Business Etiquette in Denmark

Professionals should be aware of Danish business practices before attending meetings and negotiations.

Denmark often does business with Germany, the UK and the U.S., and manufactures products such as machinery, wood products and textiles. International professionals should be aware of the conservative business etiquette that is the norm in Denmark to make a favorable first impression.

Greetings

At a business meeting, it is proper etiquette to shake hands with everyone in the room--even if there are children present. Men should shake hands briefly and firmly. Women who are more familiar with each other will often kiss on the cheek or exchange a light hug, although this is more common for younger generations. In Denmark, it is also customary to shake hands with everyone when leaving the meeting.

Attire

Conservative clothing is always best when doing business in Denmark. Men should wear business suits in black, dark blue or gray, with a white shirt and modest tie. Dress shoes should always be polished. Women can also wear business suits in skirt or pants form in the same colors; blouses and skirts are acceptable as well. While it is acceptable for women to wear accessories, they shouldn't be too flashy, as this is frowned upon in Denmark. Jeans and other casual attire are not permitted for men or women in professional settings.

Punctuality

It is important for business professionals in Denmark to be punctual for meetings, as business meetings typically start and end on time. If a professional will be late to a meeting, it is proper to call ahead with an explanation. It is customary for professionals to engage in a few minutes of small talk before the meeting begins. A meeting agenda is usually established beforehand so intended issues can be discussed. During the business discussion, it is considered rude to interrupt someone while they are speaking.

Negotiations

The final decision for a negotiation is usually a group effort in Denmark. The opinion of all meeting participants is taken into consideration before terms are agreed upon, which means reaching satisfactory terms can take a while. Showing emotion in public is not appropriate; Danish professionals are very level-headed during negotiations, so international professionals should remain collected, too. Hard selling or being overly persuasive is looked down upon.

Dining

When invited to a business dinner in Denmark, it is essential to be on time, just like with business meetings. It is not common for a professional's spouse to be invited to a dinner. Dinners with Danish professionals tend to be lengthy; guests are also expected to stay for about an hour after the meal. When toasting at a dinner, it is best to wait for the host to toast first, and it is improper to toast anyone who is older or who has a higher professional rank.

References

• Class Brain: Denmark
• eDiplomat: Denmark
• Culture Crossing: Denmark