Buzz
In August 2018, Trish Regan, the host of The Intelligence Report with Trish Regan on Fox Business Network, sparked significant controversy with her sharp critique of Venezuela and Denmark during a heated discussion on socialism. In the United States, a growing socialist movement, led by figures like Independent Bernie Sanders and Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, often cites Denmark as an economic blueprint. However, Regan strongly opposed this view.
“Something is amiss in Denmark,” she remarked.
Regan criticized Denmark’s high tax rates and highlighted that only 3 out of 98 municipalities had over half of their residents employed in 2013. She also claimed that “no one graduates” in Denmark because students are financially supported to attend school. Watch her full commentary here.
Regardless of your stance on socialism, it’s clear that we all hold preconceived ideas about places we’ve never lived in, particularly when planning to visit. Regan’s televised critique of Denmark’s socialist policies has prompted Americans to take a closer look at what the country truly has to offer.
We thought it would be intriguing to discuss the actual experiences of living in Denmark, moving beyond theoretical government models. Here’s what surprised me most during my visit to the country.
10. Bicycle Culture and Where You Can Ride
It’s widely known that cycling is a popular mode of transportation in Denmark. This deep-rooted bicycle culture creates notable contrasts between how Americans and Danes approach biking.
Danes prefer riding taller bikes, which are typically sleek and lightweight. Back home, my bike is a sturdy, mint-green, standard model designed for casual rides and easy seating. When I tried to buy a similar bike in Denmark, I was informed it wasn’t suitable—it was considered child-sized and could strain my knees. The seat was barely 1 centimeter (0.4 in) below my hip!
In the US, if you live in the suburbs and want to bike to the city, you often struggle to fit your bike on a train or bus. Many times, you end up leaving it behind and opting to walk instead.
In Denmark, the S-tog (S-train) system includes special cars for bicycles, along with designated parking spots for bikes during your journey. Clear markings indicate where to enter and exit with your bike, ensuring smooth transitions without conflicts.
Bringing your bike on the Metro requires an additional fee, but dedicated spaces are available if you purchase the appropriate pass.
Even in Denmark’s suburban and rural regions, bike paths are well-established, making it easy for cyclists to travel seamlessly. Some Danes have shared that there are movements within the country advocating for the complete elimination of car usage.
9. Cycling Rules and Regulations
In the US, cyclists are expected to use hand signals to communicate with pedestrians and drivers, though this practice is often ignored. Helmets are recommended, and texting while riding is discouraged, but violations typically only result in minor verbal reprimands.
In Denmark, cyclists caught texting or neglecting proper hand signals face fines ranging from 100 to 700 Danish kroner. Biking is a round-the-clock activity, so having bike lights is mandatory. Riding without them at night causes concern for both your safety and others'.
For transporting children, bike-mounted child seats and front wagons are common. While these options exist in the US, they are far more prevalent in Denmark.
8. Pregnancy
In the US, most pregnant women are aware of the surgeon general’s longstanding advice: Avoiding alcohol during pregnancy is crucial to prevent birth defects in your child.
In Denmark, research suggests that consuming a standard serving of alcohol daily during pregnancy is acceptable. Social norms not only permit this but also consider it expected behavior.
7. Child Care
In the US, leaving your stroller with a child inside, even just a few steps away, often invites criticism and judgment from others.
I’ve been guilty of this myself, though I never confronted the mother directly (which might be equally problematic). In Denmark, however, it’s common to leave your child in a stroller a short distance away, like in the next grocery aisle or at the edge of a public space.
6. Water and Energy Conservation
Whether motivated by tax benefits or environmental awareness, Danes are highly mindful of their water and energy usage. Long showers are frowned upon, and while laundry dryers exist, drying racks are the norm unless absolutely necessary. Turning off lights when leaving a room is also a common practice, unless you plan to return shortly.
5. Animals
In Copenhagen, caring for pets outside apartments is limited to city walks. However, outside the city, it’s common to see pets roaming freely.
I’ve noticed cats wandering around neighborhoods. Initially, I assumed they were strays, but I later discovered they were simply outdoor cats allowed to roam freely during the day. Their owners trusted they’d return home for meals and family time.
Some Danes may be more relaxed about using leashes for their dogs during walks, though this isn’t a widespread practice.
4. Education
In Denmark, taking a gap year is a common and accepted choice for students around college age. There’s no stigma attached to it, and it’s often seen as a natural step between high school and college.
3. Nightlife
Danes are far more fun and daring than Americans—or at least more than this American. Nightlife doesn’t kick off until around 11:00 PM, and it’s not uncommon for people to stay out until 3:00–5:00 AM. When Danes decide to celebrate, they go all out.
+ Perception of Safety
In the US, women are often advised to go out in groups or with a male companion after dark. In Denmark, however, women and others feel comfortable venturing out alone at night without fear.
I’m not claiming Denmark is a utopia—no place is. But I’ve biked home at 1:00 AM, taken midnight trains, and always felt safe. Back home, even a noise behind me at 9:00 PM outside my workplace would send me into panic mode, imagining the worst.
I’ve discussed this with other young women studying abroad here. None have had issues going home with Danish men. One even mentioned that any time she felt unsafe or harassed, it was due to a foreigner, not a Dane.
++ Danes Are Direct, and That’s Fine
Danes will share their unfiltered opinions—whether they think certain customs are absurd, point out why you’re wrong, or correct behavior they find rude.
They might even laugh if you mispronounce a street name. Danes believe in being honest and upfront without being cruel. Often, these interactions end up being quite amusing.
2. Social Gatherings
If you’re invited to a dinner party in Denmark, plan to spend the entire evening, starting around 5:00 PM. It’s generally frowned upon to hop between multiple party invitations on the same day. Expect a long evening of dining, drinks, dessert, and conversation lasting nearly six hours.
Hosts usually arrange seating plans, and punctuality is key. Arriving late is considered impolite, while showing up early can stress the host, who may still be preparing. The focus isn’t on wild partying but on enjoying quality time and reconnecting.
1. Technology
For some reason, Denmark and Copenhagen aren’t often top of mind when people think of technologically advanced countries or cities. While companies like Cisco may not dominate headlines in the US, they remain leaders in innovative business collaboration technology.
Cisco has collaborated with Copenhagen to develop innovative digital infrastructures. Additionally, Khora, a virtual reality lab located in Copenhagen’s meatpacking district, offers affordable access to various VR systems and games.
Copenhagen is home to an annual Techfestival (motto: where humans and technology intersect) and serves as the base for numerous tech startups and established companies.
+++ Function Meets Fashion
Recall when Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato paired high-top sneakers with dresses back in 2008? It seemed stylish for a while, but eventually, we realized it was just peculiar.
Danes don’t mind. I’ve seen professors and women on my commute wearing stylish dresses or outfits paired with worn-out sneakers, either for long walks or bike rides.
This has shifted my perspective—now I see athletic sneakers as a stylish complement to any outfit. Danes also prioritize warmth. Some have told me Americans seem indifferent to the weather, choosing fashion over comfort regardless of conditions.
Danes, however, layer up with sweaters, parkas, and scarves, making cold-weather gear look chic. Even in late summer, they bundle up, while American girls like me freeze in skirts, wishing we could pull off jeans and leather jackets as effortlessly as Danish women.
I’ve come to realize that differences in how people live aren’t negative. Often, our “comfort zone” is more of a limitation than a true source of comfort.
Living in Denmark has taught me this lesson well. While Danish life differs from what I’m accustomed to, I’m not bothered by it. In fact, I’m constantly excited about embracing this new lifestyle.
