HOW TO and HOW NOT to address Danes

This is a continuations of our DOs and DON'Ts hints for Denmark. Peopel from abraod can do many cultural mistakes and such not get the results they want. FInd below excerpts from the DOs and DON'Ts in Danish workplace culture of the hints on how to address Danes.

It is important to understand that using the DON’T examples are not only unfortunate in your direct communication with a Dane, but they can make the impression that you may not be fit for a job in Denmark. An employer needs to get the feeling that you are able to properly communicate with Danish customers and colleagues. If you use a style that doesn’t work in Denmark, this may disqualify you as a potential job candidate.
In the examples below I am using my name for the examples to make it easier for you to see what is meant.

“My friend” or “Dearest”
Phrases like this are not recommendable - especially not for business. They imply a close relationship which you don’t have at the beginning and probably won’t have in a business context.

“Respected sir “/ “Respected lady”
Do not use such phrases - no matter how common they are in your country. Remember: In Denmark all people are equal. With a phrase as above you make a too humble impression, something that does not go down well with Danes.

“Dear Dagmar”
If you are sending a mail to somebody for the first time using this phrasing is not good. It implies a close relationship which you don’t have yet. Later on, after you have built a connection it is OK.

“Dear Dagmar Fink”
Danes use the informal “du” (you) in their interaction with others – no matter if they know them well or have never been in touch with them. In spite of this informal approach, the first letter or email you write to somebody you don’t know, should be addressed  by using their first and last name as mentioned above. If they have three names (like Martin Grand Olesen), use all three as you can’t tell which one is the main last name.
After the contact has been established it is completely OK to move over to addressing them with their first name like “Dear Dagmar” or in the more English manner with “Hi Dagmar”. It may feel strange to use “dear” in a business context, but that is completely common for people you value.

Don’t be too humble
Find an example here of an email I have received from somebody who comes from a culture where respect and probably also hierarchy plays an important role: “It is humbly stated that a post of mentioned subject is lying vacant under your kind control in you esteemed organization”.
Using such phrasings will not give the impression to be fit for work in Denmark. It is too humble and too formal. Just imagine you work for a Danish company and try to communicate in such a style with your Danish customers. It will not make a good impression and they will not go for what you are trying to offer to them.

You can find more on the "HOW TO and HOW NOT TO"-series for life and work in Denmark.

And much more in my next book about working in Denmark.