CPH Post Relocation winter 2018

RELOCATION Winter Guide 2018

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out of your new country 2018 RELOCATION WINTER GUIDE

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Moving from one country can be quite traumatic but with a bit of advanced planning, the transition can be made a lot easier Now you are here in Denmark, and once the worst effects of moving have worn off, there are some practical things which have to be considered.

Zealand on which the capital city Copenhagen is situated, and Funen. The island of Bornholm is located east of the rest of the country.

Firstly, there are a number of rules and regulations governing registration. Some of these need to be addressed before you arrive, others can wait until you are here. The specific rules applying to you will also depend on your current citizenship status.

Many of the larger islands are connected by bridges; the Øresund Bridge connects Zealand with Sweden, the Great Belt Bridge connects Funen with Zealand and the Little Belt Bridge connects Jutland with Funen.

There are ferries or small aircraft to connect the smaller islands.

Assuming that you have a job you will also need to find a place to live, and if you are bringing a spouse and family, you might need childcare, schooling and a job for your spouse.

Area-wise, Denmark is a relatively small country (43,560 square kilometres) with a population slightly over 5.7 million people. Almost 2 million of them live in the four largest cities – Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg – with Copenhagen having the largest population at 1.3 million.

The average population density is 132 people per square kilometre.

It is also useful to know a little about Denmark, the Danes and the Danish mentality.

Residence and work permits

If you wish to stay in Denmark for longer than three months you will need a residence permit. If you are a citizen from a country outside the Nordic countries and the EU, you also need a work permit.

There is a fast-track scheme in place to enable certified companies to hire highly-qualified foreign nationals at short notice without having to wait for an application to be processed by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration. The scheme also offers the foreign national the option of working alternately in and out of Denmark.

Information in English on all this can be found on the ‘New To Denmark’ website at bit.ly/1eVY1AB

Geography and climate

Denmark consists of the Jutland peninsula (which is attached to Germany) and a number of islands in the Baltic Sea. The largest of these are

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The country has a temperate climate characterised by mild winters, with mean temperatures in January of 1.5°C (34.7°F), and cool summers, with a mean temperature in August of 17.2°C (63.0°F). This does not mean, though, that it cannot get very cold here – on 8 January 1982 a record -31.2°C was recorded in Hørsted in Thy. In contrast, the warmest day recorded was 36.4°C, which was measured in Holstebro on 10 August 1975.

Population and politics

Denmark is a constitutional monarchy and Queen Margrethe II has been on the throne since January 1972. The queen has no real political influence but in principle, the Danish Constitution gives her the right to appoint or dismiss ministers. In practice, this is done by the prime minister and the queen nominates the ministers he has chosen.

Publisher: CPH POST • Editor: Hans Hermansen Journalist: Stephen Gadd • Layout: CPH POST • Info: hans@cphpost.dk, Tel: +45 2420 2411 • Cover photo by Andreas Dress on Unsplash

Photo by Krisztian-Tabori on Unsplash

GET INTO THE SWING OF THINGS IN DENMARK

Event Calendar Spring 2019 International House Copenhagen is pleased to introduce you to a broad range of informative events in the spring of 2019. All events are in English and free of charge – sign up at ihcph.dk Welcome Reception

Danish Traditions

Date: 14/1 Time: 17.00-19.00 Place: International House Copenhagen

Date: 19/1 Place: To be announced

Welcome to all new international citizens! Let us introduce you to International House and our many services tailored to newcomers in Greater Copenhagen. There will be plenty of opportunity to meet and network with fellow international citizens.

Skt. Hans, Mortens Aften, Santa Lucia… The Danes have many traditions, and they are firmly rooted in history, yet always evolving. Join this event to learn and understand more!

Get information about basic banking such as payment cards, NemKonto, eBanking and transferring funds abroad.

Rentals & Cooperative Housing

Leisure Guidance & Networking

Buying Real Estate

Date: 24/1 Time: 17.30-19.00 Place: International House Copenhagen

Date: 4/2 & 3/4 Place: Huset-KBH

Date: 11/3 Time: 17.30-19.00 Place: International House Copenhagen

Join this event and let us guide you through your options on renting a place to live and buying cooperative housing in Denmark. You will also get information about insurance products in Denmark.

Would you like to expand your network and be up to date with cultural and leisure activities in Greater Copenhagen? Our international leisure guides will help you on your way!

Are you interested in buying real estate in Denmark? We will guide you through the buying process from start to finish. You will also get information about insurance products in Denmark.

Childcare

Easter Fun - Gæk gæk gæk

The Danish Tax System

Date: 21/3 Time: 16.30-18.30 Place: International House Copenhagen

Date: 14/4 Place: To be announced

Date: To be announced Time: 17.00-19.00 Place: International House Copenhagen

Are you looking for childcare? Let us introduce you to different childcare options in Denmark and get useful insights.

Come join a fun afternoon workshop for the entire family, where you can create your own Easter decorations!

Is your tax return a complete mystery to you? Is your tax declaration written in a language you surely do not speak? And what do you even have to pay in taxes? Join our tax seminar and find out.

Danish Workplace Culture

Volunteer Fair

Leisure Guidance & Networking

Date: 9/5 Time: 17.00-20.00 Place: The Danish Society of Engineers, IDA

Date: 23/5 Time: 17.00-20.00 Place: International House Copenhagen

Date: 4/6 Place: To be announced

Do you know the do’s and don’ts when working in Denmark? Become familiar with the (un)written rules at your workplace and get a better understanding of Danish workplace culture.

Why not engage in volunteer work in Copenhagen? You will have fun while making new friends – and it boosts your CV, too! Join the fair and meet some of the organizations looking for international volunteers.

Would you like to expand your network and be up to date with cultural and leisure activities in Greater Copenhagen? Our international leisure guides will help you on your way!

Daily Banking Time: 17.00-19.00

Time: 17.00-19.00

Time: 14.00-16.00

Date: 24/1 & 11/3 Time: 16.30-17.30 Place: International House Copenhagen

Time: 17.00-19.00

Established in June 2013, International House Copenhagen is a public-private partnership specialized in providing you with the best possible start to life in Copenhagen by giving you the comfort of a one-point entry. Gyldenløvesgade 11, 1600 Copenhagen V, ihcph.dk DEN EUROPÆISKE UNION

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Photo by Nick Karvounis on Unsplash

The electoral system is based on a type of proportional representation rather than first-past-the-post.

Since July 2015, the prime minister has been Lars Løkke Rasmussen from the governing Denmark’s Liberal Party (Venstre), who has formed a minority government with the support of the so-called ‘blue bloc’, a coalition comprising The Danish People’s Party (Dansk Folkeparti), Liberal Alliance and the Conservative People’s Party (Det Konservative Folkeparti). Elections must be held every four years at a minimum.

workplace after having children. Local councils are obliged to offer childcare places within the state regime and there are also private child-care options, which are heavily state-subsidised. As a starting point, education and medical treatment is free of charge although there are private clinics and private schools available, should you wish to use them.

Danes are also very conscious of their high standard of living and are by nature a generous people. The Danish state is a substantial donor country when it comes to supporting organisations working to alleviate humanitarian crises and natural disasters around the world.

To be able to vote in Danish parliamentary elections you have to be over 18, have Danish citizenship, have a permanent address in Denmark, and not be subject to any of the legal criteria for losing voting rights. The latter might be due to being severely physically or mentally handicapped.

Compared to many countries, the Danish population is still relatively homogeneous; out of the ca. 5.7 million people in Denmark, only around 700,000 are immigrants or their descendants.

The rules are slightly different for EU elections and municipal council elections. For the latter, you have to be over 18, have a permanent address in the municipality and either be a Danish citizen, a citizen of another EU member-state, a citizen of Iceland or Norway, or have lived continuously in the country for the last 3 years before the election date.

The country is 77% Protestant (Lutheran), but in practice, although a high proportion of Danes pay their Church Tax, not may attend church services regularly. However, churches do tend to be full at Christmas and many Danish young people attend Confirmation classes and are Confirmed in church.

The Danes themselves

Bikes, design and green energy

Denmark scores well in international polls on things as diverse as lack of corruption and happiness. It is also considered a safe and secure country to live in. Children often walk or cycle to school alone and crime-rates against persons are low.

There is a high standard of living in Denmark and Danish society is very egalitarian, both economically and also when it comes to sexual equality.

Taxes can seem very high to newcomers but they go towards providing a comprehensive cradle-to-grave welfare state and most people pay their taxes willingly. Among other things, the system is geared to providing child-care right from the start, and there are generous maternity and paternity leave allowances which encourage women to return to the

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Culturally, Denmark has traditionally been renowned for architecture and design. Nowadays, it is perhaps equally famous for food, films and sport.

Green living is also very much to the fore. Cycling is extremely popular with people of all ages and social classes, and Copenhagen alone has over 390 km of designated bicycle lanes. In a city like Copenhagen, a bike is often the quickest way of getting around – and there are no parking charges.

Wind energy is a major industry in Denmark and because Denmark embraced this technology early on, they have become a market leader.

In 2017, a record was set with a turnover in the Danish wind sector

amounting to 112.5 billion Kroner – an increase of 13.7 percent from the year before. Since 2006, exports have risen by 36 percent to 54.4 billion kroner in 2017, accounting for more than 6.7 percent of Denmark’s total exports.

www.cis.dk

Many houses and flats run on district heating and combined heat and power, which is excess heating from industry or incinerated waste.

What makes the Danes tick?

Many non-Danes living in Denmark find the Danes open and welcoming, others call them reserved, so take your pick! One thing that is striking, however, is the number of Danes who speak good English; with the best will in the world, as a foreigner, it is sometimes difficult to be allowed to practice your Danish because the person you are speaking to will automatically reply in English.

Inevitably, perhaps, Danish culture, especially in the winter months, is often centred on the home and home life. It can be difficult for foreigners to be admitted to this world, but once you make friends, you have a friend for life. During the spring and summer months, the slightest hint of sun is guaranteed to bring people outdoors, and beach life, along with sunbathing in parks, is very popular.

There are several places in the centre of Copenhagen where swimming is possible in the waterways surrounding the city. Danes are also nature-lovers and the forests and woods of Denmark are popular with walkers. Many city-dwellers own summer houses along the Danish coasts and there are quite a number of them which have been built to be rented out to tourists.

Our students go to

If you are going to be here for any length of time, it is a very good idea to learn Danish. You can get by without – most cinema and television films are shown in their native language with Danish sub-titles – but it will help you to keep up with current events, and may offer you an extra doorway into Danish life.

Harvard, Cambridge and Bollywood Dance

Sources: bit.ly/2lPICQD bit.ly/2LPgRpc elections.oim.dk/

As a parent you don’t just want a school with strong academics. You want an international school with strong academics that makes your child happy.

A place that offers exciting After School Activities in addition to the renowned IB curriculum. A school where children from all over the world fit in, feel welcome and find new best friends.

Photo by Nick Karvounis on Unsplash

CIS is such a school. We are a founding member of the IB and we offer the Primary Years Program, the Middle Years Program and the Diploma Program, which gives access to outstanding universities worldwide. For more information please visit cis.dk

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IF YOU WANT TO REALLY MEET THE DANES, IT’S A GOOD IDEA TO LEARN DANISH! With a wide range of quality language schools available throughout Denmark, learning to speak the language has never been easier It’s true that you can easily live comfortably in Denmark without ever picking up an English-Danish dictionary. In a city boasting an international community as vibrant as Copenhagen you can get by without any Danish skills whatsoever and learning it can seem a little unnecessary.

However, for anyone who wishes to immerse themselves in Danish culture, excel in the job market and make Danish friends, learning the language is a must. It’s also nice to be able to keep up with current affairs by reading a Danish paper or watching the Danish news on tv.

Language schools

There are more than 50 language schools throughout Denmark. At these, adult foreigners are taught Danish from beginner to advanced level.

The vast majority of language centres admit students on an ongoing basis and offer instruction as day, evening or Saturday courses. The courses are often planned in co-operation with job centres and companies to ensure that students are afforded the necessary time to learn the language.

In addition to classroom instruction, many of the language centres offer the option of learning Danish through on-line courses. On-line courses can be completed with module testing and can be taken individually or in groups. With on-line courses, students can learn Danish when it fits in best with their work, family and school schedules, regardless of time and location.

As a rule, you can learn Danish under the Danish Education Act if you are at least 18 years old, have a Danish CPR number and residence in Denmark, and have lived in Denmark for less than 3½ years.

In 2018, new rules for Danish classes were implemented, doing away with free classes. Now, you have to pay a refundable deposit of DKK 1,250 before you can begin taking Danish courses. The basis for your residence in Denmark determines which rules apply to you. The rules distinguish between those who are self-supporting and those in an integration programme.

A one-stop shop

A good place to start is The Danish Language Centres (De Danske Sprogcentre). On one easy-to-use website, the DDS brings together all state-approved language schools in Denmark so that prospective students are able to decide which institution will suit them best.

The language centres’ core service is teaching Danish to adult foreigners.

Many of the language centres also offer a wide range of other courses depending on a foreigner’s residential status.

Assessing your skills

Before you start on a course, you will be assessed on your language skills

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to ensure that the level of tuition provided is commensurate with your ability.

The Danish courses are divided into three programs and each program has six modules, which all conclude with a test. The final module of each program ends with a state-administered Danish exam, which is a pre-requisite for obtaining permanent residency and Danish citizenship.

Danish 1 A course designed for students with little or no previous schooling and students who have not learned to read and write in their native language, or who have no knowledge of the Latin alphabet.

Danish 2 This is designed for students who have a limited educational background from their home country.

Danish 3 A program designed for students who, as a minimum, have a medium-length or higher educational background from their home country.

The program consists of five modules and concludes with a final exam which is considered the sixth module, and is required for admission to higher education programs.

Go out and use it!

When you have started your course, it is important that you go out and speak the language. You can really boost your skills by interacting with the Danes. Don’t be shy, and remember to be patient – not everyone speaks Danish like your language teacher. In real life, people talk too fast, they mumble, use slang and slur their words. Speaking Danish with the natives is definitely a great opportunity to learn the language from the true experts – the people who speak it every day.

Don’t be afraid of using your Danish language skills – be chatty, make mistakes, laugh when you do, and learn from it. You can also make a deal with yourself and with family and friends to speak only Danish at certain times and situations, for instance, at the weekend or during dinner. You may end up in both funny and awkward situations, but these will only serve to increase your vocabulary. In time, keeping the conversation going will become easier and easier.

Some schools also offer language and homework cafes where it is possible to speak Danish with native Danish speakers as well as with other students, and to get help with homework in your native language.

Sources: bit.ly/2DQ2qO0 bit.ly/2B4CA3q

Photo by Anthony-Mcgee on Unsplash

I WANT TO BUY PROPERTY IN DENMARK. HOW CAN I DO THAT? If you are thinking of a longer stay in Denmark, you might very well want to buy property here Buying a place to live might make good sense but it can be a complicated process because there are a number of requirements which apply to non-Danish citizens.

How do I find a property?

Unless you have lived in Denmark for more than 5 years, you will need to get permission to buy from the Danish Ministry of Justice (Justitsministeriet). They will issue you with a permit, but this is not just a formality and you will have to prove that you are taking up permanent residence in Denmark. The permit is free of charge and is normally issued within 2 weeks.

Boligsiden is one of the biggest, but all the information is in Danish, although the presentation of the properties is usually good in terms of pictures and hard facts. In any case, most estate agents speak passable English, so you can contact the agent for further information.

However, this does not apply if you are an EU citizen and if the property is going to be your permanent residence.

Another site, BoligPortal, has quite a lot of the information in English (boligportal.dk/en/). Findbolig.nu has a help page where you can download some material in English to enable you to search on the site.

Citizens from countries included in the European Economic Co-operation (EEA) are also exempt from this rule. The EEA countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia and Finland.

It is wise to consult a lawyer in order to clarify your specific options.

Type of property

There are a number of internet property portals where you can find all the properties offered for sale by Danish estate agents.

Do I need a lawyer?

In short: Yes! The Danish property market is highly regulated and the purchasing agreement is an extensive document. Sellers are typically represented by an estate agent and you need a competent advisor as well.

How do I find a good lawyer?

When you are ready to buy, you will have to decide which type of property you wish to buy. There are a number of different options, as listed below:

There are several law firms specialising in foreign buyers. For example, Ret&RĂĽd (ret-raad.dk) have a country-wide chain of law firms that specialise in the buying and selling property and they have offices across the country. Their website also has an English-friendly option.

House (detached or terraced)

What costs should I expect?

Typically, houses are very expensive in the Copenhagen area, and they are often located a little outside the city centre. Broadly speaking, the further away you get from Copenhagen, the cheaper houses become.

Owner-occupied flat

When you buy an owner-occupied flat, you own it once you have paid off the mortgage, and you can take out home equity loans.

Co-operative apartment

Co-operative housing (Andelsboliger) is based on the idea that everyone in the co-operative has bought a small part of the whole association.

Therefore you share the expenses, but you cannot take out loans in your apartment. Co-operative housing used to be cheaper than owner-occupied apartments, but today they can be more expensive.

In Denmark the estate agent is paid by the seller, while the buyer carries the cost of his/her own advisor, usually a lawyer. The typical fee for a lawyer (including the permit application process) ranges from 10-20,000 kr.

In addition to the lawyer’s fee you must pay a deed tax of 1,660 kr plus 0.6 percent of the purchase price. If you take out a mortgage (which is available for foreigner buyers) you must pay an additional 1,660 DKK plus 1.5 percent of the mortgage value.

Source: bit.ly/2jbtwTe bit.ly/2ja4Ev5

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RAISING A FAMILY IN DENMARK WITH SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN? All you need to know about the Danish school system You’ve made the decision and now you have arrived in Denmark, so what to do about the children and their education?

precepts, such as Rudolf Steiner schools. There are also schools for the German minority in Denmark.

If you are a family with young children, you will want to know about daycare and what the different options are. For those with older children, the question might be how does the education system function? Is it compatible with the one back home? Is it as good? Then you may need to decide whether to go state or private.

International schools exist where the curriculum, which often follows a UK, US or French model, is taught in English, French, Spanish, German or Japanese. Although there may be some Danish students, the student body is typically international. These schools are private and approved by the Ministry of Education to teach in languages other then Danish, either for the whole school or parts of it.

All importantly, if my children don’t speak the language, how well will they integrate and will they make friends? It may also be relevant to ask what opportunites there are for higher education and will a degree or qualification taken in Denmark be recognised abroad?

High standards

The Danish school system is considered one of the best in the world and traditionally, Danish governments have always prioritised education highly.

Denmark is a small country with few natural resources, so an educated population is vital in our globalised world. The National Reform Program adopted in 2013 was designed to get more young people to complete their education quickly, as well as ensuring high quality and efficiency within the educational system.

Free or fee-paying?

All children are entitled to free tuition at Danish municipal primary and lower secondary schools, as are adult students living in Denmark, depending on the level and nature of the institution. However, private schools are also fairly common and as these are heavily state-subsidised, the fees are not as high as they might be in other European countries.

Private schools may be faith-based or following particular educational

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The six stages

There are six stages of education in Denmark: 1. Pre-school 2. Primary and lower secondary education 3. Upper secondary education 4. Vocational education and training 5. Higher education 6. Adult learning.

Before they start pre-school, most Danish children have attended daycare, either in a nursery school or kindergarten. After pre-school, which is optional, children go on to do nine years of compulsory education in primary and secondary school, with an option to take a tenth year.

Pupils are divided into year groups by age, and progression from one year to the next is automatic. The same pupils stay together for all the 9 years.

Classes usually consist of between 16 and 26 children.

The tenth form can be taken in the existing school if it is offered, but is also available at an efterskole, ungdomsskole or fri fagskole.

As well as providing academic programs allowing entry into higher education, upper secondary education can offer programmes of a more vo-

Photo by Glenn Carstens Peters on Unsplash

cational nature. These are aimed at giving direct entry into the labour market and are often in conjunction with internships in various top Danish companies.

number of bi-lingual children in primary and lower secondary schools are offered tuition in their mother-tongue.

Language assessment and training

Denmark has a long tradition for lifelong learning and many Danes participate in adult education. It is also common for workplaces to expect staff to upgrade their skills through educational schemes throughout their working careers.

Children whose mother-tongue is not Danish enrolled in a day-care facility may be given a language assessment if there are linguistic, behavioural or other grounds to suggest that the child may be in need of language stimulation. The language asseessment is compulsory for all children aged 3 who are not attending a day-care facility. If the assessment shows that language stimilation is needed, the local council must provide it.

In primary and lower secondary schools, bi-lingual children can take ‘Danish as a second language’. If basic instruction is needed, the child will be assigned to a reception class, a scheme for teaching in teams, or individual instruction. Bi-lingual children able to participate in ordinary teaching but who need extra support are referred to supplementary teaching. The number of lessons is tailored to the needs of the individual. A limited

Keep on learning

The Folk High School is an institution peculiar to Denmark. These offer a broad range of courses lasting from 4 days to 36 weeks. No particular educational or professional qualifications are required to attend one of these and most students are between 18 and 24 years old. You sleep, eat, study and spend your spare time at the school. There are no exams - but you get a diploma as a proof of your attendance.

Source: weforum.org/

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GET INTO THE SWING OF THINGS ON THE JOB SCENE

If you have moved to Denmark and are trying to get a job, here are a few pointers The Danish labour market can seem initially daunting to new arrivals but it helps if you understand how it has evolved and how the different parties interact.

encouraged to contribute with ideas and the atmosphere in the Danish workplace is professional but also casual. This should enable you to balance a career with family life.

Because Denmark has a high proportion of unionised labour it has been possible to develop a system whereby pay and working conditions are typically worked out by means of collective agreements between unions and employers’ organisations (the so-called ‘Danish Model’). Statutory regulation of the labour market is thus kept to a minimum.

Getting started

The ‘flexicurity model’ regulates the market to ensure the most productive, flexible and secure working conditions possible. It combines a flexible labour market with social security for all workers.

If you have an educational qualification from your own country, it helps to have it assessed by the Danish Agency for Higher Eduction (Styrelsen for Videregående Uddannelser). This will provide information to potential employers on the equivalent level of education and may also indicate which Danish program your education is most similar to.

Work-life balance is also considered very important. The Danish working culture is based on collaboration and personal responsibility. Everyone is

Things to note

To get a job in Denmark you will need to be registered in the Civil Registration System (CPR). You can do this by contacting your local municipality. When you have a CPR number, you will then be able to obtain a tax card.

1. Teamwork and co-operation are valued qualities in all kinds of businesses; 2. Employees are expected to be motivated and to do their best for the company; 3. The usual full-time working week in Denmark is 37 hours, distributed over 5 days, and working hours are often flexible and generally between 06.00 and 18.00 (except for evening or night work). Your working week could be much longer if you are self-employed or employed in a managerial position; 4. If you are employed, the working hours are fixed through collective wage agreements, but when you are self-employed, there are no fixed rules; 5. In addition to the set public holidays, the minimum holiday entitlement is five weeks per year for a full-time employee. However, this is ‘earned’ at 2.08 days per month and the calculation usually starts on 1 January; 6. There may be work-based social events, such as a summer party or Christmas party and you should involve yourself in these; 7. While not unheard of, relationships at work do not usually carry over into private life. Many firms have a policy of not employing people married to each other. There tends to be a distinction between work and home life; 8. Smoking is not permitted in most work-places and it may not even be possible for you to smoke on the premises at all. If you are a smoker, ask the personnel manager what the rules are.

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Job portals

Applying for a job in Denmark is similar to applying for a job anywhere.

You can either: 1. Respond to a job advert that you find in a newspaper or on the internet; 2. Send unsolicited applications to all the companies that interest you; 3. Register your cv on one or more of the many job databases, who will then contact you once they find potential matches; 4. Establish a professional network and make it known that you are looking for work, which may lead to good contacts and eventually a job.

Business etiquette

The Danish business culture can come as a bit of a shock to people used to more authoritarian and hierarchical working practices. Most Danish companies offer very good working conditions, modern facilities and technical equipment of a high quality. Danish employees are considered motivated and committed, and competence development through courses and education is highly prioritised.

There are a number of online job portals which you can use for job-seeking, as well as several organisations and your local municipality. Amongst these are Jobindex.dk and WorkinDenmark.dk.

Generally speaking, the Danish workplace culture is characterised by being rather informal. In most sectors there is no dress code (although it is wise to check this in advance), and when talking to each other, people don’t use “Sir” and “Ms”, but are on first-name terms with their colleagues, from trainees to managers and superiors. Your colleagues will also use your first name, and people say ‘du’ (the informal ‘you’) when they address each other. However, you might be more formal in mail correspondence.

The municipal job centre also has information on how best to prepare job applications and tips on writing a cv.

The Danish workplace is also characterised by being democratic and equal. The Danes care about equal rights, and this is reflected at work.

The website of the City of Copenhagen under Welcome to Denmark (international.kk.dk) has a wealth of information in English on all aspects of life in Denmark for new arrivals, including several pages on job-seeking.

Employees also enjoy a high degree of freedom and are expected to work independently and to show initiative. The work culture is often open, and your manager may not be checking your work all the time, or giving you new tasks. You are expected to work things out for yourself and work independently, but you can always discuss matters with your colleagues and ask your manager for advice. You will often be given your own areas of responsibility and have a relatively high level of independence at your workplace.

There is also general advice about job-seeking, information on relevant courses on job-seeking, information on salaries, subsidies which might be available, internships and information on education in Denmark.

The website also contains a separate section about starting up your own business, with details on how to do it and what permits etc. you will need to get your dream enterprise off the ground.

Sources: workindenmark.dk/Working-in-DK international.kk.dk

Advertorial

Skt. Josef’s International School, located in the centre of beautiful and historic Roskilde, is just 25 minutes by train or car from Copenhagen. The school has both International and Danish Departments, with the latter established in 1904 and the International Department established in 2012. Skt. Josef’s is an independent Catholic-Christian school but is open to all families with an international connection.

The International Department uses the Cambridge International Education program with students starting in Year 1 (5 years old) through to Year 11 (16 years old).

At Skt. Josef’s International School we offer your child: • A safe and secure learning environment • An international context, where all cultures, traditions and beliefs are welcome • A pedagogical approach designed to build character • An international curriculum provided by Cambridge International Education • All tuition in English • A global staff who are highly-trained, experienced, specialist teachers • High expectations and levels of achievement • English, Spanish, French and Danish taught by native speakers

• A before and after school program (SFO) for 5-9 year olds • An innovative approach, where students learn to solve problems in co-operative and creative ways Skt. Josefs International Skole Frederiksborgvej 10 4000 Roskilde

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BOOST YOUR CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN DENMARK The Copenhagen Municipality is running an exciting program geared to international students Copenhagen is doing its bit to ensure that it is right up there when it comes to attracting expats with specialised skills.

Called the Greater Copenhagen Career Program, it is a 6 month mentoring and networking program for full degree international students in Greater Copenhagen.

CPH POST spoke to project manager Dorthe Kingo Vesterlund about the program.

First of all, how do you become eligible for the program?

The program is for all full degree international students in Greater Copenhagen. We take in new participants twice a year and as we have a limited number of seats, there is a selection process.

Students interested in the program have to fill out an online application form. Then we make a selection based on different criteria such as educational background (we give priority to students within engineering, IT, pharma, biotech, business & management), former work experience and the motivation to stay and work in Denmark after graduation.

What can it teach internationals that other programs can’t?

We teach the students about the Danish labour market and about job search in a Danish context. Many things here are different from what many internationals are used to, for example the job interview situation is more relaxed and focused on more private matters than it is in many other countries.

And in addition to the different job search seminars, each student gets an individual Garuda Focus Profile that helps them reflect on their strengths and weaknesses and this knowledge we help them incorporate in their CV, cover letters and in their presentations when meeting recruiters and going for job interviews.

I see from the program description that networking is prioritised. How exactly do you do that?

Each student is matched with a volunteer career mentor within his/her own profession. The mentor can guide the student in more specific matters than we can and maybe introduce the student to people in his/her network.

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Also, we have a networking event for each group of students where we invite all students and mentors, so the students meet and talk with other mentors than his/her own. This is because networking is crucial when job searching in Denmark. We also arrange company visits where the students have the chance to see a work place and talk with the representatives.

How does individual careers mentoring work in practice?

Each student is matched with a volunteer career mentor. We co-operate with two partners: Association New Dane and Perspectiv. They both have large mentor networks and they are responsible for matching the students with relevant career mentors. They also prepare the mentors for this relationship and follow up on the mentors in the 6 months’ period.

Then we follow up on the students and have a talk with them to find out if they have experienced any challenges or just run out of ideas how to use their mentors during this period. Usually, they meet 4-6 times during the 6 months.

The mentor helps with many things: feedback on CV and cover letter, practising the job interview, helping the students navigate the Danish labour market, telling them about companies of relevance, helping them reflect on their career path and possible alternative career paths.

Do you receive a certificate of any kind when you’ve completed the program?

Yes, we offer a certificate of active participation to the students that have participated in the majority of the events.

Finally, how would I sign up for the program?

You can sign up through our web page twice a year: https://ihcph.kk.dk/ artikel/greater-copenhagen-career-program-int-students You have to watch our short video about the program and then there will be a link to the application form at the end of the video. The next time we are opening up for applications will be January 2019.

HEALTHCARE IN DENMARK IS FREE, WITH EQUAL ACCESS FOR ALL Denmark has a comprehensive tax-payer funded public health service Under the Danish healthcare system medical treatment is usually free of charge. However dentistry is regarded as a separate area. You will have to pay some of the cost of yourself.

National health insurance card

All permanent residents in Denmark are eligible to use the healthcare system. Almost all examinations and treatments are free although there is a charge for any medicines which may be prescribed. Even these are usually subsidised to some extent.

Permanent residents receive a national health insurance card from their local authority which acts as an identity card and must be shown on visits to doctors, emergency rooms and hospitals. Anyone acutely ill is entitled to free hospital treatment, and this also applies to visitors from other countries.

Interpreter

If you do not speak or understand Danish, the staff can call in an interpreter to assist you. Likewise, if you need an interpreter at an appointment with a doctor, midwife or visiting nurse you should indicate this when you make the appointment. This service is free of charge. Interpreters are neutral and bound by the rules of professional secrecy.

General practitioners

Anyone resident in Denmark is entitled to be registered with a general practitioner (GP). Your own GP will normally be able to find out what is wrong with you and how to treat you, but in some cases, may refer you to a specialist or a hospital. The name, address and telephone number of your GP is written on your national health insurance card.

In order to see a GP, you will have to make an appointment by phone

or via the internet. Most GP surgeries are open between 8 am and 4 pm on weekdays and one evening a week. Normally, you can phone your GP between 8 am and 9 am. Don’t forget to cancel the appointment if you can’t keep it; you may get a fine if you don’t.

If you are dissatisfied with your GP, you can change to another one on payment of a fee of 200 Kroner. If you change GP as a result of moving, that is free of charge.

If you need medication, your GP will prescribe it for you. Prescription medicines can only be bought at pharmacies.

Specialist doctors

If your GP deems it necessary, you may be referred to a specialist. The only specialists for whom no referral is required are eye specialists and ear, nose and throat specialists. You will have to make the appointment with the specialist yourself.

Out-of-hours services

If you become ill outside your own GP’s surgery hours, you can call the out-of-hours service.

In most cases you will have to go to a treatment centre yourself to see an out-of-hours doctor. The out-of-hours service is open from 4 pm to 8 am from Monday to Friday and around the clock on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

Emergency Rooms

Located at hospitals, Emergency Rooms are for serious injuries that your own GP cannot treat. At some hospitals you have to phone the emergency room in advance to let them know that you are coming.

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Alarm 112

If you need an ambulance, call the alarm centre at 112, stating your name and explaining what has happened, where and when it happened, and where you are calling from.

Hospitals

Hospital treatment is available on referral from your GP, specialist doctor or out-of-hours doctor. If you are taken ill suddenly, you will of course be admitted to hospital at once. If you need the assistance of an interpreter, the hospital staff will call one for you. Patient counsellors are also available to explain the various types of treatment to you and give you information about the possibility of being treated at another hospital, just as he or she will be able to help you if there is something you don’t understand or if you want to lodge a complaint about something.

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, you may be examined several times during the pregnancy by your own GP and a midwife. Ultrasound scanning is also available in hospitals to make sure that all is well with you and the baby and to identify any potential problems as early as possible in your pregnancy. You can bring your husband or some other person along to these examinations.

When you are pregnant, the first examination in your pregnancy will be carried out by your GP, who will create a maternity record that you must bring along to all subsequent appointments. Your GP will notify a midwife of your pregnancy. The midwife will then contact you to make an appointment. Together with your GP you can decide at which hospital you want to give birth to your child. You can also elect to give birth at home with the assistance of a midwife.

Termination

In Denmark all women have the right to opt for termination of the preg-

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nancy at a hospital in the first twelve weeks. In order to obtain a termination you must contact your GP, who will then refer you to a hospital.

Preventative screenings

Every three years, all women aged between 23 and 59 are offered screening for cervical cancer. You will be examined by your own GP and must make the appointment yourself. In some areas of Denmark, women between 50 and 69 years of age are offered an X-ray mammography examination every two years.

Gynaecological examinations

Gynaecological examinations are primarily carried out by your own GP. You will only be referred to a outside gynaecologist in special cases.

Health visitors

You will receive assistance from a health visitor in your home when your child has been born. In addition to examining your child, the visitor can answer any other related questions you may have. The health visitor follows your child’s development up to the age of 2. It is possible to obtain the assistance of an interpreter during appointments with health visitors.

Health checks and vaccinating your child

All children can be examined and vaccinated free of charge. The first examination usually takes place when the child is five weeks old. The first vaccinations are usually given at the age of three months. You must make your own appointments with your GP to have your child examined and vaccinated.

Health checks at school

When your child starts in school, he or she will receive a preventive examination by a local authority doctor and nurse. Such an examination will usually be performed once in the child’s first year at school and once in his or her last year. If your child encounters problems at school, you can talk to the school psychologist about them.

Photo by rawpixel.com on Unsplash

Paediatric dentist

All children in Denmark are entitled to free dental care until they reach the age of 18. Your child will receive an invitation to see a dentist when he or she is about two years old. If your child has dental problems before that age, you are welcome to contact one of the local authority’s paediatric dentists. When your child reaches school age, he or she will automatically be given appointments with the school dentist.

Help and care in your own home

Special services are offered to elderly people who need care and assistance. Elderly people may apply for home help for personal care, cleaning and assistance with shopping. You can also apply for help if you are very ill.

Elderly people and those who are very ill can also request a district nurse to come to their home to provide care and administer medication. A doctor will assess your needs in this respect. If you have been hospitalised you may need a home help or a nurse to help you when you return to home. Normally, the hospital will contact your local authority to make sure you will be given the help and assistance you need.

Read more

For senior refugees and immigrants: Brief information about your rights and opportunities, DaneAge Association (ÆldreSagen). Phone: +45 3396 8686 – aeldresagen.dk The information in the above article is taken from a pamphlet issued by the Health Service. It is also available in Arabic, Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian, Farsi, Somali, Turkish and Urdu.

The pamphlet can be obtained from the National Board of Health at sst. dk and from The Danish Cancer Society at cancer.dk Source: sst.dk/en

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Copenhagen B-team VS Helsinki C-team 2017

Why not keep fit and have fun at the same time?

One of the best ways to settle into life in a new country and also meet new people is to join a sports club. The Copenhagen area has lots of them and some cater especially for internationals, so there are good opportunities to keep up with the sports from back home, should you so wish.

Here are a few suggestions for the sports-minded new arrival to Denmark, but many other sports take place in the Copenhagen area and can be found by a diligent search of the internet.

Netball

Derived from basketball but with no dribbling and exclusion zones, this sport requires you to be quick on your feet – reaction, precision and co-ordination are vital. Plus it’s really fun and can be enjoyed by men and women together. Copenhagen netball club offers an annual membership for 450 kr per year and promises fun and social activities on the side, so it’s a good place to start your ‘net’ work. You can try out twice for free, and if you’re ready to join, training is open for everyone – experienced or uninitiated. Training is held in Bellahøj on Wednesdays at 20:00. Contact: copenhagennetballclub@gmail.com, netball.dk

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Cricket

Part of the Danish Cricket Federation, Copenhagen Cricket Club offers training for adults and children alike with teams for senior, youth and junior players. Training takes place in Brønshøj both in winter and summer, with morning and evening training for juniors and youth, and evening and weekend meet-ups for the senior teams. The club also offers tutoring for young people and has an integration-orientated philosophy. Contact: info@copenhagencricketclub.dk, copenhagencricketclub.dk

Softball

Baseball is hard to find in Denmark, but internationals and Danes make do with the next best thing, softball, and there’s no better club in the capital than Gladsaxe Softball Club. As well as offering fun and competitive games to its adult members, the club also runs a number of different youth sides and is always looking for members. A basis membership costs 250 kr and includes up to 3 months training. Contact: gsk-softball.dk

Lacrosse

Originally played by Native Americans, Canada’s national sport is often referred to as ‘the fastest game on two feet’. It was brought to Denmark

Flickr

THIS SPORTING LIFE – FROM LACROSSE TO RUGBY VIA ROLLER SKATES

Photo by Yomex Owo on Unsplash

in 2002 by a couple of enthusiasts who work hard to keep it cheap and appealing – hence the rather low membership fee of 250kr every three months, while exchange students get a discount. Copenhagen Lacrosse, the country’s oldest club, trains twice a week at Valby Idrætspark over the summer, and once a week indoors over the winter. Both men’s and women’s teams average two games per month over the summer season, and there is the possibility of attending a tournament in Berlin or Amsterdam. All equipment is supplied by the club. Contact: info@ copenhagenlacrosse.com, copenhagenlacrosse.com

Roller derby

Roller derby is a fast-paced sport for anyone who enjoys speed and is not afraid of a few hard knocks. Good balance, determination, a decent pair of rollerskates – plus knee- and elbow pads, wristguards and a helmet (bike or skater) is all you need. The two teams and a junior team are open for ‘fresh meat’ in September and February. See the official webpage and find out how else you can get involved until then.

A membership currently costs 125 kr per month and it is possible to ‘try before you buy’. Contact: copenhagenrollerderby.com

American football

The Copenhagen Towers, who were founded in Gentofte in 1990, have just had a spectacular season in 2017 and that may sound a tad intimidating. Nevertheless, American football could be the sport for you, and you’ll never know until you give it a try. There are also lots of youth teams should your kids fancy their chances. Contact: headcoach@copenhagen-towers.dk; copenhagen-towers.dk

Football

Rugby union

The Exiles are a rugby union team who welcome not only students and academics, but all internationals passionate about rugby. The club is based in Kongens Lyngby on the premises of the Danish Technical University.

Exiles train twice a week. Winter training is on Tuesdays indoors at DTU (Women: 18:00-19:30/Men’s 19:30-21:00) and Saturdays outdoors at Lyngby Stadium from 15:00-17:00. Summer Training is Tuesdays and Thursday at DTU (outdoors) from 18:00-20:00. Membership fees vary between 300 and 1,000 kr depending on the length of the subscription, age and employment status of the player. If you’re not sure whether or not rugby union is something for you, try it out for a month free of charge first!

Contact: exiles.dk, facebook.com/ExilesRUFC

Gaelic football

Gaelic football mixes football goals and rugby tackles, gets your blood racing and develops toughness and co-ordination skills. The Gaelic Football Association in Copenhagen offers not only a good opportunity for exercise and competition but also a strong network and community for its members, from barbecue gatherings to help finding a place to live. And as all the games are played against foreign teams, the club tends to visit at least two European cities a season.

Outdoor training takes place from April to October on Tuesday evenings from 17:55 at Arsenalvej 2. Indoor training for the winter season (FebApr) is on Tuesday evenings from 20:00 at Hvidkildevej 64, Cph NV. A year’s membership costs 400 kr per year for players, 200 for students/ unemployed and for non-players, 150 kr. Contact: copenhagengaa@gmail. com, copenhagengaa.com

Photo by Alexander Redl on Unsplash

Founded in 1982, international football club Copenhagen Celtic has close to 100 members representing at least 30 different countries, providing a great social base to them all. Whether you choose 11 or 7-a-side football, in 2018 there will be 8 active squads catering for all age levels. During winter, indoor football is also an option. Most of the training takes place in the evenings at Valby Idrætspark. New players are always welcome (free trials are the norm) and the subscription fees for a full season are 1,200 kr for the 11-man teams and 1,100kr to play sevens. Contact: copenhagenceltic@gmail.com, copenhagenceltic.com

Aussie rules

Australian rules football has established itself well in Denmark – so well in fact that it has a league of its own. Just like other sports brought over by expats, it is equally enjoyed by Danes as well. There are three men’s teams in the Copenhagen area – Copenhagen Barracudas, Copenhagen Giants and Farum Cats, plus a women’s team – the Farum Wildcats. Training sessions for the Barracudas take place twice a week from 18:00-20:00 at Valby Idrætspark, in summer (Apr-Sept) on Tuesdays and Thursdays and in winter (Nov-March) on Mondays and Wednesdays. Contact: bcudas@gmail.com, cphaf.dk.

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MANAGING MONEY IN DENMARK IS EASY AND EFFICIENT One of the things you will need to do in order to get properly settled is to get yourself a bank account in Denmark The Danish banking system is sophisticated and efficient. Nowadays, most transactions take place online with bills usually being paid through automatic debit systems.

Danish law allows any person with a CPR-number to open a basic bank account. This will not include overdraft facilities, credit facilities or a debit card. These have to be agreed with the bank individually.

First things first – Get a CPR-number

EU rules stipulate that you will have to supply the bank with data such as your full name, address, and maybe other information, which has to be verifiable by the presentation of an identity document, preferably with a photo.

For most things in Denmark, you will need a CPR-number (Civil Registration Number).

This is easy to obtain through the website or office of your local kommune (local council).

In order to get one, you have to meet certain criteria: • You have been staying in Denmark for more than 3 months; • If you are an EU citizen, you have a registration certificate (does not apply to Nordic citizens); • If you are a non-EU citizen, you have obtained a residence permit; • You have a place to live.

Opening a bank account

You will need a bank account in order to receive your salary and any payments made to you by the authorities, such as tax refunds etc.

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Easy Account (Nemkonto)

Another thing that everyone in Denmark needs is an Easy Account (Nemkonto) because all payments from public institutions (tax refunds, child subsidies, pensions, student loans, unemployment benefits, housing support or social welfare payments) are transferred directly to this account by default.

The easiest thing to do is to designate your basic bank account as your Easy Account.

However, you can also open a specific separate account for this purpose.

More information is available here: bit.ly/2GK1i0r

NemID

NemID is a digital signature which allows you to access both private and public internet services using the same login information. It is also used in conjunction with making transfers via your netbanking system.

It can be used from any computer and is comprised of two parts: a password, which only you know, and a code card (or electronic key) which you get by post.

From May 2018, has also been possible to use a version of NemID from Android and iOS smartphones or tablets.

You can obtain a code card online, from the citizen service centre (borgersrvice) or through your bank or you can order it here: bit.ly/2qi6flP

will accept Apple Pay, such as Circle K, 7-Eleven, Elgiganten, Humac, Magasin, Joe & The Juice, Lidl, Scandic, Nordic Choise Hotels, and the list is expected to grow.

Coop supermarkets have also introduced their own electronic app, Coop Medlem, that can be used in branches of SuperBrugsen, Kvickly and Fakta.

The Danish currency (Kroner)

The Danish currency is the Danish Krone (DKK). The current coins are 50 øre, 1 krone, 2 kroner, 5 kroner, 10 kroner and 20 kroner. The banknotes are 50 kroner, 100 kroner, 200 kroner, 500 kroner and 1,000 kroner.

Source: bit.ly/2HlzSer

Which bank should I choose?

The Danish banking sector still has a significant number of small banks, although the 3 largest banks comprise around 50 percent of the total banking assets. Of these, 5 are considered strategically important for the Danish economy.

The biggest banks in Denmark by total assets are: Danske Bank, Nykredit (mortgage bank), Realkredit Danmark (mortgage bank), Totalkredit (mortgage bank), Nordea and Jyske Bank.

Mortgage banks, which specialise in property financing, are important players in the Danish banking sector.

E-banking and direct debiting to pay bills

All major banks offer e-banking to their customers, most of them also in English. It’s an easy tool to use that allows you to pay bills, transfer money and check your financial assets at home.

In Denmark your bills may come as a giro-bill. It is possible – although with bank charges etc expensive – to pay the giro-bill at the bank.

However, it is much easier to pay one of these via your e-banking or sign that specific bill up to direct debit service – Betalingsservice. This is smart if the bill is a reoccurring one.

Banking apps

The electronic payments market in Denmark is undergoing a period of rapid growth. Methods of payment using smartphone apps are becoming much more widespread at the expense of traditional ‘plastic cards’.

Denmark’s most effective Danish courses! www.kiss.dk

As things stand at present, if you are a customer with one of the bigger banks, you can have your account set up to use MobilePay. The system is also fairly widely accepted in shops.

Apple has also recently entered the Danish market with Apple Pay. Up until now, this has been restricted to customers with accounts in Jyske Bank and Nordea. A number of retail chains have also indicated that they

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR RELIGIOUS WORSHIP IN DENMARK The Church of Our Lady - Copenhagen Cathedral

You may be surprised at the variety of different religious groups to be found in Protestant Denmark If you’ve just moved here, a church or other religious group can offer support and friendship to smooth your way.

Statistically speaking Denmark is 90% Protestant (Lutheran) but in practice, although a high proportion of Danes pay their Church Tax, not many go to church regularly. However, churches do tend to be full at Christmas and many Danish young people attend Confirmation classes and are confirmed in church.

Apostelkirken, Saxogade 13, 1662, Copenhagen V is a Lutheran state church where all services are simultaneously translated into English and Farsi. Further information: phone + 45 3331 2304, website: bit.ly/2zTnVLm There are also a few Danish churches that offer services in English during the summer months, but usually they will be in Danish.

However, there are also a number of other religious faiths that have places of worship in the Copenhagen area and who welcome visitors.

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St Albans Anglican church

Spectacularly situated down by Langelinie near the Gefion Fountain, St Alban’s is a growing, diverse and inclusive Christian community. The church part of the Diocese in Europe of The Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Communion. Services are in English.

Service times: St Alban’s Church, Churchillparken, Langelinie, Copenhagen 1263, Denmark. Sunday: Sung Eucharist 10:30; Wednesday: Holy Communion 10:30.

Further information: http://bit.ly/2jDaFnI

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Copenhagen

The Catholic church in Denmark is comprised of a single diocese based in Copenhagen. In addition, there are 48 parishes in Denmark and the diocese includes two North Atlantic parishes: Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Membership ranges anywhere between 100 to a few thousand people.

As well as Danish and Arabic, the mosque offer programs in Persian and English. Prayer times can be found on the official website at: imamalimoske.dk

Sunni Mosques

Copenhagen already has a Sunni mosque, the Hamad Bin Khalifa Civilisation Center, on Vingelodden 1, 2200 København N. Further information is available from phone: +45 7060 5545 or email: info@hbkcc.dk

Other congregations with services in English

Alive Bible Congregation, Kingos Kirke, Bragesgade 35, 2200 København N. Services in English from 13:00. Phone: +45 3131 8805. Website: bit. ly/2IEfVyS

Inside the Copenhagen synagogue

Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Købnerkirken, Shetlandsgade 6, 2300 Copenhagen S. Services: Sunday school (all ages) 14:00; Sunday worship 15:00; Wednesday prayer meeting 18:30; Faith Bible institute (Mondays) 17:00. Phone: +45 3255 8926. Website: cbmbc.org

The following churches in the Copenhagen area offer mass in English: Sakramentskirken, Nørrebrogade 27, 2200 Copenhagen N. Every Sunday at 18.00.

Kirken i Kulturcenteret, Pentacostal church, Drejervej 11-21, 2400 Copenhagen NV. Services on Sunday at 10:30 translated into English. Website: kirkenikulturcenteret.dk/

Saint Augustine´s Church, Jagtvej 183D (check mass times here: cayac.dk).

St Anne’s Church, Dronning Elisabeths Allé 3, 2300 Copenhagen S. Every Saturday and Sunday at 17:00.

Christian Love Fellowship, Brøndby Nord Vej 71, 2605 Brøndby. Sunday service 14:00; Friday prayer & Bible study: 17:30pm; Saturday prayer and sports: 16:00. Phone: +45 2847 5646. Website: icid.dk/clfc.php

Vor Frue Kirke, Herlevgårdsvej 14, 2730 Herlev. Every Sunday at 11.30.

Sankt Knud Lavards Kirke, Lyngbygårdsvej 1 A, 2800 Lyngby. Every Sunday at 13:00.

Copenhagen Community Church, Banevolden 46, 2500 Valby. Sunday services 15:00, all in English. Phone: +45 5155 5376 or website: ccchurch.dk

In addition, in Catholic churches around Denmark, services are available in the following languages: English, German, French, Italian, Croatian, Ukrainian, Filipino, Polish, Spanish, Tamil, Vietnamese and using the Caldaian rite. For a comprehensive list, see: bit.ly/2izQyU4

Copenhagen Synagogue

The Jewish Community in Denmark is an officially recognised religious community with approximately 2,400 members. There are an estimated number of 8,000 Jews in Denmark of which most are living in Copenhagen and the immediate surroundings.

International Church of Copenhagen, Sct. Andreas Kirke, Gothersgade 148, 1123 Copenhagen K. Services: 09:30 Adult discussion, 10:30 Service and Sunday School (ages 3-12), Crèche provided 10-11:30 for children to age 3, 11:30 coffee fellowship. Phone: +45 3962 4785 or website: internationalchurch.dk Sources: kfskbh.dk/englishchurches bit.ly/2ixm6Km

The framework for religious life is the Synagogue, Krystalgade 12, 1172 Copenhagen K, which was built in 1833. The new community – and cultural centre of the Jewish Community – is located next to the Synagogue.

Since November 2017, the synagogue has been closed for renovation work that is expected to take 18 months. During this period, services will be held in the cultural centre next door. Information on times of services is available from phone: +45 3312 8868 or email: mt@mosaiske.dk

Shia Mosque

With space for up to 1,500 worshippers, its 2,100 sqm makes Imam Ali Moske the largest in Denmark. Opened in 2015, the mosque is situated on Vibevej 25-27, 2400 Copenhagen NV. In addition to providing space for worship, the mosque also serve as an international cultural centre.

The Imam Ali Mosque

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photo: Imam Ali Moske Facebook

There are also two Jewish cemeteries in Copenhagen, one on Vestre Kirkegårds Alle 11 in Valby open every day during the daytime except on Shabbat and Jewish holidays. The other is the picturesque 400-year-old cemetery in Møllegade 12 on Nørrebro, which is open for visitors from April-September 30 on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00-18:00.

Advertorial

ordering groceries online couldn't be easier Buying online is an increasingly habit-forming way of stress-free shopping that appeals to the modern, busy and primarily urban consumer Nemlig.com is a modern Danish success story: an online grocer that delivers goods to customers, selling convenience along with food.

The concept is simple: a 100 percent flexible supermarket that is as close at hand as your computer, smartphone or tablet and always available. There is no queueing and you will not be pestered by your children to buy unwanted ‘impulse purchases’.

And prices are competitive with physical supermarkets. Nemlig.com offers the same prices as the regular discount assortment in Netto Danes are increasingly taking to ordering groceries online, and this has certainly been felt by nemlig.com, who were able to increase turnover by 28 percent last year. Indeed, profits for the financial year 2016-2017 were one billion kroner, which is no mean sum.

“The biggest advantage with nemlig.com is that you can order your groceries at home from your couch and get the goods delivered either on the same day or the next,’’ explained nemlig.com chief executive Stefan Plenge.

“Plus, we have more than 11,000 items to choose from.’’

Embracing different cultures

Nemlig.com offers a wide variety of food selection – a benefit that the company believes differentiates it from most physical grocers.

“To embrace the expat community in Denmark, we think about which traditions and holidays they are celebrating,” said Plenge.

The company is also very aware of the need to cater for people with special dietary requirements, so vegan, gluten-free, organic and locally-produced products are all available.

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“We have a broad customer base ranging from families with children and the elderly to disabled people and busy businesspeople – therefore we try and cater to both the budget-conscious and ecologically-conscious consumers,’’ continued Plenge.

Another way in which nemlig.com is different from other online grocers are the many collaborations it has with the best speciality shops in Denmark.

These include Slagter Lund, Cofoco, Lagkagehuset, AC Perch’s Thehandel, Sv Michelsen, Jacob Kongsbak Lassen, Le Gourmand and Rossini Caviar – to name but a few.

Changing consumer habits

Plenge explained that the biggest challenge nemlig.com faces is changing the consumers’ ingrained habit of buying groceries in physical stores.

Providing customers with online access to speciality food products is a promising way to change the norm.

“I love the fact that I can order ice cream from Svaneke Is or chocolate from Kjærstrup Chokoladeglæde both from the Danish island of Bornholm, without having to make the trip myself,’’ Plenge enthused.

“The customers are the heart of our business, so everything we do, we do with our customers in mind.”

See the selection

So do yourself a favour. Go to nemlig.com and check the sheer variety of goods available. You may well be surprised.

Ordering is simple and their customer service is ready to serve you 365 days a year. You won’t be disappointed.

Advertorial

copenhagen relocations Relocation Professionals for Home Finding

Dear Mr and/or Ms Expat, Welcome to Denmark! We hope that you are settling in well and like your new home.

What was your home finding experience like?

Did you find something and then your Danish colleagues told you that you were paying too much?

Did that deflate your feeling of accomplishment or stress you and make you feel like you should keep looking (thereby extending your stress period)?

Your colleagues undoubtedly meant well, but since they probably have a place to live, they may be lacking experience when dealing with the Danish expat rental market. Relocation professionals look at the rental market daily. They agree that our small market is expensive and it’s seems likely it will stay this way. It is possible to find less expensive properties, but that requires time, as in 3-6 months – or even a year.

Here are some things that should help you make sense of the Danish market: It’s a small market and the demand for housing is big • Economics 101 – Law of Supply & Demand

• Pushes rents up Landlords pay estate agents a fee for listing their property • 6-9 percent of annual rent • Professional advice & services • Paid each time property is rented Landlords set rent amounts to cover administrative costs • Mortgages • Furniture Certain websites are misleading in both the number of available properties and rents asked • Sites list attractive properties to lure interested parties • Often the properties are: - Rented or never existed - Links are empty when opened • Payment to website is necessary before receiving listing details • The person posing as the landlord may be a scam artist - Property was rented via Airbnb, etc.

- Airbnb tenant places property on website - collecting deposits from multiple ‘tenants’ • Landlords tend to be non-responsive due to

receiving hundreds of emails - Response to request/inquiries is 3-5 percent • Viewings tend to in be large groups • Higher degree of uncertainty regarding deposit return at lease end There are many details involved in the home finding process. Using professional relocation services can relieve related stress. It also saves time and money.

Relocation professionals know the Danish rental market, as home finding is our core business.

Copenhagen Relocations looks forward to hearing from you.

Join us for the International School of Hellerup’s IB Diploma Programme Open House

I M M IG R AT ION & R E LO C AT ION S OLU T ION S

‘Happy Transferees’

On Thursday, January 24 2019 we invite all prospective students (ages 15+) to attend our IB Diploma Progamme Open House.

Come and experience our school, discover the benefits of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Progamme at ISH. Meet with our teachers and students, explore course options and learn more about our scholarship programme.

COPENHAGEN RELOCATIONS APS • IMMIGRATION & RELOCATION SOLUTIONS

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE COPENHAGEN • GYLDENLØVESGADE 11 • DK - 1600 COPENHAGEN V

+45 / 7020 9580 • contact@relocate.dk • www.relocate.dk • immigration@relocate.dk For more information, please visitT.www.ish.dk

2018 RELOCATION WINTER GUIDE

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2018 RELOCATION WINTER GUIDE