European Business Etiquette: DENMARK

Selling via the Internet means you may have clients, or potential clients, whose cultures you don’t understand very well. This group of articles on European Business Etiquette will give you some idea what to expect when conducting business with our European neighbours.

This article was compiled following a survey of European partners through the EU funded Leonardo da Vinci programme ‘Virtual Incubator for the Creative Industries’ (VIC) project, and reference to web sites such as www.executiveplanet.com where national executives explain their own cultures, and another EU funded Leonardo da Vinci programme project called ‘Passport to Trade BETA’ at www.businessculture.org

The information refers to business in general. Entrepreneurs in the creative industries might find some aspects (for example, dress code, and where business discussions take place) a little more relaxed in their sectors!

Introductions

How formal must first introductions be?	Formal, but in a relaxed manner
How long before we use first names?	Normally within the first few minutes
Does everyone shake hands?	Yes, and stand on the first occasion
How many kisses should I expect?	None

Additional Comments

Danish people tend to be relaxed and friendly. It’s not disrespectful to you first names almost immediately.

They are also very tolerant, culturally aware, and open to new ideas.

Meetings

Do meetings start on time?	Yes, punctuality is vital
If not, how much leeway can there be?	Few minutes
Will the meeting have a formal chair person?	No
Will there be a strict agenda (topics and time)?	No
Will official minutes be taken and circulated?	No

Additional Comments

Punctuality is important for business and social occasions.

Office hours tend to be around 08.00 until 5.30pm, with an early break for lunch.

It’s best not to plan important business during the months of July and August, when they take long holidays.

The Danes value social welfare and equality highly, so avoid preferential treatment. Everyone will be expected to voice an opinion during a meeting, although the team leader will probably make the final decision.

Business Communication

Are official business letters acceptable by fax?	Yes
Are official business letters acceptable by email?	Yes
How formal is the language used?	Quite formal for written communications
Should I expect many phone calls?	No
Should I expect video-conferences?	No

Additional Comments

Danish people value business stability, so if your business has been established for a long time, include that information on the business cards you take to Denmark with you.

Dress Code

Do people wear formal dress (suits, jackets, ties) for meetings?	No
Can I remove my jacket during the meeting?	Yes
Will dress be formal for business dinners?	No

Additional Comments

Expect your Danish colleagues to be dresses professionally, but low-key. Social dress will be more informal.

Negotiating

Are the most important decisions made in a meeting?	Yes
Do negotiations take place during lunch?	Maybe
Do negotiations take place during dinner?	Maybe
Will there be small talk before negotiations?	A little
Are negotiations held back until a social rapport is established?	Not for long

Additional Comments

Danes like to be productive, and don’t like wasting time. The preamble will be short, then they will focus on the meeting / negotiation.

They express how they feel quite readily. Don’t take offence for a comment that seems blunt – they are being honest, without wasting time with unnecessary social niceties.

Gifts

Are gifts expected on the first meeting?	No
If so, what type?	-
Are gifts expected at dinner?	No
Is there any gift that would be inappropriate?	-

Additional Comments

If you are invited to a colleague’s home (which is quite likely), take a bouquet of mixed flowers (avoiding white roses), an illustrated book of your home region, chocolates or a good bottle of wine.

Food and Drinks

Is hospitality generally offered?	Yes
Does refusal cause offence?	No
If so, in a restaurant or at home?	Dinner maybe offered at either
Does it generally involve a lot of alcohol?	No
What’s the word for "Cheers”	Skål

Additional Comments

Lunch is generally served between 12.00-2.00pm, and often consists of open sandwiches.

Dinner comes around 6.00-8.00pm. It is usual to stay at the table for a long while after eating, to enjoy drinks and conversation.

Social Etiquette

Do people leave plenty of personal space, or stand close together?	At least an arm’s length apart
Would a casual touch to the arm be offensive?	No

Social Taboos (What topics or activities should be avoided?)

Danes are happy to discuss most topics, but don’t jump in with anything too personal.

Culture, current affairs, travel, food, art, design, cinema and books are good choices of conversation.

Manners (What would cause offence?)

Danes tend to be quite reserved in public, so don’t be loud or over animated.