Danes are known for, and often pride themselves on, their knowledge of English. English is studied for around 7 years at school, and films often only get subtitles in Danish, rather than being dubbed. Therefore, newcomers to Denmark, including me, often think that they can easily get by with English, at least at the beginning. But is this the experience in practice? Can you get to the information you want if your Danish is limited to non-existent?

In today’s interconnected society the internet is often the source most people would resort to for information. And that, of course, was my plan of action before moving here. As can be expected, there is quite a lot of information out there. However, I was surprised to realise that quite a significant number of resources directed towards foreigners are written only in Danish. This included websites, such as the state administration website containing information on getting registered in Denmark, which were incompletely translated, making the use of googletranslate essential for finding out all the information you need!

Of course, lack of English-language information online might be an oversight, or a symptom of too much to be done. However, things did not necessarily get easier when trying to sort things out offline. When trying to get a bank account I was told that I would need to make an appointment, while when Michael started speaking Danish we got one there and then. Tax card? I was told I need to post a form and it would take around 2 weeks while Michael called a few minutes after me and managed to get it done for me over the phone.

By now I was starting to realise that I really needed to learn Danish sooner rather than later. So I emailed the kommune, asking for information about how I could get this done (Denmark offers free Danish lessons for immigrants).

Dear Sonderborg kommune,
I am Ann Fenech. I moved to Denmark around 1 month ago. I was informed that the commune offers Danish classes for newcomers. May I please ask how I may avail myself of these lessons?

Kind regards, med venlig hilsen,
Ann Fenech

This is the reply I got from the kommune’s job centre’s immigration team:

Kære Ann

Tak for din mail.

Du har ret til 3 års danskundervisning gældende fra den 8. dec. 2011 – 8. dec. 2014. Jeg vil lave en henvisning til Lærdansk, Augustenborg Landevej 7, 6400 Sønderborg.

Du vil senere få et brev eller en opringning fra dem, hvor de vil invitere dig til en visitationssamtale.

Venlig hilsen

Sønderborg Kommune
Jobcenter – Integrationsteam

[Name]
administrativ medarbejder
www.sonderborgkommune.dk

I kid you not!

In these circumstances I wonder how someone with no Danish skills (and even more so with no English skills, which is something I haven’t really thought about?) would deal with moving to Denmark.

I have now been living in Denmark for a month. What are my first impressions? Are the Danes as unwelcoming to foreigners as a number of other expats make them out to be? Are Danes as happy as they like to think they are? Is the weather really all that bad? This is a short snapshot of my still forming view:

I’ve got sunshine! In a bag

Weather is foggy all the time. At first it makes you feel as though you are in an enchanted land. This feeling, unfortunately, wears out pretty quickly and then it starts to wear you down. I am glad to be able to escape to Malta for Christmas where the weather (I hope!) should be way better. I guess in these circumstances I really need to transport myself to the sun if I am to enjoy any!

Tell me Why

Most people can speak English, but would prefer not to if at all possible. This means that when I ask for help people often try to fob me off. However, as soon as Michael speaks Danish the service is quickly and efficiently provided to me. I have already written about my experience when applying for the CPR number. However it happened again when trying to get a bank account (was told that I needed to go back another day) and registering for a tax card (was told I needed to post a form and it would take 2 weeks at least). When Michael tried in Danish he got me the bank account there and then and the tax card within 3 days max. How’s that for service?

How do you solve a problem like…?

Another thing I have noted is that Danes tend to answer only the question put to them and do not try to think of how else they can help me. Therefore, if you don’t know the exact question you want answered it is difficult to get the information you need. Thinking outside the box as to what someone in your situation might need does not seem to be a strong point here!

Hi ho, hi ho, and off to work we go!

I have already written about my impression of working in Denmark earlier. So far at work I have been included and made to feel welcome by everyone. I am sure that the presence of other foreigners in the group has paved the way for me here and it also means that I have someone to ask questions to – having an assigned buddy who seems very happy in this role is also a blessing as I feel comfortable enough asking when I need help (and him being a foreigner means that he can often guess as to what I need and answer with that information!).

Food, Glorious Food

Food here is what I call real farmer food: meat and potatoes and you’re all set! Unfortunately Danes like to slather their food with salt, and then some. To someone who grew up without using any salt in her cooking this is quite a shock to the system I am sure.

However, on a more positive note, I am happy to see that we have so far found all the ingredients we have looked for – including condensed milk for making Christmas logs at a local ethnic store. We have also found out that there are local fishermen selling their fish from boats on Als Sound – we definitely need to check them out!

Wheels on the Bus go Round and Round

They actually do! Unlike London, here, when on the bus, it actually moves! The frequency is not as high as in London, as could be expected in a more rural area. However, when a colleague grumbled that the buses sometimes arrive 5 minutes late I knew I was on to a good thing! Also, rather than traffic, people and buildings here I see sheep, cows and horses – ever so much more pleasant!

And in the End

Although it is not perfect (and it can never be) I am happy with the decision to move to Denmark for work so far. I am enjoying Sonderborg and I am excited about my work, besides sharing it with Michael. What more could I want?

Hej Sønderborg

Culture, food, events and life on Als, Denmark

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First Month in Denmark