Anybody in Denmark?

[ttt]

We're seriously considering moving to Denmark for a few years under the Greencard scheme, but I'm trying to learn as much as I can and weigh the pros and cons before we take the leap. Is there anyone on this board from or who lives in Denmark? I'd love to get some personal perspectives! 

[frlcb]

There is someone who was a part of the intl board on the other site but not sure she moved over here. I will ask in our fb group if she is on here. She has lived in Denmark a long time.

[wise_rita]

ttt What's the "greencard scheme"?

As a speaker of Norwegian (well, listener at this stage) I can tell you Danish is THE WORST.

[orriskitten]

I don't live there, but BIL does and SIL used to. I can maybe answer some questions or ask them things

[marriedfilingjoint]

I studied abroad in Copenhagen. Obviously different than living there as a grownup, as I'm finding out by living abroad now. It's a very progressive, clean, safe country. People are nice but not friendly. Everyone speaks English but jobs are very limited if you don't speak Danish. And yes, Danish is THE WORST. Transportation is easy to use and reliable. Everything is expensive. It's a lovely country and I'd go back in a heartbeat. Do you know what part of the country you would be living in?

[ttt]

Jul 29, 2015 19:39:48 GMT -5 wise_rita said:

ttt What's the "greencard scheme"?

As a speaker of Norwegian (well, listener at this stage) I can tell you Danish is THE WORST.

The green card scheme is an immigration setup where you can come to Denmark and work for up to 3 years as long as you fit certain educational and skill requirements. You don't have to be sponsored by an employer but you do have to find a job within 6 months.

[ttt]

Jul 31, 2015 10:56:02 GMT -5 marriedfilingjoint said:

I studied abroad in Copenhagen. Obviously different than living there as a grownup, as I'm finding out by living abroad now. It's a very progressive, clean, safe country. People are nice but not friendly. Everyone speaks English but jobs are very limited if you don't speak Danish. And yes, Danish is THE WORST. Transportation is easy to use and reliable. Everything is expensive. It's a lovely country and I'd go back in a heartbeat. Do you know what part of the country you would be living in?

I don't know yet - it would depend on where I could find work, which I understand will not be easy. Any advice on where to live besides Copenhagen?

[marriedfilingjoint]

Aug 1, 2015 16:57:35 GMT -5 ttt said:

Jul 31, 2015 10:56:02 GMT -5 marriedfilingjoint said:

I studied abroad in Copenhagen. Obviously different than living there as a grownup, as I'm finding out by living abroad now. It's a very progressive, clean, safe country. People are nice but not friendly. Everyone speaks English but jobs are very limited if you don't speak Danish. And yes, Danish is THE WORST. Transportation is easy to use and reliable. Everything is expensive. It's a lovely country and I'd go back in a heartbeat. Do you know what part of the country you would be living in?

I don't know yet - it would depend on where I could find work, which I understand will not be easy. Any advice on where to live besides Copenhagen?

Copenhagen (and all of Denmark, really) is pretty commuter-friendly, towns like Albertslund, Hoje Taastrup, Bronby, Hellerup, and Rodovre are all within a 20 minute train ride to the city.  The other major metro areas (well, "major" for Denmark) are Aarhus and Billund.  Both are lovely towns(cities?) and have global companies with employment opportunities but for me, as a lazy expat, I find Copenhagen more convenient because of the major airport. One of the nice things is there aren't really bad neighborhoods/dangerous towns.  Because of their welfare system, everyone is cared for poverty is extremely rare.  Violent crime is also extremely rare, though there are pickpockets, especially around touristy areas.  Taxes are extremely high.  The government does your tax return for you.   

[ttt]

Aug 3, 2015 5:28:53 GMT -5 marriedfilingjoint said:

Aug 1, 2015 16:57:35 GMT -5 ttt said:

I don't know yet - it would depend on where I could find work, which I understand will not be easy. Any advice on where to live besides Copenhagen?

Copenhagen (and all of Denmark, really) is pretty commuter-friendly, towns like Albertslund, Hoje Taastrup, Bronby, Hellerup, and Rodovre are all within a 20 minute train ride to the city.  The other major metro areas (well, "major" for Denmark) are Aarhus and Billund.  Both are lovely towns(cities?) and have global companies with employment opportunities but for me, as a lazy expat, I find Copenhagen more convenient because of the major airport. One of the nice things is there aren't really bad neighborhoods/dangerous towns.  Because of their welfare system, everyone is cared for poverty is extremely rare.  Violent crime is also extremely rare, though there are pickpockets, especially around touristy areas.  Taxes are extremely high.  The government does your tax return for you.   

Thank you! We are going in a few months to do some recon and check it out so I will put those on our list. 

[tres3]

Danish speaker checking in... Danish is so much better than the singing Swedes and that harsh sounding German