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Source: statbank.dk/DKSTAT, data visualisation by author Images: Kelly Draper Rasmussen Text: Kelly Draper Rasmussen Danish citizenship is one of the hardest in Europe to earn. Every year, thousands of hopeful residents, refugees and expats make it through the maze of politics, requirements and persistence and emerge as “New Danes,” but who are they? And what does their journey say about how Denmark decides who truly belongs? Growing numbers and tightening restrictions In the

Christmas shopping in Ghent. Credit: Stad Gent-Dienst Toerisme / Photo by Bas Bogaerts Travelling is always a good idea but winter sometimes makes it challenging if you’re not a ski bunny and just want something simple yet inspiring. This month, Ophelia suggests a few nearby cities that have something to offer to everyone. Photographs: Various Text: Ophelia Wu Winter has a way of making you feel adventurous, explorative and nostalgic. Streets take on a quiet charm, shops glow

Sudaay Tat Haznedar introduces one of the international representatives of Venstre (Danmarks Liberale Parti). Maricel Frandsen is standing as a candidate for Lolland Municipality. Photographs: Maricel Frandsen Text: Sudaay Tat Haznedar “Expect the unexpected,” a quote credited to Oscar Wilde, perfectly captures Maricel’s story. She never imagined living in Denmark, marrying here, or entering politics, yet all became part of her story. While living in Singapore, a friend told

Ali Lewis introduces one of the internationals representing the Socialistisk Folkeparti (The Green Party), Almina Nikontovic is standing as a candidate for Frederikshavn Municipality and the North Denmark Region. Photographs: Almina Nikontovic Text: Ali Lewis Almina Nikontovic is one of life’s natural cheerleaders. “I always say to people, ‘You can do it!’ But somebody needs to be standing on the other side helping you to get through,” she says. Almina, who is the only region

This month, Diana-Medrea Mogensen discusses how to succeed in business through collaboration with other entrepreneurs. Photographs: Unsplash Text: Diana-Medrea Mogensen Commerce began as collaboration. Long before global markets and online advertising, trade was built on exchange, one person’s surplus meeting another’s need. Bakers worked with millers, tailors with weavers, and the success of each depended on the reliability of the other. Competition existed, yet it remained

As the election is coming up, Last Week in Denmark’s Mark Søderberg gives you an essential guide to Denmark’s political parties. Photographs: Wikimedia Commons, ft.dk Text: Mark Søderberg As an international living in Denmark, it can be hard to keep track of all the political parties. Over the last decade, many new parties have formed, politicians have changed affiliations, and the current government has established a new paradigm, where centrist balance is key. Here’s our co

As the days grow shorter, Monika Pedersen shares tips on hygge , health, and community to brighten the winter months. Photographs: Unsplash Text: Monika Pedersen The clocks have shifted, and the days are shorter, yet the beauty of the autumnal colours of the yellow, orange, and red leaves prevails and provides a lovely creative and artistic activity to perform with children. As the days pass, the wind hastens its gusts, the temperature drops, and the time for winter hygge  be

Ali Lewis introduces one of the international representatives of Moderaterne (the Moderates). Smita Salagare is standing as a candidate for Odense Kommune and the Southern Denmark Region. Photographs: Smita Salagare Text: Ali Lewis Smita Salagare often talks about “giving 100%” but when she talks about her journey in Denmark, it’s clear this isn’t just a neat catchphrase. She moved to Jutland in 2010 from Mumbai in India, accompanying her husband. In India, she was a dentist

Mariano A. Davies examines the Øresund Bridge as a remarkable fusion of engineering innovation, ecological sensitivity, and cross-border collaboration in Scandinavia. Photographs: Øresundsbron FB PG Text: Mariano Anthony Davies The bridge Four pylons and 80 pairs of stay cables create the iconic silhouette of Øresundsbron over the Øresund. The bridge is a 7.845-metre combined railway and motorway bridge with a double-track railway on the lower deck and a four-lane motorway wi

This diagram explains whether, as an international, you are able to vote in Denmark. Image: Laura Matheson Text: Laura Matheson If you are unable to view the image, please read the alternative description below. Is your permanent residence in Denmark? If no, you must have an active CPR number to vote. You may be able to vote in European Parliament elections. If yes, go to question 2. Are you over 18? If no, you've got to wait a bit to vote. If yes, go to question 3. Are you a

Brooke Taylor Fossey's guide to ten Danish sayings that’ll make you feel more at home in Denmark. Images: Unsplash Text: Brooke Taylor Fossey Danish idioms and sayings offer a fascinating window into the country’s culture and humor – and nothing delights Danes more than hearing you use them. They also make learning the language feel fresh again, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve hit a plateau. Learn a few, drop them into conversation, and see what kind of reaction yo

Sebastian Florian introduces one of the internationals representing the Moderates (Moderaterne). Nico Blier-Silvestri is standing as a candidate for Copenhagen Municipality. Photographs: Nico Blier-Silvestri and Daniel Storch Text: Sebastian Florian Copenhagen is an international city. Roughly a quarter of its population is non-Danish, and in some neighbourhoods, this climbs to 40%. Yet this sizable minority is barely represented in the city’s local councils. Some are now att

Leslea Petersen's guide to lighting up your job search this winter. Photographs: The Brand Photography Company Text: Leslea Petersen As we’re closing in on the year, career coach Leslea Petersen shares tips on how we make use of the season to open doors for the future. It may be darker longer, but I love this time of year as my neighbours are already lighting up their windows and balconies with Christmas lights! For you, job seeker, the arrival of winter doesn’t have to mean

Natasha Liviero infuses warm spices into this comforting cake that remains moist for days. Photographs: Natasha Liviero Text: Natasha Liviero Apple and carrot cake (Makes 1 x 20cm cake) Ingredients: 100g granulated white sugar 40g dark brown sugar (I used muscovado) 1 orange zest 140g flour, sifted 6g baking soda 2g salt 6g cinnamon ½ tsp ginger ½ tsp nutmeg ½ tsp all spice 1/4 tsp cloves 60g neutral oil 2 XL eggs 50g apple sauce/Greek yoghurt 120g carrots, peeled and shred

Credit: Unsplash This month, Aamna gives an overview on Denmark’s overlooked skilled internationals, as part of our #TheForgottenGold Movement, she amplifies their voices as she shares their stories. Photographs: Various Text: Aamna Tauheed The future of internationals has once again become a hot topic in Denmark. The new amendments to the rules for foreigners by the Danish Ministry of Immigration and Integration have caused uncertainty and ambiguity among those living in the

This month, Alexandra Beck explores the myth of “holiday burn-off” workouts. Photographs: Unsplash Text: Alexandra Beck As the holidays approach, many of us start joking: “I’ll need an extra run before Christmas dinner,” or “better burn this cake off tomorrow.” You won’t see flashy “turkey burn” billboards in Denmark - but the idea still sneaks into conversations. The unspoken rule is that indulgence must be “balanced out” with punishment in the gym. But here’s the thing: foo

Being an accompanying spouse in a new country can be exciting, but it is not without its challenges. Natália Šepitková discusses how to survive together. Photographs: Meghna Nijhawan Text: Natalia Sepitkova Many internationals come to Denmark to support their partners in their career paths. They may hope to establish themselves in a new country quickly and start building their own careers, but that's not always the case. Sometimes they give up their well-established careers b

As we enter the last quarter of the year, somatic therapist Fiona Smith emphasises the healing power of movement. Photograph: Unsplash Text: Fiona L Smith By the time October arrives, I often find myself wondering where everyone went, as many Danes begin to retreat inside, into well-established family and friendship groups and routines. It can be a particularly challenging time of year for internationals, as the contrast between the light-filled Danish summer and the long str

Our resident health and fitness guru, Alex, shares insights on how to adapt and adjust fitness as the season changes. Photograph: Unsplash Text: Alexandra Beck There’s something about the clocks turning back that changes everything. Mornings feel darker, evenings arrive too soon, and suddenly, the same workout that felt easy in August feels… well, a little heavier. And that’s not weakness - it’s biology. Shorter days mean less natural light, which affects sleep cycles, energy

As summer is quietly saying bye to us, Monika Pedersen shares the joy of autumn break and Halloween festivity, especially among school children. Photographs: Unsplash Text: Monika Pedersen The last lingering days of September’s warmth are fading away, but within the classroom, a lot of material has been covered in various subjects, routines established, friendships made, parent-teacher conferences dealt with, and multiple staff meetings attended, so the academic year is in fu