1 • Don’t assume that all Scandinavians speak English. Although Scandinavians do have a reputation for being able to speak English, this is not necessarily true of the elderly, or people living in vast swathes of the countryside (especially in Sweden and Norway). By contrast, younger generations and city dwellers tend to speak it quite well. So let’s say that many Scandinavians speak English, but it’s important to remember that English is not their mother tongue. Yes, each Scandinavian country has its own language (Danish, Norwegian and Swedish)!

2 • Don’t use highly animated body language; many non-Scandinavians (especially people from Southern Europe) don’t realize how animated they can be in conversation. It’s the quickest way to irritate the locals, and you can expect to be mildly reprimanded if you speak too loudly, in a restaurant for example. Don’t gesticulate, keep your voice down, and you’ll already have earned the esteem of a Scandinavian.

3 • Scandinavians consider themselves to be “egalitarian”: their culture is based on mutual respect and interdependence. They don’t boast about individual achievements, and have simple tastes. Scandinavians usually don’t display their personal wealth. The law of “Jante” dates back a long time but is still present in the Scandinavian mind, so remain modest and discreet. The Swedes use the word “LAGOM” to express this mindset. The term has no direct translation, but it means something like: neither too hot nor too cold; neither too high nor too low; just right.

4 • Don’t expect to get into confrontations: Scandinavians generally don’t lose their cool. If they get angry, they’ll tell the person in a calm, thoughtful way. As a general rule, Scandinavians have a positive, friendly attitude. In Denmark, there’s even a word for it: “Hygge“. It’s hard to explain exactly what “hygge” is, but it can relate to food, places, atmosphere and even people. If a person is “hygge-like”, it means their presence creates a good feeling and they are pretty laid-back. An attitude that will bring you many friends on your travels.

5 • Don’t be surprised by the opinions expressed by Anders, Nils or Casper: Scandinavians won’t flatter to win your favor. They believe an honest approach is best. If you ask a question, expect an honest answer. That’s not to say that Scandinavians are always serious and lack humor. They’re frank and lively, and once they’ve warmed up (read: after a few beers…) they become more relaxed and humorous. In serious conversations, they remain direct, but always courteous.

If you want to work or live in Denmark, Norway or Sweden, the above tips on typical habits and behaviors of Scandinavian people should come in handy.

If you’d like to learn more, register for our next intercultural training session, “How to work with Swedes” or contact us to set up a bespoke program for your company.

Article written by our Scandinavia expert, Peter Biehe.