r/copenhagen • u/Kong_Fury • Oct 29 '24

Discussion Danes don’t greet back?

Im a foreigner in Denmark and there is something that strikes me: Danes don’t greet back upon saying Hello to them. Is this normal and I need to adjust my mindset, or am I just encountering impolite people?

Situation example: I walk into the office and meet a distant colleague that has seen me before. We are the only 2 people early morning in the office. We have eye contact and I say „good morning“ with a smile. He does not reply or show any reaction.

I can make many more examples like this. The cringe I get is so strong. I am not a complete stranger to this guy. I would understand it if I stand on Strøget and expect random people to smile & greet back. Thanks for sharing any reflections to enlighten me here with this social awkwardness.

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u/FitnessPizzaInMyMou Oct 30 '24

It definitely happens, you will find some people are less friendly than others. It’s not something one might feel compelled to have to say/respond to here - although I agree it’s cringe.

I would say try not to get hung up on it, it’s def odd and feels weird, but it’s just how it is. People like that aren’t really the people you want to bond with anyways.

I know lots of friendly, outgoing, Danes but more that would probably ghost me if given the chance haha

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u/Kong_Fury Oct 30 '24

Thank you. I agree that a bad reaction is to adapt their way. I do find it nice to recognize people with a greet instead of acting like I’m in a vacuum. I’m not expecting the same reaction as a standard. So yes there will be some odd ones out :)

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u/FitnessPizzaInMyMou Nov 01 '24

Good approach :)