Business culture in Denmark

The inside guide to Danish business culture and etiquette

For a foreign investor, knowledge of a country's business attitudes and etiquette is an important element in establishing a comfortable atmosphere and easing negotiations. To help you prepare the ground for your business discussions in Denmark, here is a brief descriptive guide to Danish business culture.

Danish business people can appear somewhat formal at first, but are likely to quickly show a more informal side of themselves, just as the dress code sometimes may seem a little relaxed to an foreign business person. However, they are likely to get down to business right away and are generally conservative and efficient in their approach to business meetings. Handshakes are the accepted form of greeting. Danes shake hands both for greetings upon arrival and departure from a meeting. Virtually all Danish business people have a good working knowledge of English and interpreters are rarely required. Business gifts are not a normal custom in Denmark. Business entertaining is usually done at lunch, and more rarely at dinner in a restaurant. Even more rarely is it to be invited for dinner at the home of a business acquaintance. Should it occur, bringing flowers for the hostess would be suitable.

 

Business Appointments

Advance appointments are always required and punctuality is a must; it is considered rude to be late. Danes work shorter hours than many other nationalities. The standard work week is 37 hours. Mandatory vacation is five weeks plus up to five more days per year, plus local holidays (see below). At least three weeks are taken during summer. School summer vacation is from about June 20 to about August 8 and generally, business is slow in that period with many executives out and some companies closed. It is not advisable to schedule business meetings or other business activities in Denmark from late June to early August, from December 20 - January 5, or in the week of Easter.

Danes treasure their leisure time, most of which is spent with the family. Business persons should not routinely expect to meet with their Danish counterparts after 4.00 p.m. on weekdays.

On Fridays, many Danes leave early, generally between 2 - 3 p.m. Do not plan meetings for Saturdays, Sundays, or on national holidays (see below). Not all Danes appreciate breakfast meetings, which should be scheduled only with due consideration to the situation.