Etiquette & Customs in Denmark
Meeting Etiquette
◾Greetings are casual, with a firm handshake, direct eye contact, and a smile.
◾Shake hands and say good-bye individually when arriving or departing.
◾Shake hands with women first.
◾Danes tend to introduce themselves with their first names.
Gift Giving Etiquette
◾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.
◾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.
Dining Etiquette
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.
◾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.