The Workstrotter’s Guide to Denmark could be just the book people have been waiting for

If only such a thing was in existence when I moved here, there would have been fewer tears shed, a 200 percent reduction in the number of tantrums thrown and possibly no threats whatsoever to pack my bags and leave.

It’s the book many of us having been waiting for … a comprehensive guide to how things work in Denmark.  Dagmar Fink, the founder of the Worktrotter networking group, has painstakingly researched the many mysterious and sometimes seemingly unfathomable rubrics of life in Denmark.

She has delved into Danish culture and society to give readers a potted summary of what makes Danes tick.  She has bravely navigated websites for guidelines and grappled with authorities to unravel the often complicated systems to get all the essential administrative pieces in place - things that stop many of us in our tracks when we first arrive. Fink answers questions like: Am I paying too much tax? Do I need a Dankort and a NemKonto? What is ‘pant’? Should I clip 2 or 3 zones to get from Hellerup to Frederiksberg?  Does anyone know a reliable cat sitter? How do I register my car? Does 6pm for dinner really mean 6pm?The style of the book is light, informative and clear.  It contains lots of facts and statistics as well as step-by-step instructions. Organised into two parts – general information and practical information, the guide has been published in Fink’s native German as well as in English.

The general information section gives an introduction to all things Danish from the history of the hot dog stand to famous Danes and useful phrases.  It takes an honest, insightful and objective look at Denmark through the eyes of a foreigner and the chapter on culture shock will resonate with many expats.  The section would be even better with more case stories from other expats.

The practical information section covers a range of useful topics such as work, health and money matters to name but a few.  It’s an easy-to-use dip in and out reference guide and demystifies many of the issues that face newcomers to Denmark.

Although the guide is designed as a ‘starter-kit’ for those new to the country, there is almost certainly information in the book that is new for non-Danes who have lived here for a while, especially for those who haven’t mastered Danish yet. 

As befits Fink’s background as a software engineer, there is an obvious logic and flow in how the book is set out and it is laid out rather like an instruction manual.  And occasionally reads a little like one too.  The information in the book is presented in bite-sized chunks so it is never overwhelming.  It also comes complete with links to web sites, helpful hints and fact boxes.  Fink intends to update the information in the guide via her website on a regular basis.

As first editions go, it’s a good effort. The guide fills a gap in the market and is useful for helping newcomers avoid the pitfalls so common to first-timers here, and therefore essential reading for those about to head to these shores.