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Denmark 101 with Alex Berger

Tips, tricks, and cultural observations about the Danes and life in Denmark. From Copenhagen on the island of Sjaelland to Aarhus, Alborg and the far reaches of Jutland. I aspire to explore Denmark and to report back on Denmark's wonderful people, rich traditions and subtle quirks.
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Denmark 101 with Alex Berger
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Now displaying: 2016
Dec 31, 2016

I did my BA at Arizona State University. In addition the the US' nonsensical drinking age, which is set at 21 our campus was also a "dry campus" which meant that even after turning 21 drinking on campus or in the dorm rooms was prohibited.

I did my MA at University of Copenhagen, one of Scandinavia's largest, oldest, and most prestigious Universities. The difference in drinking culture and these "wet" campuses was significant. While the topic of on-campus bars and drinking is controversial everywhere, even here in Denmark, it created a much safer drinking experience while also adding significantly to the University experience and relationship building within different departments and classes. It's a great part of Danish culture, and something I wish we had the maturity to implement in the US.

If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive.

If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way.

Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, and even a look at Janteloven.

Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning!

Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com.

Where you can find me:

BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com
FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer
INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer
TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

Nov 29, 2016

They may be neighbors, but just how similar are Danes and Germans actually? 

If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive.

If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way.

Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, and even a look at Janteloven.

Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning!

Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com.

Where you can find me:

BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com
FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer
INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer
TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

Nov 27, 2016

Danes are famous for their directness and their open-mindedness.  But, how does that translate into how easily (or difficult) Danes are to offend? When navigating the pitfalls of cross-cultural communication this is a highly relevant topic to be aware of.  Enjoy =)

If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive.

If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way.

Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, and even a look at Janteloven.

Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning!

Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com.

Where you can find me:

BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com
FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer
INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer
TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

Nov 17, 2016

The Danes are famous for their Nordic beauty. They also have a reputation for being quite liberal in their approach to nudity and sex. The genders in Denmark enjoy a level of equality that is, perhaps, the most equal in all of the world.

One expat, married to and living with a Dane, remarked that Denmark is the most shameless country in the world.To support this she referenced a report from 2014 which backed up the claim. Impressive! While I suspect it may may be a bit of a stretch, it definitely tells you a bit about Danish culture.

Here's my take on the Danish approach to nudity. Jump to the end of the description to see the article from the Telegraph.

If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive.

If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way.

Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, and even a look at Janteloven.

Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning!

Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com.

Where you can find me:

BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com
FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer
INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer
TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

 

The article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/expatlife/11356802/Welcome-to-Denmark-the-most-shameless-nation-on-the-planet.html

Oct 31, 2016

Coming from the west coast of the US "How are you doing?", "How's it going?" and other similar questions are used less as questions and more as alternatives to hello. For internationals in Denmark these types of questions can cause problems leading to all sorts of confusion. I delve into the impact of these questions and cultural miscommunication in today's video.

Denmark and its residents are a fascinating group. In this video series I'll be leveraging my observations and research to share with you insights into how to get the most of your interactions with the Danes and time in Denmark regardless the duration of your visit. One day or ten years - my goal is to share observations I've made from 5+ years living, studying, and working among the Danes.

If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive.

If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way.

Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, and even a look at Janteloven.

Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning!

Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com.

Where you can find me:

BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com
FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer
INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer
TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

 

Oct 24, 2016

I'm a huge fan of hamburgers. In truth, I could eat a different type of hamburger for lunch and dinner non-stop for a week and be completely happy with my meal selection.

So, it is with a not-insignificant amount of passion that I weigh in on how hamburgers are eaten in Denmark. Is this the grand cultural epiphany you've been waiting for? I doubt it. But, perhaps you'll join me in my cause never the less.

Denmark and its residents are a fascinating group. In this video series I'll be leveraging my observations and research to share with you insights into how to get the most of your interactions with the Danes and time in Denmark regardless the duration of your visit. One day or ten years - my goal is to share observations I've made from 5+ years living, studying, and working among the Danes.

If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive.

If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way.

Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, and even a look at Janteloven.

Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning!

Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com.

Where you can find me:

BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com
FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer
INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer
TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

Oct 18, 2016

The Law of Jante defines the Nordic societies and is particularly prevalent in Denmark.  To understand Danes and the Danish society it is essential that you understand the Law of Jante.  What is it?  In this episode I explore the topic, my observations, and share a bit about what you can expect when running into Janteloven.

Denmark and its residents are a fascinating group. In this video series I'll be leveraging my observations and research to share with you insights into how to get the most of your interactions with the Danes and time in Denmark regardless the duration of your visit. One day or ten years - my goal is to share observations I've made from 5+ years living, studying, and working among the Danes.

If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive.

If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way.

Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, and even a look at Janteloven.

Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning!

Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com.

Where you can find me:

BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com
FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer
INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer
TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

Oct 12, 2016

There are rumors that I am constantly terrorizing Danes throughout Copenhagen - from the metro to the line at the super market. What am I doing you ask? Breaking the social norms and talking to strangers. Luckily, I'm American which gives me a get-out-of-jail free card ... and of course, I'm not-so-secretly convinced that the Danes actually love my gregarious antics.

Denmark and its residents are a fascinating group. In this video series I'll be leveraging my observations and research to share with you insights into how to get the most of your interactions with the Danes and time in Denmark regardless the duration of your visit. One day or ten years - my goal is to share observations I've made from 5+ years living, studying, and working among the Danes.

If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive.

If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way.

Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, and even a look at Janteloven.

Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning!

Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com.

Where you can find me:

BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com
FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer
INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer
TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

Oct 6, 2016

Danish design and fashion is famous the world over...yet, it isn't exactly what you'd expect...

I'm far from a fashionista, but in this video I discuss some of the characteristics that shape the Danish fashion sense with a particular focus on 20-30 something Danes.

Denmark and its residents are a fascinating group. In this video series I'll be leveraging my observations and research to share with you insights into how to get the most of your interactions with the Danes and time in Denmark regardless the duration of your visit. One day or ten years - my goal is to share observations I've made from 5+ years living, studying, and working among the Danes.

If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive.

If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way.

Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, and even a look at Janteloven.

Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning!

Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com.

Where you can find me:

BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com
FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer
INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer
TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

Sep 26, 2016

Perhaps THE most common question among recently arrived internationals in Denmark is, "How do I make Danish friends!?".

In this video I delve into the topic, offer suggestions and a few comments that should ease you in the process and help you better understand why building Danish friendships can, at times, require an entirely different approach than you may be familiar with in your home culture.

Don't miss Episode 6. where I talked more specifically about the process of meeting Danes.

Denmark and its residents are a fascinating group. In this video series I'll be leveraging my observations and research to share with you insights into how to get the most of your interactions with the Danes and time in Denmark regardless the duration of your visit. One day or ten years - my goal is to share observations I've made from 5+ years living, studying, and working among the Danes.

If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive.

If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way.

Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, and even a look at Janteloven.

Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning!

Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com.

Where you can find me:

BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com
FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer
INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer
TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

Sep 20, 2016

Perhaps THE most common question among recently arrived internationals in Denmark is, "How do I meet Danes?".

In this episode I delve into the topic, offer suggestions and a few comments that should ease you in the process and help you better understand why building Danish friendships can, at times, require an entirely different approach than you may be familiar with in your home culture.

Don't miss Episode 7 which builds on this Episode (I reference "video" in the audio) with specific advice on how to make Danish friends. 

Denmark and its residents are a fascinating group. In this video series I'll be leveraging my observations and research to share with you insights into how to get the most of your interactions with the Danes and time in Denmark regardless the duration of your visit. One day or ten years - my goal is to share observations I've made from 5+ years living, studying, and working among the Danes.

If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive.

If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way.

Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, and even a look at Janteloven.

Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning!

Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com.

Where you can find me:

BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com
FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer
INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer
TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

Sep 17, 2016

A common complaint from tourists and recently arrived expats is Danish rudeness when it comes to navigating city streets. More specifically, that Danes will bump into you in passing but fail to apologize or comment.

While this obviously depends on the severity of the accidental bump, it is something I've heard commented on repeatedly. But, is it actually due to rudeness or a cultural difference? In this video I explore the Danish approach to efficiency and how that shapes the need to (or not to) apologize after a mild street collision.

Denmark and its residents are a fascinating group. In this video series I'll be leveraging my observations and research to share with you insights into how to get the most of your interactions with the Danes and time in Denmark regardless the duration of your visit. One day or ten years - my goal is to share observations I've made from 5+ years living, studying, and working among the Danes.

If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive.

If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way.

Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, Janteloven as well as more nuanced topics such as how to apply for jobs and subtle cornerstones of Danish culture.

Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning!

Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com.

Where you can find me:

BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com

FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer

INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer

TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

YOUTUBE - http://youtube.com/user/Glamdering

Sep 7, 2016

You've no doubt heard about Danish bike culture. At least about how more than half of all Copenhageners bike every day (many to work or school) and how Danes across the country are inseparable from their bikes.

But...there's a darker, red-eyed, steam bursting from the ears, bells of hell ringing side to Danish bike culture. In this episode I delve into the topic, poke some fun, and enjoy a few good laughs. 

Danes are famous for their adherence to stoplight laws (unless they're biking of course). Jaywalking isn't something you see often.  And yet, there is a strange cognitive dissonance that sets in, particularly after Danes have had a few drinks.  I delve into the topic and its comical nature in this episode.

Denmark and its residents are a fascinating group. In this video series I'll be leveraging my observations and research to share with you insights into how to get the most of your interactions with the Danes and time in Denmark regardless the duration of your visit. One day or ten years - my goal is to share observations I've made from 5+ years living, studying, and working among the Danes.

If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive.

If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way.

Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, Janteloven as well as more nuanced topics such as how to apply for jobs and subtle cornerstones of Danish culture.

Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning!

Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com.

Where you can find me:

BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com

FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer

INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer

TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

YOUTUBE - http://youtube.com/user/Glamdering

Sep 7, 2016

Danes are famous for their adherence to stoplight laws (unless they're biking of course). Jaywalking isn't something you see often.  And yet, there is a strange cognitive dissonance that sets in, particularly after Danes have had a few drinks.  I delve into the topic and its comical nature in this episode.

Denmark and its residents are a fascinating group. In this video series I'll be leveraging my observations and research to share with you insights into how to get the most of your interactions with the Danes and time in Denmark regardless the duration of your visit. One day or ten years - my goal is to share observations I've made from 5+ years living, studying, and working among the Danes.

If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive.

If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way.

Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, Janteloven as well as more nuanced topics such as how to apply for jobs and subtle cornerstones of Danish culture.

Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning!

Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com.

Where you can find me:

BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com

FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer

INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer

TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

YOUTUBE - http://youtube.com/user/Glamdering

Sep 7, 2016

In today's episode I explore Danish cultural norms and protocol using the supermarket example (and confirm it) which has gone viral around the web. What's one surefire way to piss off Danes? Watch give this episode a listen and find out.

Denmark and its residents are a fascinating group. In this video series I'll be leveraging my observations and research to share with you insights into how to get the most of your interactions with the Danes and time in Denmark regardless the duration of your visit. One day or ten years - my goal is to share observations I've made from 5+ years living, studying, and working among the Danes.

If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive.

If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way.

Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, Janteloven as well as more nuanced topics such as how to apply for jobs and subtle cornerstones of Danish culture.

Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning!

Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com.

Where you can find me:

BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com

FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer

INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer

TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

YOUTUBE - http://youtube.com/user/Glamdering

Sep 7, 2016

Denmark and its residents are a fascinating group. In this video series I'll be leveraging my observations and research to share with you insights into how to get the most of your interactions with the Danes and time in Denmark regardless the duration of your visit. One day or ten years - my goal is to share observations I've made from 5+ years living, studying, and working among the Danes.

If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive.

If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way.

Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, Janteloven as well as more nuanced topics such as how to apply for jobs and subtle cornerstones of Danish culture.

Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning!

Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com.

Where you can find me:

BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com

FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer

INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer

TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

YOUTUBE - http://youtube.com/user/Glamdering

 

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