Podcast appearances and mentions of kay xander mellish

As of this month, girls who turn 18 can be drafted into the Danish military.  This is new, even though girls in Norway and Sweden have been eligible for the draft for some time. Denmark is proud of its record on gender equality, so maybe it's a wonder it hasn't happened sooner. After all, more than half of the medical doctors in Denmark are female.  More than half of the priests in Denmark are female. The prime minister is female. At only about 10% female, the military is clearly lagging behind. The way the military draft in Denmark works is like this: Boys, and soon girls, who have just turned 18 are invited to an obligatory  “Defense Day” where their physical and cognitive abilities are tested. If these are satisfactory, you get a lottery number, and if the Danish military doesn't get enough volunteers to meet its needs, you will be called up.  In recent years, there have been plenty of volunteers, so getting enough people hasn't been much of a problem. And getting into the Royal Life Guards, real-life soldiers who also protect the Danish Royal Family, remains very high status. It's where Denmark's future powerbrokers meet each other. In 2023, there were about 5000 volunteers, and roughly 25% of them were female. At least in peacetime, the forces have attracted many young women who are athletes, almost as if it were a very disciplined form of an extreme sports challenge.   Read more at howtoliveindenmark.com.  Image created by Kay Xander Mellish via Midjourney, inspired by Danish painters Vilhelm Lundstrøm and CW Eckersberg. Buy the NFT on uncut.network.

Donald Trump er ved at forme sin regering og administration. Indtil videre har Trump nomineret 12 ud af 25 personer, der skal godkendes af Senatet, før de kan påbegynde arbejdet. Er Trump ved at gøre op med den etablerede politiske elite i USA? Og er det galt eller genialt at have Elon Musk placeret centralt i den kommende regering i USA? Tror du, at Trump kan forandre USA? Medvirkende: Friis Arne Petersen, tidl. ambassadør i Washington, vært Friis diplomatpost, Andreas Steno, direktør i Steno Research, David Trads, journalist og forfatter, Anne Mørk, ph.d. i amerikanske studier, Kay Xander Mellish, dansk-amerikaner, forfatter og foredragsholder og Stine Bosse, medlem af Europa Parlamentet (M). Du kan blande dig i debatten ved at ringe ind fra 12:15-13:30 på 7021 1919 eller send en sms til 1212. Vært: Mathias Pedersen. Tilrettelægger: Nina Lorenz Grimstrup. Producer: Martin Plauborg.

Donald Trump er ved at forme sin regering og administration. Indtil videre har Trump nomineret 12 ud af 25 personer, der skal godkendes af Senatet, før de kan påbegynde arbejdet. Er Trump ved at gøre op med den etablerede politiske elite i USA? Og er det galt eller genialt at have Elon Musk placeret centralt i den kommende regering i USA? Tror du, at Trump kan forandre USA? Medvirkende: Friis Arne Petersen, tidl. ambassadør i Washington, vært Friis diplomatpost, Andreas Steno, direktør i Steno Research, David Trads, journalist og forfatter, Anne Mørk, ph.d. i amerikanske studier, Kay Xander Mellish, dansk-amerikaner, forfatter og foredragsholder og Stine Bosse, medlem af Europa Parlamentet (M). Du kan blande dig i debatten ved at ringe ind fra 12:15-13:30 på 7021 1919 eller send en sms til 1212. Vært: Mathias Pedersen. Tilrettelægger: Nina Lorenz Grimstrup. Producer: Martin Plauborg.

Donald Trump er ved at forme sin regering og administration. Indtil videre har Trump nomineret 12 ud af 25 personer, der skal godkendes af Senatet, før de kan påbegynde arbejdet. Er Trump ved at gøre op med den etablerede politiske elite i USA? Og er det galt eller genialt at have Elon Musk placeret centralt i den kommende regering i USA? Tror du, at Trump kan forandre USA? Medvirkende: Friis Arne Petersen, tidl. ambassadør i Washington, vært Friis diplomatpost, Andreas Steno, direktør i Steno Research, David Trads, journalist og forfatter, Anne Mørk, ph.d. i amerikanske studier, Kay Xander Mellish, dansk-amerikaner, forfatter og foredragsholder og Stine Bosse, medlem af Europa Parlamentet (M). Du kan blande dig i debatten ved at ringe ind fra 12:15-13:30 på 7021 1919 eller send en sms til 1212. Vært: Mathias Pedersen. Tilrettelægger: Nina Lorenz Grimstrup. Producer: Martin Plauborg.

Trump, Biden og Obama er alle i Pennsylvania lige nu, mens Kamala Harris fører valgkamp på TV og Podcasts. Meningsmålingerne viser dødt løb mellem de to præsidentkandidater, men hvem vinder svingstaten Pennsylvania? Og Det Hvide Hus? Holder Kamala Harris hele vejen? Har hun ny politik til amerikanerne? Er det et problem, at hendes vicepræsident Walz lyver? Og får orkanen Milton betydning for valget? Du kan blande dig i debatten ved at ringe ind fra 12:15-13:30 på 7021 1919 eller send en sms til 1212. Gæster: Eva Svavars, Partner i Lead Agency, Kay Xander Mellish, dansk-amerikaner, republikaner, Mathias Sindberg, journalist Information, Christian Bülow, hovedbestyrelsesmedlem i Dansk Folkeparti og tidl. formand DFU, Lukas Lunøe, campaigner for Harris i Michigan, og RV-folketingskandidat og Jacob Heinel Jensen USA-korrespondent i Washington DC, Berlingske. Vært: Gitte Hansen.

Trump, Biden og Obama er alle i Pennsylvania lige nu, mens Kamala Harris fører valgkamp på TV og Podcasts. Meningsmålingerne viser dødt løb mellem de to præsidentkandidater, men hvem vinder svingstaten Pennsylvania? Og Det Hvide Hus? Holder Kamala Harris hele vejen? Har hun ny politik til amerikanerne? Er det et problem, at hendes vicepræsident Walz lyver? Og får orkanen Milton betydning for valget? Du kan blande dig i debatten ved at ringe ind fra 12:15-13:30 på 7021 1919 eller send en sms til 1212. Gæster: Eva Svavars, Partner i Lead Agency, Kay Xander Mellish, dansk-amerikaner, republikaner, Mathias Sindberg, journalist Information, Christian Bülow, hovedbestyrelsesmedlem i Dansk Folkeparti og tidl. formand DFU, Lukas Lunøe, campaigner for Harris i Michigan, og RV-folketingskandidat og Jacob Heinel Jensen USA-korrespondent i Washington DC, Berlingske. Vært: Gitte Hansen.

Trump, Biden og Obama er alle i Pennsylvania lige nu, mens Kamala Harris fører valgkamp på TV og Podcasts. Meningsmålingerne viser dødt løb mellem de to præsidentkandidater, men hvem vinder svingstaten Pennsylvania? Og Det Hvide Hus? Holder Kamala Harris hele vejen? Har hun ny politik til amerikanerne? Er det et problem, at hendes vicepræsident Walz lyver? Og får orkanen Milton betydning for valget? Du kan blande dig i debatten ved at ringe ind fra 12:15-13:30 på 7021 1919 eller send en sms til 1212. Gæster: Eva Svavars, Partner i Lead Agency, Kay Xander Mellish, dansk-amerikaner, republikaner, Mathias Sindberg, journalist Information, Christian Bülow, hovedbestyrelsesmedlem i Dansk Folkeparti og tidl. formand DFU, Lukas Lunøe, campaigner for Harris i Michigan, og RV-folketingskandidat og Jacob Heinel Jensen USA-korrespondent i Washington DC, Berlingske. Vært: Gitte Hansen.

Debatten mellem Joe Biden og Donald Trump blev en trafikulykke i slowmotion for USAs nuværende præsident. Skal man tro de danske medier, så er det Bidens alder og katastrofale optræden, der risikerer at forære Trump sejren. Men dét er langtfra hele sandheden. Vi analyserer torsdagens debat med USA-analytiker Mads Fuglede og taler med en dansk-amerikaner, der stemmer på Trump, og som frem for alt synes godt om Trumps politik.  Vært: Emilie Jäger, vært B.T. Gæst: Kay Xander Mellish, dansk-amerikaner, Trumptilhænger, foredragsholder og forfatter Mads Fuglede, folketingsmedlem for Danmarksdemokraterne og USA-analytiker Producer: Kasper Riising Programansvarlig: Astrid Johanne Høg Er du tvivl om, hvad du skal mene om aktuelle emner, så tilmeld dig nyhedsbrevet Borgerlig Tabloid fra debatredaktør Astrid Johanne Høg - så får du borgerlig argumenter direkte i din indbakke:   https://www.bt.dk/debat/borgerlig-tabloid-faa-borgerlighed-direkte-i-din-indbakkeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Debatten mellem Joe Biden og Donald Trump blev en trafikulykke i slowmotion for USAs nuværende præsident. Skal man tro de danske medier, så er det Bidens alder og katastrofale optræden, der risikerer at forære Trump sejren. Men dét er langtfra hele sandheden. Vi analyserer torsdagens debat med USA-analytiker Mads Fuglede og taler med en dansk-amerikaner, der stemmer på Trump, og som frem for alt synes godt om Trumps politik.  Vært: Emilie Jäger, vært B.T. Gæst: Kay Xander Mellish, dansk-amerikaner, Trumptilhænger, foredragsholder og forfatter Mads Fuglede, folketingsmedlem for Danmarksdemokraterne og USA-analytiker Producer: Kasper Riising Programansvarlig: Astrid Johanne Høg Er du tvivl om, hvad du skal mene om aktuelle emner, så tilmeld dig nyhedsbrevet Borgerlig Tabloid fra debatredaktør Astrid Johanne Høg - så får du borgerlig argumenter direkte i din indbakke:   https://www.bt.dk/debat/borgerlig-tabloid-faa-borgerlighed-direkte-i-din-indbakkeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Debatten mellem Joe Biden og Donald Trump blev en trafikulykke i slowmotion for USAs nuværende præsident. Skal man tro de danske medier, så er det Bidens alder og katastrofale optræden, der risikerer at forære Trump sejren. Men dét er langtfra hele sandheden. Vi analyserer torsdagens debat med USA-analytiker Mads Fuglede og taler med en dansk-amerikaner, der stemmer på Trump, og som frem for alt synes godt om Trumps politik.  Vært: Emilie Jäger, vært B.T. Gæst: Kay Xander Mellish, dansk-amerikaner, Trumptilhænger, foredragsholder og forfatter Mads Fuglede, folketingsmedlem for Danmarksdemokraterne og USA-analytiker Producer: Kasper Riising Programansvarlig: Astrid Johanne Høg Er du tvivl om, hvad du skal mene om aktuelle emner, så tilmeld dig nyhedsbrevet Borgerlig Tabloid fra debatredaktør Astrid Johanne Høg - så får du borgerlig argumenter direkte i din indbakke:   https://www.bt.dk/debat/borgerlig-tabloid-faa-borgerlighed-direkte-i-din-indbakkeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're only in Denmark for a few months, it might not be worth the investment in time to learn much more than the basic pleasantries in Danish. But you plan to stay in Denmark for more than a year or so, it's a good idea to learn some Danish – and your visa may require that you do so. Even if you're not forced to, it's a good idea to learn Danish if you plan to make a commitment to Denmark. It'll make daily life easier: you'll stop wanting to tear your hair out every time you run across a website or voice prompt that's only available in Danish. You'll have more job opportunities, since around half of the positions in Denmark are with national, regional, or local governments. Almost all governmental jobs require a working knowledge of Danish. Plus, a lot of social life in Denmark takes place in Danish: Danes, understandably, want to speak Danish to each other, particularly when they're off duty with a beer in hand. Read more in Kay Xander Mellish's book "How to Work in Denmark" or at www.howtoliveindenmark.com.    ----------------- The Professional Benefits of Speaking Danish in Denmark While many Danes speak English fluently, knowing the local language can open up a broader spectrum of job opportunities. Being proficient in Danish is often a requirement in sectors such as education, healthcare, and public services. Moreover, speaking Danish fluently allows you to integrate more deeply into the workplace culture, which is highly valued in Danish society. Understanding and speaking Danish not only helps in daily communications but also demonstrates your commitment to your life and career in Denmark. It shows respect for the local culture and an eagerness to fully engage with the community, both of which are appreciated by Danish employers and colleagues. Best Danish Language Resources for Expats For expats moving to Denmark, there are numerous resources available to learn Danish. Many cities offer free Danish classes provided by the government, which are a great starting point. Additionally, there are private language schools offering intensive Danish language training for professionals, which can be tailored to your specific needs, whether you're looking for basic communication skills or fluency. Online courses and apps also offer flexibility for learning Danish at your own pace. These resources often include practical exercises and real-life scenarios that can prepare you for actual conversations in the workplace. How to Learn Danish Quickly for Working in Denmark To accelerate your Danish learning journey, immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. Engage with local media, listen to Danish radio, watch Danish TV shows and movies, and practice speaking with native Danes. This immersion will not only improve your language skills but also help you understand cultural nuances, which are crucial for effective communication in a professional setting. Additionally, learning essential Danish phrases for the workplace can make your daily interactions smoother and more productive. Simple phrases pertaining to greetings, meetings, scheduling, and professional courtesies can go a long way in building rapport with your coworkers. Danish Language Skills for Jobs in Denmark In competitive job markets, having Danish language skills can give you a significant edge. For positions that involve direct communication with customers or clients, such as sales or customer service, Danish is often mandatory. Even in international companies where the corporate language is English, local language skills might be necessary for liaising with local clients, regulatory bodies, or in negotiating contracts. Why Learn Danish for Working in Denmark Learning Danish for work goes beyond just expanding your job prospects. It enables you to participate fully in meetings, understand all documentation and legal requirements, and integrate into the social fabric of your workplace. It also greatly enhances your expat experience, making everyday tasks such as shopping, dining out, and dealing with bureaucracy much easier. In conclusion, while it is possible to live and work in Denmark without speaking Danish, learning the language is incredibly beneficial. It opens up a wider range of job opportunities, helps you integrate into Danish society, and enriches your personal and professional life. So, consider investing in Danish language courses that cater to your professional needs and start your journey towards achieving professional success in Denmark.

In this last episode of the current season we give you everything you need to know ahead of coming to Denmark for the first time. Sam and Josefine are joined in the studio with two excellent guests sharing their insights and tips on how to orient your first days and weeks in the land of Denmark..! Kay Xander Mellish the author of the new book "How to Work in Denmark: Tips for finding a job, succeeding at work, and understanding your Danish boss". She is the voice behind the long-running "How to Live in Denmark" podcast and blog.  Joseph Yamoah is a project consultant at Maersk (a Danish multinational) and moved to Denmark full-time from Ghana after studying at the University of Copenhagen. The four discuss all sorts of interesting things to help you on the practical elements of being in Denmark: navigate from the airport, avoid getting run over by a bike and even building friendships with local Danes. In the episode we discussed various apps/ services that are useful to know about Elderlearn (learn Danish speaking to elderly Danish people)Tivoli (amusement park in the centre of Copenhagen)DOT app (public transport tickets)DSB app (for train times/ tickets)Citymapper (for real-time travel info) Donkey Republic and Lime (for bike rentals) We also featured a question from Derek who runs the Robe Trotting Youtube channel (all about things that are confusing about Denmark) and spoke about Joseph's Copenhagen University article: https://studies.ku.dk/masters/global-development/interviews/joseph-yamoah/  If you enjoyed this episode/ season, please do consider giving us a rating/ review on your podcast app, it really helps in having new people discover the show + you can let us know if there are any topics you'd like us to do in the future! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This episode is sponsored by Talent to Denmark's "State of Denmark" campaign. Denmark is actively looking to attract international talent to move to the country. If you're interested to learn more about jobs in (one of) the happiest countries in the world, head to www.state-of-denmark.com/wtd ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ You can also learn more about What The Denmark on our website, Facebook and Instagram 

Hvilke udfordringer møder folk fra udlandet, når de skal integreres i den danske arbejdskultur og fællesskaber på de danske arbejdspladser? Kay Xander Mellish, som har 20 års erfaring i det danske erhvervsliv og er ude med bogen ”How to Work in Denmark”, besøger AFTENKLUBBEN til en snak om dansk humor, julefrokoster, og hvad vi danskere kan gøre bedre når vi skal integrere nye ind på de danske arbejdspladser. Vært og tilrettelægger: Daniel Cesar.

One of the best things about working in Denmark is the generous amount of paid time off work. In this podcast, Kay Xander Mellish gives and overview of the full year of Danish vacation weeks, holidays, and festivals, so you can plan in advance to enjoy them fully – like the Danes do.  Kay is an American who has worked for several large Danish companies and has collected her insights on working culture in Denmark into books, podcasts, and lectures. 

Kay Xander Mellish is an American who has worked for several large Danish companies and has collected her insights on working culture in Denmark into books, podcasts, and lectures. Here are a few of her tips on how you can join into Danish Christmas traditions as an international.The Danish Christmas season lasts from early November to early January, with lots of eating, drinking, and celebrations in between. This is a great way to distract from the chilly darkness that descends over Denmark in the winter, and to generate a sense of warmth with candles and joy with twinkling holiday lights.Being together is a big part of the Danish Christmas tradition, and you may find yourself invited to office parties, neighborhood and association parties, and family parties. Many of these parties involve a lot of alcohol, so if you're a non-drinker, it's a good idea to take along your own festive drink (sparkling apple juice?). Don't miss the wonderful Danish Christmas cookies, which often feature ginger, cinnamon, and the famous Danish butter.Gifts are not particular important in the Danish Christmas tradition. You don't have to buy your boss a gift, or a gift for any of your co-workers, unless a special gift exchange has been arranged at the office. Even your Danish friends may not be expecting gifts unless you've agreed in advance; it's okay to ask! The only people you really need to buy gifts for are the host or hostess of a dinner or a party; it's traditional to bring some wine, candy, or flowers to present when you arrive.Another aspect of Danish Christmas that is less important is religion. Many traditions are secular, and you can enjoy the season even if you're not a Christian. Many Danish families go to church together on Christmas Eve, so it's a good idea to avoid this day, as it's the only time of the year when Danish churches are crowded. But if you'd like to sit quietly in a Danish church at another time during the season to enjoy the music, the traditions, and the flowers, you will be welcome.If you're alone in Denmark on Christmas Day, a good tip is to go to the zoo. Most of the big zoos in Denmark are open, and you can go visit the animals and see how they are enjoying the cold weather. Alternately, you can go for a winter walk in the local botanical garden or out in nature, where you will meet many Danish families taking a stroll together to enjoy some fresh air after a long evening of eating heavy Christmas food. 

Sprog er interessant – og et multiværktøj, som vi kan bruge på uendeligt mange måder. Det er bare fantasien (nå ja, og lidt sprognormer hist og her), der sætter grænserne. Det er lidt ligesom at klæde sig på, og klæder skaber som bekendt mennesker. I dette Kraniebrud skal vi dykke ned i, hvordan sprog blev sprog, og hvordan vi klæder os på med sprog, skaber identitet – både når vi bruger emojis til at kommunikere med andre, og når vi bander. Medvirkende: Sprogforskere Ole Lauridsen, Tina Thode Hougaard, Marianne Rathje og forfatter Kay Xander Mellish. Vært: Ditte Maj Gregersen See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sprog er interessant – og et multiværktøj, som vi kan bruge på uendeligt mange måder. Det er bare fantasien (nå ja, og lidt sprognormer hist og her), der sætter grænserne. Det er lidt ligesom at klæde sig på, og klæder skaber som bekendt mennesker. I dette Kraniebrud skal vi dykke ned i, hvordan sprog blev sprog, og hvordan vi klæder os på med sprog, skaber identitet – både når vi bruger emojis til at kommunikere med andre, og når vi bander. Medvirkende: Sprogforskere Ole Lauridsen, Tina Thode Hougaard, Marianne Rathje og forfatter Kay Xander Mellish. Vært: Ditte Maj Gregersen

Listen to a podcast told by Kay Xander Mellish, an American who has worked for several years in Danish companies.

Kraniebrud kigger på bandeord! Hvor de kommer fra? Hvordan vi bruger dem? Er det blevet mere okay at bande? – og hvordan påvirker banderiet den måde vi taler med hinanden på – kan det ligefrem skade vores relationer og forplumre vores budskab?! Medvirkende: Marianne Rathje, Kay Xander Mellish og Thomas Harder. Vært: Ditte Maj Gregersen

Denmark vs USA: How do Danes and Americans misunderstand each other?  Janteloven, micromanagement, and the prodigious use of the exclamation point: just a few of the conflicts that arise as part of the generally friendly relationship between Americans and Danes. Join us as we discuss these topics and much more with Kay Xander Mellish, a US-Danish dual citizen, keynote speaker, and author of several books including the bestsellers, “How to Live in Denmark” and “How to Work in Denmark,” and her most recent, “Working with Americans – Tips for Danes.” Episode Takeaways Tips for Danes to work with Americans [2:26] Jante-law and Danish humor [8:16] The blindspot of Danish openness [11:25] How to work in Denmark and the power distance in Danish workplaces [17:29] Mistakes Danes make in English [21:57] The “hidden rules” at Danish workplaces [23:46] Internationalisation in Denmark [25:56] Why Denmark is attracting young people [28:15] Daily habits and routines to stay mentally and physically sharp [31:43] Voiceover and podcasts [32:49] Life-changing events and lessons learned [34:29] Mentors in childhood and coming to Denmark [35:27] Biggest motivator and demotivator, and something weird [39:04] Dinner party invites and life-guiding principle [40:44] Book recommendations and favorite failure [44:02] Lessons to and from Denmark, and closing comments [47:27]

Denmark vs USA: How do Danes and Americans misunderstand each other? Janteloven, micromanagement, and the prodigious use of the exclamation point: just a few of the conflicts that arise as part of the generally friendly relationship between Americans and Danes. Join us as we discuss these topics and much more with Kay Xander Mellish, a US-Danish dual citizen, keynote speaker, and author of several books including the bestsellers, “How to Live in Denmark” and “How to Work in Denmark,” and her most recent, “Working with Americans – Tips for Danes.”

Listen to a podcast told by Kay Xander Mellish, an American who has worked for several years in Danish companies.

Jonathan Kay talks to Kay Xander Mellish, author of How to Live in Denmark (2014) and How to Work in Denmark (2018) about the recent Amnesty International report claiming Denmark has a "pervasive rape culture," as well as what it's like living in the country ranked number two in the world for gender equality and why a female-led, right-wing political party is on the rise.

Jonathan Kay talks to Kay Xander Mellish, author of How to Live in Denmark (2014) and How to Work in Denmark (2018) about the recent Amnesty International report claiming Denmark has a "pervasive rape culture," as well as what it's like living in the country ranked number two in the world for gender equality and why a female-led, right-wing political party is on the rise.

Kay Xander Mellish is an American who has worked for several large Danish companies and has collected her insights on working culture in Denmark into books, podcasts, and lectures. Here are a few of her tips on Danish working culture.

Journalist og sprogkonsulent Kay Xander Mellish har boet i Danmark i 18 år - kom hertil for at arbejde i Araneum Net Bureau.  I dag er hun selvstændig. Hun podcaster og udgiver bøger, holder foredrag og workshops om det at leve og arbejde i Danmark som udlænding.  Hendes meget humoristiske podcast finder du her https://www.howtoliveindenmark.com/category/podcasts/ Det er virkslig underholdende at se på os som danskere  med andre øjne.  Kay udgiver på eget forlag og sælger sine bøger på bl.a. Amazon.  Bøgerne fås her. http://www.books.howtoliveindenmark.com/      

When you think you’re talking to the authorities in Denmark, you’re often not talking to the authorities. If it comes to bus service, train service, unemployment compensation, homeless shelters, construction, even fire protection and ambulance services – you will be talking to a private company hired by the authorities. At any rate, some things are still run directly by the government, like the immigration service and local affairs.  So there are some times when you do need to speak to civil servants in Denmark. There is a way to do this. Put at least a half an hour aside, since you may have to wait in a telephone queue.  When it’s your turn, the first thing you do is identify yourself by name.  ‘Hi, this is Kay Xander Mellish.”  And then state your question. “Somebody has drawn graffiti of a giant penis on the city-owned wall right outside my living room window.  Could you send someone to remove it?”  That’s an actual case, by the way. When you speak to the Danish civil servant, tone is really important.  Danes respond very badly to anger or conflict. You want to take the angle that we’re equals all we want to do is get this problem solved together. You want to go in there with a positive, we can do it together! spirit. Most state workers in Denmark are pretty competent.  Working for the state is paid well, and they never ask for bribes.  Like most Danes, they want to do their job well, and they feel that they do.  Danish civil servants take pride in their work.  That said, it still took six months to get that giant penis graffiti removed.  

Hello, and welcome to the How To Live in Denmark podcast.  I’m Kay Xander Mellish. I don’t regret many things in life, but I do regret not going to a party I was invited to almost 14 years ago. That was in 2000, when I first arrived in Denmark.  It was a party to mark the opening of the Ørseund Bridge, which connects Denmark and Sweden.   There were no cars on the bridge yet, so you could easily walk or bike between these two countries that had been bitter enemies for hundreds of years.  At one point, Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden – who were both young and unmarried at time – met and shared a hug and kiss in the center of the bridge, right across the national dividing line. Now, that’s a party. I won’t be able to walk or bike across the Øresund Bridge any time soon.  A half million cars per month drive over it now, plus a train every 20 minutes, full of commuters.  There are Danes that live in Sweden, and Swedes that work in Denmark.   Personally, I love the Swedes who work in Denmark.  A lot of them are in service positions – restaurants, shop assistants – and they have revolutionized customer service in Denmark by being….cheerful.  They say things like ‘Hello’ and ‘Can I help you?’ This is in contrast to traditional Danish service personnel, whose default approach is  “Are you still here?  What do you want?”  And then, of course, there are the Danes living in Sweden.  At the height of the housing boom, living in Sweden was much cheaper.  People could buy a house in Sweden they never could have afforded in Denmark.   The prices have leveled out a bit since, so there are two groups of Danes who live in Sweden.  One is people who have new foreign romantic partners – gay or straight – who cannot be admitted to Denmark under the restrictive Danish immigration laws.  That basically means anyone from outside the EU, so American, African, Australian, Bolivian.  The couple lives in Sweden for a couple of years, gets Swedish residency, and then they can move to Denmark. The other group of Danes living in Sweden is people who love cars.  Denmark, as you know, is bicycle country.  Denmark has never had a car industry, which is one of the reason the tax on a new car in Denmark is 180% and more and more streets in Copenhagen are being closed off to cars entirely. Sweden had a car industry.  There’s not much of it left with Saab bankrupt, and Volvo sold to the Chinese, but you can see the influence of that car industry that as soon as you go over the bridge to Malmo.  The streets are much wider, even in the newer parts of downtown.  Swedish streets are built for cars. When a young Danish man moves to Sweden, often the very first thing he does is buy a car he never could have afforded in Denmark. The truth is, there are some ways that the bridge has brought Denmark and Sweden closer together. Danes buy vacation homes in Southern Sweden. Swedes come to attend university in Denmark.  Danes go shopping in Sweden, because almost everything is cheaper there. As a matter of fact, the only thing cheaper in Denmark than in Sweden is alcohol. So, may be closer, but still, Swedes and Danes are very different peoples.  Danes still eat rye bread, Swedes eat flatbread.  Danes eat Sausages, Swedes eat meatballs. And Danes, as cold as they may seem to outsiders, are still more outgoing than the Swedes.  Among Scandinavians, Danes are sometimes called the Latins of the North.  They know how to sit down, open a bottle of wine, and enjoy life. Swedes, on the other hand, are known as the Prussians of the North.  They’re tall.  They stand up straight.  They follow rules.  And the men have terrible haircuts. Do you know the hairstyle known as the mullet in the United States?  It’s that terrible two-level haircut so many men had in the 1990s – the Ziggy Stardust. Short in the front, long in the back.  Or, as it’s sometimes said, business in front, party in the back.  The mullet, in Denmark, is known as Swedish hair. To Denmark, Sweden is a big brother with a terrible haircut.  He’s regimented, he’s boring, he’s stiff.  He can’t dance.  There’s a famous saying that inside every Swede is a little policeman trying to get out. That’s only half the famous saying.  Here’s the whole thing.  Inside every Swede is a little policeman trying to get out – and inside every Dane, there’s a little criminal trying to get out. And that’s the How To Live in Denmark podcast for this week.   We’re always looking for sponsors for the podcast – we get several thousand listeners every week – so you know an ethical business that would like to have its message here, get in touch.  We’re on Facebook at How To Live in Denmark, you can reach us at How To Live in Denmark.com, or you can Tweet us at How2LiveinDK – the 2 is a number.  See you next week!