Danish Stereotypes vs. American Stereotypes

[@jandideriksen7847]

The BIG danger of saying that the lasagne tasted very good, is that in Denmark that will almost guarantee that lasagne will be served next time You get invited. 🙂 So the "lie" will keep haunting You, as a host I prefer 100% honesty about the food, as a guest I will be 95% honest, I would not "nitpick" the food, but I would say if it was not to my liking.

[@ingedahl2604]

Hi Guys. I am a fairly old Danish guy (75) living in very much rual Jutland , Himmerland to be precise, and I enjoy your shows, Thank you for the many moments of lerning and entertainment. Your comparison of US americans and Danes is quite compatible to how we in my small village would compare "Københavnere" to "jyder" Rgds Peter PS: I very much apperciate the frase " If you have got it then flaunt it" but must!! be sure that you indeed have got it.

[@MineJulRBX]

A part of the honesty in Danish culture is also that it's okay not to be perfect, it's okay to make mistakes, and that doesn't always mean it's that bad.

[@pouleichel2760]

in Denmark, "lest make a plan" Is very optimistic, and means "let's do this thing"

[@hassegreiner9675]

I once worked with an American executive who came over to fix some organisational issues in the company I worked for, and he shook his head over our complete lack of abilities to lie as well as our affection for good design.

[@Insert_Bland_Name_Here]

As a Dane, the medical advice I get most often is: "Just take a few days off and get some rest." or "Walk it off." The only time I've actually had a doctor prescribe me medicine for anything, I was actually just told to go to the grocery store and buy a pack of Panodil or Pamol (both Paracetamol products) over the counter. I didn't even have to go to the pharmacy. In fact, I've never been to a pharmacy to get any kind of prescription-medicine. It's always to get other stuff like bandages or something to treat make bug-bites stop itching...

[@deargodwhatamidoing1122]

I will definitely say there is some truth to the hole bragging and humble thing. Mostly because in one of Simon Talbots comedy shows, he talks about going to america to do stand up, and he says that a lot changed, when he stopped acting like a humble danish person. When he actually started talking a bigger game, he got better jobs. And I think that’s a big difference between the two countries. In Denmark if a person came in and claimed to be amazing at whatever they are doing, the people around them will either dismiss it, or want proof. We want your skills to speak for themselves. But in America (according to Simon talbot) if you don’t talk yourself up, you fall behind.

[@RobeTrotting]

This is a really interesting point, and probably a lot of truth behind the anecdote from Simon Talbot. It's definitely a way to get ahead in the States, for most professional cultures and industries.

[@TheTobiasandersen95]

I can agree with this. Skills speak for themselves - and if anyone is boasting, I'm almost immidiately sceptical, leaving me with an already negatively charged POV

[@Peacefrogg]

Yes, be truthful without being arrogant, list your strenghts, but also some of your weaknesses, bc if you do not come across as human we think you are a liar and a show-off.

[@gpslibra]

So helpful! I’m storing your considered observations and differences of Danish and American cultures for future use when I’m visiting Denmark. I will say that in my past travels to Denmark, I’ve been struck by the kindness and helpfulness shown to me by the Danes.

[@RobeTrotting]

That's so true Greg, even in a bigger city like Copenhagen or Aarhus, Danes are very friendly and helpful if people need a hand getting around or finding a train, etc. Hope you make it back soon 😀

[@gpslibra]

@@RobeTrotting Absolutely true. We’ll be back in June! It’s been too many years since our last visit.

[@TheChiefEng]

Yes, we are generally helpful and kind but it is true that we come around as being slightly cold. Many Danes grow up being taught to be helpful and kind but we usually don't wait around to receive thanks for rendering help. That is where we can come around being considered a little cold but due to our upbringing, we actually don't expect to receive thanks for something we consider should be taken for granted. It's difficult to explain, but we actually mostly consider it a natural thing to help other people when needed. As a foreigner in a foreign country like Denmark, it can be a daunting prospect to approach a Dane and ask for help if you are lost or in other ways in need of help. Most of us will actually go out of our way to help and guide foreigners if needed so please never be afraid to ask for help if you feel you need it.

[@nessus47]

@@gpslibra Very nice. Welcome back then, hope you enjoy your stay😊.

[@sasusakufangirl]

Dane here and recently I had a similar experience to your lasagna example: I had invited my family over and made lasagna. I had made double the amount according to the recipe to make sure that there was enough for everyone - I realised quickly I should have made more when we started eating (there were lots of side dishes eg. salad as well so no one went hungry) and my mom let me know in the kindest way possible that the next time I should make an even bigger portion because it tasted so good that people would want to have extra and it was a shame that that wasn't an option XD Yet another funny and informative video, thank you guys :) BTW I think the fact that you've started to end your videos with "Hej Hej" shows that the informal Danes are rubbing off on you XD

[@wollaminfaetter]

Part 4: Absolutely true. As a Dane I use as few words as absolutely possible! In dealing with with Americans I have learned to be more polite and talkative though, and you know what? It doesn't hurt to be polite - it just takes a little longer 😁

[@RobeTrotting]

Hej Ole, it's kind of you to be patient and do the small talk thing with us - I can say that neither of us realized this habit until we lived here and traveled a bit more. Now we have reverse culture shock every time we're back in the states. Somehow when we're around other Americans in Denmark though we tend to relish in the chattiness. It's a funny thing.

[@wollaminfaetter]

@@RobeTrotting Oh and regarding "have a nice day"! I do not think a Dane would react negatively to someone wishing you a nice day. What happened (and what you have probably heard) was this: Translated to Danish "have a nice day" is "hav en god dag". That's perfectly fine! For some reason though, it morphed into "hav en FORTSAT god dag" - meaning "keep HAVING a nice day". Why? What if my day sucked so far? It was just an example of an American expression that didn't really work in Danish. Today it is 100% absorbed into the Danish language. No problems! Hav en god dag ❤

[@Joliie]

if you watched German TV in the 80-90's, you can say fragen sie ihren arzt oder apotheker (Ask your doctor or pharmacist) in fluent German :) because that would be in every break (or at least how I remember it).

[@tiffanytiffany4161]

The problem is, what’s politeness or not? I met some people, not just Dane, they will define me being Rude immediately after some texting. The problem is, who will never be feeling weird at others questions, texting? One or two things defines all, a character trait? Will you liked to be thought so? Also, some are very self centered, or say arrogant, Beside many positive characteristics?

[@MaximDL1410]

The truth is that many danish are super rude and non polite . 😉

[@pipkin5287]

I always enjoy your videos and your medial views and discussions. With stereotypes especially, I think it's very easy to think that every person ever from a particular nation behaves a certain way, and I really respect your mission to provide some nuance on both fronts!

[@wncjan]

I agree with you on most; and Americans ARE loud. Yesterday I spent a long time in an airport lounge. About 50 feet away from me was a group of four Americans. Now I and everyone else seated closer or the same distance or even futher away, know everything about their health situation, the.way their children's marriages were developing and much more personal detais. 😀

[@broendbykim]

Ha ha and you didn't even ask them for those information, but on the other hand you just received entertaintment for free.

[@kbhprinsesse]

About superficiality/honesty - I think it varies a lot from Dane to Dane, depending on how we were brought up. I was born in the 1970's but my mother was from a Catholic family, and as an adult it is clear to me that she brought me up in a more old-fashioned way than my friends. Your example of the dry lasagane is something I would NEVER tell anyone because I have been brought up to consider that rudeness.

[@mikejespersen2028]

You both do a beautiful job of handling touchy subjects without being offensive.

[@ErininCopenhagen]

You've already got me at number 2, guys 😂 That Americans take more medicines than Danes - definitely something I had to get used to! Found it so strange to be told to "just take some Panodil" for stuff I considered super serious 😂 But it really is a culture thing, you watch any N. American TV show and you'll see they're spliced with SO MANY medical commercials for any number of ailment you can think of (and many you didn't know existed). So of COURSE you need lots of medicine for everything that's wrong with you 🤭 My Danish husband found the commercials so strange

[@RobeTrotting]

It is *so* weird to sell medicine and advertise prescription medicine on TV - we never realized it until it was brought up here in Denmark.

[@PhilipZeplinDK]

Panodil is a miracle drug that will fix all your problems. If it's more serious than a Panodil can handle, I'm afraid you're going to have to say goodbye to your family, and accept deaths cold embrace.

[@Noblemand]

Well just look at the fear of antibiotic resistance. Too much can cause problems and we end up with nothing that can help(Or having to use more hardcore medications). I think that is the main reason why many Danes do not take medication unless they have to

[@RobeTrotting]

Ah, for sure - and we definitely don't take antibiotics unless needed (but they're only available by prescription in the States too). It's definitely good to avoid those and anything with addictive properties.

[@TheChiefEng]

The same principle actually works with most medication. If you do and take over the counter painkillers all the time, your body will slowly get used to the dose and you may find that the result is not as effective as it used to be. With some over the counter, this can lead you into trouble since some over the counter painkillers can damage your liver (paracetamol) while others may land you with ulcers etc.

[@broendbykim]

Unfortunately it also applies to Danish habbits. I am this Sunday going to visit a friend of mine, who is suffering from throat cancer and he can hardly eat, and according to my brother, who have visit him a couple of times, he will not survive this summer. He had recently been moved from the hospital to a hospice, where they immidately reduced his medical consumptions significantly, and now he is almost painless (he still get a bit of morfin). They explained, that the medicals he previous received worked against each other and in fact just add to his pain.

[@Lorentari]

Biotech researcher here: There is some truth in that you should not treat all symptoms if you can function well enough with the symptoms. I'll give a few examples: - Antibiotics may speed up recovery from a bacterial infection, but antibiotics also kill the beneficial gut bacteria. Several recent studies have shown signs that gut bacteria excreet hormones that can have a positive effect on everything from mood, to metabolism of fat to muscle growth. - You should basically never treat a mild fever. Fever is (contrary to what many people think) not caused by the infection itself, but from the immune system. The immune system is more effective in the 39-40 C range and bacteria and viruses are generally weaker when you have a fever. So, basically: Do not use paracetamol just to bring down a fever - there is a reason they are referred to in Danish as "head-ache pills"; it's primarily for pain relief.

[@RobeTrotting]

Sure, but if I have a cough I’ll take a cough suppressant instead of putting my body through the stress of a bad cough haha 😆

[@Lorentari]

@@RobeTrotting yes, I am all in for pain suppression :)

[@angelicmsp9638]

You guys should seriusly have more subscribers! I always suggest my friends to watch your videos. And how come all the stereotypes feel true to Me? xD

[@stagger5863]

Wonder how the subscriber % lies here most Danish or more English speaking people are subscribers, I’m a Dane and i just love this channel, don’t really watch much of the Danish content here on KZbin

[@RobeTrotting]

Thank you both so much, we really appreciate the support. We have looked at the data and the viewers at least are most heavily watching from Denmark (sometimes it's as high as 70%). This was a bit of a surprise because early on we made them with more of an American audience in mind, people who would be curious about life in another country. We try to be a bit more universal now though seeing the data.

[@stagger5863]

@@RobeTrotting where thinking the Danish would have a high count here, but not that high, guess we like foreigners telling us how they are seeing us, give us some some outside feedback 😉

[@organfairy]

The American artist Laurie Anderson has said about Americans that above all they like to be "in control". They like to give the impression that they can handle anything and that no task is too big for them and that they allways know the right thing to do. I work in a multi-cultural company and I tend to agree with her. In a project situation our Americans tend to aim at getting "in control" of said project. They tend to be loud - as you said - and they need to have a certain amount of resistance from us Danes, otherwise they will take control over everything 🙂

[@Peacefrogg]

Imo control is often an illusion and acceptance is the more realistic goal.

[@thomasbarchen]

@@Peacefrogg Could not agree more! Coming from an American.

[@Phiyedough]

I suppose most working people in USA have health insurance included as part of their salary so perhaps it is not a big issue but is it right for them to go to work and spread flu or whatever? I think in Denmark they might be staying away from work or the party so they won't risk spreading their illness.

[@markpetersen1738]

That is also one of the reasons yeah, personally if i'm not feeling well i usually just stay away because of my mental health in combination with my physical. Being physically ill can take a pretty heavy toll on the mental. But that's just my view i don't know if other danes are the same

[@NS-et5wh]

In Greenland our stereotype of Danes are that they're super loud and talkative😂 I don't think the noise level between american and danish tourists are all that different, but you're both considered loud generally here. Also often the superficiality, materialism and bragging. I think most of the stereotypes danes have of Americans are how danes are often viewed here 😅

[@Chocolatepenguin]

At 5:46, the interpretation of Danes wanting to mention something that is obvious, as not to be rude got me thinking about HC Andersen´s story of "The Emperor´s New Clothes" in which basically the same thing happen, when the little boy is the only one speaking the truth, and telling everyone that the emperor is in fact naked. Maybe our way of life on this topic has partially come from this story, who knows?

[@Peacefrogg]

Leave it to a dane to quote hc on how sincerity trumps status and fake niceness. Just a reference to a fairytale, and the whole world gets your point. This is when i wish i was danish. Oh, and ofc when my kids are better at lego building than me.

[@micca9559]

Idk about no 2. Maybe its true. Where I live, we were as kids always told to just walk or sleep it off. So we dont take much medications, but also we dont do use anything else. Just sleep and fresh air for most milder symptoms.

[@jrgenfriborg3508]

You are so good in this one, and almost spot on.

[@sidewind131258]

#8 If you think danes are "realists" then you should see a meeting between swedes, everything is planed, almost micromanaged, you do this, you do that, hed does, she do. Here in denmark, it is more like in the US, "we need this done, who know how" and then "let's do it"

[@gepardmic6003]

About food, Dane also like to know, if there is something wrong, so they can fix it. Like if food are to cold, or there's an other problem, they might know how to fix. We like to know, that you are good about the eating, you can call it food and person caring, similar to hygge.

[@MaximusMeridiusDK]

It must have come as quite a culture shock for you guys, the first time you sat down on your sofa, turned on a film and WASN'T interrupted by commercials AT ALL.... But I also had a bit of a culture lesson today, as a tradesperson, I often go to companies and private households. Today my customer was a danish woman and her husband from Texas. He finished nearly every sentence with "Sir", which was really weird for me. So after he had done that quite a few times, I told him, that here in Denmark we are quite informal, so he could just call me by my name. He actually told me his wife had told him the same thing, and he would try. I would call it a partial success, because he was so used to saying "Sir", that it still snuck in there... But he did try. I'm going back to finish the job next week, and hoprefully, there will be a bit more time to chat, ask him what he thinks about Denmark, how long he's been here, if everything really is bigger in Texas and stuff like that. I love learning about other cultures, so having a job where I have the potential to meet so many different cultures, is just awesome

[@catherinebailey2131]

In the South, and in Texas especially, most people are taught from very early to say "Sir" and "Ma'am" at the end of most sentences. It is considered a sign of respect and good manners. It does not mean that he thought himself inferior to you. But it's typically not used in other regions of the US.

[@thomasbarchen]

I grew up in Houston, Texas and I escaped 25 years ago to a more civilized Germany. I am currently visiting Copenhagen for five days and was in Espergærde a few years ago for a week. I feel very welcome here and enjoy meeting Danes, such lovely people! Anyway, I say that you guys know how to live! Yes Sir!

[@jonik6564]

You are great guys

[@eidodk]

First one isn't a stereotype.. It's true. Danes are loud when among friends, americans are loud among strangers. Don't use penicillin if not needed. Codein is a cough suppressant, it's also an opioid..

[@145Nudel]

Another great one for the collection 👏😊💕

[@RobeTrotting]

Thank you Anne! 🤗 This one was a fun conversation.

[@michaelkohl9728]

Great content guys. There is also a difference in how US an DK marketing works. American marketing can be more on the aggressive side and the Americans accept this, whereas Danes tend to be more sensitive towards aggressive marketing. However, I must say that what I saw 10-15 years in e-mail marketing is now fully accepted here in DK. So basically, what happens in US business wise, will happen here in DK in 10 or 20 years.

[@bjrnhjortshjandersen1286]

You are so positive and kind....we have also many bad habits and many cultures are loud too. But I find it interesting to have my culture analyzed 😊

[@MaximDL1410]

Is not at a problem that danish are loud, the real problem is that many danish are so rude. 😉

[@CsCharlese]

Another really good video. I onces had that conversation with a friend from Texas who had moved to Denmark about stereo types and preconceived thoughts people had in Denmark about Texans and Texans had about Denmark/Europeans. She felt everything she thought and learned about us before coming here for the first time was proved wrong, but she felt what we were thinking about Texas was mostly true.

[@jonik6564]

Please never stop uploading videos

[@Yabois_]

And i thought that WE had many commercials on TV here in denmark

[@helga8439]

Jeg liker å se videoene deres, det er så interessant å høre hvilke erfaringer og tanker dere har om forskjeller og likheter mellom våre kulturer. Dere er utrolig flinke til å presentere alt dette på en balansert måte, og til og med humoristisk. Jeg er norsk, men tror vi er ganske lik danskene.

[@denmark23]

I was at my doctor to get some blod tests i was a low in potassium so she just told me to eat more bananas and i would feel better 😂

[@TheNetsrac]

Very interesting, funny, and pretty much spot on (with a grain (or several grains) of salt, but yeah) Thank you guys

[@AsbjrnHoffskov]

Everytime I hear a mention of NyQuil, Denis Leary’s voice pops into my head: “NyQuil, NyQuil, NyQuil - we love you, you giant f*cking Q!” 🤣 “I’m on NyQuil and SudaFed. I’m High as a kite and my teeth are green. Merry f*cking Christmas!” 🤣

[@Kentbollund]

You are so right. I have some friends form the US and then i say "oh i have the flu and im home " and they say " have you seen the doctor" or "have you been to the hospital" and im like " nooo?? its goes over in a couple of days"

[@janlarsen9444]

The thing about being superficial or real; "how are you?" , in the US it is a polite way to greet, in DK a medical question.

[@Lemonz1989]

Lol, the medicine thing is pretty annoying sometimes. I was given paracetamol and ibuprofen in the emergency room after I was hit by a car while biking home from work… I broke my left knee and right wrist, for god’s sake! It’s not like I would’ve become an opioid fiend if they’d given me one morphine pill, while they were moving my leg around to examine it! 😂

[@Kennibaech]

Morphine for a broken anything sounds crazy to me :D We basicly only get morphine for a short periode of time after surgery or if its something like kidney stone or in that area of pain. :b

[@Lemonz1989]

@@Kennibaech Why is that crazy? Some fractures are extremely painful, like complex leg fractures. My hand didn’t hurt that much, but my leg, omg, I’ve never felt pain like that before. The top of my tibia (shin bone) split in two, so my knee joint was basically hanging loose. I still have pain in my knee and it’s been almost 7 months. I can literally feel the “seam” inside my knee where the bones grew back together. Consulting surgeon said I should expect pain for up to a year, with this type of fracture. Look up “tibial plateau fracture”.

[@almajnsson5695]

Suck it up and don't be a cry baby about everything 😅😅

[@kaedeyutani9197]

I just wanna say this was a nice video. I've enjoyed your views and angles on the whole America vs Denmark thing for awhile now. - You come off as fair and respectful - both ways. Sometimes you see immigrants try to be overly pro-newcountry/anti-oldcountry in trying to fit in. -- I'm just trying to say that you respect your own roots while still putting in effort to understand and adapt to your new life over here and that its refreshingly nice to see someone who seemingly hit the golden midway point of bringing your origins with you and still balance that with the new environments culture and quirks. :-) I don't know if that made sense. I hope it came off as I intended. As praise and good energy.

[@JizzMasterTheZeroth]

Regarding stereotype #2: Went to Florida for a month once. Driving around I saw nothing but pharmacies, fast-food places and churches, in that order. Kinda shocking.

[@DNA350ppm]

Hi guys! I like both your voices, they are very nice! I have the possibility to turn the volume down, so no problem for me. And additionally: I also always use headphones, so nobody would be disturbed. In public transport it is important that no sound leaks out from my headphones - I can ask a fellow passenger to get it right. We talk about noise pollution, which is as disgusting as smell-pollution from perfume to onions and tobacco. Maybe US-Americans think we are over-sensitive?

[@DNA350ppm]

Point 3 - honesty. Yes, Danes are rather direct and outspoken, sometimes jumping to conclusions, very self-assured. But happily engage in debating their point. Swedes are the Nordic people who are rather the opposite. One day they agree with this opinion, the next day with a totally contrary opinion, and if one confronts them with the inconsistency, they tend not to admit it, but try to get away with some halftrue excuses. So try not to resemble Swedes in this respect. Only Swedes know how to interpret these shades of different kinds of non-truths. I think Danes don't know either how to handle them. Truth is binary, isn't it? 🙂

[@DNA350ppm]

Point 6 - bragging and showing off. Danes do that within their frame work. Their exams are the best, their design is the best (and most expensive), their ballet is the most exquisite, and though they are a small country their football and smørrebrød are the best, etc. Danes don't brag, but have their subtle ways to let you know that you are inferior, even if you are a fellow Dane. In this respect US-Americans are more childishly direct and proud. Danes don't even have a "allemansrätt" - which all other Nordic countries have got. Private property is very central in Denmark, you see, and also which superior family you descend from, which can be obvious from your (double) name, if you are an insider to that list of families, similar to UK.

[@ane-louisestampe7939]

You guys are 2nd to none!

[@EmmaErsblabla]

Oh goodness, on danes' natural remedies lol, totally true about tea... Sore throat? Chamomile! Fever or slugishness? Echinacea! Upset stomach? Tumeric or licorice! Anything else? Rest, water and maybe 2 paracetamol

[@RobeTrotting]

It's so funny because we never realized how much medicine Americans take, but there's probably a happy middle ground both cultures miss haha.

[@EmmaErsblabla]

@@RobeTrotting There must be lol. 🙂 I don't know if you've noticed this (yet), but a lot of danes don't go to the doctor immediately when they're sick either! It's more so in cases of injury or prolonged illness that doesn't 'go away on its own' - I have a feeling this is why we just rummage through our pantries in search of weird remedies (and then maybe we're just too old-school in which ones we choose lol) But I mean, I've never had a bacterial infection where I went to the doctor and didn't get antibiotics - but doctors here tend to be cautious with those presciptions, bc of great fear of resilient bacteria obvi

[@lorimanning-bolis5760]

Makes a person think about how we grow up as being more of the "separator" in different cultures. Hopefully it helps people accept each other more

[@TheTobiasandersen95]

hehe, janteloven at it again Also when it comes to poppin' a pill for minor illnesses - idk about the rest of denmark, but I was raised with the mindset that a little headache, cough, soreness, or whatever is just a side effect of living - and there's no need to go to find a medicin cabinet for it... I think it's just a want to stay grounded... Honesty is treasured, even if it's a criticism and realism is not seen as a limiter, but as a foundation? If any of that made any sense? ofc I can only speak for 1 dane however... And I'm not trying to say that danish living is "the right living" - but it certainly has some charming points. And yes, it'd be super awkward to inv a stranger to your Bday party... lol....

[@tinorichardnielsen9008]

about being direct. I was in the states a couple of years ago, and as a typical dane, I say whats on my mind, and some of my american friends know how I am, and they do not concider me being ruth, but some of their friends were shocked because I was straight and direct, and first they did not like me, but after a while they found out, I'm totally honest and I prefer to tell the truth rather than sugarcoat people with a little white lie, and they started to appreciate it. One of them said, behind the little rough behavior is a very warm heart and caring person, and I misjudged you when I first met you. She said it like this, there is no bs with you, and nobody have any doubts about your opinion.

[@jimmybaldbird3853]

Sounds like you just like being a jerk and label it being direct. Anyone can be ruthless in the sake of being honest. Have good social intelligence is key to being well liked, key to helping others, and key to understanding others. Those with autism lack this lens and therefore come off as “direct”- not necessarily a good thing bud

[@johannesnielsenjohnbates8889]

About #6 I see the difference fx in school and education system. In USA all the way from schools to university/college the pupils/students are celebrated when doing especially good in something by giving them diploma’s etc. and announcing public when a kid/student has achieved good. You will never see that here in Denmark.

[@RobeTrotting]

Diplomas are only for high school and university graduations. I think we acknowledge and celebrate kids successes to encourage them and build their self esteem and that’s okay.

[@ebbhead20]

Just saw that DRTV has a doc going on about the danes that immigrated to America in the 1800s and what role they played. Very interesting stuff for anybody interested in that danish/american angle.. 😎

[@vickiehanson6807]

I can be outgoing with people I know well, But I’m dealing with new acquaintances, I can be very subdued. My Danish heritage is coming out. Thank you Dad!

[@Jonassoe]

My mom defies that stereotype about Danes lol. She works at a hospital, and every time I have just the slightest symptoms, she gives me a long list of pain killers, anti-bacterial pills etc and instructions on when to take them haha. I usually just wait until the symptoms pass on their own.

[@ullafuru2456]

Bragging Vs humble I'm not a Dane, but a Finn, so I consider it being close enough to share the cultural upbringing. Just comparing parenting styles Fin/US the bottom line is in American parents praise their children (and anyone else they feel they need to say something to) for any effort and achievement, or their looks with big words and emphasis "You are SO pretty", "Great job doing/being/saying this_and_that!" My parents generation was brought up with the mindset that too much (=any) praise will spoil the child and make him grow proud, and it's indeed better to point out their flaws so they stay humble. Humbleness was (and kinda still is) seen as a virtue, while bragging or boasting are plain bad manners, thus by giving no praise a child will not think too much about himself or learn to boast. Some common stereotypical examples are someone (a Finn/Dane) telling they speak a little English, while holding a perfectly fluent and grammatically correct conversation with a slight accent as a telltale English is not their native language. Or a concert musician can play their instrument "a little", while an American claiming they can play piano, can find a tune using one finger. Some cases are false modesty, of course, but there's the cultural upbringing about not boasting, and these people can actually feel they're telling the truth about their skill level and being careful not to exaggerate or out right lie. Since, after all, it's better to play it down a little rather than appear bragging about themselves. If you ask a Finn/Dane (me) to name 3 things they're good at, it'll more likely to be, after a long consideration, along the lines of being meticulous and diligent, down to earth, and trustworthy instead of "I'm really good at handicrafts, and have yet to find a thing involving wool, yarn or fabric, that I haven't been able to figure out with or without help. I'm also good at languages, I'm fluent in three languages, and can communicate with several others. As a third I'd have to divide it between music and numbers. Music and language go hand in hand, but commonly numbers are said to work the other side of the brain and people are dominant with only one of the two; language or numbers. I have a natural inclination towards numbers, but thanks to my bilingual upbringing I grew up with two languages, and have never shied away from learning more. The easiest way for me is to immerse myself in the language; surround myself with native speakers or travel to a country where the language is spoken. My greatest passion is handicrafts and if I need to learn a new language to learn a new technique, I'll do it!" Both versions are kinda true, but the second version would never come out of my mouth. The only "acceptable" way of telling someone all different crafts I do, would be complaining how hard it is find time to do them all, of belittle myself by laughing at myself for trying to do everything and not managing to finish anything. Two truths, one reality.

[@Peacefrogg]

You are so right about the praise thing. Costantly complimenting your child will either make them unhappy, narcissistic, entitled, overly sensitive, hard to please, arrogant and hard to satisfy, or make them feel insecure, insincere and needy. Compliments on looks, genetics and talents are hollow bc they are given, not achievements. Compliments on character traits and expectations raise the bar so they feel they can’t live up to it. Compliments on small achievements lower the bar and make a child feel like it’s too easy to impress you. I found that using compliments AND punishments sparingly works best. And it’s not harmful when only the winner gets a prize. Losing is not the end of the world. It’s a learning experience.

[@MrMartinSchou]

With regards to "loudness", maybe it's a matter of where you grew up. E.g. someone who grew up in the middle of New York City, constantly surrounded by traffic noise would probably be far louder than someone who grew up in the middle of nowhere.

[@harasen_haras5]

One time in 6th grade when the tables in the classroom were reorganized, one student sitting close to me commented on a different table and called it "Kloge-Åge-bordet" Basically "The smarty pants table". I responded with "I'm smart too", and she instantly responded, calling me very selfish.

[@TheasTarot]

interesting video ☺ about the superficial or not - well my experience is that it is often best when you stick to the truth but of course weigh your words and tone of voice so it is spoken from the heart insted of maybe just some impuls ♥

[@NocturnalPyro]

4:24 cause in denmark your wellbeing matters more than your presence at either events or jobs, and taking one day off to get fresh again is better than you infecting everyone around you, or you getting sicker cause you didn't rest.

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

Watching this video again. Loving it all over.

[@RobeTrotting]

Glad you enjoy it! 😃😃😃

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

@@RobeTrotting I always love these compare 'n' contrast videos concerning how other cultures differ from ours! Carry on as you have been and best, -- Abbie

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

@@RobeTrotting You two are always so kind to me. You might be shocked at how RARE kindness is to find for me, here on YT, but it is, trust. Thank you for being that breathe of fresh air that I have always felt I needed (and kinda deserved), here.

[@arne.munther]

About medicin I have 3 words for you: Antibiotic resistance bacteria

[@nielsjensen4185]

The thing about taking medication for everything is both the development of super-bacteria and if you take it for even the slightest then over time it'll lose effectiveness and you need a bigger dose to have the same effect. That eventually leads to addiction effects.

[@LexRudera]

My favourite natural remedy. Two Kodimagnyler.

[@larsjuul12]

"Some thinks Americans are loud what do you think ?" "YEAAH I DON'T KNOW..." 😂😂😂

[@Cirkelo]

i tend to turn into my grandmother, and somehow just walk stuff off with a frisk walk in the woods lol. I woke up with a stiff neck this morning, and yup, fixed it good with a nice walk up and down hills in the woods and some neck exercises. Pretty sure, I would have been miserable if I had popped some painkiller, and laid down instead.

[@Cassiel75]

Are you wearing a truss?

[@Zandain]

I agree, on all points! We are different, but it's all perspective, right? Danes are direct and honest, whereas Americans are polite for all the right reasons 😉 hello from Hundested 🌸 🌱

[@Purplefishish]

I only realised that I am loud and exuberant after moving to Denmark - the Danes keep telling me this 🤣🤣

[@peabody1976]

The one about "Americans are fake/superficial" has come up in another KZbin creator's videos: Feli From Germany (who lives in Cincinnati but was born and raised in Munich). She described how Americans socialise versus Germans (and this can apply to Danes as well as Germans)... Americans are like peaches: sweet on the outside and very open on the surface, but very difficult to know deeply except for a small number of people they let in. Germans (and by extension Danes) are like coconuts: very hard on the outside and more difficult to crack, re:surface, but sweet on the inside once you do break through.

[@liamwael8781]

I am from denmark and you are in the process of learning denish sø ok jeg kan got snakke danske

[@lohofa]

In my humble and introvert opinion, it is very realistic to view the glass as half empty. Because it is 😉.

[@RobeTrotting]

Fair enough! 😂

[@KiwiCatherine]

I am a kiwi and live here. My NZ family do find Danes rude and arrogant generally speaking as did I in the beginning.

[@MrBoggot]

With medicine: the thing is, if you're sick it's perfectly socially acceptable to stay at home, until you get well - which I have the feeling is more of a problem in the US 😉😉 ....so its important to be sick for as long as possible 😉😉😉 😉

[@jonik6564]

Could you make a video on what surprised you positivly moving to DK and what dissapointed you moving here

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

Yes, most stereotypes, even if they are critical and controversial concerning criticising people of other races, DO have some truth to them. Right you both are! (Before I commence, say howdy to Tuxedo Deerest for me, will you? Thank you!) NOTE: I have diarrhoea of the pen, sorry.) 1) I have heard Danes speak and they do so almost purringly, really. I cannot explain it but, when I hear them on public transit and I know who they are, and what language they are speaking, I am always impressed that they are so quiet and their voices sound almost monotonous and no one seems to yell all that much. 2) Yes, we Yanks (Americans) can be quite the hypochondriacs, can't we? Europeans (especially the Swiss German & French) so tend to rely much more on homeopathic remedies. The French LOVE to take what they call cures at hydrotherapy baths and health spas, which are really posh looking! The baths in Hungary and The Czech Republic are quite posh looking! 3) Are Americans fake? Mmmm, we can be, but, I will defend being fake-nice, in the interest of being polite, most of all ... well, mostly anyway, LoL. 4) The Poles are quite direct, Guys. Try talking to them, or laughing at the wrong thing and having an angry Polish older man JABBING YOU IN THE SHOULDER with his fingernail at the cinema, then bawling you out, asking "WHY DID YOU LAUGH AT THAT???" (Uhhh, gee ... because I though it was funny?). I had this happy to me. The guy's wife apologised to me and said she also thought what I laughed at was funny too (to be nice of course), and then she bawled out her Hubby in Polish, saying "She said, SORRY!" (And, I did apologise to the dude!) Przepraszam (pronouced, "Shey-prah-sham!) goes a very loong way, and is good to say whenever you get the chance, and believe me you will, LoL, when you visit Poland! In Poland, they allllll are taught that "America is the land of PLENTY!" What this really means, is YOU DO NOT CRITICISE AMERICA to any Pole, unless you want a lecture about how good you really have it, so shut up (LOL!). I get told "You don't know America" and I am AMERICAN! 5) I like Euros' reserve actually. Means that when someone decides that you are meritorious of being their friend then you really have deserved it! I like it. I have been embraced by Polish people and I feel like I must have done something to have deserved it (but, God only knows what that was, because I am a total screw up speaking Polish!). 6) Try talking to an Aussie about showing off. As easygoing as that Lot IS, (and they surely are!), the dudes will tell you that as an Aussie you are brought up to say that you are good at something (whether it be surfing or ...) and not to be ashamed of erring on the side of not being so humble about anything. Aussies love to have a good GO at sport, and really beat the *S* our of their opponents, then ... as soon as the fight was REALLY ON, it is ... O-VER, as in you all shake hands and go have a good beer (or FIVE!), together. It's an interesting phenomenon to behold.

[@Fabermain]

In jutland we are tought jantelov in school... i def find it funny when ppl pretend that that never happened.

[@eikrudd9336]

We may not be loud but we sure ass hell aint reserved

[@pumpkinpatch2203]

9:12 I disagree, I would like to say we are a hermit kingdom Only because that sounds like something out of a DnD or fantasy story and I love that

[@jonik6564]

Best channel

[@Rikkeholstbang]

When I visited California, I hated going in to a store with the "hi, how are you"🙄 sir, you dont care how I am today, so dont ask. It is SO superficial! What am I supposed to answer? "My boyfriend broke up, and I cried all night🤷🏽‍♀️" you dont wanna know! So dont ask. In Denmark we say "hi, let me know if I can help you with anything". So different, and not at all superficial.

[@RobeTrotting]

You just say "I'm fine" and keep going or it's your opportunity to ask for help if you need it or if you're looking for something specific. It's not superficial though, it's an open-ended greeting and I'm sure if you were really upset by something the person asking the question, even a stranger, would help if they could - because Americans are usually friendly and open people.

[@bjrnjensen7074]

@@RobeTrotting Norwegian here. I`ve noticed on many occasions that the staff in my favourite cafè would very often ask me "Hvordan går det idag/How are you today?". And what`s wrong with that? I`m a small talker myself (unlike what many people seem to think about Scandinavians, there are definitely some small talkers here as well), so no problem with that. As for "Janteloven" (supposedly it exists here in Norway as well); never believed in it, I consider it to be a bit like an urban legend, or a thing of the past. It never stopped me from doing anything, you may choose to be a slave of it, or you can just ignore it altogether (just like I do). As for Americans being "loud"; hmm- well, I HAVE seen and heard tons of Americans on the streets of Oslo where I live, but I wouldn`t describe them as particularly loud. Or maybe I just didn`t notice, because, I mean; on a bustling city streets, lots of noise around you...if you are in a group, you simply have to be a bit loud if you want to get your message through. Yes, some Norwegians can be a bit loud as well..haha! I overheard a VERY private conversation on the metro some time ago, a girl who spoke with one of her friends on the cell phone.. Goodness me, maybe she thought that there were no other people around her? Ok, whatever!

[@MaximDL1410]

@@RobeTrottingFacts. 👏✊ Some danish are very rude . 😉😁

[@hvalhajen]

I laughed out loud regarding the lasagna, I have always criticized someones cooking (especially my Moms) if i didn't like or if it was to salty. As I see it I'm doing them a service so they can better them self, and never again serve me food I don't like :-)

[@lisbetsoda4874]

Maybe just cook the dish better and show her.

[@MaximDL1410]

@@lisbetsoda4874😉👏😁

[@MineJulRBX]

There's a lot of research on medicine and their affect on the immune system. Some medicine use things that our body naturally produces or that we've always gained from plants in everyday food, but in a way just gives us more of it to speed up the process if you will & those kinda team up with your immune system. But then there are things that you would definitely not normally put down in your body, it's only normalized through medicine, and those aren't great team players for your immune system and kinda takes over the job. Of course there are some overlaps & different lines etc. of different medicine. But there is research on how some medicine takes over the job so your immune system doesn't really learn how to handle it on their own.

[@megagame]

We do have cough supprussen in DK, we call them salmiak bolsher :)

[@petej4752]

How about making a review of this - 15 Things Tourists Should Never Do In Denmark - from - Around The World In One Day - 9:05 ;-)

[@peashooter950]

And thats glorious B&O stereo types.

[@ande151f]

wow a trophy for everything :O if we had that here in DK. Would i have won the award for the largest poop in the company's history last day XD what a missed opportunity :D as we say there i work "skid godt, skid længe, skid for mesters penge"

[@JohnnieHougaardNielsen]

A very good reason to avoid medicine unless strongly indicated is antibiotics, where liberal usage breeds antibiotic-resistent strains of bacteria (natural selection works). Or stronger painkillers/tranquilizers/sleeping medicine where liberal usage leads to higher and higher doses needed, which leads to dependence or danger, as the body does not work normally without.

[@WhoWasThisGuy]

Yo, i hope that u check out Taphouse. I, see that you like beer and Taphouse got it all. Its just 3 sekunds from Rådhuspladsen!

[@silentsimmer]

Stumbled over this vid. Relaxing to watch. But one thing… cough medicine… do you not realize what some cough medicine contain? Like cocillana etyfin is highly addictive and if there are known death related to the intake off this. After working in a hospital for a long time, infection/epidemic, some cough should not be suppressed. Please be careful with cough medicine.

[@dianahoffmannlaursen7263]

it is funny i am danish , and I have a KZbin channel to and when I work with americsn companies i can say I am fabulous if I say that here in Denmark people are like you should not think you are better , danish people are not good at letting others have succes , I think danes can Brag to and they are often a little jaloux that they csnt say that they are fab without someone looking down on them , I love your channel 😊

[@meagain9987]

Danes don't cover up their furniture in plastic and I think that sums it up :)

[@lisbetsoda4874]

Modern Americans don't either. I wonder how long it has been since you were last in the US.?

[@sofia1881js]

Americans have access to way more medicine that’s considered over the counter here in Denmark. We take medicine very seriously, since there’s a high chance people might think “oh, this does nothing as long as i take it as prescribed”, but it can lead to other things as well. Americans might also be more careful of their health and take pills they don’t exactly need, just because of the terrible health care system in America.

[@patrichstephensen-jarnes8947]

Good to se you have a Panton lamp hanging there

[@RobeTrotting]

Thanks! we love the style.

[@authorpatrikurstephensen-j5835]

@@RobeTrotting We have them all over the house 🏳️‍🌈🤗

[@irtehdar2446]

Its not that I as a dane dont want to be competitive and dont want to be noticed at being skillful at something. But I want others to say "that guy is good at x" it just looses its value if I try to draw attention to my abilities. To take clapping as an example when an american recieves praise or applause its the cultural norm for them to clap along with the crowd. In denmark doing the same it no longer matters if you scored a goal or cured cancer. Publicly aplauding yourself diminishes your achievement into oblivion.

[@tigerofcopenhagen2225]

The standard of living in DK is significantly higher than in the US and most people are comfortable in their lives because as one Dane said it 'there is no such thing as a poor Dane'. The behavior, habits and ways of thinking then are influenced by these factors aside from the usual socially induced ones. Also , DK is a smaller community.

[@jimmybaldbird3853]

Maybe true for the very very very bottom of Americans; otherwise, American life is significantly higher, more luxurious, more exciting, and better paid

[@tigerofcopenhagen2225]

@@jimmybaldbird3853 Propaganda.

[@jimmybaldbird3853]

@@tigerofcopenhagen2225 indoctrination

[@eh8164]

​@@jimmybaldbird3853 Maybe you're right about the (upper) middle class in Denmark vs the US, but I doubt you're saying that the entire working class is the "very very very bottom." As for "more exciting" how do you even measure that? Your life is only as exciting as you make it.

[@jimmybaldbird3853]

@@eh8164 the middle class, lower middle, and lower class- anything above- has higher quality of life than that of denmark. And how are any metrics measured? There is a fun and exciting scale. The US is number one. This narrative that the US has a master and slave class is blown widely out of proportion. It completely neglects the thought that Denmark cares little of the impoverished people of eastern europe and even asia they outsource for their industries.

[@carinabackchristensen6330]

In my fam if we get a gift we state if it's not to our liking. Being most thankful gratefu anyone has boughr us a gift and genuinely stating that too All can be said and we all want to know, if a gift is off in some way. None of us want to spend money on something thats never going to be used

[@antonlb143]

I'm one of those weird people who think danes and american are very alike, and its only in the small details we're different

[@mortenmj]

About 15 years ago I went to a party where an American was also participating. I decided to play a little joke on him based on my "We Americans are the best in the world to everything" prejudices. So I asked him "Isn't a bit delusional when New England Patriots wins the Superbowl the announcer on TV declares them World champions? After all it's a domestic tournament..." He got pretty pissed and ask "Do you know a better team?!". I answered "No I don't know any team at all, it's a US sport, you're missing my point, how can you be WC in a domestic tournament, Danish football (soccer in your language) teams doesn't become WC when they win the Superliga". Then he walked away angry because I wouldn't acknowledge that you could become WC in a tournament with only American teams. He fully confirmed my biased view on that stereotype 😅 Glad to see/hear they're guys like you with a more open minded view.

[@RobeTrotting]

Haha I’ve heard a lot of people use that example or challenge (maybe it was from Danish media or a comedian or something) and it takes a lot more than that to bother me, but it does come off as a little antagonistic (even though I get the humor behind it haha). I’m not defending his poor reaction, but it may have just seemed to him like you were picking a fight for no reason. American football is also played in other countries, the league does play overseas and there are international players (a la Morten Andersen). Personally I would just say “Super Bowl Champions” or something like that, and I think most people would.

[@1233hund]

one thing. everytime i am in US in a shop. They ask me, how are you. They ask and i answer terrible, they look like shit. If these people dont want the answer, why ask. In Denmark we just say hi.

[@RobeTrotting]

You know it’s just a greeting though, so why would you go out of your way to be rude? If you answer “terrible” they’ll probably ask if they can do anything to help. You’re the one being obnoxious in this situation. Many things in Danish seem weird if I interpret them through my own culture and ignore the culture I’m operating in. For example, saying “thanks for last” (tak for sidst) is culturally a weird statement to hear as an English speaker but I know it’s just a greeting and I wouldn’t say “the last what?” or “when was that, I don’t remember it, why are you thanking me for it now?”

[@vikivegetar1416]

Where do you live in denmark i live in Slagelse that is a city on the Island Sjælland