Debt in Denmark

Debt in Denmark

Author: Kay Xander Mellish January 22, 2020 Duration: 6:38

January, February, and March are some of the dreariest months in Denmark – it's dark, with no Christmas lights to pep it up – and many people are dealing with a heavy load of year-end debt from traveling, parties, dining out, and gifts.

Along with religion, personal finance is a topic that is rarely discussed in Denmark. But the country has one of the highest rates of household debt in the world. 

And once you get into debt in Denmark, it can be very difficult to get out.

 


For anyone curious about or currently navigating Danish life from the outside, How to Live in Denmark serves as an essential, on-the-ground guide. Hosted by Kay Xander Mellish, an American writer who has made Denmark her home for over ten years, this conversation cuts straight to the heart of the everyday realities in one of the world's most homogenous-and often puzzling-societies. Rather than lengthy lectures, you'll find concise, ten-minute episodes packed with practical advice and cultural translation. This isn't just about travel tips; it's a deep dive into the unspoken rules of Danish social etiquette, the nuances of the local workplace, and the sometimes surprising path to feeling at home in a country frequently labeled the world's happiest. Mellish draws from her own long-term experience to explain everything from navigating the infamous Jantelov to understanding the Danish approach to business meetings and casual Friday night hygge. As Denmark's longest-running English-language podcast, it has become a trusted resource for internationals, whether they are planning a move, newly arrived, or have been settled for years but still occasionally find themselves wondering, "Why do Danes do it that way?" Each episode feels like a chat with a well-informed friend who helps decode the complexities of a fascinating culture, making your time there richer and a lot less confusing.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

How to Live in Denmark
Podcast Episodes
The Trailing Spouse in Denmark [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:43
If you're coming from abroad to work in Denmark, you may be bringing along your spouse. That can be great – it's nice to have someone to shiver through the Danish summer with. But unhappy spouses are one of the main reas…
Why job titles aren't important in Denmark [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:41
One of the most important words in the Danish language is "ligestilling" – equality. The belief that all (Danish) people are basically equal permeates every relationship and every interaction. Fancy job titles do not fit…
Danish union vs A-kasse: What's the difference? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:43
When you first arrive in Denmark to work or look for work, the last thing you need is another monthly expense. So many foreigners "save money" by not joining a union. And I was one of them. To be honest, joining a union…
The Danish art of taking time off [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:52
When I first began working in Denmark, people used to start saying around April or May, "So – are you taking three or four?" What they meant was, are you taking three or four weeks off for your summer vacation? Now, in t…
The Danish job interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:08
If you've been asked for a job interview at a Danish company, congratulations. Danish companies don't like to waste time, so they wouldn't be setting aside time to meet you if they didn't think there was a solid chance t…