Denmark is a flat country with high taxes, which makes it the complete opposite of Switzerland, a mountainous country with low taxes. I know this comparison sounds stupid, but in a lot of other respects the two countries seem very similar to me in the way they work, and if you've been to one, then it gives you some idea what to expect in the other. Maybe it is something to do with being stuck onto the opposite ends of Germany? So, as you'd expect Denmark is clean and tidy with an efficient public transport system and the people are generally slim, fair-haired, attractive and smartly dressed.
On a social level, Danes are mostly very nice people to talk to and anyone under the age of thirty and about 80% of those over thirty can speak English. The question "can you speak English" might elicit a reply of "...a little bit..", which then proves to be an understatement as they converse with you perfectly. They tend to enjoy an opportunity to practise their English on you, but you can blame American TV for the fact that they all speak with American accents. You can therefore surprise them by explaining that Brits don't use words like kindergarten, sidewalk and bathroom (in the context of toilet).
The work culture is very much standard hours and that is it. Very rarely will a Dane stay late or be expected to do unpaid overtime and unlike the UK the office will be like a desert come late afternoon. Maybe it differs a bit in Copenhagen, but Danes are very home-focussed, and the prevailing attitude is that when work is over you go home and forget about it. This is a most agreeable aspect of Danish culture that does not seem to have done the wealth of the nation any harm and maybe others could learn from it.
Get used to the fact that Danes start work between 8 and 8.30 am, so much earlier than the UK. This does mean the workplace empties a lot, lot earlier, and often rush hour, such as it is, is between 3 and 4.30.
The social culture seems to be that going out to bars tends to be mainly young people or drunks only, although this may differ if you work in a city centre. I often find that social events tend to take place at each others homes, although again this may just be my personal experience.
With so much coastline and countryside around, Danes tend to be sporty, active people. As someone used to living in urban Britain it is an unusual concept to get used to that you can ride your bike around here so easily, or that we have a fjord and forests right on our doorstep. Another thing that amazed me, living in Northern Jutland was how clean the air is and how clear the sky is at night compared with the UK.
Funnily enough, despite this apparent healthiness, Danes are great cigarette lovers and have, I recall reading somewhere, one of the highest rates of lung cancer in the world. You will be shocked by the tolerance of smoking here, especially considering new laws banning public smoking being passed in other countries. For example, smoking inside our local hospital was only banned a year or two ago. I never did find out whether that included smoking on the ward, but I still have some vividly imagined picture in my mind of doctors wandering around with cigarette in one hand, stethescope in the other.
Danes are very proud of Denmark, flying the Danish flag and anything Danish. Wherever you live, a lot of the houses around you will have a flagpole, often with a Wimpel (long thin, pointy flag) flying usually, and replaced by a Dannebrog (the normal rectangular one) on special occasions such as to indicate a birthday in the house. I'm happy to join in with these traditions, although taking down the Dannebrog on someone's birthday after you've had a few too many beers can be an annoying task. The Dannebrog MUST NEVER stay up overnight is the rule, and because of the Danish penchant for rules I have often wondered if the Police would turn up at midnight and demand I take it down or slap a fine on me.
Denmark is a protestant country and Danes are very proud of their church system. 99% of Danes happily pay their 1% a year church tax and this means that all villages and towns will have a shining white well-maintained church in the centre. The strange thing is that for most their religion does not go as far as actually attending church outside of special events! If you don't pay this tax, then it's worth bearing in mind you won't be able to use the facilities for weddings or christenings.
Despite what is claimed here, we have found Denmark has chronically high crime and could only agree when a recent report had it up there with the UK as a place to be careful when you visit. Much of the crime is what the police would describe as "petty", though as a victim it feels anything but. During our time here we have had my wife's purse pickpocketed from our daughters pram and our son's toys stolen from our own garden. Amazing when you consider the level of benefits available to people that they still feel it necessary to commit theft. I can't help but think that socialism encourages people of a certain mindset to believe that your property is their property too, so be aware.