4. FACTS AND STATISTICS
• Language: Danish
• Currency: Danish Krone
• Capital: Copenhagen
• Population: 5,413,392 (July 2004 est.)
• Religions: Evangelical Lutheran 95%, other
Protestant and Roman Catholic 3%, Muslim
2%
• Government: Constitutional Monarchy
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5. GREETINGS
Man greeting Man
Men shake hands when greeting one
another while maintaining direct eye
contact. A firm but fairly brief handshake is
the norm. With friends, a simple hello will
suffice.
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6. Woman greeting Woman
At a first meeting, women generally shake hands
while maintaining direct eye contact. Between good
friends, a single kiss on the cheek is becoming more and
more common. If you have not seen someone in a long
time, a light hug is common.
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7. Greetings between Man & Women
At a first meeting a regular handshake will do. With
friends and people that you see often, a simple hello will
suffice. Good friends may engage in a single kiss on the
cheek. This tends to be more common for younger
generations.
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8. BUSINESS MEETING ETIQUETTE
Appointments are necessary.
Confirm appointments in writing.
Initial correspondence should be made to the company and
not an individual.
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9. Do not try to schedule meetings from mid June through
mid August as many Danes are on vacation.
You should arrive at meetings on time. The Danes you are
meeting will be punctual.
Telephone immediately if you will be detained more than
5 minutes.
10. Shake hands with everyone upon arriving
and leaving. Handshakes should be very
firm and rather short. Maintain eye contact
while being introduced. Always shake hands
with women first.
Danes use their professional title and their
surname. If someone does not have a
professional title, use Herr (Mister), Fru
(Misses) or Froken (Miss). Danes move to
first names quickly. Nonetheless, wait to be
invited before using someone's first name.
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11. BUSINESS NEGOTIATIONS ETIQUETTE
Send an agenda before the meeting and work from
it without deviation.
Decisions are made after consulting with everyone
involved.
Presentations should be well-organized and
factual. Use facts, figures and charts to back up
statements and conclusions.
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12. Maintain eye contact while speaking.
There will be a minimal amount of small talk.
Danes prefer to get down to business quickly.
Communication is direct.
13. TABLE MANNERS
Wait to be told where to sit. There may be a seating
plan.
Table manners are Continental -- hold the fork in the
left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
Always keep your hands visible when eating. Keep your
wrists resting on the edge of the table.
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14. The man seated to the left of the hostess generally
offers a toast of thanks during the dessert course.
Do not begin eating until the host toasts with 'Skol'.
When toasting, raise your glass about eye level and
make eye contact with the people seated closest to
you.
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15. Cont…….
Try everything.
Expect to be offered second helpings. You may
refuse without offending your hosts.
Finish everything on your plate
Danes do not like wasting food.
When you have finished eating, place your
knife and fork across your plate with the tines
facing up and the handles turned to the right.
16. GIFT GIVING ETIQUETTES
Danes give gifts to family and close friends for
birthdays and Christmas.
If invited to a Danish home for dinner, bring flowers,
good quality chocolates or good quality wine. A
bouquet of mixed wildflowers makes an excellent gift.
Flowers should be wrapped.
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17. If you are invited to dinner or a party, it is polite to send
flowers in advance of the event.
Red wrapping paper is always a good choice.
Gifts are opened when received.
When business seems to be moving in the right
direction and both parties are happy, then a small gift can
be given or received.
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18. DINNING ETIQUETTES
If invited to a Danish home, Arrive on time. Danes
are punctual in both business and social situations.
Check to see if you should remove your shoes before
entering the house.
Contact the hostess ahead of time to see if she
would like you to bring a dish.
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19. Offer to help the hostess with the preparation or
clearing up after a meal is served.
Danes enjoy showing off their homes since they have
usually done the decorating themselves and are proud
of their accomplishments. Therefore, they are happy
when you ask for a tour of their house.
Do not discuss business.
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20. DRESSING REQUISITES
Danes value being well dressed and nicely groomed.
For Men: Conservative, dark or medium colored suits with
shirt and tie are acceptable. Shoes should be nicely
polished
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21. For Women: Stylish yet conservative business suits or
dresses/skirts and blouses. Pantsuits are also acceptable.
Accessories are usually worn, but it's best to stay on the
subtle side. Wearing anything overly flashy or expensive
will most likely be looked down upon.
Jeans and other casual attire are generally not acceptable
in business situations.
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22. BUSINESS CARD ETIQUETTE
Business cards are not only a way of
communication from person to person, but, a card
with vital information.
It is unnecessary to translate your business card to
Danish on the reverse side. The Danish are fully
capable of reading the business card in English.
Business cards are exchanged. Your business card
should have the physical address of your company
and not a post office box.
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23. GENDER ISSUES
Equality is an important part of Danish culture and this
involves women working. It is sometimes even seen as a
taboo for women to not work and be stay-at-home
moms.
Women will generally take a 2-3 month maternity leave
and then rely on child care until the children are old
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24. Women are accepted in all the same fields and
managerial positions as men.
Women are highly respected in business and generally
receive equal pay and have access to senior positions.
Working mothers can easily arrange flexible hours so
that they can maintain both a career and a family.
Danish women expect to be treated with respect in the
office.
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