Why job titles aren't important in Denmark

Why job titles aren't important in Denmark

Author: Kay Xander Mellish March 5, 2017 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 into that passion for equality. They suggest you think you're better than someone else. Which you might actually be, if you've worked your way to the top of your field, but that admission is slightly embarrassing.

If you do have an impressive job title, it's considered bad taste to show it off.

Office doors in Denmark, for example, usually have just the name of the person inside, not their title. When you introduce yourself, whether to one person or an audience of 500, you give just your name, preferably just your first name.

And it's considered laughable to strut about in a way that shows everyone you're the boss.

In fact, when you enter a room of Danish businesspeople, it is almost impossible to tell who the boss is. Everyone's dressed the same, everyone acts pretty much the same, and nobody shows any particular deference to the boss.

This can be a problem when you're a job hunter or salesperson and have to figure out who in the room has the power to make a decision.


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
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