I know a thing or two about rudeness because a) I grew up with a Danish parent and b) I lived among Danes in the fatherland. You might be thinking, how could I defame my own kind? Of all the people in the world, how could I pick on one of the smallest, most innocuous groups of people on the planet?
Well, I lived in Denmark, and although some of the very best human beings I’ve ever met and some of the best friends I’ve ever had are Danish, I make no apologies for calling Danes as a whole some of the rudest people on Earth. (This is a pretty broad assertion given that I’ve only ever lived in Canada and Denmark, but I really like hyperbole.)
People are always astonished when I say this, because they’ve likely traveled to Denmark or met Danes and had only fantastic experiences because, after all, Danish people are so cosmopolitan, sophisticated, good-looking, slim etc. And yes, they are all those things. But I always describe Danes thusly: they are the sort of people who will tell you full-on that the colour you’re wearing does nothing for you. And they’ll say it in such a way that you won’t respond with indignation, you’ll just look down at your clothing and feel foolish. It’s because they don’t say things in spite; rather, they are matter-of-fact, as if what they’re telling you is best done in frankness and will only serve to help you out. Yes, they are doing you a favour, and it’s not up to them to bubble wrap the message because you’re not a freakin’ baby, are you?
I found I was quite sensitive to this when I first moved to Denmark at eighteen. I should have been used to it what with my Dad being one in the same, but my siblings had the same experience so I know it’s not just that I can’t hack it. And I can forgive them this national personality trait because the intention is not unkind.
That’s the crux. When people are rude in order to bring you down it’s a whole other ball of wax. I have no patience for such people. Yes, we all say stuff that gets taken the wrong way, or maybe gets taken the right way but it’s only because we’re having an off day and are unable for a moment to choose our words responsibly. But people who are consistently rude have no excuses. And I find that the older I get, the less patience I have for the likes of them.
As for the Danes, they are still welcome.
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Well, most Danes are ignorant and uneducated. They’re very radical minded and small minded. I’ve been in Denmark, and I have never seen so many people rude compared to other countries. Also the immigrants living in Denmark are generally rude.
Anyway, I didn’t like anything about Denmark. Everything in this country is expensive and yet they perform a very poor service.
I am from Denmark, and I have just been in America for 2 month, and those two month did a lot of things for my perspective of Danes. Before I didn’t see how rude the Danish people are, but I do now, actually I am writing an essay about it now in English. So you are completely right about it all unfortunately.
This is refreshing! A Dane who is not so uptight that they can’t admit that some of their own countrymen are lacking in some way. You only notice it when you’re away from your own environment, right?
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Yes, I didn’t noticed it before because I was used to the way people acted, but fortunately I know now how the Danes really are
The vast majority of Danes absolutely lack manners, class and anything resembling good taste….These people have a HUGE chip on their shoulder, which might explain the inferiority complex expressed through their disgustingly oppressive Jantelov mentally and rude manners…Population there consists mostly of narrow-minded, uneducated bigots with a drinking problem….Alcoholism is rampant…As is racism…A sad bunch of peasants, really….It is more or less the loser capital of Scandinavia…Home to underachievers, criminals, degenerates and leeches….They all thrive in this unfriendly Scandinavian hellhole….Place is going down the drain…FAST!!!!
THANK GOD I ESCAPED!!!!
It is not fair to us danish people… We say what we think, but that does not make us rude… at least not me! We are different than most people, bu we are NOT the “loser capital” of Scandinavia. Normally the Scandinavian people see Sweden as the worst country. Maybe you are right, or maybe you are just not used to our way of living? Think about it! I am a Danish person and i like when people tell me things, fx if the colour is not right for me. I’m just used to hear it without salt and pepper! And if you really need that… You don’t belong here!
Hav det godt!
… I’m danish, and I think i think it’s so WRONG and RUDE to say things like that. ALL danish people aren’t like that. I haven’t met ONE person in my whole life saying that to me. I do also think it’s a matter about where you are, in Denmark. Sorry if i get a little offended, but I hate when people do the “stereotypical”-conversation.
FABIAN!!! Sorry dude, but with a duchebag comment like that, you are the small-minded one my friend! No need to generalize like that. All Nations are different, and people do not think alike, What you think is rude, WE DONT!
Feks, because Americans can be loud, superficial and such, it does not mean ALL americans suck! I have been in Italy many times, and even though most Italians are friendly. Some are arrogant, selfish, narscissistic.. Still I do not categorize Italy and Italiens as shit people!
I am Danish, and I am NOTHING like what you describe, and I have lived in many other countries. SIngapore, Ireland, Holland, Germany and the UK.
I just must ask, can’t you Dansish people who left commentaries see how you are underminding yourselves when saying in a rude way that danes are not rude? Brilliant! and to LOU no, Norway and Sweden see Denmark as a little brother who can’t speak correctly and is filled with overweight, beer drinking, pølse eating, gingers! i mean honestly you cant say that people in scandinavia sees Sweden as the bad country when Stockholm is world-wide known as “THE CAPITAL OF SCANDINAVIA”, while Copenhagen is known for cheap beer and cheap drugs.. at least in the rest of Scandinavia!
I dont see anyone being rude? I am just saying, eveen though I understand how a foreigner sees us, Fabians comment was a bit to much! Like yours is too my friend. Where are you from? Also im sorry to inform you, but the capital of scandinavia slogan, was made up by the swedes themselves. And is far from true… Many people in scandi sees Sweden as Liberal, mega socialistik, feministik society. im done, kinda dont wanna argue
Omg grow up, there are rude people all over the world! There are many amazing people in all countries, also Denmark. You just have to go the right places.
Everything is comparitive, so if you are from a polite,open country, then Danes can appear rude to strangers. However, I don’t judge people by their behaviour towards strangers, as I know you can often be wrong. I have been to DK as a tourist and briefly lived there, and I noticed there was a difference in my getting a job and finding somewhere to live, then when I was a tourist, putting money into the economy then clearing off. I didn’t mind it in some ways, but I lived in Norway too, as I speak Norwegian, and much preferred it, and yet Norwegians will always tell you Denmark is friendlier.
Danes are ignorant and uneducated??? hmmmmm might wanna look at that a wee bit closer mate – Social welfare, buisness initiatives, art and culture….
Rude? I wouldn’t say they that either. Being English I did really struggle living in a country that doesn’t know how to queue and yes, they are very matter of fact and liberal with their opinions. And lets be honest when you don’t have a word for ‘please’ in your language – something is wrong haha.
But my wife is Danish, 2 of my kids are Danish and some of my best friends. Its not a matter of them being rude, things just get ‘lost in translation’ between cultures.
Wanna talk about rude – how about the French hahaha
So many stupid comments. All bullshit! All but one thing: Janteloven.
So as long as you do not think too much of yourself, Danes are generally nice.
Btw. The thing about ‘being uneducated’ shows how little you actually know. Name one country with a higher educated population!
Danes are not rude, they’re reserved. There’s a difference.
I like how you throw insults around about Danes, yet you clearly haven’t done any research whatsoever. “Uneducated, obese, criminals, degenerates”.
Clearly, you’re thin-skinned, and you obviously had some sort of bad experience in Denmark; does that give you the right to judge the country as a whole?
Quite sweeping generalisations. That would be like me saying “Americans are fat and dumb. Italians are overly passionate about everything. Everybody from Asia knows Kung fu and all French know how to cook”.
Having lived in Denmark for quite a while now (albeit not the only country I have lived in, so I’m not completely biarsed) I would like to voice my opinion of the country, and the people as a whole:
The weather is messed up. It goes from 25 centrigrade to snowy in a few hours. That being said:
The danes are reserved, and come off a bit shy. Once you get to know them, and get under their skin, there is no stopping them. They’re always friendly.
Plus, they are ridiculously good looking. All of them. And they’re fit! (Speaking from a Copenhagen POV).
Oh, and Copenhagen is the one considered “The capital of Scandinavia” – look it up. Plus, they’re the happiest people in the world.
Oprah digs Ryebread.
i find it quite amusing that so many have said that the vast majority of the danish population is uneducated. where do you get that from? and for the record we got a free school system, that only few can match, so most of us have a quite long education. sorry to dissapoint. ohh and btw we got one of the lowest crime rates in the world