Customer Reviews

Culture Shock! Denmark: A Guide to Customs & Etiquette

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is a dream come true for the serious traveler to Denmark who really wants to know about the Danish people, not just their historic sites, architecture and museums. This is not a travel guide, but it is a map of the heart and soul of the people who inhabit the country.

Strange teases out all the uniquenesses and eccentricities of his fellow countrymen, and, because he has lived and worked outside of Denmark, is able to compare the Danish culture with others, notably American and British culture.

The book is chock full of facts and statistics about Denmark, and, though it is written ostensibly for people who are moving to the country, I found it excellent preparation for my upcoming two-week vacation in Denmark. I feel that I have a headstart now in entering into conversations with people and interpreting their actions and reactions. Even the parts that are specific to those who will live in Denmark are interesting, as they give insight to the way Danes live their everyday life.

Lest this book be labeled a "Chamber of Commerce"-style full-length advertisement for Denmark, it is important to point out that Strange is blatantly honest about the shortcomings he sees in his country.

Overall, this book is an easy read, with short, digestible chapters. It has convinced me to check out the "Culture Shock" books for all of the countries I will travel to in the future.

I purchased this book prior to moving to Denmark from the US. This was the second Culture Shock book which I purchased and I have been disappointed with both books. Overall, I find the Culture Shock series to present the worse stereotypes of a culture. Some people may find these stereotypes to be true, but I certainly have not experienced all of the difficulties which the author has described. The author is Danish, but has returned to Denmark after living in Asia for a good number of years. You will find the author lamenting about such things as not being able to find someone to wire his stereo for him which he blames on the Danish mind of being self sufficient. I do think that the author does have some valuable insights into the Danish culture, particularly the welfare state. However, overall I found the advice to be discouraging rather than useful and not indicative of what I have experience during my past year and a half in Denmark. I would recommend referencing one of the guide books such as Rough Guide or Lonely Planet instead.

The only reason I did not give this book 5 stars is because I would have enjoyed more pictures. But that is my own personal preference. I am moving to Denmark soon and marrying a Dane. This book was fabulous! My husband-to-be would TELL me things about Denmark; The Law of Jante, the no-nonsense way they provide service, and the humanitarian attitude for all people, but I didn't really understand it as being universal until reading this book. It enlightened me and I am extremely grateful that I found this book and read it. I recommend it for anyone planning to travel to Denmark or planning to live there, as I am.

I'm an American who lived in DK for a time and am returning. I thought the book would help because I had some problems previosly adjusting to danish culture. For example, it took me a long time to realize that cultural traits such as no customer service, the lack of polite words in the language itself and the general shyness of people wasn't personal. (i actually hated some things) But this author goes so far as to hate every aspect of danish culture to the point where it becomes a distraction. He hates the people, the weather, the countryside, the government, tax. At the end of the book he leaves the country because he couldn't adjust. So, don't expect this book to help you adjust and don't take the text that seriously. The author has a very skewed, seeming angry perspective of DK (even from my pov as someone with a few grudges against the country...I found myself taking the danish side) It may be helpful still to have a basic overview and it gives some advice on where to look for a job, orgs to contact for help, ect. Overall the book was slightly useful but some of it is untrue and prejudiced.

The sections on socializing in Danish society and of how the Danes act, were wonderful. It gave me a great idea on how to act in Danish society so that I would not be critizied as an American. It also helped with the fact that Danes are not as friendly and outgoing as Americans. They are not rejecting you they just aren't sure about you. They are very loyal to their friends and they just want to make sure that you are deserving of their efforts. It is a wonderful book for anyone that is planning on travelling or moving to Denmark.

This book was a terrible introduction to Denmark and the Danes, primarily because it was soooo negative! When I arrived in Denmark I found the Danes to be nothing like the ogres described in this book. I did, however, give the book two stars because there are some good things in there about the government and history. Choose another book as your introduction to Denmark!

After a trip to Denmark, I found this gem of a book. I could relate to many of things written in the book, but learned much much more. The author certainly knows his subject and writes so that everyone who reads it will have a better understanding of the Danish people and their culture. It also explains the school, medical and government system in an easily understandable way. A true MUST for any traveler or just for good, interesting reading. I know it will assist me when I make a return trip!

I strongly recommend this book for all foreigners living and working in Denmark (or those who plan to.) It covers all of the necessary details, the sort of daily information not covered in ordinary travel books (settling in, work life, family life, communication, socializing, etc.)

The book was written by a Dane who lived and worked abroad for 20 years before returning home to Jutland. He has the unique perspective of being a native and a foriegner at the same time. I find his insight to be invaluable and only wish that I could have found this book earlier in our stay here.

There are books that give information on Danish tourist attractions, exchange rates, the weather and train schedules. This excellent book gives information on the Danes and how they interact in daily living. In an honest and thoughtful way, Morten Strange paints a picture of the Danes, how they interact, their problems, and their beauty. He ties in his own personal experiences which make it interesting and thought provoking. Don't visit or move to Denmark without reading this!

As a to be exchange student to be next year I had been looking for a book on Denmark that was more than just a travellers guide to the sights. I found the book to be a very helpful insight into Danish culture. Some parts are very brutally honest, Danish laziness under the socialist system and other things...

I reccomend this book to anyone with a serious interest in Denmark if, and only if, they will not let Morten Strange's opinion on things get in the way of expierencing Denmark for themselves.