Relocation Guide

all about the royals

fiNdiNg the right

sChoolget out & about

*adVertisiNg suppleMeNt*

guidereloCatioN

autuMN 2011

For international jobseekers, employees and their spouses, Workindenmark offers:

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• Getagoodstart.VisitInternationalCitizenServiceandgethelpwiththepaperwork.

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Relocati on Guide - Autumn 2011

social occasions are the foundati on of Danish society. Observing traditi ons, like Christenings, Confi rmati ons, Christmas and Easter with formally planned dinners that evolve into long nights, new friendships and an excess of beer (hence the toasti ng: Skål!). This is where ‘hygge’ comes in: Vivienne McKee, founder of London Toast

Theatre and long-term Brit in Copenhagen, calls it, ‘The four Cs - comradeship, conviviality, cosiness and Carlsberg’.

It might seem like we’re getti ng ahead of ourselves. You haven’t even unpacked, and we’re advising cracking open the beers and joining a club. But while taking care of practi cal matt ers is important (don’t worry, we’ve got that covered, too) a good network is a key factor in a successful relocati on. The people involved in this supplement come from many diff erent backgrounds, but all are in agreement on one thing: socialising in your new country is a vital part of living here, one you should start right away. Whether you choose the social life of the expat community or are all set for immersion into Danish society, fi nding a network of friends and joining social clubs should be up there on your to-do list along with fi nding a doctor.

There’s plenty in here to get you started, from free things to do in your new city to addresses for the local sports clubs. With so much to do in Copenhagen, we love living here - and we hope you will, too.

We don’t presume to suggest this supplement will do the work for you – but we do hope you fi nd the contents in-spiring, and that you use the suggesti ons and resources to point you in the right directi on. There are helpful ti ps on housing, work and that strange, elusive CPR-number you’ve no doubt heard about, as well as essenti al informati on on places to study, worship and even where to send your children. There’s also informati on on the services available to newcomers from advice centres like Workindenmark.dk.

Moving house is said to be one of the biggest events in a person’s life; and relocati on to a new country is about as eventf ul as it gets. It doesn’t have to be your life’s most stressful, however - with the right help, connecti ons and out-look, it can be rewarding and possibly life-changing, developing new horizons, language skills and hopefully friends.

As June Persson from Relocati on Scandinavia puts it, newcomers to Denmark should be met with a welcoming committ ee. Welcome!

pOsT BOX

president and publisher: Ejvind Sandal

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Editor: Jane Graham

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sales and Adverti sing:Jeanne Thames, Mark Millen, Lyndsay Jensen

If you would like to contact us or leave a comment: [email protected]

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Copenhagen Post, please refer to our

disclaimer on page 2 of the newspaper.

All About the RoyAls

Finding the Right

schoolget out & About

*AdveRtising supplement*

guideRelocAtion

Autumn 2011

Skål to your new homeWords like ‘skål’ and ‘hygge’ are some of the most overused words in the danish language. neither is neces-sary to survive; but understand both and you’re well on your way to appreciating why most danes never feel like leaving their home country. By Jane graham

There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign.

R.L. Stevenson

Sign up for Kindergarten, After School Activities and Summer School as well as the grade school which opens next year – and more than 40 children have already registered. The After School Activities at AAGE are also open to children attending other schools. The Summer School Programme opens on July 2nd 2011.

The Aarhus Academy for Global Education has from the beginning been an active IB interested school. AAGE caters to both Danish and international students. The primary instructional language will be English.

Aarhus Academy for Global Education is a non-profit organization run by sponsorships, governmental support from the Ministry of Education and tuition fees.

If you would like to know more, please visit www.aarhusacademy.dk

THE AARHUS ACADEMY FOR GLOBAL EDUCATION opened its doors to the first international kindergarten in the greater Aarhus area on November 1st 2011- and the school bell rings for all grades by August 2012.

Ann_Relocation_Guide.indd 1 15/11/11 10.55

4

Headed by Queen Margrethe II, the Royals can oft en be seen out and about in Copenhagen. Young Prince Christi an, eldest child of the Crown Prince couple, has even been enrolled in an ordi-

nary public school. With such modern atti tudes, you might be surprised to discover that the Danish monarchy is one of the oldest in the world. The lineage can be defi niti vely traced back to Gorm the Old, who died in the year 958, since which an unbroken line of 52 monarchs have ruled Denmark.

Originally, the succession was electi ve and in return the king (present ruler included, there have only been two Danish queens) had to sign a charter which agreed upon a balance of power. This changed in the early 1600s, when Frederik III introduced a hereditary, absolute monarchy for both Denmark and Norway.

Norway had been ruled by a Danish monarch since the creati on of the Kalmar Union in 1397, a clever move on the part of Queen Margrete I which lasted unti l 1814. This period of absoluti sm, where no one could questi on the power of the monarch, conti nued unti l a consti tuti onal monarchy was introduced by Frederik VII in 1849.

In 1863, Christi an IX ascended the throne. His three daughters married into royal houses across the conti nent, including both Briti sh and Russian dynasti es, earning Christi an IX the ti tle, ‘the Father-in-law of Europe.’ In the early 1900s, these families oft en came to Denmark to spend holidays together at one of the many royal palaces. Frederik VIII and Christi an X were to follow before Frederik IX ascended the throne in 1947.

Frederik and his wife Ingrid had no sons, and it was widely accepted that his younger brother Knud would ascend the throne upon his death. Knud was an unpopular choice with the nati on, however, not being seen as ‘the ruling type’; instead, a new Act of Succession was drawn up in 1953 allowing Frederik’s eldest child, Princess Margrethe, to ascend the

throne. The laws of succession were amended permanently following a 2009 referendum that ruled in favour of succession in order of birth, regardless of gender.

Princess Margrethe became Queen Margrethe II of Denmark on Janu-ary 14th 1972 and her husband, French-born Henrik, became her prince consort. The couple’s fi rst child, Crown Prince Frederik, was born in 1968, thus securing the succession.

In the year 2000 Frederik met an Australian by the name of Mary Don-aldson whilst he was visiti ng Sydney for the Olympics. The couple an-nounced their engagement in 2003 and were married in Copenhagen on 14 May 2004. The bride spoke no Danish before moving to the country; an intensive language course soon followed, however, and Mary’s Danish has now been accepted by both the public and the media.

In 2005 the couple’s fi rst child, Prince Christi an, was born. He was joined by a sister, Isabella, in 2007, and twins were born to the family in Janu-

ary 2011. The pair, Prince Vincent Frederik Minik Al-exander and Princess Josephine Sophia Ivalo Math-ilda, were christened on April 14, at the same church where their grandparents had married some 40 years earlier.

Today, the Royal Family are a respected, and even cherished, part of Danish life. Jes Fabricius Møller, royal expert and lecturer at the University of Copen-hagen, feels that the Royals owe much of their popu-larity to the Queen herself.

“Historically speaking, royal popularity is a recent thing, and it has risen signifi cantly since the current monarch took the throne. This is because she has a very elegant way of dealing with the public; she is both digni-fi ed and direct and not afraid to talk with the press. This is a far diff erent approach to the Briti sh queen, for example.”

Møller also att ributes royal popularity to the fact that the family have a very clear understanding of their role in society.

“The present queen’s father, Frederik IX, embraced democracy and since then there has been a very clear division of work between the head of state and the head of government. The Royals have largely steered clear of politi cs and scandal and the Danish people respect them for it.”

A VeRY ROYAl stORYthe danish monarchy manage to combine a regal manner with an appearance of normality By Catherine gordon


Møller also attributes royal popularity to the

fact that the family have a very clear understanding

of their role in society

‘

‘

The key to a successful, stress-free relocation, accord-

ing to Copenhagen Relocations, a company specialising

in helping expats and corporate employees relocate to

Denmark, is to start preparing early. The more you can

get done before leaving home, the easier things will be

when you actually arrive in your new country.

An example of this is to file the necessary residency

and work permits in advance, meaning that when you

arrive you can hit the ground running – there’s so many

better ways to spend the first few weeks following your

arrival than waiting in line at the immigration office.

relocationscandinavia

We help companies welcome their foreign employees in a way that make them want to stay.

Relocation with Care: Support that reaches beyond finding a home.Integration with Sense: Welcome procedures and in-house networking initiative.Relocation Scandinavia provides a retention strategy that pays off and we look forward to sharing our expertise with you.

” We create a breeding ground for your employees”

Contact us for a free consultation: +45 60 71 04 54 or read more on

www.relocationscandinavia.com

getting settledPacking up everything for a fresh start in a new country is a challenging pros-pect even for seasoned expats: but by preparing first, as well as seeking help from those experienced in the practice, the big move doesn’t have to be an ordeal By Jimmy Fyfe

Once you’ve obtained your residency or work permit, you can register with the National Register of Persons (‘folkeregister’ in Danish). Everyone who intends on staying in Denmark for longer than three months (six months for those from other Nordic or EU countries) is required to register at the National Registration Office in the municipality (kommune) where they will be living.

Registering will give you your vital CPR number, which is not only your key to becoming a legal member of society but is also necessary for such things as opening a bank account, re-ceiving your salary, registering with a doctor and enrolling in school or day-care institutions.

Once you have your CPR number you will also be covered by public health insurance. The key to this service is your little yellow card, one of the most important things you’ll receive in Denmark. The public health insurance is financed by your taxes and designed to ensure that everyone has equal and free access to health services. It’s important to deal with this quickly, as some newcomers may have to wait up to six weeks before they become eligible for the insurance.

Free schooling is available for every child from the age of seven in Denmark, and while all families with children aged six to 16 will automatically receive information on schools and education when they register with the National Register, Copenhagen Relocations recom-mends making contact with the international schools and day-care institutions before the physical relocation itself, since many schools have waiting lists. The sooner they are made aware of the arrival, the better.

Copenhagen Relocations also advise signing your child up to more than one school to really ensure there’s a place waiting for them, and also to allow for more flexibility when looking for a house. The school year in Denmark starts as early as the beginning of August and ends in the middle of June, though students are generally admitted at the time they arrive in the municipality.

One seemingly inconsequential, yet vital part of the relocation process is the ability to keep an open mind. Things in Denmark are different from where you come from and the more you compare things to home all the time the more you can miss out on what Denmark has to offer. Life in Denmark is unique in so many ways, and getting settled in quickly and main-taining a good attitude through the process can be the start of an enjoyable experience in the ‘happiest’ country on earth.

“enrol at danish school: it’s a great way to start learning the language

as well as to meet new friends and start developing

a social network.”Jennifer Buley (Journalist)

Relocation Guide - Autumn 2011

The Danish authoriti es have recently improved the vis-ibility and clarity of the procedures that need to be followed when mov-ing here. To help you along, here is a guide to point you in the right directi on. But as procedures vary depending on your situati on, it’s always best to check with the relevant authoriti es.

so how does it work?step 1 - resideNCe/work perMitsif you are an eu citizenIf you plan to stay in Denmark more than three months, you must apply for a certi fi cate of regis-trati on before those three months expire. Be pre-pared for it to take a couple of weeks.

The applicati on must be submitt ed in person to the Regional State Administrati on (RSA) where you live. Check with the ‘Statsforvaltning’ which

RSA you belong to and whether you need to make an appointment fi rst. The State Administrati on of-fi ce for Copenhagen is located at:Borups Alle 177, 2400 Cph NV. (72 56 70 00; EU residence opening hours: Mon 9am-2pm, Tues 12noon-2pm, Wed 9am-2pm, Thurs 1pm-5pm, Fri 9am-1pm.

Remember to bring your passport and one pass-port photo. You will also need to bring documen-tati on proving the reasons for your stay, e.g.

• Proof of employment: employment contract if you have one. Must be signed and max 1 month old or bring Employer’s declarati on (Appendix A of the applicati on form)• Proof of suffi cient means: documentati on showing means of fi nancing your stay, e.g. bank account statement in your own name and max 14 days old. (N.B. as of January 2009, this amount was approx. DKK 70,000 per adult).• Students: documentati on for (eligible) educati onal programme. For non-EU family members of EU citi zens, check the requirements with the ‘Statsforvaltning’ fi rst. Once citi zens of EU or EFTA countries are issued a residence permit, they do not need a separate work permit (arbejdesti lladelse).

if you are not an eu citizenIf you aren’t an EU citi zen, check with the Dan-ish Immigrati on Service (www.nyidanmark.dk) regarding visa requirements, residence and work permit regulati ons, as these vary. Much will de-pend on your profession as to what type of resi-dence permit (opholdsbevis) is issued. If you are being expatriated, your company or a relocati on agency will off er the best advice.

If you are in Denmark as a tourist and wish to ap-ply for a residence permit, you need to go to:The Danish Immigrati on Service (Udlændinges-ervice), Ryesgade 53, 2100 CPH Ø. (35 36 66 00).

step 2 - your yellow Card - Cpr NuMberThis card is the Danish equivalent of a Social Security number or ID card and is the key to ac-cessing almost everything in Denmark. First and foremost, it’s your personal health insurance card and enti tles you to doctor’s visits and emergency treatment under the Danish state healthcare sys-tem.

You will also need this number when you deal with public authoriti es, open a bank account, set up uti liti es, take a language course or enrol your child in school, for the tax offi ce, oft en to get a job, and even to use the library.

Once you have your residence permit, you need to visit the Citi zen Service Centre (Borgerservice-center) in your local authority (kommune) in per-son to register with them. Bring your residence permit, photo ID, and marriage or birth cer-ti fi cates for your children, if applicable. You also need a fi xed home address (a hotel or business address won’t suffi ce). A proof of your address – i.e. rental lease, contract or lett er from your landlord. At the same ti me as registering for your CPR number, you will also be asked to choose a GP (general practi ti oner or doctor).

In Copenhagen you register at the Citi zen Service Center, Nyropsgade 1, 1602 København V, open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. You will get a CPR number right away, except in peak seasons Jan/Feb and September and your health insurance card will arrive within 2 weeks. Be aware that you have to put your last name on the mailbox or men-ti on your landlords name in order to receive it. It is a personal lett er and is only delivered to per-sons menti oned on the mail box. Else it will be returned and destroyed without noti ce.

It’s worth noti ng that state health insurance does not cover the cost of medicine, dental treatments and some special treatments such as physiother-apy.

step 3 - taXThe third step, once you’ve received your CPR number, is to register with the tax offi ce (SKAT) for your tax card (skatt ekort). This is vital if you are working. You will need to provide details of your annual income and an assessment of your tax liability. If your employer does not have your tax card, you will automati cally be taxed in the region of 55-60 percent, which can be reclaimed but may leave you a litt le short of cash. Check www.skat. dk for more informati on. The central tax offi ce in Copenhagen is at: Sluseholmen 8B, 2450 Cph S (72 22 18 18; opening hours: Mon 10am-4pm, Tue-Fri 10am-2pm).

New to denmarkwww.nyidanmark.dkBefore you arrive, check the New to Denmark portal - the offi cial Danish Immigrati on Service website for foreigners and immigrati on. The site is in Danish and English, has secti ons in other lan-guages, and is especially useful for fi nding infor-mati on on visa requirements, work permits and entry rules for students and au pairs.

www.kk.dk/cphinternati onalOn this website you will fi nd informati on about living in Copenhagen. CPH Internati onal Service host an ICS- Internati onal Citi zen Service offi ce.Get help with the paperwork and get good advice on what it’s like to live and work in Denmark. All relevant authoriti es under one roof. A public serv-ice for foreign employees,job seekers and Danish companies Nyropsgade 1, 1602 Cph V. Opening hours: Wed 1pm-5pm, Thu 11am-3pm.The serv-ice also has a walk-in centre in central Copenha-gen, open Wednes-Thurs only.

www.statsforvaltning.dkClick on ‘In English’ and then in the left margin marked, ‘EU residence’. The Regional State Ad-ministrati on’s website has informati on on what to do, where to go and what you need to bring with you to apply for a Certi fi cate of Registrati on or residence permit (registreringsbevis).

navigating the rules, regulations and red tape in an unknown land can be a minefi eld. Figuring out what documentation you require and in which order you need to get it in may send you rushing for the fi rst fl ight home.By Celia thaysen

International Citizen ServiceGet help with the paperwork and get good advice on what it’s like to live and work in Denmark. All relevant authorities under one roof. A public service for foreign employees, students, job seekers and Danish companies

CopenhagenNyropsgade 1DK-1602 Cph. [email protected]: +45 33 66 66 06

Office hoursWed. 1 pm - 5 pmThurs. 11 am - 3 pm

Get off to a good startin Denmark

The Danish authoriti es have recently improved the vis-ibility and clarity of the

along, here is a guide to point

max 14 days old. (N.B. as of January 2009, this amount was approx. DKK 70,000 per adult).

educati onal programme.

For non-EU family members of EU citi zens, check the requirements with the ‘Statsforvaltning’ fi rst. Once citi zens of EU or EFTA countries are issued a residence permit, they do not need a separate

the little yellow Card


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Sascha Eichendorff was an easy sell. He knew that the fourth-fl oor apartment in downtown Aarhus was the one he wanted as soon as he laid eyes on it.

But before German-born Eichendorff , a student at Aarhus University, could move in, he was given a contract so intricate that even a PhD student in medical biochemistry like himself was confused. Everything about the apartment was spelled out in the agreement, right down to the aluminium tube connecti ng the sink to the dishwasher and the type of soap to use on the fl oors.

“It was like a recipe,” Eichendorff says of the soap instruc-ti ons. “It said I could use ammonia, but only up to a very specifi c percentage. It was bizarre.”

Equally surprising to Eichendorff was how much he would have to pay: before moving in he had to hand over not only a deposit of three months’ rent but an additi onal three months’ prepaid rent as well as his fi rst month’s rent.

“I basically paid seven rents when I moved in,” he says. “That’s prett y intense.”

Strange as the contract seemed to Eichendorff , such details are commonplace in the Danish housing market. For while it is indeed possible for foreigners like Eichendorff to both buy and rent housing, there are a number of rules worth knowing fi rst.

According to Peter Høyer, the managing director of Scandia, a housing fi rm founded in Copenhagen in 1993, Eichendorff ’s heft y deposit is nothing unusual. In fact, there are Danish laws – found in the detailed (25,000 word) Rent Act (‘Lejeloven’ in Danish) – requiring tenants to pay at least three months’ rent up-front.

“In the US and some places in the Far East and Middle East,” he says, “you can rent out apartments the same way you rent

out a hotel room. That can be great for the tenant, but the per-son who owns the property is exposed. So the law protects own-ers in case the tenants don’t follow the rules.”

Another disti nguishing characteristi c of the Danish housing market is the length of the lease. In the US, Høyer says, it is not unusual for a tenant to sign a one-year lease and then extend it indefi nitely. But in Denmark, the durati on of a lease is pre-determined and rigid – you can’t simply extend or terminate a lease at your convenience.

“Here, that’s illegal,” he says. “You have a fi xed ti me. So the idea that you make a year-by-year contract isn’t something that’s done in Denmark, and that may surprise some people.”

Foreigners might also be surprised by the myriad taxes lev-ied against buyers. Søren Jespersen, a broker for EDC, a nati onal chain of estate agents, says the tax structure set up around buy-ing a home or apartment can be dizzying.

According to Jespersen, a buyer must pay the state 0.06 percent of the price of the house, in additi on to a fl at fee. And that’s just for the right to buy – it’s separate from the actual cost of a property. There are also taxes based on the value of the land (‘grundværdi’) and the value of the building itself (‘ejen-

domsvurdering’).“This can add up,” Jespersen says. “If you bought a fl at for fi ve

million kroner, then you’re paying a lot of money just for the right to buy your fl at, before you even get into the actual cost.”

And should someone need a mortgage, Jespersen says they must pay the state 1.5 percent of the amount of the loan.

“The state actually earns a lot of money when people buy and sell houses in Denmark,” Jespersen says. “A lot of Danes don’t even know that. And this can be a lot of money if you’re loaning four or fi ve million kroner.”

While taxes represent a big diff erence between renti ng and buying a house – according to Høyer, no taxes are levied against renters – buyers and renters alike might want to consider is get-ti ng outside help. Høyer says that renters should hire an agent to avoid confusion and surprises, and Jespersen’s advice goes a step further: get a lawyer.

This assistance isn’t necessary for everyone. Eichendorff , for one, was able to wade through his housing agreement with-out any real problems. Sti ll, he double-checks that soap recipe whenever he cleans his fl oors.

HomeworkBefore buying or renting a home, a quick study session may be in order By david Vranicar


CHrIsTIANsHAvNWith its picturesque canals and prett y painted houses, Christi an-shavn was created in the dutch style in the 1600s. These days, this upmarket neighbourhood is one of Copenhagen’s most desir-able districts, connected to the centre by Metro and known for its trendy cafes and upscale restaurants.

Type: Glamorous metropolisIdeally suited for: Young people without childrenpostal district: 1400-1441 København KHousing: Apartmentsrent prices: 10,000-35,000krTop cultural picks: Freetown of Christi aniadining: Noma (top rated restaurant), Era Ora (gourmet Italian)shopping: Amager Centredistance from the City Centre: 5-15 minutessimilar Areas Nearby: Islands Brygge, Sundby

ØrEsTAdØrestad is Copenhagen’s newest neighbourhood, an exciti ng area on the island of Amager connected to the city centre by Metro and close to both the Airport and the Øresund Bridge. The univer-sity campus has brought young people to the area in droves, while exciti ng architectural projects off er att racti ve, aff ordable housing to families.

Type: Modern student campusIdeally suited for: Families with children, young couples, studentspostal district: 2300 København SHousing: Apartmentsrent prices: 7,000-15,000krTop cultural picks: The Concert House (Koncerthuset) in DR-Byenshopping: Field’sdistance from the City Centre: 10-20 minutessimilar Areas Nearby: Tårnby, Islands Brygge

HELLErupsmart suburb Hellerup has a fl ourishing ex-pat community, thanks to the many embassies and internati onal schools in the area. Oth-er att racti ons include upscale shops, cafes and a nearby beach. Housing ranges from palati al early 20th century villas to new har-bour-front apartment developments.

Type: Wealthy suburbiaIdeally suited for: Families with school-age childrenpostal district: 2900 HellerupHousing: Everything from modern apartments and self-contained fl ats to palati al villasrent prices: 8,000-65,000krInternati onal schools: Copenhagen Internati onal School, Bernadott eskolen, RygaardsTop cultural pick: The Experimentarium (science museum)shopping: Strandvejen, Water Front Shopping CentreWhere to fi nd Internati onal products: SuperBestdistance from the City Centre: 15-20 minutessimilar Areas Nearby: Gentoft e, Charlott enlund, Klampenborg

8

It’s not high taxes or bad weather that puts most foreigners off staying in Denmark; ac-cording to statistics, 80 percent of long-term visitors leave because of loneliness

June Persson, founder and owner of Relocation Scandinavia, is in no doubt as to what Danish companies need to do in order to retain new

employees they’ve coaxed from overseas: wel-come them into their community.

In 2006, June returned home to Denmark after seven years in the United States, where she had relocated with her husband, an employee in a large biotech firm. Her time in the US taught her many new things, but one experience proved to be a key factor as she started up Relocation Scandi-navia the year following her return - the welcome that her family was given by her husband’s firm.

“Danish businesses really could learn a lot from

American companies in that regard,” says June Persson. “They appreciate the importance of mak-ing employees feel at home.”

Relocation Scandinavia helps people get settled into the country in the same way other reloca-tion companies do, finding them housing, CPR-numbers and other essentials. But they also offer one other particularly special service – and that is finding them good friends.

When Relocation Scandinavia is approached by a company to help relocate workers from their home country to Denmark, it isn’t just the arriv-ing worker and his or her family that are in focus. Danish employees are also involved in a process that aims at helping new workers, and their fami-lies, become a part of the Danish community as quickly and successfully as possible.

“We aim to find you a good new Danish friend in the company,” June explains. “And if you are a

newcomers should have a welcome committee

drAgØrdragør is a picturesque, quaint fi shing village on the island of Am-ager near the airport, and out of the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

Type: Middle-class villageIdeally suited for: Families with young childrenpostal district: 2791 DragørHousing: Terraced houses and detached villasrent prices: 7,000-16,000kr

Top cultural pick: Dragør Harbour (leisure and fi shing)distance from the city centre: less than 30 minutessimilar areas nearby: Tårnby, Islands Brygge

FrEdErIKsBErgActually its own municipality although it seems more like a dis-trict of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg is a modern metropolis with numerous parks, leisure and cultural faciliti es, cafés and shopping areas connected to central Copenhagen by the Metro

Type: Middle-class metropolisIdeally suited for: Everyone, in parti cular creati ve types, students and familiespostal districts: 1800-1998 (Frederiksberg C), 2000 (Frederiksberg)Housing: A full range of apartments, terraced houses, villa-apartments and detached housesrent prices: 4,000-32,000kruniversiti es: Copenhagen Business School, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Life SciencesInternati onal schools: No internati onal schools, but Johannessko-len is one of the best private schools in DenmarkTop cultural picks: Copenhagen Zoo, Forum (exhibiti on and concert centre)shopping: Gammel Kongevej, Godthåbsvej, Falkoner Alle and Frederiksberg CentreWhere to fi nd Internati onal products: SuperBestdistance from the City Centre: 10-15 minutessimilar Areas Nearby: Valby

ØsTErBrOOne of the largest Copenhagen districts, residenti al Østerbro is ringed to the west by sortedam Lake and has plenty of cafes, res-taurants, takeaways and shops. It off ers a variety of living opti ons, from city apartments in inner Østerbro to large houses in the em-bassy district.

Type: UrbanIdeally suited for: Couples and familiespostal district: 2100 (København Ø)Housing: Apartments and houses of all sizesrent prices: 7,000-45,000krTop cultural picks: Parken stadium, the Lakes and Fælledparkenshopping: Østerbrogade, Øster Farimagsgade and Nordre Frihavnsgadedistance from the City Centre: 5-15 minutessimilar Areas Nearby: The Inner City, Hellerup, Nørrebro

Copenhagen and its suburbs has a vari-ety of neighbourhoods and outlying towns, each with their own distinctive characteristics. Choosing which one is right for you and your family depends on your own needs and wish-es – as well as on how much you’re prepared to spend

Hellerup

Østerbro

Frederiksberg

Christianshavn

Ørestad

Dragør

CentralCopenhagen


family, we’ll find you a family.”June goes so far as to suggest companies create

a database matching available workers with arriv-ing employees to make this service as efficient as possible. And it’s successful – rather than isola-tion, families can enjoy an instant family network that can last for years.

“If mum’s not happy, nobody’s happy,” June re-minds us. She also points out how vital it is for newcomers to break out of the expat bubble.

“Expat communities are great, but they don’t help integrate foreigners into the Danish commu-nity,” she says. “Being part of a community and being invited your colleagues’ kids’ birthday par-ties and other social gatherings... It’s such an im-portant part of life here.”

June sums it up: “Integrating newcomers is cru-cial for companies if they want to hold onto their new workers.”More information about Relocation Scandinavia can be found at the company’s website: www.relocationscandinavia.com

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10

Although children in Denmark starting school relatively late (during the year of their sixth birth-day) a tiny few will be unused to waving goodbye to mommy; most will have been in day care since they started learning to walk.

Denmark has one of the most comprehensive childcare services in the world, with places for all chil-dren from the age of six months upwards. It’s government subsidised, so those on low incomes can apply for reduced rates, and even those on good salaries shouldn’t find themselves paying as much as in some countries.

With such an all-encompassing programme, knowing just which institution is right for you and your child can be confusing. Basically, the Danish childcare system breaks it down into two age groups: the youngest child, from six months up to three years (some municipalities, Copenhagen included, make the transition at two years and ten months) and the slightly older child, from three up to school age (this is less rigid here than in many countries, varying from five years-old to seven, dependent on a child’s readiness for school).

Babies and toddlers can go either to a nursery (vuggestue) or to a registered childminder (dagpleje). Here, children are cared for on a staff-child ration of four children to one childcare worker. According to Danish principles of childcare extolling the virtues of fresh air, the children are laid outside in prams for their midday nap.

Older children, meanwhile, attend kindergarten (børnehave). Even here, however, the possibilities appear endless. Here are some of the main options:

• ‘Udflytter børnehave’ – Copenhagen has more than fifty of these ‘outlying kindergartens’, where children meet at premises in their local area and are driven out to an institution with large grounds and close to fields, woodland or beach. Some will attend the outlying kindergarten only, while other institutions alternate between countryside kindergarten and the one in the city. • Kindergarten with its own bus – Many institutions have their own bus, called a ‘rumlepot’, which they can use to drive out of the city to parks, woodland and other recreational areas. Most institutions will alternate which ‘rooms’ in the kindergarten use the bus each day, and trips will generally be once or twice a week.• Integrated institutions – Larger institutions, where younger kids and kindergarten-age are cared for in the same building, although usually in different rooms.• Institutions with extended opening times – these kindergartens are reserved for those who work odd shifts, and are often based in hospitals. Some are open at weekends, while others offer late-night opening.• Naturbørnehave – Outside of central Copenhagen, nurseries with larger grounds, access to green areas and policies promoting outdoor activities are known as ‘nature kindergartens’.• Privately-run institutions – Of these, Rudolf Steiner kindergartens are the most common. The Rudolf Steiner movement is popular throughout Denmark, with over 25 Rudolf Steiner kindergartens in the Greater Copenhagen alone.

Whatever option you go with, we highly recommend you visit a place before signing up for its waiting list. Ring first, and they’ll be happy to see you.

A list of municipal childcare institutions (and even information on private ones) can be found from your local municipality, either online or at the local town hall. For those in Copenhagen, this is at Pladsan-visningen, located on the third floor at Frederiksborggade 15 or virtually at www.kk.dk (English pages are available under ‘Living in Copenhagen’: Childcare & School.’ Note that many institutions have long waiting lists. It varies from municipality whether you’ll have to wait for your first choice or if you are offered a guaranteed place when one first becomes available, wherever that might be.

More information in English is available in the booklet, ‘Day care offers and child-minding arrange-ments in the City of Copenhagen’.

While most nurseries have policies on diet and try to restrict the amount of sugar children consume, you’ll more than likely be expected to take a lunch box for all children over three. There was a govern-ment initiative to offer cooked meals for all children in institutions throughout 2010, but it proved less popular than expected.

No matter what kind of provision you opt for, one philosophy runs through the entire Danish childcare system, and that is to teach children independence and self-reliance from the very start. To many, this can seem like a very free-floating curriculum, but the sight of a group of twenty Danish four year-olds armed with backpacks for a two-mile hike into the woods is something to behold.

The downside of this complete day care package is that parents who choose to stay at home with their toddlers may find it hard to join a playgroup. Mothers’ groups, set up with the help of municipal health visitors shortly after a baby is born, tend to break up after about nine months as the mums’ maternity leave draws to a close and the group drifts back to work. In fact, almost all the playgroups in and around Copenhagen survive thanks to the enthusiasm of expat mothers.

for Preschooldenmark is one of the best countries in the world for those with small children, with almost every aspect of society geared towards families. Yet this amount of choice can make decision-making difficult – and day care is no exception By Jane graham


PrePPing

Ladies International Network København (LINK) run two playgroups: Bumps & Babies for chil-dren up to 18 months (every Monday morning from 10-12) and Mums & Tots (every Wednesday from 10-12) for slightly older kids. While both groups are held publicly at Hellerup Church, Mar-grethevej 9b in Hellerup, the playgroups are run by and for LINK members, and non-members are asked to join after three sessions. The price for non-members is 40kr. More information is avail-able at www.linkdenmark.com

Whatever option you go with, we highly recommend you visit a place before signing up for its waiting list.

Ring first, and they’ll be happy to see you.

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For any family coming to Denmark, the education of their children is of paramount importance. Safe and welcoming Copenhagen is a great place to have a young family, with a child-friendly culture and some excellent schools.

Some expats decide to send their children to the local Danish school. Education is compulsory for all children in Denmark from the year they turn seven up until the age of 16, and the Danish system is considered one of the best in the world, with particular focus on social skills and confidence.

Many families opt to place younger children into a Danish preschool institution before moving them to an international environment when they are of school age. Preschool options are divided into vuggestuer (up to age 3), børnehaver (3 to 6 years) and then the final børnehaveklasse, located in primary schools and catering for that final year before a child enters primary education.

Roughly a third of preschool education is privately run, and there are various international choices in the Greater Copenhagen area.

The term ‘folkeskole’ covers the entire period of compulsory education, and is not divided into sepa-rate primary and secondary sections as most newcomers might expect. The vast majority of students attend the municipal folkeskole and there are some that have both Danish and international sections. At the discretion of the school principal, children who require it are offered training in Danish as a second language; those who have attended preschool in this country are unlikely to need it.

Finally, there is what is known as ungdomsuddannelse, or youth education. This is not mandatory, and is normally attended by those between the ages of 15 and 20 for a period of two to four years. The most common route is through gymnasium in preparation for a programme of higher education, but many also choose a vocational school.

Although the Danish system can be a good fit for many people, Copenhagen does have many interna-tional options. The Copenhagen International School in Hellerup offers the full International Bacca-laureate programme, while Nørre Gymnasium and Herlufsholm (the country’s only boarding school) provide the Diploma programme. Other schools, such as Rygaards Skole and Bernadotteskolen, have both Danish and international sections up to the age of 15. Copenhagen even boasts a Lycée Francais in Frederiksberg as well as a German school.

With such a range of choices, any expat parent can be sure that they will find an institution that will suit their child’s needs.

Backdanish education is amongst the best there is, but there are plenty of international choices, too By Catherine gordon


to School

12

For many expats relocating to Denmark, the move has been arranged by their company and a job is here waiting for them, ready to

be stepped into immediately. Their spouses, how-ever, may have to go that extra mile to find work.

NetworkiNg is keyAccording to Anette Pilmark of Spousecare, a company specialising in helping the spouses of foreign workers living here develop their social network and find work, the most important thing when looking for work is being aware that most jobs out there aren’t advertised. Denmark is a country dependent on professional networking and who you know is just as important as what you know. Online networking can often be just as important, and social networking sites such as LinkedIn are also valuable tools to be utilised.

Make sure your CV is up to sCratChWhile your CV might have looked impressive back home, it could still be rejected here if the qualifications and experience isn’t understood by Danes. Pilmark is quick to remind jobseekers to adjust their resumes to fit the Danish norm, and to be aware too that most job applications require a cover letter as well as the CV itself.

For non-native English speakers, it is important to document you have professional English skills, while those with a degree or qualification in a language not recognised in Denmark should look up the Danish Agency for International Education (en.iu.dk/recognition), which makes free assess-ments of different diplomas.

play to your streNgths aNd Make the Most of opportuNitiesAccording to Mette Steffensen from Supporting People, an expat employee support and integra-tion guidance company, the small size of Den-mark combined with its high number of qualified workers means that all publicly advertised jobs receive a high volume of applicants. Because of this, Steffensen stresses that when you do get a

chance you need to be prepared and make the most of the opportunity.

As well as reiterating the need to apply in the way that Danish employers are accustomed to, Stef-fensen also stresses the importance of showing that you are willing and able to work in a different environment from one you’re used to and to tar-get yourself specifically to the role you are after.

use the tools oN haNdYou are not the first foreigner to search for a job in Denmark and you won’t be the last, and as such, there is plenty of support out there, both private and public. As well as the various private com-panies who work with spouses of foreign hired workers, there are also more general courses run by the municipality.

At Første Job i Danmark (First Job in Denmark - www.forstejob.dk) a six-week course (held in Danish) as well as an intensive two-day course in English offer a basic overview of how the job-hunting game works here and is designed to get independent foreigners living in Denmark into the labour market.

startiNg your owN busiNessRegistering a company in Denmark is much eas-ier than you might think – making starting your own business not only an attractive option, but a viable one as well. All EU citizens are permitted to establish a self-owned business in Denmark and the municipal Copenhagen Business Centre (Københavns Erhvervscenter) offers all the practi-cal advice you need, with free seminars and an-swers to questions that you might not even know to ask. With consultants from a variety of cultural and professional backgrounds, they can help for-mulate business plans and offer information on essentials like bookkeeping and budgeting.While job-hunting in Denmark can seem challeng-ing, learning how the job hunting game works, thinking outside the box and focusing on your skills, strengths and unique talents opens up op-tions available for those eager to find success.

Your partner was offered a position in denmark – but you’ve yet to find one. Here are some expert tips for finding jobs for spouses By Jimmy Fyfe

By Kirsten Stendevad, founder and leader of GlobalGoddessSchool.com

It has allways been a challenge for women to ”have it all”, but for expats, add the limited career

and network oppportunities of being in a forein country. Although Danish, Kirsten Stendevad, MA

and leader of the Global Goddess School knows this situation. At 6, she moved to Belgium and

throughout the 24 years she spent outside of Denmark, she witnessed lots of talented women losing

touch with their unique gifts, and often losing self esteem and happiness too.

Kirsten wanted to find new ways for women who want to have it all, with pleasure. She wrote the

bestsellers Motherhood as a Career Booster and The Millionairess Method and gave workshops at

Harvard Business School, Microsoft etc. In 2003, she created a place where women can get support

and tools for realizing their visions with pleasure. The Global Goddess School has turned hundreds of

women into ”feminine powerhouses”, who master the fine art of bringing out the best in themselves

and others. ”I am so pleased I finally offer this unique training in English”, says Kirsten. ”I believe the

Dalai Lama was right when he said the world is to be saved by Western women. The time for us to get

our Greatness and live it, is NOW.”

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Jobsfor spouses

TIps FOr FINdINg WOrK FrOM THOsE THAT HAvE suCCEEdEd:Susan Avery: Give away some of your time for free. Often volunteering some of your time to begin

with can get you a foot in the door and lead to paid work and a full time job in the end.

John Francis: Get out and about in the community. To find a job here it’s all about networking, so

you need to meet people to enlarge your social network. Things like joining sports clubs or meet-

up groups are a great way to start, and if you have a Danish partner, get to know their friends and

colleagues.

Peter Wills: When it comes to the Danish language, a little goes a long way. You don’t need to be

fluent in the language, but just trying to speak a little shows that you are open-minded and eager to

learn and that can make a lasting impression on would-be employers.

Caroline Cain, reflexologist: There’s no business if nobody knows you exist. Word of mouth is the

most effective form of marketing, so get yourself out there and tell everybody what you do.

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Check out recruitment service Workinden-mark and make your qualifi cati ons work for you By Jane Graham

M arianne Hansen is director for Wor-kindenmark East. Her staff of 10 dedicated recruitment consultants is

ready if you need a good engineer or a biochem-ist, or if you’re looking for a company willing to

recognise your quali-fi cati ons and talents. Workindenmark East – the Copenhagen branch of this inter-nati onal recruitment service - helps make those important meeti ngs between employer and job-seeker a reality.

“Workindenmark provides services for Danish companies and for-eign jobseekers,” Marianne Hansen sums up the company’s purpose in a nutshell. “For a start, we host a website for people thinking of coming to Denmark to work and have a large job bank, not only to show what is available but also for you to upload your CV.”

This is a great opportunity to make your qualifi -cati ons visible, and there is certainly a market for it, as Marianne Hansen confi rms.

“Every month, there are between 60,000 and 70,000 people viewing our website from other

countries, either looking for jobs or reading in-formati on.

“We work hard at contacti ng companies and bringing them to our website, and focus on ar-eas where there is a defi nite labour shortage, i.e. engineering, pharmaceuti cals, the health and IT sectors... In these areas, there is a high demand

for qualifi ed professionals – and we’re very pro-acti ve.”

In additi on, Workindenmark is connected with the EURES website (European Employment Serv-ices), meaning all job ads are automati cally ad-verti sed throughout Europe. Workindenmark co-operates with a network of about 800 EURES advisors throughout Europe to fi nd the ideal can-didates for Danish companies.

Workindenmark is not only online, however: it’s also an offi ce that people can visit, both as jobseeker or company representati ve. Wor-kindenmark East’s offi ce is based in central Co-penhagen, but there are also offi ces in Aarhus, Jutland and Odense, Funen.

“The offi ce is there to off er guidance,” elabo-rates Marianne Hansen. “You can drop by for informati on about job opportuniti es, or you can book a ti me to speak to an adviser, who will look through your CV and at your qualifi cati ons and let you know if there are jobs available for you.”

Qualifi cati ons are not always enough; trends in the labour market can make a diff erence, too.

“Our advisers know a lot about the labour mar-ket. We can tell you what kind of job opportuni-ti es are out there right now, or if you might have to wait a few months for something to appear.”

Workindenmark places special att enti on on those already living in Denmark, parti cularly stu-dents and spouses of those already in work.

“We can help students directly aft er they’ve fi nished their studies go straight into a job,” says Ms. Hansen. “We also off er a number of oppor-tuniti es for spouses; as well as our job-seeking courses tailor-made for spouses, we can present them to relevant companies.”

Outside of the job market, does Marianne Hansen have any ti ps for newcomers to Den-mark?

“Very oft en it’s about developing a network,” she says. “This can be diffi cult, as we Danes are oft en told we are ‘closed people’ and hard to come into contact with... but having a network is so important! Joining in with spare-ti me ac-ti viti es, like sports associati ons, is an ideal way to start making Danish friends.”For more informati on, check out www.wor-kindenmark.dk

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One of the first things people notice when visiting Copenha-gen is just how easy it is to get by without any Danish skills whatsoever, especially if you are only planning on living

here for a short period of time. What’s the point, then, in bother-ing to learn the language? Do you need to be able to communicate fluently, or is it simply a matter of understanding and expressing the basics?

Three members of the expat community shared their views with The Copenhagen Post on the importance of and reasons for learn-ing Danish. Although all three have taken it upon themselves to learn the language, each has their own intentions and strategies.

Franklin, 23, a Portuguese artist and ballet dancer, was living in Denmark ‘on and off’ for three years before he decided to move here permanently and start learning the language. During his early

stays, Franklin was able to pick up quite a bit of Danish by com-municating with Danes on a daily basis, watching TV and using a dictionary.

However, he stresses that by far the most useful experience was to attend a Danish language school, where an interactive class and a teacher to guide him through the process offered far more than he could have achieved alone. Despite having managed fine with his English skills, for Franklin, speaking Danish is a way of communi-cating your respect towards the culture, as well as gaining respect from Danes who, “know that their language is not an easy one for a non-Dane to learn”.

Sharon, 39 from Israel, has lived in Copenhagen as a stay-at-home mom with her Danish husband for nearly two decades without speaking Danish. Instead of trying to integrate into Danish society, Sharon has chosen to be a part of the international community, sending both of her children, now aged 14 and 18, to Copenhagen International School. She is perfectly capable of speaking Danish, but chooses not to.

“When I first got to Denmark, I just couldn’t wait to get out of here,” she said. “Taking the step to learn Danish, for me, would have meant that I was accepting life in Denmark. I didn’t want to be stuck here. And if I was going to move anyway, why bother learning how to speak a language that only five million people understand?”

She didn’t move, however, and has no intention of ever leaving. Or as she explains: “I changed my mind, and decided to embrace the language.”

She attended six hours of private lessons at Berlitz to acquire the basic skills required for communicating in Danish. However, when-ever she tried to put her Danish to practice, most people simply responded in English. So she thought, ‘why bother?’ Sharon also points out that she feels like a different person when she speaks Danish.

“I can’t be myself, because I am not comfortable... I don’t speak Danish because I don’t need to.”

By contrast, Kirsten, 45, an American stay-at-home mother with two teenage children, opted to send her children to a Danish school. Like Franklin, Kirsten felt learning Danish was a sign of respect for the Danish culture. Learning Danish, she said, allowed her to, “gain a good understanding of where I was”.

She adds that she didn’t need to learn Danish, as Danes were al-ways polite and spoke English to her. However, at some point, they would, “turn away and speak Danish” to a person next to her, mak-ing her feel socially handicapped, as she was no longer able to par-ticipate in the conversation. Not wanting to be a ‘social burden,’ as she put it, she started to see learning the language as the only way for her to truly assimilate into Danish society.

She began learning Danish through the course provider AOF, but although the classes provided a fun and free opportunity for her to meet ‘people of different ages and social groups with a common interest in learning Danish’, she felt that her progress was too slow, and that she needed to take part in smaller, more intensive classes tailored to her level of understanding.

Kirsten switched to intensive classes at KISS four times a week; it took six months for Kirsten to become fluent in Danish. Neverthe-less, Kirsten finds it, “difficult to explain thing’s from the heart” when speaking Danish, and is grateful that she can always switch into English to be understood when she really needs to.

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taILoR YoUR oWn DanISH CoURSEthree newcomers to denmark offer three quite different approaches to the language By dominique Barir Jensen

DanISH CLaSSES In tHE CopEnHagEn aREaAOF - www.aof.dkBerlitz - www.berlitz.dkBusiness Language Services (BLS) - www.bls.dkClavis - www.clavis.orgIA Sprog - www.iasprog.dkKøbenhavns Intensive SprogSkole (KiSS) - www.kiss.dkKøbenhavns Sprogcenter – kbh-sprogcenter.dkSprogcenter Hellerup - www.sprogcenterhellerup.dkStudieskolen - www.studieskolen.dkVirksomhedsskolen - www.virksomhedsskolen.dkVoksenUddannelsescenter Frederiksberg - www.vuf.nu

Franklin was able to pick up quite a bit of danish by communicating with danes on a daily basis,

watching tV and using a dictionary.

not wanting to be a ‘social burden’, as she put it, she started to see learning the language as the only way for

her to truly assimilate into danish society.

Not everyone enjoys living in the expatriate bubble when abroad. While many revel in the camaraderie of the diplomati c dinner

circuit where the high turnover of consular staff ensures plenty of fresh faces, sipping G&Ts in ho-tel lounges surrounded by the same people you thought you’d left behind when you accepted a posti ng overseas is not everyone’s cup of tea.

And while those stati oned in Mogadishu or Bagh-dad can be forgiven for hiding in barricaded compounds away for security reasons, those on European posti ngs have no excuses for avoiding mingling with the nati ves – especially in a country like Denmark, where the prohibiti vely high cost of running a car off ers a fi nancial imperati ve for trad-ing the motor for a cosy ride on the bus.

For those who genuinely want to return from their posti ng having made some Danish friends, how do you go about it? First things fi rst, you need to learn the language. A word of warning, though: this is not as easy as it might seem. While on paper it’s a simple language with basic grammar and a rela-ti vely small vocabulary, speaking it is an enti rely diff erent jar of pickled herring, and mastering the deep monotone and throaty rasp requires years of practi ce.

Thankfully, you don’t actually need to speak it (al-though a litt le goes a long way). Most Danes speak English and once you begin to understand Danish, it’s easy to interject into conversati ons in English. While some fi nd it diffi cult to handle a conversa-ti on spoken simultaneously in two languages, I’ve found the majority of Danes cope well with the ar-rangement.

Should you be questi oned on your unwillingness to speak Danish, simply answer that if they under-stand English well, and you understand Danish well but have trouble speaking it, then it’s in the best interests of good conversati on that you adopt this arrangement.

But before you set out to make some Danish friends, it’s worth taking some ti me to consider how to approach and understand them. Far too many a foreigner has encountered the Dane on their home turf and come away feeling hurt and dejected. At fi rst glance, the Danes are a removed and arrogant bunch. Queuing is not always strict-ly adhered to, small talk on public transport is frowned upon and the teenager at the ti ll is not necessarily going to suggest you have a nice day.

And that’s just the way it is. So resist the urge to be off ended, Danes just see the world diff erently. In public, they are frank and no-nonsense and expect

each other to be brimming with self-esteem: being determined or arrogant in Copenhagen is seen as an att racti ve quality, not a self-obsessed one. The essenti al premise is, if you don’t believe in your-self, who will?

So now you can navigate in public without getti ng the hump because the bus driver didn’t smile at you, how do you go about making some friends? Networking comes more naturally to some than to others, but don’t spoil it at the start by being choosy – accept invitati ons to anything and eve-rything, because you don’t know who you’ll meet next. What you need is an ‘in’; someone to invite you into the bowels of their society.

This is important because in Danish society bond-ing is conducted behind closed doors with their nearest and dearest. From the Christi an Confi rma-ti on of their 13-year-olds and truck-ride graduati on celebrati ons to their many Christmas and Easter dinners, they jump on any opportunity to celebrate and fl y their fl ag. But while they embrace commu-nity and celebrati on as a means to reinforce social bonds, inti macy is key and invitati ons to outsiders are hard-won.

It’s worth the eff ort: volunteer and introduce your-self, fi nd out where the parti es are held and start showing up. Aft er a while, you’ll start getti ng in-vited along to other events. And from then, it just snowballs – who knows, you may end up an honor-ary Dane.

No culture is perfect, and not everyone will fi nd the Danish culture as embracing as I have. I fi nd the Danes fi ercely loyal and incredibly generous. I don’t need the superfi cial kindness of strangers, just good friends who will invite me along to great parti es. Perhaps I just got lucky. But you’ll never know if you don’t try.

By Peter stanners

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HOW TO MEET THEDANES

One local language school goes above and beyond to give you the tools you need to succeed By Tom Schad

Adjusti ng to life in Copenhagen can be hard for many reasons, but learning Danish is at the top of the list. Nati ve English speak-

ers lament that nothing is spoken like it is read, random lett ers are someti mes left silent and pro-nouncing the vowels makes you sound like you’ve got a sore throat. Despite all that, it is a language that can be picked up quickly and painlessly; all it takes is the right environment, methods and staff to lead the way.

Københavns Sprogcenter gives students these tools. Nestled in the old meatpacking district of Vesterbro, the school spans two large buildings and boasts a newly renovated computer lab, language lab, library and cafeteria. A surprise perhaps to those who imagine language schools consisti ng of nothing more than a few rundown classrooms, this language centre has taken extra steps to modernise its space and add a level of comfort to the oft en uncomfortable experience of learning a new language.

Newcomers are interviewed by one of the school’s fi ve counsellors and placed into courses less than a month later. They are then immersed in Danish from day one by Københavns Sprog-center’s renowned faculty, which includes more than 10 authors of Danish language textbooks. Teachers understand exactly what their students

are going through and can help them navigate

textbooks that, in many cases, they wrote them-

selves.

“They’re not only [good teachers], but they’re

professionals in their fi eld,” Department Manager Julie Henriques explains. “This also means that

the teachers who haven’t writt en textbooks are

working with the authors, so they understand and

are constantly learning as well.”

Københavns Sprogcenter aims to help newcom-

ers pass the Danish language test required by

immigrati on laws, but it also understands that

there’s more to a language than that.

“We look at it in a broader sense – what do you

need to do the language? What do you need to

make it your own?” Henriques elaborates. “It’s

not just about passing the test; it’s about how to

live - how to buy a pack of cigarett es, how to ask

someone out on a date – that’s not on the test.”To achieve this understanding, the school off ers

both fullti me day courses and night classes that give students fl exibility to work around their own schedules. Those who want an intensive learn-ing experience can fi nd it here, but so can those with other jobs or schoolwork who can only fi t in a couple of nights a week. Traditi onal lectures and in-class acti viti es are supplemented with practi ce in the language lab, where students can pronounce words into a microphone and receive individual criti ques from staff . Priority is placed on acti ve learning (speaking and writi ng) rather than passive learning (reading and listening).

Above all else, Københavns Sprogcenter has cre-ated an environment where people from around the world can work to overcome a similar chal-lenge. With 1,400 students currently enrolled from over 90 countries, the language centre pro-vides expats with a group of people who can un-derstand their situati on.

“It’s a whole new network,” Henriques says. “Really strong friendships are made in classes, crossing religious, politi cal, social or whatever borders they live with normally.”

Danish will always be a tough language to grasp, but the resources at Københavns Sprogcenter can make this process both quicker and easier. With a comfortable environment and informed facul-ty, you can fi nally join the real Copenhagen and discover what’s so special about that so-called “throat disease.”

Say “Hej” to the Danish Language

really strong friendships are made in classes, crossing religious, political, social

or whatever borders they live with normally.

InternationalChrisitanCommunity

Why should ICC be your choice of church while in Copenhagen?

• The church is interdenominational. • Represented by over 40 nationalities from all walks of life. • 10% of the congregation are ethnic Danes – perfect for integration. • A child friendly congregation. • Youth Group, Singles Group, Couples Group, Women’s Group and Men’s Groups catering to various spiritual needs. • Fantastic gospel choir and music group. • Over half the congregation involved in volunteer services both spiritual and practical. • And much, much more….

Visit www.getintouch.dk for more informationWhere: Ryesgade 68, 2100 Kbh Ø. When: Sundays from 10:30 to 12:30

Contact: [email protected] or Tel: +45 3672 6058

Copenhagen International School is an English Language IB World School, offering the Primary Years Programme, the Middle Years Programme and the Diploma Programme which gives access to outstanding universities worldwide:

• Pre-Kindergarten through to Grade 12• Students & Staff from 50+ countries• Highly qualified international teachers• Curriculum includes wide range of Specialist Classes• Comprehensive Extracurricular programme• Convenient location:

Hellerup Campus (Pre-K – grade 8) right by Hellerup station, 10 minutes from city centreCity Campus (grades 9 - 12) right by Østerport Station

• Accredited by: Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges

For further information please visit our website www.cis-edu.dk or contact our Admissions Office [email protected]

Stockholmsgade 592100 Copenhagen ØT +45 3946 3300 [email protected]

Hellerupvej 22-26 2900 HellerupT +45 3946 [email protected] www.cis-edu.dk

Copenhagen International School


Sign up now ...

www.thecosmo.dk

International education

A head start. . .

The Cosmo- International School of Southern Denmark

International education

The Cosmo - International School of Southern Denmark is a private school which attaches importance to professionalism, activity and community spirit set in an international environment using English as the language of tuition.

The Cosmo offers three educational programmes, Cambridge International Primary Programme (CIPP), Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme (CLSP) and the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).

The philosophy of The Cosmo

At The Cosmo we strive, in collaboration with the parents, to provide a secure atmosphere and caring learning environment as the foundation for the development of the full potential of each individual student.

We value cultural diversity, academic excellence and mutual respect, which contribute to the education of future citizens, who weigh values as freedom with responsibility and a democratic disposition.

We strive for the students to obtain basic values such as tolerance, integrity and compassion, which can contribute to the de-velopment of the students’ self-confidence and independence.

Sct. Joergens Gaard I Hospitalsgade 4 I DK-6000 Kolding I Tel. +45 2052 0549 I [email protected]

religious tolerance is a part of the national constitution and

other religions are embraced in this country. Those look-

ing to make connections within their own religious commu-

nity should check out the list below: in Copenhagen alone, a broad

range of denominations and ecumenical organisations hold Sunday

worship in English, the Jewish Shabbat on Saturday, Friday prayers

for Muslims and temple services for Buddhists and Hindus.

st Albans Anglican ChurchChurchillparken 11, 1263 Cph K; Services: Sun, Wed 10:30;

Vestry Tel: 3311 8518; www.st-albans.dk

St Albans is the only Anglican church in Denmark and offers serv-

ices in the Anglican/ Episcopalian tradition. During the week, the

church holds Holy Communion on Wednesday mornings as well as

various lectures on faith and theology. The 1885, grey stone church

is spectacularly non-Danish in style and shape. Often referred to

simply as, “the English church,” the congregation is actually made

up of more than 20 nationalities. A part of the Church of England´s

Diocese in Europe under bishop Reverend Dr Geoffrey Rowell, St

Albans a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Copenhagen Christian CentreKøbenhavns KulturCentre, Drejervej 11-21, 2400 Cph NV; Sunday

service 13:30, last Sunday of the month at 10:30; Tel: 3531 0010;

www.copenhagenchristiancenter.dk

Although this Christian organisation doesn’t meet in a church, the

range of nationalities and enthusiasm of its members more than

make up for the lack of a traditional bell tower. As well as multi-

national services, the group hosts weekly prayer meetings, bible

discussion groups and children’s activities. The centre’s extensive

website offers detailed information about all of the events and

services as well as video and audio recordings of past sermons and

contemporary Christian music. On the last Sunday of the month,

the centre hosts an extended service with their Spanish, Filipino,

Danish and English congregation, starting at 10:30.

sakramentskirkenNørrebrogade 27, 2200 Kbh N; Mass in English Wednesday 17.00,

Sunday 18.00; Tel 3313 6762; www.sakramentskirken.dk

Copenhagen’s Catholic church is located in the centre of Nørrebro,

not far from Dronning Louises Bro Bridge. The church holds mass

two times a week in English, as well as a regular service in French

(Sundays at 11.15) and in Danish. The church is the centre of Co-

penhagen’s vibrant Catholic community, and regular events include

weekly yoga classes in English.

vor Frue KirkePræstøvej 29, 4700 Næstved; Services Sunday 10.00; Tel 5572

0985; www.vorfrueskole.dk

In addition to its regular Sunday prayer, the Catholic church in

Næstved south of Copenhagen holds a mass every third Sunday fol-

lowed by a Polish mass at 11.30.

International Church of CopenhagenServices held at St Andreas Church, Gothersgade 148, 1123 Cph K;

Sunday Worship 11:30; Parsonage: ICC Church House; Gjørlingsvej

10, 2900 Hellerup; Tel: 3962 4785; www.internationalchurch.dk

The International Church of Copenhagen is an ecumenical ministry

open to various Christian faiths, holding services following the tra-

ditions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America while work-

ing together with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Denmark.

During the week, the Church’s prayer and bible study meetings are

held in the suburb of Hellerup at the organisation’s Church House,

which also functions as their parsonage for the pastor and his fam-

ily. On Sundays, a Bible study session begins at 10:15 at St Andreas

Church, with the worship service following at 11:30. A nursery is

available for children during the service.

Copenhagen Community ChurchNørre Farimagsgade 45, 1364 Cph K; Sunday service 11:00; Tel:

5155 5376; www.ccchurch.dk

The Copenhagen Community Church is a multi-faith organisation

meeting in the centre of town for a service followed by presenta-

tions from church leaders and readings from church members, in

an informal atmosphere popular with students and tourists. The

church describes itself as a local ecumenical fellowship with a

friendly style of prayer open to contributions from the congrega-

tion. The church is a member of New Frontiers, an international

group of around 700 churches with a modern approach to faith.

Living ChurchFemagervej 39, 2650 Hvidovre; Sunday service 12:00; Tel: 3296

4193; www.levendekirke.dk/en

The Church of the Living God follows the style of worship popu-

lar at the beginning of Christianity and the time of the Apostles.

The Living Church aims to continue the work of the Apostle Paul,

with enthusiastic all-night prayer meetings and a variety of charita-

ble ventures to raise money for children in Calcutta as well as the

homeless in Denmark. On Sundays, prayer meetings begin at 11:30

- everyone is welcome to attend either in silent or audible prayer –

while the worship service begins at 12:00 and is a lively affair, with

contemporary gospel songs and plenty of clapping and dancing.

Copenhagen synagogueKrystalgade 12, 1172 Cph K; Shabbat, Saturday 9:00; Tel: 3312

8868; www.mosaiske.dk/english

Copenhagen’s oldest synagogue and headquarters of the Jewish

Community in Denmark was built in 1833 in a classical style with

pLaCES to

While danes are not a visibly religious nation, the state church is an integral part of national society. the evangelical lutheran Church or Folkekirken is the official religion of denmark, receiving tax subsidies from every taxpayer (should you wish to opt out of this, you will need to speak to the tax office); and while most danes are not regular churchgoers, most still see themselves as Christians and observe traditions like Christenings and Confirmations.

18


WoRSHIp

Religious tolerance is a part of the national constitution

and other religions are embraced in this country.

motifs inspired by Ancient Egyptian art. Currently the building is

undergoing a major renovation and is only open for services on Sat-

urday mornings from around 9:00 to 12:00. Both Jews and Gentiles

are welcome to visit the building, but need to have photo identifica-

tion and cannot bring large bags due to security concerns.

shir HatzafonDag Hammarskjölds Allé 30, 2100 Cph Ø (services only);Shabbat,

Saturday 10:00; Tel: 2370 9757; www.shirhatzafon.dk

The Progressive Jewish community in Denmark, Shir Hatzafon

holds regular Shabbat services every Saturday in rented meeting

rooms not far from Østerport Station. The group also holds weekly

study groups and celebrates the holidays with traditional foods and

prayers. Led by guest rabbis, Shabbat is followed by Kiddush and a

pot-luck lunch where guests are asked to bring a dish.

The Islamic society in Copenhagen (Islamiske Trossamfund i danmark)www.wakf.com

Although the first purpose-built mosque, the ‘Grand Mosque of

Copenhagen’, has been approved by city planners to be built in Am-

ager, until it is completed most muslims

in Copenhagen continue to worship at a number of culture centres

and meeting rooms around the city. Those who can read Arabic or

Danish can find more information about places of worship at the

society’s website.

Nusrat djahan MoskéEriksminde Allé 2, 2650 Hvidovre, Friday prayer 1:30;

Tel: 3675 7869

Northern Europe’s first mosque was designed by the Muslim engi-

neer John Zachariassen, completed in 1967 and named after the

wife of the founder of the Ahmadiyya movement active in Denmark

since 1956. Its copper dome has five pillars, and was initially cov-

ered with blue mosaic tiles. Friday prayers take place each week at

1:30, but anyone may visit the mosque by appointment.

Buddhistisk Centre KøbenhavnSvanemøllevej 56; 2100 Cph Ø; Tel: 3929 2711;

www.buddha-kbh.dk

The centre follows the Diamond Way of Tibetan Buddhism (Karma

Kagyu) and offers classes on meditation, guidance and religion:

events held in English are marked on the organisation’s calendar.

The centre was founded in Copenhagen in 1972 by a Danish couple

who had received their instruction in Tibet and then returned to

Denmark.

Lieu Quan TempleLangagervej 54, 2500 Valby; Meetings Saturday 12:00;

Tel: 4352 0812

This temple is a centre of worship and celebration for Buddhists

following Vietnamese religious traditions. Saturdays services gen-

erally attract between 30 and 100 people. In addition to a kitchen,

several classrooms and a meditation hall, there is room in the tem-

ple for overnight guests such as ordained monks. The Vietnamese

Buddhist Association also sponsors language classes in the temple

for children and adults.

IsKCON - International society for Krishna ConsciousnessHare Krishna Temple, Skjulhøj Allé 44, 2720 Vanløse; Services Sun-

day 3:00; Tel: 4828 6446; www.harekrishna.dk

The Hare Krishna school and headquarters of ISKCON in Denmark

are located in Vanløse. Each Sunday, the group’s temple holds a

vegetarian feast from 3-6pm, while there is a daily programme of

classes, lectures and prayers (early mornings and evenings).

More space and � exibility than most hotelsWhy settle for a small hotel room when you can enjoy a spacious fl at with the added benefi ts of free Internet, free parking, central location & state-of-the-art fi tness facilities?

Our spacious, fully-furnished and serviced apartments are designed to make our guests feel closer to home, combining privacy and 5 star facilities for the price of a traditional hotel room.

Enjoy Charlottehaven’s tranquil atmosphere for short term or extended stays.

Please contact our sales & reservation manager Christina Stage for reservation at tel. (+45) 3527 1517 or e-mail [email protected]

www.charlottehaven.com

Hjørr inggade 12C | DK-2100 København Ø | Tel : +45 3527 1500 | info@char lottehaven.com

Hotel Apartments | Conference Hall | Health Club | Café

Feel at home in Copenhagen

Cph_post_relocation_131x175_maj11 1 10-05-2011 10:35:07

Spousecare - a professional business partnerfor when your company employs foreign staffmembers with accompanying spouses

www.spousecare.dk • Tlf. + 45 22 90 76 82 • [email protected]

One of the most efficient ways to ensure that foreign employees remain

working in Denmark is to make sure that their families and spouses thrive here.

Spousecare is specialised in just that: taking care of spouses. Spousecare

introduces the spouses to local networks and helps with everyday life issues

in Denmark. With an individual tailor-made service focusing on career

counseling and the personal needs and wishes of each newcomer, we care

for the spouse and the family while you care for your new colleague.

“When I arrived in 2008, I did not know how I would integrate into the

local community. Anette Pilmark from Spousecare opened up her

network to me and within a month, I found a job in a local company.

Once that position ended, I decided to start my own business and again,

Anette’s advice and insight were invaluable as she helped me meet

relevant people and pointed me in the right direction. What I have

appreciated most was Anette’s very personal approach and extreme

professionalism. She has also been very encouraging and completely

devoted to making me feel welcome in Denmark. Thanks to Spousecare,

I now feel at home in Copenhagen and I am now the happy owner and

manager of Montessori International Preschool.”

Isabelle Valentine - www.montessoripreschool.dk


Foreigners expecti ng to fi nd Denmark fi lled with tall, rough guys with long beards and light-coloured hair blowing in the brisk Nordic wind probably don’t add envisage their imag-

ined brawny Viking holding a small piece of bread in his muscle-bound hands, tenderly decorated with slices of cucumber, neatly-shaped radish and herbs sprinkled precisely on top: but the richly embellished ‘smørrebrød’ (literally, ‘butt ered bread’) belongs to Denmark no less than the image of the tough Viking.

Smørrebrød is the biggest export hit in Danish cuisine. “Every-thing you can imagine can be put on smørrebrød: meats, fi sh, paste...” explains Charlott e Noer, a Danish cookbook author. “The most popular version is served with ‘leverpostej’, a rather roughly minced liver sausage pate.”

Noer, who now lives in Bremen, Germany, learned to cook in a traditi onal restaurant a few steps from Copenhagen’s historic Ny-havn.

And when the Danish love for their patented sandwich meets their equally enthusiasti c drinking behaviour, ‘smørrebrød-par-ti es’ occur.

“Aft er every bite of smørrebrød you have to drink a shot of Aq-uavit. This is how we create a reason to toast each other all the ti me,” laughs Trina Hahnemann about some of her fellow coun-trymen’s customs. The Copenhagen-based chef runs a catering service that can list members of parliament among its customers.

Of course, the eati ng habits of the Danes are not limited to open-f a c e d sandwiches. Aft er a peti te aft ernoon snack

with a sickly-sweet Danish pastry (‘wiener-brød’), the descendents of the Vikings fi re up their stoves to whip up a hearty meal – preferably including potatoes, possibly the most important ingredient in Danish

cuisine. Served with fried plaice and parsley sauce, the earthy vegetable scrubs up well.

Another classic of Danish cooking is biksemad, or ‘chunks of food’, a sort of Danish equivalent of bubble-and-squeak.

“Biksemad is actually a left over-dish,” says Noer. “Whatever is kept from the Sunday roast is minced, fried with onions and then eaten with fried potatoes,

beetroot and eggs on a slice of rye bread.”

Around Christmas ti me, or even two months earlier, Danes really start to blossom; especially in the kitchen, with ‘hygge’ meals of comfort food cooked to boost the anti cipati on for the Christmas feast itself.

During the holiday season, the aromati c smell of ‘glögg’ steams from the cooking pots – spicy wine with raisins and almond piec-es pickled in rum. The drink is generally served with ‘æbleskiver’: “Directly translated that means apple slices,” Noer explains. “But this pastry neither includes apples nor does it come in the shape of slices, but in small balls.

On Christmas Eve, the table top bends under the weight of pork, beef or duck roast, caramelised potatoes and red cabbage. “The month of December is all about eati ng,” Hahnemann says.

But other holidays also bring delicacies to light. The Penance day spoils the Danish palate with warm, cardamom-fl avoured rolls called ‘hveder’. And around Midsummer, the new potato season begins. For dessert, the sweet tooth is treated to the tongue-twisti ng, ‘rødgrød med fl øde’, a red fruit jelly served with whipped cream and topped with fresh strawberries.

In contrast to numerous other countries, Demark is not divided by culinary boundaries.

“Diff erences in eati ng habits can be found more between gen-erati ons than between regions,” says Hahnemann. Or, between other Scandinavian countries: “Denmark is more modern than Sweden or Norway, especially in the rural areas,” she states.

where to eatWhile much of the att enti on in recent years has been cast on the restaurants making up Copenhagen’s constellati on of Michelin stars, the city is also home to scores of places to eat that suit all budgets and occasions.

Although it’s hard to narrow down the broad selecti on of restau-rants to just a few favourites, we’ve selected six places we fi nd ourselves recommending to friends and family, or where we our-selves head when we’re looking for a special night out or a quick bite to eat.

eXpeNsiVereinwald’sFarvergade 15, Cph K; open Mon-Sat 14:00-24:00 (kitchen closes at 22:00); 3391 8280; www.reinwalds.dk; three-course menu 350kr, mains 195-275kr

Serving lunch and dinner, a director’s-script length of choices confronts you Reinwald’s, with a who’s who of classic French and French-inspired Danish dishes as well as a monthly set menu that would make any chef proud.

restaurant Kiin KiinGuldbergsgade 21, Cph N; open Mon-Sat 17.30-24.00 (last ta-ble reservati on 21.00); 3535 7555; four-course set menu 450kr, seven-courses 775kr; www.kiin.dkThere are only two Thai restaurants in the whole world that have been awarded a Michelin star. One of them is in London; the oth-er one is Kiin Kiin, which you will fi nd in the heart of Nørrebro. An exquisite place where every litt le detail has been well-consid-ered, reservati on essenti al.

Mid-raNgeCap HornNyhavn 21, Cph K; kitchen open daily 10:00-23:00; 3312 8504; starters from 99kr, mains from 159kr, desserts from 69kr; www.caphorn.dk Charming Cap Horn’s simple menu boasts a fi ne selecti on of organic, homemade Danish fare, with a touch of seasonal infl u-ence, as well as a great locati on on Nyhavn itself.

Bio MioHalmtorvet 19, Cph V; open daily 12:00-24:00 (later Fri and Sat), kitchen open 12:00-22:00; 3331 2000; dishes from 65kr-185kr; www.biomio.dkLocated in an old warehouse in Copenhagen’s upcoming meat-packing district, eco-restaurant Bio Mio serves healthy food on long tables. Stylish without being pretenti ous and loud enough to make a racket without anyone raising an eyebrow.

CheapMagasasaIstedgade 4, Cph V; open Mon-Sun 11:00-23:00; 3323 8088, www.magasasa.dk; main courses 65-200kr, Tsingtao beer 28krThis cheap, authenti c Chinese restaurant, a stone’s throw from the Central Stati on may not be fancy to look at, but it is extremely popular with Copenhagen’s Chinese community, many of whom dine here almost once a week.

Kates JointBlågårdsgade 12, Cph N; Open Mon-Sun 17:30-22:00; 3537 4496The place for a bohemian as well as cheap night out, Kate’s world food menu lists the culinary highlights of a round-the-world trip. Big porti ons and plenty of veggie opti ons.

More restaurant reviews available each week in the The Copenhagen Post In & Out guide, and online at cphpost.dk.

feastiNg with the VikiNgsCulinary specialities make diving into danish cuisine worthwhile. By lea sibbel

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“you don’t just make the smørrebrød yourself and take it to work with you,” she says. “some restaurants and bars have specialised in serving it spectacularly decorated.”

“Maybe a new name would be more appropriate,” she adds with a smile.

The Cosmo International school of south-ern denmark By Matthew Grant Anson

In a world where diversity is king, no one

can beat The Cosmo International School of

Southern Denmark. First opening its doors

in September of 2008, The Cosmo now holds

a student body hailing from 23 nations around

the globe, many of them the children of parents

working for companies within Denmark.

In fact, according to headmaster Simon Mosek-

jaer, this is how The Cosmo got its start. “It all

started in the beginning of 2008,” he said. “Some

of the larger companies in our area asked for an

international school. I was asked if I wanted to be

the project manager of it.” The goal of the school

was to provide international students with a high

quality education and a peer group that students

could relate to.

However, the growth of The Cosmo was stunt-

ed by the economic crisis. “We opened in Sep-

tember, 2008 with 12 students,” Mosekjaer said.

“We’ve grown, but it has been a rough ride. The

financial crisis starting in 2008 hit us quite hard.

Some of the companies were reluctant to hire

employees from outside.”

The international feel doesn’t stop with the stu-

dents either – it extends to the staff with teach-

ers originating from Mexico, France, England, the

U.S., China and beyond. For Mosekjaer, it’s these

teachers that make The Cosmo the learning insti-

tution that it is. “The teachers are the backbone

of the school, there’s no doubt about it,” he said.

Now home to about 50 students, the Univer-

sity of Cambridge affiliated school has done its

best to maintain a level of high quality learning.

Classes are taught in English, but students are re-

quired to take Danish and some Danish holidays

are celebrated. “The families want to choose the

school where they have a certain feeling of secu-

rity, and I think we can offer dedication, commit-

ment, and some excellent teachers.”

Giving your child a head start

the teachers are the backbone of the

school, there’s no doubt about it!

Copenhagen’s high prices shouldn’t stop newcomers from exploring the city on a budget. We’ve compiled ten of our favourite things to do all year round that don’t cost a krone

21


NationalmuseetDenmark’s National Museum is a huge place filled

with all kinds of exhibits from prehistoric times onwards and free sight-and-sound guides available in the foyer. The children’s annex is especially great for families, with tons of stuff for kids to touch and play with. Closed Mondays.

wednesday museumsMost of Copenhagen’s museums, from the Royal

Armouries to the Hirschsprung Collection, offer free en-try on Wednesdays. The sole exception is the Glyptotek, which is free on Sundays instead.

the best thiNgs iN CopeNhageNare free

statens Museum for kunstDenmark’s vast national gallery offers free en-

try to view all its exhibits except the larger temporary shows. The museum’s extensive collections includes famous works from Denmark as well as abroad; it’s no longer arranged chronologically, however, so enjoy the ride. Closed Mondays; late opening Wednesdays.

ChristianiaThe Free State may not be what it once was, but

remains essential visiting for anyone interested in al-ternative lifestyles. You’ll have to take out your wallet to buy lunch in one of Christiania’s cafes, but prices here won’t break the bank.

the botanical gardens Copenhagen’s tropical oasis, The Botanical Gardens is

open to the public all year round. Should the weather be a little chilly, head into the elegant Palm House and meditate surrounded by bubbling water and exotic flora.

the little MermaidCopenhagen’s most famous landmark might also be its

most overrated, but at least it doesn’t charge an admission fee. The bronze statue is on the small side, but the walk up here is pleasant and it’s a great place to people watch.

bikingCopenhagen’s most convenient mode of transport is

also one of the best ways to see the city. It’s not only free but also environmentally sound.

rosenborg & kongens haveOne of Copenhagen’s most visited castles, Rosenborg Slot is surrounded by the city’s

most popular park. Although the castle does charge entry, it doesn’t cost to enjoy the grounds, open daily until late all year round.

window shoppingFrom Copenhagen’s Saturday morning street

markets to English bookshops like Diamantboghan-dlen in the Royal Libraries and design stores like Hay, window shoppers have hours of potential browsing time on their hands. Some stores, like Georg Jensen, are lavish enough to feel like a design exhibit in themselves.

Mill streamAlso known as the cradle of Danish industrial-

ism, the 30-km stream ‘Mølleåen’ running through Copenhagen’s leafy northern suburbs from Furesø Lake to the Øresund is both a historic and natural gem. Walk or bike along the stream.

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Plumber • renovation of bathrooms • electricianWater sanitation • toilets • heating systems

phone 7070 1600n y b r o v e j 9 1 • 2 8 2 0 G e n t o f t e • h o m e p a g e : w w w . f a l s i n g . d k

A u t h o r i s e d

G A s f i t t e r

A n d p l u m b e r


direCtory 2011gENErAL INFOrMATIONDenmark’s offi cial informati on website: www.denmark.dkOffi cial Copenhagen Tourist site: www.visitcopenhagen.comCity of Copenhagen Internati onal Service: www.kk.dk/ThinkinCPHWeather: www.dmi.dkPostal service: www.postdanmark.dk

TrAvELRejseplanen (handy journey planner with English opti ons as well as German and Danish): www.rejseplanen.dkDanish Cyclists Federati on: www.dcf.dkCopenhagen airport: www.cph.dk

TAXI COMpANIEsDantaxi (70 25 25 25) www.dantaxi.dkTaxiNord (48 48 48 48) www.taxinord.dkAmager-Øbro Taxi (32 51 51 51) www.amagerobrotaxi.dk

BIKE rENTALBaisikeli Bike RentalTuresensgade 10, Cph K / Ingerselvsgade 80, Cph Vwww.cph-bike-rental.dk

CyklebørsGothersgade 157, Cph Kwww.cykelboersen.dk

Østerport CyklerOslo Plads 10, Cph Øwww.rentabike.dk

HEALTHHospitals in the Greater Copenhagen area with A&E departments:RigshospitaletBlegdamsvej, Cph Ø

Frederiksberg HospitalNordre Fasanvej, Frederiksberg

Gentoft e HospitalKildegårdsvej, Hellerup

Also: Bispebjerg Hospital, Hvidovre Hospital

24-hour doctor (Copenhagen area): 70 13 00 41Emergency services: 112

24-HOur pHArMACY24-hour pharmacySteno ApotekVesterbrogade 6c, Cph V33 14 82 66www.183.netapotek.dk

BANKsDanske Bank: www.danskebank.dkNordea : www.nordea.dkJyske Bank: www.jyskebank.dkArbejdernes Landsbank - www.al-bank.dk

sHOppINg MALLsFields (largest mall in Scandinavia located near the Airport): www.fi elds.dkFisketorvet (Dybbølsbro, Vesterbro) - www.fi sketorvet.dkWaterfront Shopping (Tuborg Havn, Hellerup): www.waterfront-shopping.dkFrederiksberg Centret (Falkoner Alle): www.frbc-shopping.dk

Lyngby Storcenter (Kongens Lyngby) - www.lyngbystorcenter.dkWaves (Greve) - www.waves-shopping.dk

INTErNATIONAL sCHOOLsCopenhagen Internati onal School (CIS)Hellerupvej, Hellerupwww.cis-edu.dk

Rygaards SchoolBernstorff svej 54, Hellerupwww.rygaards.com

Østerbro Internati onal SchoolPræstøgade 17, Cph Øwww.oeis.dk

• NGG Internati onal School (formerly Hørsholm • Internati onal School): www.his.dk• Bjørns Internati onal School: www.b-i-s.dk• Bernadott eskolen - www.bernadott eskolen.dk• Sankt Petri (German) - www.sanktpetriskole.dk• Prins Henrik (French) - www.prinshenriksskole.dk

FITNEss CENTrEsCharlott ehaven Health ClubHjørringgade, Cph Ø www.charlott ehaven.dk

Well-come FitnessTuborg Havnevej, Hellerupwww.well-come.dk

DGI ByenTietgensgade 65, Cph Vwww.dgi-byen.com/fi tness_center/

Fitness DK (over a dozen centres in the Greater Copenhagen area): www.fi tnessdk.dk

HOusEs OF WOrsHIpInternati onal Christi an Community (ICC): www.geti ntouch.dkSt Alban’s Church (Anglican): Churchillparken 11, Cph K, www.st-albans.dkSakramentskirken (Roman Catholic): Nørrebro-gade 27, Cph N, www.sakramentskirken.dkThe Internati onal Church of Copenhagen (ecumenical): St. Andreas Church, Gothersgade 148, Cph K, www.internati onalchurch.dkFrench Reform church: Gothersgade 107, Cph K, www.franskreformertkirke.dkAlexander Nevsky Church (Russian Orthodox): Bredgade 53, 1260 Cph K; (33 13 60 46)Synagogue in Copenhagen: Krystalgade 12, Copenhagen K (39 29 95 20) www.mosaiske.dkGurdwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha sikh temple, Kirkebjerg Alle, Vanløse, www.sikh.dkHindu temple Iskcon: Skjulhøj Alle Vanløse

(48 28 64 46)

Islamic Cultural Centre: Horsebakken 2,

2400 Cph NV (38 80 03 86)

INTErNATIONAL CLuBsLife in Denmark (online expatriate community):

www.lifein.dk

Expat in Denmark (nati onal network for foreign

professionals): www.expati ndenmark.com

American Women’s Club in Denmark:

www.awcdenmark.org

Allcanuck (network for Canadians living in

Denmark): www.allcanuck.dk

The Internati onal Women’s Club of Copenhagen

- www.iwcc.dk

Ladies’ Internati onal Network København (LINK) -

www.linkdenmark.com

NZVikings (New Zealand community in Scandina-

via): www.nzvikings.dk

The Southern Cross Club (Aussie/Kiwi social club):

www.southerncrossclub.dk

Indians in Denmark (IID):

www.indiansindenmark.com

Copenhagen Theatre Circle, CTC (English lan-

guage amateur theatre group): www.ctcircle.dk

spOrTs CLuBsCopenhagen Exiles rugby union club :

www.exiles.dk

Copenhagen Celti c Football Club:

www.copenhagencelti c.dk

Denmark’s American Football Associati on:

www.daff .dk

Copenhagen Golf Club: www.kgkgolf.dk

Copenhagen Netball Club: www.netball.dk

Copenhagen Hockey Club: www.kh-hockey.dk

pETsCity Dyreklinik (vet in Kronprinsessegade,

city centre): www.citydyreklinik.dk

Dyreklinikken Ryesgade 100 (vet in Østerbro):

www.dyreklinikken-ryesgade.dk

Asserholm (English-speaking kennel in the

countryside): www.asserholm.dk

The Danish Kennel Club:

www.dansk-kennel-klub.dk

Copenhagen cat sitt ers: www.katt evenner.dk

Regulati ons for travelling with pets:

www.uk.foedevarestyrelsen.dk

pET suppLIEsMaxi Zoo: www.maxizoo.dk

ZooZity: www.zoozity.dk

Oliver’s Petf ood: www.olivers.dk

BrewPub means craft brewing at its best. Our beer comes direct to the taps from the tanks in the brewery. Take a brewery tour - with beer tasting - and find out more.

Brewery

VESTERGADERÅDHUS-PLADSEN

STRØGET

We are here:

We’ve got it all!Quality ingredients, lovingly prepared. Our food and beers are designed to complement each other. Ask our staff to help you select a beer menu to go with your meal.

Restaurant

We also serve wholesome pub food in the bar to go with your beer. Try our burger, fish 'n' chips or a steak sand-wich, or one of our lighter options.

Pub - 15 beers on tap

50cl BrewPub draught beer and a burger, kr. 150,-

Weekday Special

Celebrating something? How about a brewery tour and beer tasting, followed by dinner in the restaurant, for an unforgettable evening.

Parties - special occasions

VESTERGADE 29 · 1456 KBH. K · 33 32 00 60 · WWW.BREWPUB.DK

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BREWPUB6X365_english.pdf 28-09-2010 19:53:41

Our success is based on five fundamental things:- Modern methods

- Professional teachers

- Teaching that is effective, entertaining and relevant to the student

- Newest technology and learning tools

- Focus on oral communication - conversational skills

Try IA´s Intensive Course NOW!Enrollment at: 3888 3233Classes start every month

IA SPROGHejrevej 26, 2nd floor2400 Copenhagen NV

Phone: 3888 3233Mail: [email protected]: www.iasprog.dk

Learn Danishin a Quick and Effective Way

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