Danish men looking to Asia when marrying someone from abroad

Ladies from Thailand and the Philippines preferred to Swedes and Norwegians

When it comes to marrying someone from abroad, Danish men are finding love more frequently in Asia than they are in their own Scandinavian backyards.

According to national statistics keeper Dansk Statistik, Danish men married 276 women from Thailand and 195 women from the Philippines in 2014, compared to just 98 from Sweden and 91 from Norway.

Two-way street
Steen Baagøe Nielsen, a lecturer and researcher of culturally-mixed marriages at the University of Roskilde (RUC), contends there are many reasons why Danish men choose an Asian partner and vice-versa.

Danish men often yearn more traditional gender roles in a relationship and do not want to bother with the hectic Danish dating scene.

While relatively poor Asian women, who are willing to travel a great distance to improve their lives, might fast-track a holiday attraction or romance.

”In a world regulated by borders and quotas, marriage is one of the only options for a woman to get to a Western country,” Nielsen said.

”Considering the challenges, a surprising number of couples stay together. Both parties display great patience and tolerance by staying together. It's not just business. The vast majority of the men I've interviewed speak of infatuation and long-term love.”

READ MORE: Fewer marrying immigrants, more divorces and custody clashes

East, west, home is best
German women were the third-most popular choice last year with 118 marriages, followed by Poland (104), Sweden, Norway, Ukraine (60), China (54) and Russia (52).

The figures, however, still seem like a drop in the ocean compared to the 20,331 Danish men who married Danish women last year.

TOP STORIES

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

  • Free to speak, free to expose: how corruption shapes media freedom

    Free to speak, free to expose: how corruption shapes media freedom

    In Denmark, journalism feels free — calm, almost unbothered, and independent. In Azerbaijan, it can cost journalists their freedom, as in the case of Avaz Zeynalli, editor-in-chief of the independent newspaper Xural, who is currently imprisoned on politically motivated charges

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs