A new life in Denmark

How internationals have changed their lifestyle after moving to Denmark.

Photographs: Pexels / Private

Text: Natália Šepitková

To settle in a new country is always challenging, not only because of moving, learning a new language or building new networks. The new life out of home ultimately changes your identity. The new environment affects your life in many ways. When I moved to Denmark, my rich social life turned into an introverted way of life in which I focused more on my family and close friends. Walking in nature has become more important than meeting friends over drinks in the noisy city environment. My life has slowed down, and the hygge way has become part of my identity. Cosiness, homemade bread and work in the garden unexpectedly brought me a new joy in my life. At the same time, the anonymity of a foreign country that has become my home helped me not to deal with unimportant things and to be less concerned with what others think of me. It indeed came with age and parenthood, but Denmark played a significant role in my transformation. When I talk to other expats, I see that they feel the same way and that their lives have changed after moving to Denmark. For some, significantly, for others less, but they became different than they were before in their homelands.

More responsible lifestyle

Bibin comes from India and has lived with his family in Denmark for three years. “My life changed significantly after moving from Kerala to Denmark. I had to adapt to a different climate, language, and way of life,” admits Bibin, who stopped relying on public transportation and started using a bicycle as a convenient mode of getting around here. The sorting waste also became a natural part of his life. He considers the Danish lifestyle very practical and places much value on sustainability and quality of life. “I enjoy how calm people are, whether it’s how they drive or patiently wait in supermarket queues. The district heating system, which provides a steady and eco-friendly heat supply, is impressive and very different from what I was used to in Kerala. These aspects have encouraged me to adopt a more sustainable and socially responsible lifestyle.” In his spare time, he helps fellow expats with electrical and handyman work. “It’s rewarding to use my skills to assist others, especially those who might find it challenging to manage such tasks themselves. It’s also a great way to stay connected with the community and meet new people who share similar experiences of adjusting to life in Denmark.”

It's different, but we like it

Danish patience, tolerance, and respect for diversity are aspects that influence Gordana’s life. She moved here from Serbia twelve years ago after she got married. “My life has totally changed since then,“ says Gordana. “But I think it is more about transitioning to another life stage. I became a mother, and my life became more adult.” Like many mothers in a foreign country, overwhelmed by housework, family, work and trying to find their place in a foreign society, she too had to give up her hobbies, which she actively pursued in her homeland. “I have stopped training in fitness; that was my biggest passion ever,” she admits with sadness. Nevertheless, she considers Denmark a country with a good balance between work and free time. “In general, I like the Danish lifestyle.”

Seda from Turkey, who has been living in Denmark for six years, also shares a positive attitude towards the Danish lifestyle. “I like the lifestyle here even though I am completely from a different cultural background. I should admit that there are times that I am still struggling to adapt, but it is amazing to see people living their lives in a cosy way. I am trying to have the hygge almost every day in different ways to make myself feel better. I have a more self-care-oriented life now. ” Denmark allows her to be more free. As an expat from a non-EU country, she started to live a cosier life than in Turkey. “In the beginning, social life was definitely worse than in Turkey. But it was because my close circle was back in Turkey when I moved here. After having some Danish and international friends, it got better.“ And does she now have some new hobby? “I am a fan of DIY kits. So I do them a lot, especially during winter times.”

Less stress, more meaningful life

“Moving to Denmark gave me a sense of work-life balance I didn’t experience in Dubai. The slower pace of life and focus on family time allowed me to enjoy life outside of work more,” shares Baha, who is originally from Syria and has lived in Denmark for eight years. “I have started spending more time hiking and exploring nature. The Danish outdoors are accessible, and it’s common to take long walks in nature, even in urban areas.” It took him time to adjust to Danish society because Danes can initially be reserved. However, they tended to be deep and meaningful once he built friendships. “Socialising here often revolves around more minor, intimate gatherings, which I now appreciate,” explains Baha. “The Danish lifestyle emphasises cosiness, hygge, and community, making daily life less stressful. There’s also a strong sense of equality and fairness, which is refreshing.” He admires the country’s emphasis on digital governance, how environmentally conscious Denmark is, and how they have a strong welfare system and focus on the common good.

Life slowed down

Brooke from the USA probably experienced the biggest culture shock. “I went from living in major cities most of my life to a 1700s farm in Jutland. Life slowed down, but there was beautiful nature, and we were close to my Danish husband’s family. I had to give up a job I loved in the US and was a big part of my identity, but I was lucky enough to find something that fit my skill set at a Danish-founded company,” begins Brooke with her life story. She has lived in Denmark for four years and acquired some Danish habits. Harbour and winter bathing or afternoon coffee and cake became a part of her everyday life.

Like many others, she appreciates the trust and Danish values, sustainability and green movements, integrity and respect for journalism, and last but not least, the work-life balance. “If you sum up the total time spent with family in person in the US vs Denmark, it would be quite different, so I feel very fortunate to have that time with my kids.” Despite this, she sometimes feels isolated. “My friends in LA were a close-knit group, and we did everything together,” she admits. “There are certain cultural references people don’t get. I miss having that shorthand with people, but I have slowly been building friendships here and there. It takes time.“