Previously, I’ve touched on “The Danish Year” in my discussions on How to Live in Denmark. This annual cycle of events, while not officially designated as holidays, is deeply woven into the fabric of Danish life. In 2025, I plan to delve deeper by producing monthly podcasts that explore these cultural markers, shedding light on Denmark’s past and future.
As August rolls in, so too does the unmistakable shift towards fall in Denmark. The summer strawberries that once filled grocery shelves make their exit, leaves on trees begin their slow turn to brown, and primary schools come alive once again after their brief six-week summer slumber.
Many young Danes will embark on their educational journey this month, stepping into school for the very first time. They’re greeted with heartwarming ceremonies featuring Danish flags, speeches, and jubilant songs, much to the delight of parents armed with cameras, eager to capture this milestone.
This celebratory approach is something I regrettably overlooked when my daughter faced her debut at a Danish school. Already familiar from her time in playground classes, I mistakenly treated that first day like any other. I dropped her off without the customary photo op. To this day, it’s a memory she brings up with a laugh.
Such are the pitfalls of being a foreigner residing in Denmark, unaware of its cherished customs.
Understanding Danish culture is inextricably linked to grasping the nuances of early childhood education. This journey begins not in school, but in infancy.
The Cost of Day Care
Day care in Denmark is not without its costs, especially in Copenhagen, where parents can expect to pay up to 5,000 kroner a month—approximately 800 US dollars. However, subsidies are available for those with lower incomes, and for families in specific economically marginalized districts, day care attendance becomes mandatory to access welfare benefits known as the “child check.”
The rationale behind this policy is straightforward: it ensures that all children, regardless of background, are introduced to the Danish language and foundational values from an early age.
Core Values
But what are those values? They center on independence and self-sufficiency, teaching children to dress themselves and embrace responsibility by learning to tidy up after play.
There’s a strong emphasis on community spirit and inclusion, as well as on conflict resolution and empathy.
Prioritizing Play over Academics
Interestingly, preschools in Denmark do not focus on reading or writing. Such academic milestones typically begin when children reach the age of six, and many don’t start reading until they are seven or eight. Basic math concepts are also introduced later in their educational journey.
Investment in Early Childhood
My recent experiences with Danish children have granted me valuable insights into this approach. While I usually spend my time delivering speeches to corporations and academic institutions, I’ve taken on summer roles in kindergartens, enjoying the lively and imaginative conversations with children aged three to six—an age group I find particularly enchanting.
The Danish government places a high value on early childhood education, channeling significant resources into the development of preschool facilities. One kindergarten I worked in, owned by the municipality of Copenhagen, is designed with this philosophy in mind, featuring lofty ceilings, abundant toys, five playgrounds complete with trees and sandboxes, a pillow room for rainy days, a well-equipped art space, and a kitchen serving fresh meals.
One memorable day, we enjoyed a delightful meal of baked salmon with rice and broccoli, finished off with a refreshing snack of strawberries, granola, and yogurt.
The Art of “Educational Eating”
At meal times, adults engage in what we refer to as “educational eating.” We join the children at the table, imparting lessons on manners and conversation decorum, a practice deemed important across Europe.
Discussions often revolve around universally appealing topics—like favorite ice cream flavors or preferences between trains and motorcycles—while steering clear of more self-focused chatter. I once learned this lesson the hard way during a conversation about masks, when I realized I was the only one at the table who had experienced childhood during the COVID lockdowns.
Denmark’s Demographic Landscape
While Denmark remains a nurturing environment for children, the birthrate has been steadily declining, mirroring trends seen in many countries worldwide. Some day care centers have even shuttered their doors due to dwindling enrollments.
This year marks a notable milestone for Denmark, with the population reaching 6 million—a significant achievement for such a small nation. However, this increase is largely attributed to immigration rather than a rise in births.
Denmark already implements many of the initiatives aimed at boosting fertility seen in other nations, such as generous parental leave, affordable child care, and comprehensive health care. Yet, the fertility rate remains worryingly low, standing at approximately 1.5 children per woman in 2024.
The government even provides free fertility treatments for couples and single women alike for their first two children. It seems that Denmark has left no stone unturned in its efforts to encourage family growth.
So, what measures are truly necessary to increase the number of newborns? My hypothesis is that extended educational requirements for both men and women create barriers, as success in the job market often necessitates a master’s degree. Coupled with soaring housing prices in major cities, the path to parenthood may feel daunting for many couples.
A Child-Friendly Culture
Nevertheless, at its core, Denmark continues to embody a child-friendly ethos. It’s a common sight to witness a long line of kindergarteners on a field trip, each child adorned in bright vests, hand in hand with a buddy, as adults vigilantly guide them along the sidewalk, ensuring their safety in bustling traffic.
I’ve found myself in these roles, and the warmth from passersby was heartening: smiles and waves from older children reminiscing about their own kindergarten days, elderly women offering encouraging nods, and busy construction workers stopping momentarily to ensure our young ones cross the street safely.
Denmark cherishes its children, even as their numbers dwindle.
