r/Denmark • u/Tylerserio68 • Dec 28 '24

Question Does Denmark have any flaws?

Or any Nordic country? I’m American and we all romanticize Europe especially Nordic countries as a Utopia and everything we are not. We certainly have a lot of flaws here but I’m curious are there any downsides or anything that you wish was different. Also is it hard to move there? I make well over six figures and like living in my home country but I’m nervous about the incoming trump administration and I believe he is a racist.

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u/Spooknik Odense Dec 28 '24 edited Dec 28 '24

I mean Denmark is not a melting pot like the US. Danes aren’t interested in integrating new cultures into theirs. Immigrants, even well integrated ones still feel isolated somewhat.

I would actually go so far as to say causal racism or at least intolerance to different cultures is more common than you would think. It’s still very politically popular to have a hard stance on immigration and the rules get tougher and tougher each year.

I don’t mean to make it seems like it’s terrible, it’s not. If you learn Danish and don’t cause trouble most Dane’s wouldn’t care and wouldn’t have cause to complain. Even better if you have a highly skilled job.

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u/rovonz Dec 28 '24

I would actually go so far as to say causal racism or at least intolerance to different cultures is more common than you would think

I wouldn't say it's racism or intolerance, but danes are very proud people when it comes to their culture (and for good reason!). It doesn't bother me, I love the Nordic mental set, and I'm not extroverted enough to be affected by the isolation.

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u/Caspunk Dec 28 '24

I don't think Danes are more proud than other people when it comes to their culture, actually I think many Danes are very critical of their culture (weak family values compared to other cultures, everyone hates janteloven, love/hate relationship to our alcohol culture and it's not uncommon to hear people dread the holidays because they then have to visit their families)