.. thats the Way it should be 😂 but yes we hate small talk in publick.. we talk when we need to or to help others 😂

It isn't that quiet on public transportation nowadays, except in the quiet zones...😅 Many locals, especially the youngsters tend to talk loudly on the phone, and sometimes full of vulgar words...😮

I went to Copenhagen/København last year. There were people talking on the Metro, but it was mostly bratty kids 😅. I found the Danes to be quite friendly people personally, but then again I didn't (and naturally don't) engage people in small talk, or did any of the other things you mentioned in this video 😄.

If someone would walk up to me and try to make me eat a hot dog "correctly"...

I feel like this video is less of a heads up and more of a spite video. “please annoy these people, and this is how you do it” 😂🤣

Danes don't actually have an opinion on plural forms of English words (which Lego is when you say it in English). We prefer to leave that discussion to people whose mother tongue is English. In Danish, Lego is uncountable (a mass noun) and therefore doesn't have a plural.

I use to compare Sweden to Denmark all the time when I‘m in Denmark. Maybe it’s because I used to live in Malmö as a child and Malmö developed into a shithole.

After losing many wars to the Swedes, we have settled our differences, by both knowning that Denmark is the better country.

Always love the time we spend in Denmark.

we actually love to hear what you think of Denmark-but maybe not standing in line in the supermarket or on the bus

I have always wondered why visitors from far away lands walk the wrong direction down our bike paths here in Arizona.

I bike every where and it really is very rude to walk on purpose on the bikelane, especially is you don't react to the bycykel bell. You don't walk in the middle of the street and not react to the car horns, do you? It is a little harsh to say we don't care, I think is it more a question of being respectful of the personal space and how not to invade it.

Glad i'm not the only one making a mess eating a danish hotdog. Maybe i was just way to plastered back then but heyho ;) Thanks for sharing

They don't have to worry about me visiting that place. 😄

Denmark was so great but the bikes, oh the bike seriously need traffic control or something. I too was almost run over. Love your show!

Its true what he says about talking with the phone loudly in the train . Especially facetiming and you can hear the converstation. That is really annoying. I really hate that. I will never understand why people have to bla bla bla bla....on their phone all the time. But ok! Just my opinion :)

welcome back to denmark , but try see the southen jylland or other partof denmark then copenhagen and area

"You can get hurt, but more importantly, you could annoy the locals with that." So it's more important to consider the feelings of the locals rather than a tourist's injuries? 😉

Copenhagen is my favourite city in Europe. Kronberg castle is worth a visit too, where you can learn that for hundreds of years a significant part of the Danish economy was basically based on piracy, with ships passing through the Oresund being threatened with being sunk if they didn't cough up protection money. It's not all Lego and pastries it seems....😊

So, remember to talk loudly on a bus about being happy that you were able to buy original legoS in Copenhagen because Stockholm was so much more fun that you didn't have time to buy them in their home country. 🙂

well i have had the chance to work and meet people from around the world. even an American. and for me, i see them as normal people. i wouldn't do anything different if it was them or a Dane. i would say that Danes are very friendly, and when you get to know them. you have friends for life. i have a few times had people come up to me/ or i saw them on the street looking at things or a map on their phone". were i helped them find the way to their destination. English is the Easiest Languages for a scandinavian. so they shouldn't feel like that they aren't welcome.

Don't worry when exiting a bus. Bicyclist are supposed to look out for you and give way. You can't see us

Just chiming in out of interest, and curious Wolter, your thoughts as well as those of Danes. On the one hand, I would say that the *typical American* would say of the Danes, “well you get out of a relationship with someone to the extent that you give.” What you put out you’ll get back in return. Americans think, “Danes aren’t very nice people so screw you and your country, and don’t expect to be treated very nicely when you come here.” And my impression of that reaction would be, “well, that’s as defensive and unfortunate reaction, and it’s a surface level reaction.” And therein lies the big cultural difference. Americans could be seen as extroverted exuberant bouncy Springer Spaniels with a penchant for ramming their snout in your crotch and acting surprised when people respond in shock: “Look at me! Look at me, aren’t I pretty, aren’t I sweet, pay attention to me!, *lets a huge dog fart rip*, what’s the problem? Tail wag tail wag! (*crash* goes the irreplaceable Crystal goblet on the coffee table) 😁🤪😂😍” And the Dane/ European is an introverted shy cat, sitting there in shock, thinking: “Oh……my…….GOD! 😖🧐😵‍💫 👀😑” Interactions with a cat, are different. They aren’t mean, or cruel, but a relationship isn’t instantaneous or casual. It’s built and developed. It’s based on trust and how you introduce yourself, respectfully. You don’t just pick up a cat on a whim and demand affection. You quietly introduce yourself. You speak softly, wiggle your fingers, let them approach you, sniff your fingers, and you pay attention to body language. You come at them non threateningly, pay attention to the niceties respectfully, and show you understand and respect them and that they’re safe, then you can pet them. You show that you have the patience to develop a real relationship with them and that it’s not just a casual/who cares, kind of thing, the trust is rewarded and you’ll have a relationship that is long lasting and deep. It truly means something. Danes/Scandinavians/Europeans in general appreciate the cat person approach. Am I correct in my understanding?

I don't specifically plan on coming here in particular, but it's still good to know just in case I change my mind, but keep in mind the Safety-Hicks can get angry

I wouldn't say Danes are particularly quiet. It's more of a stereotype, they're no different from most of Europe.

2:34 **scoffs in Swedish**

I try not to be an ugly tourist, it's my genetics! 😆 🤡 American brothers & Sisters I can hear you a block away, use your quite voice. Denmark people are very helpful, even if they don't show it.

Two more rules that will save you! 1. DO NOT BE LATE!! Let people know if you are late. People who arrive 30 min. too late, because they think all Europeans do it all the time, will be in really bad standing. It is considered very disrepectful. And: 2. Recycle properly!! Recycle your trash the correct way or ask help from the locals. You get points for the effort! Denmark and Germany share these two.

Yeah, it's a good idea to keep your voice down in public transport. But remember, if you have a real problem, you can ask any Dane and they will be glad to help you. We are brought up to help each other. In school kids learn to help each other, the same goes on the job. Danes know that we can't do it all alone and we don't know everything. So just ask and BTW, all native Danes speak English. It is mandatory in school from day one.

“You could get hurt, but more importantly you could annoy the Danes.”

Denmark people are great fun at parties,....

I think the first tip and most of the rest applies to the majority of Europe 😂😂

Lego is my favourite toy....i didn't know it was from Denmark, well now, that's interesting

Most important advice in this video for an American audience. The plural of Lego is LEGO! Not just in Denmark, Everywhere. Nice one Mark. 👍

Steffs Hotdogs are a must

Much respect for the Danes

How can pissing someone off be more severe than getting injured? For any reason I would prefer to not be on the path not to get injured vise pissing someone off.

This doesn’t match my experience!!

So what is the "proper" way to eat a hot dog there?

Just found out from Ancestry that I’m Danish😅

Thanks for the how to troll Denmark bro.. im gonna go apeshit 😊

Everything I agree with except the hotdog (Danes couldn't care less).

That's epic lego is from Denmark.

Could you say something about the Dutch. What annoys them. Seems to me they are similar to the Danes.

Can’t wait to go back to Denmark! ❤ 🇩🇰

Not true, plenty of us care and will be happy to hear about your experiences here in Denmark, especially if they are good experiences. Why else would so many Danes be making comments on RU-vid videos, vlogs and blogs from people sharing their experiences from their visit to Denmark?

Yeah, we know we are better than the Swedes. Nahh...... Danes and Swedes are brothers and do what brothers do best, we tease each other. When we get tired of that, we both start to tease our little brother: Norway. The Swedes are especially good at making fun of the Norwegians. BTW, do you know what the Norwegians call a high rise? Hytte på hytte på hytte på hytte....................................... Translated to Cabin on cabin on cabin on cabin................. 😄

Got it, so stand in the bike lane while eating my hot dog side to side like an old fashioned typewriter.

There is no problem talking on the public transports. The problem arises when people think the whole bus or train should listen to their opinions. Seeing it as a negative that you can't engage strangers in small talk everywhere you go, is so entitled. Why is my time less worth than yours? When danes are out and about, they have things to catch and do. You wanting to engage in small talk, takes away time from them and uninvited intrudes on their privacy. Danes are all about privacy. It is why we usually don't talk about personal matters to just anybody, but friends and family. Also, I have never seen someone correct a person for eating their hotdog wrong, nor being offended a person didn't know Lego was danish. Surprised maybe, offended? Naah. I could see danes smugly laugh at you for being a dork about how you eat your hotdog, but deliberately walk up to you and tell you that you are eating it wrong I simply can't see. That goes against that privacy sphere of us danes. Unless you are going out of your way to eat it like a pig and making a mess around you.

Pretty much all true. Greetings from Copenhagen :)

💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

Actually as a Dane I'd say you're at least half wrong. We don't mind getting to know what tourists likes about Denmark. Foreigners do get alot of leeway here. Most od those things apply to danes. Not tourists.

Tak!

What the heck are you taking about ..

Na, da haste ja wieder ein Thema gefunden, über das du ein paar Bemerkungen ablassen und mit dem du ein paar Kröten verdienen kannst - nix für ungut ;-)

Sorry, we will try to be nicer 😅❤🇩🇰🇩🇰🇩🇰🇩🇰

Why would you compare us to sweden? Do you comparw volvo with the ellert? No of course not, the 3 tired electric scooter that no one drives is of course superior to that silly little pease of metal that was made to survive hitting a muse with 90 mils pr hour. ;)

Hilarious

I found service in restaurants really bad in Copenhagen

This doesn't make Denmark sound very appealing

Though some of that was tongue-in-cheek, Danes do seem to be distant and aloof, (dare-I-say unfriendly?) and everything in Denmark costs a fortune. Better to go to a country that appreciates tourists, like Sweden or Norway, both of which are far more enjoyable than bitter, angry Denmark.

1960s china bike nation 2020s denmark bike nation Who's next :)

I would rather visit a country in which people care about the visitors (for e.g. Turkey) than one in which people don't. Even in Paris, local were welcoming so why would I go visit Danemark?

I don't think I want to visit a place where people are not friendly & I have to watch everything I say & do. I am courteous when I travel abroad , but I am also Italian and I am loud without thinking, especially with family. I didn't have to worry about this stuff in Italy & had the best time. I think I will stick to the Latin countries that are extremely welcoming.

Well.if the people of Denmark.don't care about Tourest or Americans than there Reputation is Ruined so.its a Red Light there Tourest income will.drop.than the Denmark..don't need the Money at all

So if I were to get to Denmark I would not be able to get help if I get lost walking around Denmark and just having to guess where to go?!😅🤨🤔🧐😳

Just be brown and exist. Makes them pretty upset in my case

I guess if your're a Lego connoisseur it is worth it . Why would you want to visit a place that isn't warm and welcoming?

Me personally when I travel, I like to yell profanities at people to assert my dominance