CELEBRATING COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION.
DEAR READERS
International Citizen Days (ICD), which will be held from 27 to 28 September, celebrates the vibrant international community in Denmark and is an opportunity to recognise the contributions of locals and internationals to Danish society with various initiatives and organisations. It is a day when people from different backgrounds (newcomers and long-timers) come together to share their stories, experiences, and traditions all in one place!
THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY
Community is the backbone of The International, providing vital support, a sense of belonging, and a shared identity. For new arrivals in Denmark, this support system is a lifeline, offering reassurance and care in a new and sometimes unnerving environment. The International is here to help you navigate the complexities of Danish society, known for its strong social fabric and close-knit communities.
IN THE BEGINNING
When I moved to Denmark in 2008, I experienced firsthand the challenges of adapting to a new culture. Denmark is a beautiful country with a rich history and a high standard of living, but for newcomers, integrating into Danish society can be a complex process. The Danish culture, while welcoming, is deeply rooted in traditions and social norms that can be difficult for outsiders and newly returned Danes to navigate.
In 2018, I founded The International with a clear vision: to create a platform that not only helps internationals find their footing in Denmark but also shares a mutual exchange of cultures. The International was born out of a desire to give back to a community that had, over the years, become my own. Our mission is to provide a soft landing for newcomers and show that internationals have much to contribute to Danish society.
A SUPPORTIVE NETWORK
We believe that everyone needs a 'tribe'—a collective group of people who offer support, understanding, and friendship. This concept is essential for those who have left behind their communities and are seeking new connections. So, we created a network of like-minded individuals who aim to help internationals feel less isolated and more at home in their new surroundings. Denmark, with its emphasis on community and social cohesion, offers a unique environment for this exchange. The Danish concept of "hygge" (we know this word has been used to death, but it’s the best way to describe it) and the strong focus on work-life balance are aspects of the culture that newcomers get to learn and enjoy at some stage. At the same time, internationals bring fresh perspectives, new ideas, and diverse cultural practices that are only but a plus for Denmark. Since moving to Denmark, I have witnessed a remarkable increase in initiatives aimed at welcoming and integrating new arrivals – not just in Copenhagen but also in Aarhus, Aalborg and Lolland Falster. From my network of internationals who host cultural workshops, social clubs and networking events to initiatives from the government needing to attract talent to Denmark. There are now numerous resources available to help internationals feel at home. These initiatives are crucial in bridging the gap between different cultures and creating a sense of belonging – but this should not
just be for the newcomers. We also have the “forgotten gold” of Denmark, a term I used for internationals who have not been welcomed, have struggled, and still struggle to get seen - we see you at The International!
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
Our efforts are focused on building an inclusive community where everyone feels valued and accepted. We provide informative articles every month written by internationals like yourself who have become experts in their field by offering support to help newcomers navigate their new environment. Our goal is not only to help internationals adapt to Danish culture but also to enable a two-way exchange where Danes can learn from the diverse backgrounds of their new neighbours. I am excited to announce that I will be at International Citizen Days on Saturday, 28th of September, to connect with our current readers and followers and to welcome all the new ones. It is a day to celebrate and feel embraced by your community – so come along and say hi. I am reminded of the journey that brought me here and the incredible people I have met along the way. The sense of community that we have built together is a source of strength and inspiration.
It reminds me that no matter where we come from, we all seek connection and belonging.
MEET THE TEAM
EDITOR & FOUNDER
Lyndsay Jensen - lyndsay@the-intl.com
MANAGING DIRECTOR & PARTNER
Kenneth Macalpine - kenneth@the-intl.com
CONSULTING EDITOR
Conrad Egbert
GRAPHIC DESIGN
The International
WRITERS TEAM
Ophelia Wu; Alexandra Beck; Mariano Davies; Monika Pedersen; Anna Pawlowicz; Michaela Medvedova; Natasha Liviero; Heather Storgaard; Natália Šepitková; Leslea Petersen
COVER PICTURE
Lidia Morelli
SOME AMBASSADORS
Michaela Medvedova; Ane-Sophie Custura; Terumi Mascarenhas; Leslie Noygues; Shelly Pandey; Ritika Jain; Pavlos Tsiakoumis; Sakib Akhter; Rashmi Jadhav; Shaeema Zaman
SALES
sales@the-intl.com
The International is published online 12 times a year. This issue was published on 13 September 2024.
Lyndsay
Love, EDITOR & FOUNDER
Notice: The publishers regret that they cannot accept any liability for error or omissions contained in this publication. The opinions and views presented need not necessarily reflect those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek special counsel before acting on any information contained herein. All rights reserved. No part of this publication or contents thereof may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without written permission from the publishers. Published by and © 2021 The International ApS. Registered in Denmark / CVR Number: 39118181
INTERN TI NAL
CIT ZENDAYS 2024
You are invited to a one-of-a-kind welcome event tailored specifically for the international community in Greater Copenhagen to celebrate diversity, cross-cultural understanding and to help global citizens become local citizens. Taking place in the heart of Copenhagen on 27 & 28 September, International Citizen Days brings together public authorities, private organisations, and local communities for two days of endless guidance on housing, job, and social life in ‘hyggelige’ surroundings.
FRIDAY
27 September 2024 / 12.00-16.00
Øksnehallen
Halmtorvet 11, 1700 København
Job & Career
Friday is all about job and career, giving you the chance to meet interesting companies together with a broad range of organisations offering guidance on how to unleash your professional potential and kickstart your career in Denmark. You will be introduced to the Danish labour market including the inescapable codes of Danish workplace culture, recruitment processes, and collective agreements with plenty of opportunities to mingle and widen your network. There will also be an exclusive career matchmaking for candidates who meet the criteria. Whether you are looking for your first job, next job, or dream job, Friday is the day for you.
SATURDAY
28 September 2024 / 10.00-15.00
Øksnehallen
Halmtorvet 11, 1700 København
Housing / Job & Career / Culture & Leisure
Saturday welcomes all internationals including the little ones, offering an exciting programme covering all the essentials of settling in a new country. You will be guided through the jungle of housing options, banking services, tax laws, childcare facilities, career opportunities and Danish culture – all under one roof – together with the city’s rich cultural scene, sports clubs, and associations through a lively fair, insightful talks, debates, and fun activities. Whether you are new to the region or have been here for a while, Saturday is designed to help you and your family build a supportive community and feel at home.
SIGN UP FREE OF CHARGE
WELCOME TO ROSA’S FILM WORLD.
ROSA SHARES HER INSPIRING STORY ABOUT HOW IF YOU CAN’T FIND YOUR PLACE, YOU CREATE ONE FOR YOURSELF THAT FITS LIKE A GLOVE.
PHOTOGRAPHS LIDIA MORELLI / JAMES HW ACKROYD TEXT MICHAELA MEDVEDOVÁ
MMEET ROSA CAMERO. Originally from Mexico, she decided to follow her heart and relocated first to Spain and then to Denmark.
Now living in Copenhagen, Rosa successfully continues to follow her passion for film production.
REINVENTING YOURSELF
“My hometown is called Torreón, and it’s in the north of Mexico. Normally, when people ask me where I’m from, and they’re not from Mexico, I always ask them: Do you know where Texas is? So next to Texas, that’s where I’m from,” laughs Rosa. She doesn’t consider her hometown, where around 1 million people live, to be a big city - well, for Mexico. Although it’s about the size of Copenhagen, it’s truly a small town compared to Mexico City or other major cities with millions of people.
Later on, Rosa moved to Mexico City. The biggest culture shock compared to her small hometown? Probably traffic. “It’s very normal to spend 40 minutes or one hour driving, and that’s still relatively close. Here in Copenhagen, 40 minutes is so far away.” Unfortunately, Mexico City is not very safe. “I never experienced anything, luckily, but it was very easy to get into a bad situation in Mexico. As a woman living there, you needed to be safe, need to be sure your friends accompanied you to your place if you went out late.”
After seven years in Mexico City, Rosa moved to Spain for a lovely reason - love. “I met my now-husband, who is a Dane, in Mexico City. When we decided we wanted to start a family, we weighed the pros and cons of living in Mexico or going to Europe. He found a job opportunity in Spain, so we decided to try Europe, where I then did my Master’s.”
They met when he was sharing a house in Mexico City with one of Rosa’s friends. Somehow, for the longest time, their paths never crossed - and then suddenly, he appeared
in her life. “It was funny - when he invited me for a date, I just got a job as a Spanish teacher in Poland, and I said: I’m packing my bags,” remembers Rosa. But he tried - they were texting, having Skype dates. After three months of this, Rosa decided to come back to Mexico, and they started dating officially and moved to Spain after a year. But Spain welcomed Rosa with a huge culture shock - which is something she did not expect in the slightest. “The way I saw it, they speak the same language - we were going to hit it off and have fun. But they’re not as open as Mexicans. Even though Spanish people are more open than the rest of the continent, they’re Europeans in the end. I couldn’t understand what they said, and I couldn’t use the right words and expressions.” On top of the miscommunication problems, Rosa also struggled with finding the right job opportunity for her. In Mexico, she worked in the film industry and loved it. But in Spain, people told her it would be challenging to get into the same industry and that she should find other opportunities. “I worked for a PR company and a radio station, and it was a really cool job, but it wasn’t what I wanted. When you move away from your country where you had everything figured out already, then you have to rediscover yourself, reinvent yourself, and find your way. I think it’s a great way for you to grow as a person if you take advantage of the situation.”
And so that’s what she did.
A LOVE AFFAIR WITH CINEMA
Rosa’s love for working with films started in 2008 when she moved from her hometown to Mexico City. Her sister was a big fan of the Twilight Saga and wanted to go to an event in the city as the leading actor was supposed to make an appearance there. “I said: Okay, I’ll go with you, and I can drop off some CVs. At the event, I saw a guy with
a phone, looking very busy. I approached him and said: I’m looking for a job.” His response? He was looking for an assistant. Ultimately, he was the CEO of the distribution company Rosa worked for the seven years she lived in Mexico City. By the time she moved to Spain, she was already a PR manager. “I thought: Of course, they will hire me in Spain; I’m so good at what I do! But nobody cares that you are super experienced. Yet, I wanted to go back to the film industry. So I created my own space, got a website, and started being a consultant.” For two years, she worked in film distribution, handling the theatrical releases with a partner.
When she moved to her new home in Denmark, she decided to go into marketing and created her own digital marketing agency. “We decided to move to Copenhagen because we had become parents. We had our first baby daughter in Spain, and we didn’t have anyone. It’s difficult when you don’t have your family around. So it was either going back to Mexico or moving to Copenhagen, where my husband got a job offer.” They chose the latter and moved in 2017.
CARVING OUT YOUR OWN SPACE
It wasn’t Rosa’s first time in the country - she and her husband were actually married in Denmark - but she had never really experienced the culture before. Luckily, Denmark was easier to adjust to than Spain had been. “I think it’s all about expectations. I had huge expectations moving to Spain, and when they didn’t happen, everything just crumbled. So I didn’t have any when I came to Denmark. But I was also a mom, and all my focus, time, and sleep were dedicated to my daughter.”
Seven years later, Denmark is undoubtedly home. “But sometimes, there are reminders that I am not Danish. So, living here has its share of pros and cons - but I’m very grateful for this country. Everything works. It’s a country with money - there’s no scarcity like you see in Mexico. You don’t have to worry about the daily things because your basic needs are met.”
But it hasn’t been easy for Rosa to integrate into Denmark. “I’m still trying to figure out how to be on the inside, especially since I don’t work in a company. I’m an entrepreneur, so it can be difficult for me to get acquainted with Danes. I don’t have that everyday communication and relationships to build. So last year, I decided to look for a job because I wanted to integrate, practice my Danish, and be with Danes.”
In Rosa’s words, the job search did not go very well. Overall, she’s experienced some struggles in her professional journey in Denmark. “I had my second daughter in 2021, and after she was born, I experienced bad post-partum depression. I was trying to fig-
ure out what to do. I left the marketing agency and decided I would be a marketing and business coach. And I am good at it - but my heart, my passion is not there. So, I decided to go back to the film industry and look for a job.” However, she did not receive a positive response, no matter how many CVs she sent out. It was just rejection emails and discouraging coffee meetings, telling her she would have to start from the bottom. While still searching for a job, she started to rebrand her business and promote herself as a film producer with expertise in distribution and marketing - and a production company hired her to do just that.
PRODUCTION PUZZLE PIECES
So right now, Rosa is happily using all the knowledge she’s amassed at what she loves most - film production. It’s often a job invisible to the audience - but as Rosa says, if you don’t have a film producer, you don’t have a film. “They are the ones pulling together all the puzzle pieces - the film crew, the talent, the funding. Then you need to make sure that people watch the film - because if it does not have enough marketing, it will flop in the cinema. As a normal person, you otherwise wouldn’t know the film exists. So, all the pieces need to fit together in order for the audience to watch that film. And word of mouth is everything; it’s the most powerful marketing tool you have. Or you, like with major studios like Disney or Warner, invest half of the budget in marketing - and the film is everywhere, like now with the new Deadpool.”
At the moment, Rosa is working with an American production company, and most of her clients are from outside of Denmark. The Danish film industry, in her view, is primarily centred on Danish. “It’s also not the biggest industry. There are a lot of co-productions between Norway and Sweden. Films here are made with public funds - unlike in the US, where you have equity investors. So the films there are treated like a business, and here it’s more a part of the culture, with often the same people applying for the same funds, with not that much novelty.”
Rosa is also the founder of The International Film Network. In this community, internationals and Danes can find support, a network, and guidance on navigating the Dan-
"ROSA CREATED THE COMMUNITY LAST YEAR WHILE DEEP IN HER JOB-HUNTING EXPERIENCE, WHERE NETWORKING WAS A MUST. “WHAT BETTER WAY TO NETWORK AND MEET PEOPLE THAN TO CREATE AN INDUSTRY NETWORK WHERE THEY COME TO YOU, RIGHT?"
ish film industry, getting together for in-person and online events. Rosa created the community last year while deep in her job-hunting experience, where networking was a must. “What better way to network and meet people than to create an industry network where they come to you, right? And they are joining and showing up to events,” smiles Rosa.
With so much passion for film in her professional life, it’s no surprise that Rosa loves movies as a hobby, too. “I am a bingewatcher. I mean, I should be ashamed of that, but I call it market research,” laughs Rosa.
She can’t always turn her professional mind off, though. “For example, the Deadpool marketing campaign has a really unique marketing strategy. I haven’t watched any of the other movies, but just seeing all the marketing actions is super interesting to me. And when it comes to watching other people’s films, it’s inspirational.”
She also has a strict no-piracy rule. Whenever she sees people saying: Oh, I can watch this film for free, she’s not happy. “Come on. We cannot do that because you’re not paying the people behind the film.” She loves going to the cinema, but her two young daughters very much shape her choice of movies. “If I go to the cinema, it’s to go and see children’s films. Once in a while, my husband and I take our date time and go. But I am a good client to streaming platforms because I have almost all of them,” she laughs.
OPPORTUNITY TO FOLLOW YOUR PATH
But Rosa’s life cannot be equated only with movies.
“I love Danish summer. I’m very spiritual, and I like to work on my mindset. I love dancing - and I need to find more time for doing that. I feel like my bike is my Ferrari. I never really rode a bike. I learned when I was a kid, and I never used one until I travelled to the Netherlands. I had an accident there where even the police were involved. I never thought I would ride one again. When we moved to Copenhagen, I got a bicycle, and my husband helped train me. So now, going on my bike is a huge thing, and I love it. And I love to travel with my family.”
Having such an international family can sometimes create confusion. “Well, my older daughter thinks she’s Span-
ish because she was born in Spain. Both my daughters speak three languages. We have some Mexican traditions, and we have some Danish. But in the end, if they live here long enough, they will feel more Danish than anything else. And if they decide to go to Mexico and spend time there, they’ll probably pick up the culture and language faster.”
When answering the question of whether Denmark is a forever home, Rosa thinks about her children and their development. “Some days, I love it, and some days, I don’t
want to be here. But it’s a really good place to have and raise kids. Education, care, sports- I don’t want my daughters to miss those opportunities. I believe that here, it’s easier to have more opportunities to do whatever they want than any other place.” THE-INTL
If you would like to contact Rosa, you can visit her website, rosacamero. Also, make sure you check out her podcast and social media
A value-driven community that welcomes students ages 4-16.
Rygaards has a strong reputation of a rich educational experience with a nurturing atmosphere where students learn to think for themselves, find their own voice, and engage with the world with confidence and curiosity.
• High academic standards
• Christian ethos
• Beautiful campus, located in Hellerup
• Global community
• NEASC accreditation
• Cambridge Assessment International Education
FEELING INVISIBLE AS A JOB SEEKER IN DENMARK.
PHOTOGRAPHS PEXELS TEXT LESLEA PETERSEN
LINKEDIN IS YOUR FRIEND
However, communicating what you have to offer is not just through a job application—via your CV and Cover letter - the main platform for increasing visibility is LinkedIn. It’s an excellent way to showcase your expertise and knowledge, and by building your voice, you increase your chances of being discovered by a hiring manager.
Here are my top tips for building your visibility and improving your chances of being hired using LinkedIn:
1. HAVE THE RIGHT JOB TITLE:
What will the recruiter put in the search bar on LinkedIn to find you? Hint: It’s not your qualification or ‘Looking for new opportunities’. Search different job titles under ‘people’ and see which one is the most common and describes your career history and current needs best.
LESLEA PETERSEN CEO OF ENGLISH JOB
DENMARK
TTHE BIGGEST CHALLENGE for internationals when arriving in Denmark is not just finding a great place to live but also finding that ever-elusive English-speaking role—especially as an accompanying partner. Denmark has ‘unwritten’ rules for job seekers that need to be understood and put into action.
My career journey started full of hope nearly 17 years ago. Although I am a native English speaker with years of experience, I struggled to understand why, after dozens of applications, I never even had an interview.
The main reason was the lack of network and, therefore, visibility with hiring managers and recruiters! Danes have a natural network from growing up in Denmark, for example, in school/ university or boarding school, but we internationals must start from the beginning.
So how can you build those connections quickly so your hopes and aspirations for landing a new job don’t disappear in a flash like the summer in Denmark?
MY JOURNEY MEANS I CAN SYMPATHISE FULLY
As a career consultant and having experienced my struggles searching for work in those early days, it’s that understanding and knowledge that enables me to help other professional job seekers. I get to use my 20+ years in communications to help professionals communicate their skills and experience effectively and dynamically – helping them to stand out for the right reasons. I was invisible in the job market for many years, and as an empath, I really do understand how the lack of recognition takes your confidence even when you know you can do the job.
2. ON LINKEDIN, THINK ABOUT YOUR AUDIENCE: Hiring managers and prospective companies. What do they need to know about you to hire you?
3. USE YOUR ‘ABOUT’ SECTION:
This section allows you to share what you can offer an organisation with your skills and expertise. What type of person are you? Would you be a good fit for their team?
4. SHARE YOUR EXPERTISE:
You can do this through posts/articles and comment on posts from the organisations you are following. Let them see you!
5. MAKE THOSE CONNECTIONS:
Connect with the companies where you think you would be a good fit so you are first in line to see job openings.
LinkedIn is a crucial way to connect within your targeted organisations and also highlight what sets you apart and why you are the perfect candidate for that role.
Job searching is arduous—it's a full-time job. However, improving your visibility will go a long way toward helping a recruiter recognise and value your skills so you can finally share your ‘new job’ news on LinkedIn. THE-INTL
"THE MAIN PLATFORM FOR INCREASING VISIBILITY IS LINKEDIN. IT’S AN EXCELLENT WAY TO SHOWCASE YOUR EXPERTISE AND KNOWLEDGE."
Leslea Petersen is the CEO of English Job Denmark, an organization dedicated to coaching professionals and businesses in retaining international talent. Originally from Britain, Leslea moved to Denmark 16 years ago, marrying into Viking heritage. With over 20 years of communications experience in both business and not-for-profit sectors, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Leslea is deeply passionate about helping organisations navigate the complexities of international recruitment and fostering a diverse workplace. Her commitment to excellence has made her a prominent figure in the Danish job market.
LinkedIn www.englishjobdenmark.dk info@englishjobdenmark.dk
SMILFONDEN SUPPORTING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES.
IIN THIS MONTH’S issue, we spotlight SmilFonden, a foundation that provides care and community for families with children who have serious diagnoses. We also discuss the activities and help they offer and how you can become a member.
WHAT DOES SMILFONDEN DO?
Founded in 2014, SmilFonden is a charitable association that supports children with serious and chronic illnesses. It aims to increase their quality of life and create strong communities.
They do this by giving them important breaks with social activities, both inside and outside of the hospital, like summer camps, networking, and counselling.
In the words of Cecilia Demant, Project Leader at SmilFonden, the organisation ‘has a profound and positive impact on Danish society by bringing hope, energy, and joy to many children with serious, chronic diseases and their families’. Cecilia shares that her team’s work provides the children and their families with experiences—both inside and outside of hospitals—that offer strength and encouragement during difficult times. She adds: ‘We know these experiences enhance their mental and emotional well-being’.
Many different diagnoses are represented among SmilFonden’s members - primarily children with complicated surgical diseases and children with rare diseases.
Sisse Fisker, the founder of SmilFonden, got the idea for the foundation when she was hospitalised with her two children who needed operations. She experienced the feelings parents and children go through herself and saw a need for a caring community for families like hers. And today, SmilFonden holds more than 100 activities and events a year!
HOW CAN YOU BECOME A MEMBER OF SMILFONDEN?
To become a member of SmilFonden, you can follow one of the two routes to membership.
If your child is a patient of the Paediatric Surgery Department or the Centre for Rare Diseases at Rigshospitalet or Aarhus University Hospital, you can reach out to your lead doctor and ask to be referred to join SmilFonden. The foundation’s team will then call you and speak about the details, and they will likely invite you to the upcoming SmilCamp – an annual get-together for all new SmilFonden families.
Another way to become a member if your child is a patient of the above hospital departments is to contact SmilFonden directly. You can email them at info@smilfonden.dk and include information about your child’s condition and which hospital unit they’re part of, as well as share the contact details with the lead doctor. The SmilFonden team will then assess which activities your child can participate in.
SmilFonden continuously work to expand their partnerships with hospitals across Denmark. If your child is a patient of another hospital department, it’s worth emailing SmilFonden to check if their collaboration with that hospital is already established. In addition to the membership and network events throughout the year, your child can use SmilFonden’s creative workshops whenever they’re hospitalised or visit the hospital for treatment. Both Rigshospitalet and Aarhus University Hospital have workshop areas that can be visited anytime by both the young patient and their siblings or parents. Other SmilFonden activities are set up in all hospitals in Denmark which have children’s departments. Visiting SmilFonden facilities can brighten up a hospital day for any child and encourage them to come back to the hospital in the future if they need additional treatments.
HOW CAN A SMILFONDEN MEMBERSHIP HELP?
To highlight SmilFonden’s impact on family life, we had a chance to speak with Cecilie Endrerud, whose son has been a member of the foundation since September 2021. Cecilie shared with us that her favourite part of membership is the fact that SmilFonden creates a community for families like hers, which reduces the feeling of loneliness. When asked about SmilFonden events that Cecilie’s son particularly enjoyed, she says: ‘That’s a hard one. Every event is a blessing. It’s like a pause from everyday life, and we appreciate everything SmilFonden has done for us.’
CAN YOU HELP?
Since SmilFonden relies on external funding to continue their work, you’re welcome to support their cause with a donation either as a private person, or as a company. To offer a donation, you can follow SmilFonden’s guidelines here. All contributions are used to increase the quality of life for seriously ill children, help give them a break from illness, and support their parents and siblings. THE-INTL
Originally from Slovakia and now living in Odense, is a seasoned marketing technology expert. She excels in managing and optimising email and social media marketing platforms through data-driven insights. Michaela streamlines and automates marketing processes, enhances email deliverability, and ensures compliance. Collaborating closely with Lead Gen and sales teams, she supports successful marketing campaigns and conversion tracking.
Hailing from Poland and the UK, Anna is the Founder and CEO of HumanKind, a consultancy focused on driving disability inclusion in the workplace and in our society. Anna's mission to foster disability inclusion started with the birth of her son, who lives with a disability due to a rare genetic condition.
LinkedIn www.wearehumankind.dk
PHOTOGRAPHS SMILFONDEN TEXT MICHAELA MEDVEDOVÁ / ANNA PAWLOWICZ
MICHAELA MEDVEĎOVÁ MARKETING DISTRIBUTION SPECIALIST
ANNA PAWLOWICZ FOUNDER AND CEO OF HUMANKIND
FUELING YOUR BEST SELF: EATING RIGHT FOR YOUR GOALS.
PHOTOGRAPHS PEXELS TEXT ALEXANDRA BECK
WWHETHER YOU'RE AIMING to bulk up, slim down, or make it through your workday without needing a nap at 2 p.m., eating right for your goals can feel like navigating a maze made of pizza slices and kale smoothies. But fear not! With a little guidance, you'll soon be on your way to mastering the art of nutrition—without sacrificing your love for chocolate.
1. DEFINE YOUR GOAL: WHAT ARE YOU EATING FOR?
First things first, let’s figure out what you want to achieve. Are you trying to build muscle? Lose weight? Or maybe you want to feel more energised and balanced? Whatever the goal, understanding it is crucial because it dictates how you should eat. If you're looking to bulk up, you're going to need a bit more protein and calories. If weight loss is your game, you'll need to find ways to eat fewer calories while still feeling satisfied (and trust me, it's not all salads). And if you're trying to maintain, well, good news—you get a little more flexibility to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Pro Tip: Goals change, and so should your diet. If you need help figuring out the specifics of what to eat, you know where to find me!
2. MACRONUTRIENTS: THE BUILDING BLOCKS
Let’s get into the nerdy stuff—macronutrients. These are the big three: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. And no, carbs are not the enemy (you can breathe now). Your body needs a balance of all three, but depending on your goals, the balance shifts.
PROTEIN: The hero of muscle growth and repair. Whether you're trying to pack on muscle or recover after a long day, you need protein. Think chicken, tofu, beans, and your favourite post-gym shake.
FATS: Despite their bad rap, fats are essential. They're great for hormone regulation, brain function, and helping you stay full. Avocados, nuts, and olive oil are your friends.
CARBOHYDRATES: These are your body's primary energy source, especially if you’re hitting the gym hard or even just making it through a long day of meetings. But here’s the catch—focus on complex carbs like whole grains, sweet potatoes, and veggies. Your body will thank you.
Pro Tip: Trying to figure out how much of each you need can be tricky. But here’s a hint—too little protein and your muscles won’t grow. Too little fat, and your hormones go haywire. Too many carbs, and suddenly, you're wondering why you're feeling sluggish. Balance is key! And if you need help, don’t hesitate to ask an expert.
3. MEAL TIMING: THE ‘WHEN’ OF EATING
When you eat can be just as important as what you eat, especially if you're working towards a fitness goal. If you're aiming to build muscle, spreading protein throughout the day helps maximise gains. If fat loss is your goal, some people find that eating earlier in the day works best, keeping portions lighter at night. And if you're looking to maintain, consistency is your best friend—
eating at regular intervals helps keep your energy levels stable. Pro Tip: Listen to your body’s hunger signals. They are often smarter than you give them credit for. And no, “being hungry for pizza at midnight” isn’t the signal I’m talking about.
4. HYDRATION: THE UNSUNG HERO
Water is the unsung hero of your diet. Without it, your body doesn’t function optimally. It helps with digestion, keeps your skin glowing, and even aids in muscle recovery. Plus, sometimes, when you think you're hungry, you're really just thirsty. Drink up! Pro Tip: If you're the kind of person who forgets to drink water, set a timer or keep a bottle on your desk. And for those who claim they don't like the "taste" of water—try infusing it with fruits or herbs. No excuses now!
5. MINDFUL EATING: SLOW DOWN AND SAVOUR
In our rush to achieve our goals, we sometimes forget to enjoy the journey, and that applies to eating, too. Mindful eating—really paying attention to your food, chewing slowly, and savouring each bite—not only helps with digestion but also keeps you from overeating. Plus, who doesn’t want to savour that perfect bite of avocado toast?
Pro Tip: It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to register that you're full. So, if you eat too quickly, you might end up feeling like you need to be rolled out of the room. Take your time and enjoy your food. And yes, that applies to dessert, too.
6. FINAL THOUGHTS: YOUR GOALS, YOUR JOURNEY
Eating right for your goals is not about perfection; it’s about finding what works for you and making adjustments along the way. And remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint—so give yourself grace, have a little fun with it, and don’t stress over every single bite.
Now, go out there and eat like you love yourself! THE-INTL
"IF YOU'RE THE KIND OF PERSON WHO FORGETS TO DRINK WATER, SET A TIMER OR KEEP A BOTTLE ON YOUR DESK."
PERSONAL TRAINER & NUTRITION COACH
Alex is a Swiss/Brit mom and wife who has lived in Copenhagen since 2009. She switched from corporate life in communications to the independent life of an outdoor personal and group fitness trainer. She coaches people of all ages and fitness levels to find fun and consistency in movement through individual and group workouts. Delivering entertainment and spreading group fitness magic is her superpower. Alex encourages you to high-five her if you see her in the capital!
@alexbeck.fit
@alexbeck.fit alexbeck.fit
ALEXANDRA BECK
PAUSE AND RESET: MINDFULNESS WITH POST-SUMMER VIBES.
AAS THE VIBRANT days of summer slowly give way to the crispness of fall, there's a natural shift in energy that many of us feel. The long, sun-soaked hours and spontaneous adventures begin to wind down, offering a perfect opportunity to pause and reset. This transitional period is an ideal time to reflect, rejuvenate, and prepare for the upcoming months with a mindfulness approach that embraces the essence of post-summer vibes.
THE POWER OF PAUSE
In our fast-paced world, the end of summer often signals a return to routine, with work, school, and various responsibilities ramping up. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the transition. However, this is precisely when the power of pausing becomes invaluable. Taking a moment to breathe, reflect, and assess our current state can help us transition more smoothly and maintain a sense of balance.
Mindfulness, the practice of being fully present and engaged in the moment, offers a powerful tool for this seasonal shift. It encourages us to slow down, notice our surroundings, and tune into our thoughts and feelings. By incorporating mindfulness into our daily lives, we can better manage the stress that often accompanies the end of summer and the onset of autumn.
RESETTING WITH INTENTION
After a season of indulgence, whether it's through travel, social gatherings, or simply enjoying the warm weather, the post-summer period is a great time to reset with intention. This doesn't mean abandoning the joys of summer but rather integrating them into a balanced lifestyle, like stocking up on Vitamin D for Winter. Reflect on the experiences and memories made over the past months and consider what aspects you'd like to carry forward.
One effective way to reset is through mindful goal setting. Take some time to contemplate what you want to achieve in the upcoming months. Whether it's focusing on personal growth, developing healthier habits, or cultivating new skills, setting clear and mindful goals can help you navigate the seasonal transition with purpose.
EMBRACING MINDFULNESS PRACTICES
To fully embrace the post-summer pause and reset, consider incorporating mindfulness practices into your routine. Here are a few simple but effective techniques:
#1 MINDFUL BREATHING: Start or end your day with a few minutes of mindful breathing. We thought breathing was an instinct, but no, in our modern-day lifestyle, the first thing we often forget is to breathe correctly. Focus on your breath as it flows in and out, all the way down to your belly and filling up your lungs, counting up to 10 and noticing the sensations without judgment. This practice can help ground you and reduce stress.
of your summer by keeping a gratitude
Write down things you're thankful for and any positive experiences. This practice not only cultivates a positive mindset but also helps you carry forward the joy of summer into the new season.
#3 NATURE WALKS: As the weather begins to cool, take advantage of the changing scenery by going for mindful nature walks. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you. This can be a refreshing way to connect with nature and yourself. It has also been said to be a very effective way to clear your mind—‘walk it off’, as we always say.
#4 DIGITAL DETOX: Consider taking a break from screens and digital devices. Use this time to engage in activities that nourish your soul, such as reading, drawing, or simply spending quality time with loved ones. A great way to ease in is to set a do-not-disturb period on your phone where all notifications are off. It will give you a lot less unnecessary distraction. Really, you don’t need to be notified of someone posting a reel at midnight.
#5 MINDFUL EATING: As you transition from summer barbecues and ice creams to more autumnal flavours, practice mindful eating. Pay attention to the taste, texture, and aroma of your food. This not only enhances the dining experience but also promotes healthier eating habits.
POST-SUMMER VIBES: A TIME FOR RENEWAL
The end of summer doesn't have to mean the end of joy and relaxation. By embracing a mindful pause and reset, you can carry the warmth and positivity of summer into the cooler months ahead. It's a time for renewal, for setting intentions, and for appreciating the beauty of each season.
As you navigate this transition, remember that mindfulness is not about perfection but about presence. It's about being kind to yourself, taking things one step at a time, and finding peace in the present moment. So, take a deep breath, savour the lingering summer vibes, and step into the new season with a mindful heart and a refreshed spirit. THE-INTL
"MINDFULNESS,
THE PRACTICE OF BEING FULLY PRESENT AND ENGAGED IN THE MOMENT, OFFERS A POWERFUL TOOL FOR THIS SEASONAL SHIFT."
OPHELIA WU FASHION CONSULTANT AND JOURNALIST
Like her hometown Hong Kong, Ophelia has a diverse background and upbringing. She moved to Copenhagen in 2019 after 10 years of living in London. Her fashion and journalism career began in 2007 at ELLE Hong Kong magazine, and later on as an online stylist at Net-APorter.com in the UK; she has worked with all sorts of creatives, brands and celebrities globally. She now works on everything fashion and communication-related. With her love of travelling and places her work brought her to, people she met from all walks of life inspired her to start her own business M for Minimal: a place to raise the awareness of going back to basics through conscious consumption and mindfulness with a touch of spirituality - something she has been practising since her teenage years.
mforminimal.com
@mforminimal.mfm LinkedIn
#2 GRATITUDE JOURNALING: Reflect on the highlights
journal.
PHOTOGRAPHS PEXELS TEXT OPHELIA WU
BANG & OLUFSEN ICONIC QUALITY SINCE 1925!
PHOTOGRAPHS BANG & OLUFSEN TEXT
BBANG & OLUFSEN started by Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen) has created iconic audio and home entertainment products to the highest standards of sound, craft and design since 1925 and continues to do so.
In 1925, working out of a Danish farmhouse, Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen reinvented the radio, developing The Eliminator, the first mass-produced radio that could be plugged into the wall without the need for a battery. A century later, that entrepreneurial spirit of innovation lives on in everything they do. It’s what drives them to change how we all hear, see and feel the world.
From the beginning, they did not just predict but also shaped home design trends. A century of firsts includes reinventing the turntable and introducing touch-sensitive controls that defined the look of an era. They pioneered the creation of universal remote controls and connected home speaker setups. Their latest speaker technology leads the electronics industry in longevity and upgradeability.
B&O PRODUCT HISTORY
As a career consultant and having experienced my own struggles searching for work in those early days, it’s that understanding and knowledge that enables me to help other professional job seekers. I get to use my 20+ years in communications to help professionals communicate their skills and can do the job.
Hyperbo 5 RG Steel was designed by Bang & Olufsen in 1934. This very early piece of “sound-as-furniture” was ahead of its time and a true example of design history. It was inspired by the Bauhaus movement and founder Peter Bang’s Marcel Breuer desk chair, and only very few were produced.
In 1939, the Beolit 39 was the first in a series of radios from Bang & Olufsen and introduced the new way of wording the products starting with Beo. The innovative, organically shaped bakelite radio took its inspiration from a Buick dashboard. In honour of this true icon, its name also served as inspiration when Bang & Olufsen launched its “On-the-go” category back in 2012 with Beolit 12. By 1959, Beovision Capri 17-inch TV in elegant teak wood on fixed legs was one in a series of televisions, which looked to the Danish modern furniture movement in expression, material and form. The long legs, rounded corners and slightly tilted grey screen in front of the picture tube was a major step towards a more minimalist appearance.
Then in 1972, the Beogram 4000 was designed by Jacob Jensen - a cutting-edge technological landmark. The record player was distinguished by an innovative use of a tonearm that moved tangentially, rather than diagonally, and thereby reproduced the sound the way it had been recorded. The unique suspension ab -
sorbed the horizontal movements from the surroundings, making Beogram 4000 more "dance proof" than any other record players on the market. The Beogram 400 was celebrated in the MoMa design collection for its stylish combination between the teak wood and aluminium surface along with its innovative vision in function. This was followed in 1976 by the Beomaster 1900 - another Jacob Jensen design. This radio receiver and amplifier broke ground as it challenged the industry with its touch-sensitive opening and closing, easily accessible primary functions versus hidden secondary functions. It is part of the MoMa permanent collection and won the ID Award in 1976.
Eight years later, Jacob Jensen designed the Beovox CX 100. These classic passive loudspeakers are among the most successful in Bang & Olufsen’s history and were in production until late 2003. The clean design with the aluminium cabinet and black fabric is timeless and retro all at once.
One year later in 1985, the Beovision MX2000 was designed by David Lewis - a completely different kind of TV. Visually the television was remarkable because of its contrast screen and technically it introduced stereo sound, automatic channel search and a state-of-the-art remote control. With its lean-back design on the floor or table, it took a more casual take on TV design.
Within twelve months, it was followed by the Beocenter 9000, which was designed by Jacob Jensen. This cassette recorder, CD player and radio was a further development of the Beomaster 1900 by the same designer. Avantgarde not only in its mirroring aluminium and glass surface, but in its easy touch fields of the glass panels and the hidden functions only visible when the CD or cassette tape was changed.
These iconic inventions were followed by even more classic products:
● 1998: The Beocom cordless telephone.
● 2000: The Beosound 3200 Ouverture.
● 2012: The Beoplay A9 multiroom speaker.
● 2015-2016: The Beoplay A1 and A2 speakers.
B&O continues to produce a wide range of innovative and robust quality products. THE-INTL
" FROM THE BEGINNING, THEY DID NOT JUST PREDICT BUT ALSO SHAPED HOME DESIGN TRENDS A CENTURY OF FIRSTS INCLUDES REINVENTING THE TURNTABLE AND INTRODUCING TOUCH-SENSITIVE CONTROLS THAT DEFINED THE LOOK OF AN ERA."
MARIANO ANTHONY DAVIES PRESIDENT & CEO OF OXFORD BUSINESS SERVICES APS
Mariano has over 40 years global experience as a bus iness executive. He spent ten years with KPMG, so far thirty years with British Chambers of Commerce (while also running Oxford Business Services ApS). He is a British citizen, who grew up in Kent, went to boarding school in Sussex and has a British university education. He has been married to a Dane for over 45 years and has held over 150 official anti-Brexit speeches since 2016. He both speaks and writes Danish without difficulty.
LinkedIn oxford-business.com
MARIANO ANTHONY DAVIES
CIPRIANI INSPIRED CAKE
DELICATE LAYERS OF SPONGE NESTLED BETWEEN VANILLA MASCARPONE CREAM AND ALL ENROBED IN A LEMON-INFUSED MERINGUE.
PHOTOGRAPHS & TEXT: NATASHA LIVIERO
CIPRIANI INSPIRED CAKE
MAKES 1 X 20CM CAKE
GENOISE CAKE:
250g castor sugar
Zest of 1 lemon
430g eggs
10g vanilla extract
50g butter, melted
250g flour, sifted
CREAM PATISSERIE:
500g full cream milk
95g egg yolks
150g granulated sugar
15g vanilla extract
55g corn flour
35g butter
SYRUP:
250g granulated sugar
250g water
Lemon extract to taste (optional)
MERINGUE:
170g egg whites
½ tsp creme of tartar
250g castor sugar
25g lemon juice
CREAM FILLING:
100g mascarpone
150g cream
10g icing sugar
Full quantity of prepared creme patisserie
METHOD:
1. For the cake: set the oven to 1800C.
2. Line and grease the base and sides of 2 x 20cm springform baking pans.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, rub the sugar and lemon zest between your fingers until the sugar is fragrant.
4. Add the eggs to the sugar and place over a Bain Marie. Gently whisk until it reaches 410C, then move the bowl to the stand mixer and whisk on high until triple in volume.
5. With the mixer on low, add the vanilla and butter and whisk for another minute.
6. Gently fold in the flour in three batches, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven and cool in the baking pans for 10 minutes before turning the cakes onto a cooling rack. Once cooled, cakes can be wrapped in cling film and stored in the fridge for a few days or in the freezer for one month - defrost in the fridge overnight before using.
9. For the cream filling: in a medium-sized pot, bring the milk to a scalding point.
10. By hand, in a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, corn flour and vanilla.
11. Slowly pour the scaled milk into the yolk mixture, whisking continuously. Pour back into the pot and whisk over medium-low heat until it thickens into a custard - approximately 18-20 minutes. It’s important to whisk continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Once thickened, ensure the custard boils very gently for 1-2 minutes to ensure the flour cooks out.
12. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter. Pour the custard in to a bowl, contact cover with cling film and place in the fridge to cool for at least 3 hours or overnight.
13. For the syrup: bring the sugar and water to the boil for 2-3 minutes. Add the lemon extract and set aside to cool.
14. For the meringue: Place egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer and whisk until soft peaks begin to form. Add the creme of tartar.
15. On medium-high speed, add the castor sugar a tablespoon at a time, waiting 15-20 seconds before each addition.
16. Turn the mixer to low and pour in the lemon juice. Turn the mixer to high and whisk until thick and firm.
ASSEMBLY:
1. Heat the syrup until almost boiling; set aside.
2. Line a 20cm cake ring or spring form baking pan.
3. For the filling: whisk the mascarpone for a few minutes. Add the cream and icing sugar and whisk until firm peaks. By hand, give the creme patisserie a good whisk to loosen it up - gradually add to the cream mixture on medium low speed until soft peaks form. Add a little more cream if the mixture is too firm. It needs to be firm enough to hold its shape between the cake layers - but, do not over whip or the mixture will curdle.
4. Weigh the cream filling and divide by 3 to ensure even distribution between the cake layers.
5. Slice the cakes into thirds, horizontally. Choose the four best pieces and set aside the remaining ones for a snack with afternoon tea/coffee!
6. Place the cake ring on a serving plate that is at least 30cm in diameter.
7. Place the first piece of cake into the ring and brush with 70g warm syrup.
8. Top with a third of the filling and smooth the surface.
9. Repeat with the remaining 3 layers of cake, syrup and filling with the last piece of cake brushed with syrup before placed on top of the filling i.e. brush the cake with syrup, flip it over and place onto the filling so that the surface with syrup is facing downwards, on top of the filling.
10. Contact cover the top of the cake with cling film (to prevent it from drying out) and place in the fridge to firm up overnight.
11. On the day of serving, remove the cake ring and the lining and smooth the sides of the cake with a palette knife. Spread the meringue around the sides and then mound over the top. Brown all over with a kitchen torch and place in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
12. Best eaten the day it’s made as the meringue will soften over time.
NOTES: THIS CAKE IS TIME-CONSUMING BUT WELL WORTH THE EFFORT! IT IS EASIER WHEN PREPARED OVER THREE DAYS.
DAY 1: PREPARE THE SPONGE CAKE AND CREME PATISSERIE.
DAY 2: PREPARE THE SYRUP, COMPLETE THE CREME FILLING AND ASSEMBLE.
DAY 3: PREPARE THE MERINGUE AND SPREAD IT ALL OVER THE CAKE. REFRIGERATE UNTIL READY TO SERVE.
NATASHA LIVIERO PASTRY CHEF
Natasha is a pastry chef who is South African by birth and Croatian by blood. She spent many years working for a wellness publication but did an about-turn at the beginning of 2020 when she joined a culinary school to fulfil a lifelong dream to study patisserie. She’s passionate about European patisserie and loves spending time in the kitchen experimenting with recipes (while quibbling with her fe-line friends), and is always on the hunt for interesting new cookbooks.
@natashaliviero
THE INTERNATIONAL JOB EXPERIENCE.
PHOTOGRAPHS PEXELS TEXT MONIKA PEDERSEN
IIT IS OFTEN said that the world is becoming smaller owing to the interconnectivity of job opportunities, transportation, and language. The feasibility of working and living in another country is so much easier than it was in the past. This has been the case in the teaching profession for a considerable time. There are many agencies and LinkedIn posts that promote and share possible job offerings across the world. With the large number of international schools and their offerings, one can follow dreams and aspirations globally.
Teacher contracts are often two years long, with the possibility of an extension, so educators have the flexibility to move around should they desire. It is also a bonus to see several international postings on an educator's resume. This allows teachers an amazing opportunity to work in different countries, experience a range of cultures, and often deal with similar curriculums, so there is no need to learn and become accustomed to several different systems. What a dream!
IS IT A DREAM?
Well, it can be! However, there are considerations to bear in mind. There is the issue of securing visas and all the correct paperwork to work and exist, which can run smoothly, or it can be an obstacle course in some countries that require a plethora of paperwork. If the school is a large international school, then most aspects of the transition from one country to the next are handled by the human resources department, and the transition can be very smooth. However, this is not the case in more remote or smaller schools, so the burden falls on those wishing to move to figure out the complexities of the situation themselves. This can be complicated and somewhat stressful.
Another aspect of the contract is the salary. Some research is advisable as a salary may seem ample, but its worth is relative to the cost of living and housing. This is significant as it impacts the quality of life and the ability to save for the next move. If travelling with children, it is also necessary to secure places for the children in the appropriate grade levels.
There is also the issue of the actual teaching schedule. It is advisable to thoroughly discuss this item. Sometimes, what has been promised in an interview is not the reality that an incoming teacher faces. It is not uncommon to find additional subjects and responsibilities that were not in the scope of the original job but need to be fulfilled owing to the demands of the schedule and the school’s offerings. It can make all the difference, and what was going to be an enjoyable position can turn into an unpleasant experience.
The culture of a country bears a major significance. Time should be allocated to investigate if the ways of the country fit with the sort of lifestyle wanted. I recall a young teacher who arrived from Dubai in a small town in Germany where there was very little English spoken and no fancy bars or restaurants. The matter had been
flagged in the interview process, but the candidate was adamant that it would be fine. This was not the case; instead, once the reality set in, it proved a very unhappy match, and she asked to be released from her contract after three months! These situations should be avoided, as it is devastating for the person involved as well as the school and the students impacted by personnel change. Once the paperwork issues are overcome, then there are the logistics of the actual move and finding housing. Larger cities have many options, but prices may vary, so deep pockets are necessary. In small cities and schools, without a relocation agency, this is not straightforward. I recall when I moved to a small city in Germany, there was a need to have the inside ‘scoop’ from a local person with connections to secure housing, but this is not an easy feat as an outsider. The internet and face groups can help to find decent and well priced accommodation. As in any country, this still involves having sufficient money for a hefty deposit and the first month’s rental payment. In addition, as crazy as it sounds, in some countries, there are peculiarities, such as Germany, where the kitchen and bathroom furniture is not included in the rental price and need to be purchased out right beforehand; thus, adding an additional economic consideration!
AN ENRICHING EXPERIENCE
After all these factors have been overcome, it is hoped a fulfilling experience presents itself! THE-INTL
"THE CULTURE OF A COUNTRY BEARS A MAJOR SIGNIFICANCE. TIME SHOULD BE ALLOCATED TO INVESTIGATE IF THE WAYS OF THE COUNTRY FIT WITH THE SORT OF LIFESTYLE WANTED."
Monika comes from the London area of the UK, where she worked in the state system and the international school system, as an English teacher of 11-18 students and then a high school principal. She has also worked in leadership roles in Germany and in Denmark. She has an overview of the British, International, American, and the Danish system. She has many years of experience and continues to enjoy the profession. She has relocated to Denmark with her Danish husband.
@monikapedersen
@monikapedersen
MONIKA PEDERSEN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATOR
THE LANGUAGES OF SØNDERJYLLAND-SCHLESWIG.
PHOTOGRAPHS REGION SØNDERJYLLAND-SCHLESWIG FB PAGE / DESTINATION SØNDERJYLLAND FB PAGE TEXT HEATHER STORGAARD
IIT IS A WELL-KNOWN fact that Danes speak a high standard of English, but have you ever been to the south of Jutland and wondered why there's so much German? Or arrived across the German border and wondered why there's still Danish everywhere? It's not just for tourists—the multilingual nature of the region caters to a c. 15,000 strong German minority in Denmark and c. 50,000 members of the Danish minority in Germany.
THE HISTORY
Following border changes in the late 19th century, the historic region of Slesvig was home to both Germans and Danes. After the First World War, locals were offered a referendum to make a final decision on the border. The result was a split: Northern Slesvig became part of Denmark, while Southern Schleswig remained German. The new border, which we still have today, saw German, North Frisian and Danish populations mixed with multi-lingual provisions across the region.
The flow of languages is a curious phenomenon, with change occurring as populations try to belong to the more practical or prestigious group. Following the First and then again, the Second World War, Germans keen to gain from their borderland position set about joining Danish clubs and associations. This led to them being dubbed 'Speck-dänen' or 'flæske-danskere', ‘Bacon Danes’ wanting access to extra food or goods despite having little or no Danish connection. In Flensburg, the central border city of the region, some also spoke the historic language of Petuh – a curious mix of Danish, including the Sønderjysk dialect and German, including both the standard variety and Plattdüütsch
THE COUNTRIES TODAY
Today Denmark and Germany have become a model of Cross-Border cooperation. Many people in the region live multi-lingual, international lives across Germany and Denmark with ease. I have several friends from either side of the border region, all of whom have very different relationships with their nationalities and languages. One friend is a German from Regensburg, a town south of the Viking-era Danewerk that marked the border for much of history. She went to kindergarten and school entirely in Danish, despite having no family connection to the country, and now lives in Denmark. "I've never really felt German", she told me over dinner recently, both of us speaking Danish. Another friend comes from the West Coast, far closer to Denmark, but speaks Frisian at home and chose to attend a German school rather than a Danish one. Every time I am here, I get a sense of more plurality and freedom than in the rest of Germany or Denmark, both countries with a generally high degree of conformity.
LET'S TALK ABOUT IMMIGRATION
Today, many Germans from far beyond Schleswig use the unique
situation in the border region as an opportunity to move abroad without having to learn a foreign language immediately. German communities along the Jutlandic west coast have grown in recent decades, mixing with the long-standing German minority in the region. It's certainly a very different international experience to that in the rest of Denmark, with German schools and high schools and many services and associations functioning bilingually or with special provisions. Similarly, Danes struggling with the complicated family reunification system of their home country have settled down in Flensburg with their multi-national families, mixing with the Danish minority.
When I spent my summer holidays in Sønderjylland for the first time, I was annoyed when people answered my Danish with German. A friend we were travelling with told me that it was more complicated in the border region, where people's preferred language may not match their nationality. This was my first experience of the German minority. Since then, I've spoken Danish with Germans who think I'm a native or German with Jutes keen to practise. I have come to love the messy, ambiguous situation of language and nationality in this area. I edited this article in the Danish library in Flensburg, listening to Danish speakers who ranged from natives to beginner learners with thick German accents and felt very at home. THE-INTL
"TODAY DENMARK AND GERMANY HAVE BECOME A MODEL OF CROSSBORDER COOPERATION. MANY PEOPLE IN THE REGION LIVE MULTILINGUAL, INTERNATIONAL LIVES ACROSS GERMANY AND DENMARK WITH EASE."
HEATHER STORGAARD WRITER
Heather Storgaard comes from Northern Scotland, grew up in Switzerland, and lived in England and Germany. In 2017 she met her Danish husband, who proudly received British duel citizenship in 2024, and they now split their time between Central Scotland and Helgenæs, a peninsula in rural Eastern Jutland. Suitably for a Scot, Heather works with whisky, spending her time writing and translating, with a particular soft-spot for the up-and-coming world of Nordic Whisky.
heatherstorgaard
BLENDING INTO DANISH CULTURE.
THE UNWRITTEN RULES...
PHOTOGRAPHS PEXELS TEXT NATÁLIA ŠEPITKOVÁ
FFULL INTEGRATION INTO the new community requires knowledge of written and unwritten local rules. Perhaps you, too, have encountered a viral video on social networks about the eight unwritten rules of Danish society in various variations. These include practices like removing shoes indoors, tipping is not expected, being quiet on public transport, properly recycling, punctuality, queuing patiently, standing on escalators on the right side, and dressing modestly. Adapting to many other aspects is essential for success in Danish society.
LET’S MEET IN WEEK 41
Danes don’t like unexpected visitors or plans. Don’t assume you can make spontaneous plans with Danes. Plan at least a week in advance, preferably months. And here comes the most amusing part. Danes structure their lives around weeks. Forget scheduling for the second half of September or the first Saturday in October. Danes base their schedule on the number of weeks. For example, everyone knows that the one-week autumn break for schools is in week 42 each year, and it isn't easy to reach someone in the office during weeks 27, 28, 29, and 30 because they will most likely be on summer vacations.
But it should be noted that Danes like to socialise a lot. Another (but I am sure not only Danish) phenomenon is arranging coffee meetings as a tool for networking. Understanding and embracing the Danish way of "kaffemøder", which prioritises genuine connections and knowledge-sharing over self-promotion, is good. It is standard for Danes to meet their future boss for coffee in a friendly atmosphere. Many career advisors and job hunters highly recommend asking for coffee meetings with potential employers. And don’t forget to be on time for meetings – everywhere.
CASUAL WITH EACH OTHER
It is not only the coffee meeting culture that points to the informality of the Danes. You might have been surprised when you realised that Danes address each other by their first names not only among friends but also in official communication, at offices, at the doctor's, at school, or work. Although Danes don’t have a word for “please” (they replace it with various other phrases), they say “tak” (thank you) for everything.
However, do not confuse casualness with warmth. Usually, Danes don’t greet each other with kisses on the cheek or a handshake, but just with a “Hej”. It is also uncommon for Danes to use many polite phrases; they sometimes seem too direct or rude. They get straight to the point. Another interesting thing about Danish culture is that Danes do not sit beside a stranger on public transport as long as other seats are available.
JANTELOVEN
The Law of Jante describes the nature of Scandinavians. It is a social code across Scandinavia that emphasises collective achievements over individual ones. The term originates from a Norwegian author, Axel Sandemose, who satirised a small Scandinavian town called Jante in his novel 'A Fugitive Crosses His Tracks.' In Jante, people are encouraged to be modest, find joy in everyday life, and prioritise the collective above the individual. The novel outlines ten rules for societal behaviour, centring around one principle: Do not consider yourself superior to others. This principle acts as a cultural touchstone for the Danes. Equality and respect for others are highly valued. Everybody has to be on the same level; no one wants to make others feel bad by showing off. “We’re not used to people that shine, and that’s the biggest factor of Danish culture,” Bærbach Bas explained for The Local DK. “When you look at our population in Denmark, we have a large percentage of middle class and a tiny percentage of rich and poor. So we have seen that being in the middle is good, and it has brought us to a good place as a country.”
The Jante Law is also related to how Danes dress for work, usually sit down to lunch together, and why they never talk to colleagues and friends about how much they earn. On the contrary, they like to complain to each other about the cost of the rent of the house. And a last unwritten rule if you wish to succeed in Danish society: Comply with the rules! THE-INTL
THREE HANDY UNWRITTEN RULES:
#1 Don’t take the last piece of whatever is left on the shared plate. If you want the last piece, no matter how small, you should ask if anyone else wants it or cut it in two and leave a minuscule slice.
#2 Forget about jaywalking. Did you know you could be fined if you cross the street outside the pedestrian crossing?
#3 Don’t bike on the left side of the bike lanes. That’s reserved for the fast drivers. And remember to signal with your hand when you stop or change your riding direction.
"EQUALITY AND RESPECT FOR OTHERS ARE HIGHLY VALUED. EVERYBODY HAS TO BE ON THE SAME LEVEL; NO ONE WANTS TO MAKE OTHERS FEEL BAD BY SHOWING OFF. “WE’RE NOT USED TO PEOPLE THAT SHINE, AND THAT’S THE BIGGEST FACTOR OF DANISH CULTURE." - BÆRBACH BAS.
Natalia is a Slovak journalist based in Aalborg, Denmark. She has around 15 years of experience in journalism. Her experiences as an editor and a reporter were founded in Slovak magazines and newspapers. She was also working as a TV reporter, a TV moderator and a host in radio broadcasting. Part of her career included working with PR and marketing. Natália is also a content creator on her social media. Follow her blog www.mamavdansku.com, where she writes about life in Denmark.
LinkedIn @Mama v Dánsku
NATÁLIA ŠEPITKOVÁ FREELANCE JOURNALIST AND WRITER
CRISIS PREPPING CHECKLIST!
BE PREPARED FOR THREE DAYS
The Danish authorities recommend that you and your household be self-sufficient for at least three days in a crisis.
WHY
IT'S IMPORTANT
If you are prepared and able to take care of yourself and your loved ones, authorities can focus their efforts where the needs are greatest, helping to normalise the situation. The more people who can fend for themselves and assist others during and immediately after a crisis, the stronger we stand as a community.
PRACTICAL ADVICE
Here are some simple steps to help you prepare. These recommendations have been developed in collaboration with various Danish authorities and represent a joint assessment of how to respond to crises:
Basic supplies: Ensure you have enough food, water, and essential medications for at least three days.
Communication: Have a plan for staying informed and communicating with family members.
First aid: Keep a first aid kit and know basic first aid procedures.
Utilities: Know how to turn off utilities like gas, water, and electricity if necessary.
Safety: Have tools and supplies for essential home repairs and personal safety.
COMMUNITY EFFORT
You might only need to use some of this advice, but it's good to be prepared. Do what you can to help yourself and those around you family, neighbours, and friends. Denmark is known for its strong community spirit, and by following these guidelines, we can be even better prepared for future crises.
HERE IS AN ESSENTIAL LIST OF WHAT EVERY HOUSEHOLD SHOULD HAVE:
DRINKING WATER:
Drinking water (3L per person per day)
Water for animals or livestock
FOOD:
Long-lasting food that doesn’t need to be cooked
MEDICINE & FIRST AID:
Prescription medications
First aid kit
Iodine tablets (for people under 40, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers)
HYGIENE PRODUCTS:
Toilet paper
Hand sanitiser
Nappies, tampons and sanitary towels
WARMTH:
Blankets, duvets and warm clothes
OTHER NECESSITIES:
Power bank for your mobile phone
Torch
OTHER NECESSITIES:
Batteries
Physical payment cards (remember your PIN code)
Cash (coins and small notes)
Candles & matches
COMMUNICATION:
AM/FM radio that runs on battery, solar power or hand crank (a car radio is an alternative)
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:
Are there children or older adults in your house?
Do you live exposed to a flooding area?
Do you have alternative transport options in the event of a flood?
Can you help or get help from family, neighbours or friends?