A Cup of Coffee That Opened Doors: Jittal’s Encounter with Danish Culture

When Jittal joined Cultural Cup of Coffee, she had a clear goal: to gain a better understanding of Danish society—both professionally and personally. Her meeting with a local Dane turned out to be more than just a conversation. It became a turning point—filled with honest insights, new perspectives, and practical advice. Here, Jittal shares her experience:

1. Going into the Cultural Cup of Coffee, what did you hope to gain from the meeting?

As a Non-EU international professional in Denmark, I was eager to gain a deeper understanding of Danish workplace culture, social norms, and networking approaches. My primary goal was to connect with a local professional who could provide insights into both professional and everyday life in Denmark. Additionally, I hoped to expand my network and get practical advice that would help me navigate both personal and career-related aspects of life in Denmark. In-depth touch on various approaches about the workplace expectations, initiatives, independent decisions, invisible signs of differences, people observations/thoughts about etiquette/figure of speech, values, beliefs, morals, laws, customs, habits, nature of friendships, learning style, nation of modesty, assumptions.

2. What did your coffee partner help you understand regarding Danish social norms and customs?

My coffee partner shared valuable insights into the concept of ‘hygge’, which extends beyond just a cozy atmosphere—it also plays a role in how Danes interact socially and professionally. They also explained the direct yet ‘polite communication style’ in Denmark, which was initially different from what I was used to. I learned about the importance of work-life balance, where Danes prioritize efficiency at work while keeping their evenings and weekends for personal time. Additionally, they explained how trust and independence are highly valued, both in professional settings and in everyday interactions.

3. Can you give an example of a situation where the knowledge you gained from the coffee meeting helped you in your daily life?

One of the most practical takeaways was learning about the importance of punctuality and respecting boundaries in social and professional settings. Importance of maintaining the calendar and always showing curiosity to learn with questions. Shortly after the meeting, I attended a networking event, and I consciously adapted my approach—being more direct in my conversations while maintaining a friendly and open attitude. This helped me build stronger connections with professionals in my field. Additionally, learning about the unwritten rules of workplace culture helped me feel more confident while engaging with Danish colleagues.

4. What practical advice about life in Denmark did you receive during the coffee meeting?

Understanding A-Kasse and SKAT: My coffee partner emphasized the importance of registering with an A-Kasse (unemployment insurance fund) early on to ensure financial security in case of job transitions. They also advised me to update SKAT (tax authority) before January 15th to avoid unexpected tax adjustments.
Navigating Danish workplaces: I was advised to focus on workplace flexibility and flat hierarchy—understanding that Danish managers expect employees to take initiative without needing constant supervision.
Building a professional network: My coffee partner encouraged me to engage in LinkedIn networking and attend professional events, as networking plays a crucial role in career growth in Denmark.

5. How has the coffee meeting changed your perception of Danish culture?

Before the meeting, I had the impression that Danes are reserved and that it might be challenging to build professional relationships. Also, I thought adapting to Danish workplace culture might be challenging. However, after the conversation, I realized that while Danes might not engage in small talk as much as in some cultures, they are warm, helpful, and open once you establish a genuine connection. I also gained a deeper appreciation for how well-structured and fair Danish society is, where transparency and trust are integral to both personal and professional life.

6. What topics or questions did you find most useful to discuss during the coffee meeting?

The most useful discussions revolved around:

Workplace culture and communication styles in Denmark
Career opportunities, job search strategies, and networking tips
Practical administrative tasks like SKAT - Forskudsopgørelse, A-Kasse, Insurance, Pension
Cultural expectations regarding socializing and making friends in Denmark
Balancing personal and professional life, hacks in managing calendar
Useful direct links such as IDAs Communities, STEM Professionals, IAK
Kind words about staying curious and true to myself

7. How has the coffee meeting affected your ability to communicate and interact with Danes?

The meeting gave me more confidence to engage in conversations with Danes, knowing that directness is appreciated. I also became more comfortable initiating discussions, whether in a professional or social setting. It helped me refine my professional communication approach, making me more assertive while still being approachable—a balance that is highly valued in Danish workplaces.

Jittal’s experience with Cultural Cup of Coffee is a powerful example of how honest conversations and curiosity can make a real difference when navigating a new culture. What started as a simple cup of coffee led to valuable insights into Danish work life and social norms – and, just as importantly, to greater confidence, new connections, and a genuine sense of belonging.