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FROM SCHOOLS TO JOBS TO HOUSING – LET US HELP!

EASING YOUR WAY INTO DANISH LIFE AS PAINLESSLY AS POSSIBLE

Now you’ve taken the decision to relocate, welcome to your new country!

Moving from one country to another is never easy and can be quite traumatic. However, with a bit of advanced planning, the transition can be made a lot easier. This supplement has been compiled with a view to helping you to make the adjustment as smooth as possible.

There are some practical things which have to be considered.

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 what citizenship you possess at present.

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 child-care, schooling and a job for your spouse.

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

GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE

Copenhagen Media Center -Thomas Rousing

The country of 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 Zealand, on which the capital city, Copenhagen, is situated, and Funen. The island of Bornholm is located east of the rest of the country. Many of the larger islands are connected by bridges; the Ă˜resund Bridge connects Zealand with Sweden, the Great Belt Bridge connects Funen with Zealand

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“Opening a Danish textbook could be your next big career move”

Alejandro, engineer from Co´rdoba.

Sign up for intensive Danish courses in Hellerup and Lyngby sprogcenterhellerup.dk

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Copenhagen Media Center -Martin Heiberg

Area-wise, Denmark is a relatively small country (42,916 square kilometres) with a population slightly over 5.6 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 130.50 people per square kilometre.

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. However, in practice, this is done by the prime minister, and the queen nominates the ministers which he has chosen.

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.

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Copenhagen Media Center -Morten Jerichau

Copenhagen Media Center -Morten Jerichau

Copenhagen Media Center -Morten Jerichau

and the Little Belt Bridge connects Jutland with Funen. There are ferries or small aircraft to connect the smaller islands.

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 loosing voting rights. The latter might be due to being severely physically or mentally handicapped.

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 DANES THEMSELVES 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 in economic terms and also when it comes to sexual equality. On the surface, taxes often 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 workplace and resume their careers after having children.

Local council districts are obliged to offer child-care 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.

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WELCOME 5

Copenhagen Media Center -Morten Jerichau

Danes are also very concious of their high standard of living and are by nature a generous people, donating money and help to people in need around the world. 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.

Compared to many countries, the Danish population is still relatively homogeneous; out of the ca. 5.6 million people in Denmark, only around 600,000 are immigrants or their descendants.

The country is 90% Protestant (Lutheran), but in practice, although a high proportion of Danes pay their Church Tax, not may attend church services regularly. However, the churches do tend to be full at Christmas and many Danish young people attend Confirmation classes and are Confirmed in church.

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

Copenhagen Media Center -Tuala Hjarnø

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 2014, turnover in the Danish wind sector amounted to 84.4 billion Kroner, an increase of 7.4 percent from the year before, while exports rose by 16.7 percent to 53.5 billion Kroner, accounting for more than 5

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percent of Denmark’s total exports. 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.

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.

Copenhagen Media Center -Morten Jerichau

Copenhagen Media Center -photography@thomasrousing.dk

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 which enables 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 Sources: bit.ly/2lPICQD www.ft.dk/folkestyret bit.ly/2hOdVvZ bit.ly/1eVY1AB

Cover page picture: VisitDenmark/Kim Wyon • Photos inside: Copenhagen Media Center • Publisher: CPH POST • Editor: Hans Hermansen • Journalist/writer: Stephen Gadd • Layout: All About Digital, Copenhagen • Co-ordinator: Marin Milosavljevic • Info: hans@cphpost.dk, Tel: +45 2420 2411

Copenhagen Media Center - Nicolai Perjesi Copenhagen Media Center - Nicolai Perjesi

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Raising a family in Denmark – all you need to know about

Copenhagen Media Center - Ty Stange

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?

If you are a family with young children, you will want to know about day-care 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.

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?

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

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.

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

THE SIX STAGES

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.

1. Pre-school 2. Primary and lower secondary education 3. Upper secondary education 4. Vocational education and training 5. Higher education 6. Adult learning.

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

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There are six stages of education in Denmark:

Copenhagen Media Center - Ty Stange

Before they start pre-school, most Danish children have attended day-care, 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 vocational nature. These are aimed at giving direct entry into the labour market and are often in conjunction with internships in various top Danish companies.

LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT AND TRAINING

Copenhagen Media Center - Tuala Hjarnø

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

All newly-arrived foreign nationals aged 18 and over have the right to free Danish lessons. The courses are available country-wide. If you wish to work in Denmark, you should perhaps start with a courste tailored for the labour market. ‘Danish for the labour market’ is aimed at beginners and constists of up to 250 hours tuition in 5 cycles of 50 hours. It is offered both during the day and at evening classes.

If you complete the 250 hours within 18 months, you can continue with a language trainging program. This is divided into six teaching modules and finishes with a state-controlled examination. Three levels are available and you can only start the program if you have completed ‘Danish for the labour market’. Further information on Danish language tuition is available from the local municipality.

KEEP ON LEARNING

Copenhagen Media Center - Ty Stange

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.

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.

Sources: www.weforum.org/ bit.ly/2hYpxg8 eng.uvm.dk/Education

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HOW DO I SET ABOUT BUYING PROPERTY IN DENMARK? Copenhagen Media Center -Thomas Høyrup Christensen

If you are thinking of a longer stay in Denmark, you might very well want to buy property here. However, it can be a complicated process because there are a number of requirements which apply to non-Danish citizens.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Co-operative apartment

HOW DO I FIND A GOOD LAWYER?

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

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 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:

House (detached or terraced) Typically, houses are very expensive in the

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Owner-occupied flat

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.

HOW DO I FIND A PROPERTY? There are a number of internet property portals where you can find all the properties offered for sale by Danish estate agents.

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.

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.

DO I NEED A LAWYER?

There are several law firms specialising in foreign buyers. For example, Ret&Råd (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.

WHAT COSTS SHOULD I EXPECT? 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 DKK plus 0.6% 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% of the mortgage value.

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

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A BI-LINGUAL PROGRAM THAT FACILITATES INTEGRATION Institut Sankt Joseph is a private Catholic school in Østerbro catering for students from kindergarten to grade 10.

Mulhern stresses that integration is the key to the students’ wellbeing. “We help students learn Danish while easing the transition with English. We also provide networking opportunities for the whole family so that they can obtain practical assistance in starting a network.”

The school offers an education of a high academic standard as well as placing emphasis on the moral and intellectual development of students.

“We offer our students a fully bilingual education, so they can become academically fluent in both Danish and English. This gives them the possibility to succeed in both a Danish and an international context.”

CPH Post talked to Thomas Knudsen Mulhern, who is head of the the school’s International Department and asked him what he felt that his school could offer to foreign students that other institutions could not.

The school is very much tailored to Danes returning to the country from abroad and multi-cultural families, where one parent is a Dane. They also have expats who here for a short time but who want to integrate in an authentic way.

The school itself has staff and students from a wide variety of different backgrounds – which can only be an asset. They are looking forward to seeing their first international class graduating this coming June. The school’s graduates will then have the opportunity either to go on to a Danish upper secondary school or an international high school.

And it seems as if they are on the right track. The international bi-lingual program started in 2014 and has now over 180 students enrolled has been extraordinarily successful.

IN DENMARK AND NEED A JOB? LET US HELP YOU The Danish labour market can seem initially daunting to new arrivals, but don’t despair!

If you have moved to Denmark and are trying to get a job, the following article ought to give you a few pointers. But first, a little about the mechanisms governing the labour market in general.

Because Denmark has a high proportion of workers who belong to unions, it has been possible to devise 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.

The labour market is regulated to ensure the most productive, flexible and secure working conditions possible. This is achieved through the ‘felxicurity model’, which is a composite of the terms flexibility and security and describes a system which combines a flexible labour market with social security for all workers.

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

Everyone is 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.

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GETTING STARTED First of all, in order 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.

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.

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 c.v. 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.

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

The municipal job center also has information on how best to prepare job applications and tips on writing a c.v.

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.

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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.

THERE ARE SEVERAL POINTS TO BE AWARE OF: The Danish workplace is also characterised by being democratic and equal. The Danes care about equal rights, and this is reflected at work.

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.

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.

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

Teamwork and co-operation are valued qualities in all kinds of businesses; Employees are expected to be motivated and to do their best for the company;

The Danish business culture can come as a bit of a shock to people used to more authoritarian and heirarchical 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.

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; If you are employed, the working hours are fixed through collective wage agreements, but when you are self-employed, there are no fixed rules; 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 January 1.;

Generally speaking, the Danish workplace culture is characterized 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.

There may be work-based social events, such as a summer party or Christmas party and you should involve yourself in these; 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; 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.

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

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Copenhagen Media Center

GETTING ABOUT IN COPENHAGEN

BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT By and large, public transport in Copenhagen is reliable, punctual and wide-ranging.

There is also the advantage that trains, metro and buses (including water buses) all use the same ticketing system.

TICKETS The metro, bus and train services have a fully integrated ticket system in Copenhagen and Zealand. For example, when you buy a ticket for the metro you can use it on the buses and trains as well. You can bring along two children under 12 years on your adult ticket free of charge and children’s tickets are available for children 12-16.

The tariff system is based on zones. For example, a trip from the airport to the city centre covers 3 zones. For travelling around in the inner city, you will usually only need 2 zones.

SALES POINTS Tickets are available at most train stations, in a number of kiosks and from the metro ticket machines located in all metro stations. The machines accept Danish coins and all major credit cards. You can also buy a ticket on the bus, but you will have to pay in Danish kroner.

Alternatively, you can purchase a ticket by downloading the mobile app ‘Mobilbilletter’

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for local tickets in and around Copenhagen.

Choose English as the language in the app. The app is available for iPhone and Android.

There are also online options for some tickets.

SINGLE TICKETS Buy a single ticket if you only need the one ride.

CITY PASS If you buy a City Pass, you can travel as much as you like on the metro, bus and train in central Copenhagen (zones 1-4), and to and from the airport. The card can be bought for 2 time periods: 24 or 72 hrs.

24-HOUR TICKET With a 24-hour ticket you get unlimited travel with buses, trains and metro throughout all zones in the Greater Copenhagen area (zones 1-99) for 24 hours. The 24-hour ticket can be purchased as a regular paper ticket from machines at train and metro stations or as a mobile ticket for iPhone and Android.

Copenhagen Media Center

Copenhagen Media Center

COPENHAGEN CARD With a Copenhagen card, you can travel free of charge in the Greater Copenhagen area (zones 1-99). The card includes free entry to about 75 museums and attractions, and discounts on restaurants, car hire, shops and sights. It comes in four versions: 24, 48, 72 and 120 hrs.

REJSEKORT If you are intending to stay in Denmark and have a Danish address, you should consider buying a ‘Rejsekort’ of some sort. The card is similar to the Oyster Card used on London’s transport network and is a lot cheaper than other ticketing options. When you start your journey, you ‘check in’ at one of the stands on a station or in a bus. If you change from one bus to another or bus to train etc, you check in on the new transport.

You only ‘check out’ when your journey is finished.

You can get several different types of Rejsekort – either a personal one with your picture on it, or one that you can share with other people. Most types of Rejsekort allow extra persons to be checked in on your journey using the same card. When you buy the card, you can arrange with your bank for a top-up system so that you never run out of money on the card. If you don’t feel comfortable with that, you can top up the card at stations and in many 7-Eleven shops. If you travel the same route more than 26 times per month – say going to and from work – it might also pay you to buy a season ticket Rejsekort.

This can be prepaid for up to six months and if you wish to travel outside this designated journey, you can choose a combi season ticket version.

You can order the card by telephone at +45 70 11 33 33, and have the card sent by post or you can order online at bit.ly/2zROm3P. The website is in English.

DON’T TRAVEL WITHOUT A TICKET

about every 10 minutes before and after rush hour. A-buses run at all hours.

The busiest bus route in Copenhagen has now been designated 5C (Cityline) and the bus is longer than the usual type as well as being ‘greener’, and promises shorter journey times, especially during rush hours.

S-buses run every 5-10 minutes during rush hours and every 20 minutes outside rush hours. S-buses are faster than the A-buses due to making fewer stops. They usually run between 06:00 and 01:00.

Night buses are in service between 01:00 and 05:00, especially in places where there are no alternative buses running. You can recognise the bus stops by the grey colour of the bus stop signs. The night buses are all designated with the letter N, for example 85N.

METRO The metro is in service all day and all night, every day of the week.

There are 2-4 minutes between each train during rush hour, and 3-6 minutes outside rush hour and during the weekends.

Friday and Saturday night (after 01:00) trains arrive with a 7-15 minutes interval and a 20 minutes interval after midnight on weekdays (Sunday through Thursday).

Please note that track maintenance may occur during the night, which can result in a slightly longer journey. The maintenance is usually carried out between 01:00-01:25 and again between 04:15-04:45.

TRAINS S-trains run between 05:00 in the morning and 00:30 at night.

During the day, the F line runs every 5 minutes, lines A, B, C and E run every 10 minutes, and line H and Bx run every 20 minutes.

You can’t buy tickets on the metro trains or any other train, so please buy a ticket before you get on. If not, you may face a fine of DKK 750.

At weekends, the F line runs every 10 minutes during the day and every 20 minutes at night. On nights after Friday and Saturday, A and F lines run every 30 minutes.

BUSES

Sources: www.moviatrafik.dk/ bit.ly/2hEcD30 bit.ly/1P4bUPZ

A-buses are the main type of bus in central Copenhagen. They run every 3-7 minutes during rush hours (between 07:00-09:00 in the morning and 15:30-17:30 in the afternoon) and usually

17

To meet Danes and settle in better,

LEARNING DANISH IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA...

With a wide range of quality language schools available throughout Denmark, learning to speak the language has never been easier!

It is, of course, perfectly possible to live comfortably in Denmark without ever picking up an English-Danish dictionary. In a city boasting an international community as vibrant as Copenhagen, one can easily get by without any Danish skills whatsoever, and considering that to most foreign ears, Danish sounds a rather peculiar language, 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 t.v.

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 and depending on a foreigner’s residential status, one of the following is offered: • Labour market-oriented Danish – a 250-hour course for beginners • Danish 1, 2 or 3 – programmes divided into 6 modules

ASSESSING YOUR SKILLS Before you start on a course, you will be assessed on your language skills to ensure that the level of tuition provided is commensurate with your ability.

The Danish courses are divided into three

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programs and each program has six modules, which all conclude with a test. The final module of each program ends with a stateadministered Danish exam, which is a prerequisite 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.

LABOUR MARKET-ORIENTED DANISH

GO OUT AND USE IT!

For those about to enter the labour market, there is a special beginners’ course which is designed especially for foreign workers, accompanying spouses, students and au pairs. The course comprises up to 250 hours of instruction over a maximum period of 18 months and is divided into five 50-hour courses.

Upon completion of the course, students have the right to enrol in a normal Danish language course program, finishing with an exam in Danish.

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.

LANGUAGE SCHOOLS

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.

There are more than 50 language schools throughout Denmark.

At these, adult foreigners are taught Danish from beginner to advanced level. The courses are typically free for students, as Danish law ensures that all newly-arrived adult foreigners have a right to free Danish lessons.

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. Online 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.

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.

Source: dedanskesprogcentre.dk/en/sprogkurser bit.ly/2B4CA3q

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ADVERTORIAL

LET US AT INTERNATIONAL HOUSE HELP YOU ON THE HOUSING MARKET When people relocate, they often have a job lined up for themselves in advance. Sometimes this may include a housing option, but in many cases, the person or family in question will have to find their own accommodation.

This can be quite a challenge – even for Danes!

These days, it can be very difficult to gain a foothold on the housing market, especially as a first-time buyer in one of the bigger cities.

Copenhagen is a very popular place to live and its population is increasing. This, of course, also drives prices up.

There is also the additional problem that you cannot obtain the all-important CPR registration number from the authorities that you need in order to get a job without a place to live or a rental contract, housing confirmation or hotel receipt.

STEERING PEOPLE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION Thomas Jakobsen, head of the Culture and Leisure department at Copenhagen Town Hall, is working hard with his department to do something about this. “In 2016, Copenhagen acquired an extra 4,300 new dwelling units.

The city is now working on making one-fifth of these into public housing to make them more affordable.”

Copenhagen Media Center

Jakobsen and his department works closely with the citizens advice service, International House, to help newcomers with housing issues.

“We guide newcomers to housing portals and housing associations on our website,” he says.

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“We also give advice about rights and obligations – as well as alerting people to things they need to be aware of – such as carefully reading the terms and conditions of leases etc and reminding people to be sceptical if an offer sounds too good to be true.”

International House is part of an international network via the EU, so can draw inspiration from best practices that have proved successful in other cities. They also carry on a dialogue with the regions around Copenhagen. Many people who move to Denmark are used to longer commutes than Danes are, so that opens up for many more potential housing options at more competitive prices.

TRY A HOUSING FAIR As well as day-to-day advice, International House also organises a large housing fair. The last one was held jointly with the confederation of Danish industry, DI. These information meetings dispense advice on buying and renting housing as well as other options such as cooperative housing. The events are free of charge and involve experts within the different fields.

At the last event, 220 people participated, which was a 33 percent increase on the total for the first two fairs held. An evaluation of the participants showed that 62 percent came from Europe, 62 percent already had a job, 20 percent were students and 9 percent were spouses.

Significantly, 96 percent said that they would recommend the fair to a friend.

A FEW DOS AND DON’TS As to practical advice, Jakobsen does have a few tips. First of all, he says, you will have to be patient and also use your network. It is also a good idea to sign up on waiting lists. You should never pay in advance unless you have a rental contract.

Regarding location, look to the outskirts of the city as well as right in town and also look into different kinds of accommodation.

“Our research shows that many international citizens are interested in buying a place to live and often they don’t know about co-operative housing,” adds Jakobsen.

THE DANISH BANKING SYSTEM AND MANAGING YOUR MONEY 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 and bills are often paid through automatic debit systems.

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).

EASY ACCOUNT (NEMKONTO)

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.

Danish law allows any person with a CPR-number to open a basic

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: www.nemkonto.dk/da/ Servicemenu/Engelsk

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.

21

From 1 June 2017, it should also be possible to use a version of NemID from your smartphone or tablet.

You can obtain a code card through your bank or you can order it here www.nemid.nu/dk-en/

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 and until the end of 2017 at a post office.

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’.

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 will accept Apple Pay, such as Circle K, 7-Eleven, Elgiganten and Humac. The list is expected to grow.

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.

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

‘Happy Transferees’

22 RELOCATION

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WINTER GUIDE 2017

HEALTHCARE IN DENMARK comprehensive and mostly free

Denmark has a comprehensive tax-payer funded public health service based on the idea of equal access for all citizens Medical treatment is usually free of charge but dentistry is not; it is regarded as a separate area and you will have to pay some of the cost of dental treatment yourself.

NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE CARD All permanent residents in Denmark are elligible to use the healthcare system. Almost all examinations and treatments are free of charge, although there is a charge for any medicines which may be prescribed. 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 dont.

If you are dissatisfited with your GP, you can change to another one on payment of a fee of 150 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.

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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.

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 tretament 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 pregnancy at a hospital in the first twelve weeks of their pregnancy.

In such a case, 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,

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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.

PAEDIATRIC DENTIST

READ MORE

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.

For senior refugees and immigrants: Brief information about your rights and opportunities, DaneAge Association (ÆldreSagen). Phone: 33 96 86 86 – www.aeldresagen.dk

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.

The pamphlet can be obtained from the National Board of Health, Phone: 70 26 26 36 and at www.sst.dk and from The Danish Cancer Society, Phone: 35 25 71 00.

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.

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.

It can also be read and downloaded at www.sst.dk and www. cancer.dk Source: www.sst.dk/en

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25

OPPORTUNITIES FOR RELIGIOUS WORSHIP IN DENMARK

Copenhagen Media Center - Morten Jerichau

Statistically speaking, Denmark is 90% Protestant (Lutheran), but in practice, although a high proportion of Danes pay their Church Tax, not may attend church services regularly.

However, the churches do tend to be full at Christmas and many Danish young people attend Confirmation classes and are confirmed in church.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Copenhagen

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

The following churches in the Copenhagen area offer mass in English:

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.

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, Churchill Parken, Langelinie, Copenhagen 1263, Denmark. Sunday: Sung Eucharist 10:30; Wednesday: Holy Communion 10:30.

Further information: bit.ly/2jDaFnI

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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.

Sakramentskirken, Nørrebrogade 27, 2200 Copenhagen N. Every Sunday at 18.00.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Copenhagen Community Church, Banevolden 46, 2500 Valby.

Sunday services 15:00, all in English. Phone: +45 5155 5376 or website: www.ccchurch.dk Copenhagen Media Center - Martin Heiberg

are an estimated number of 8,000 Jews in Denmark of which most are living in Copenhagen and the immediate surroundings.

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.

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.

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.

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

Sunni Mosque 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

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

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A