Differences in mentality

Differences in mentality between Scandinavians and Germans

There is no such thing as a Scandinavian mentality. All four Scandinavian countries, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland, are independent in this point, although there are of course overlaps. But it goes without saying that not all people are the same. After all, it is no different in Germany. Not all Germans correspond to the German mentality, which is considered fixed worldwide: serious, diligent, hard-working, reliable and punctual.

The Danes have always been proud of the fact that they are geographically closer to continental Europe than their Scandinavian neighbors. If you drive from Denmark to Sweden, you will experience the first cultural differences in these two countries shortly after the official border. In Sweden, a glass of tap water is served in restaurants, in Denmark it is not. This is only a small thing, of course, but it shows that Danes and Swedes are different. But why are they so different? Probably, depending on which countryman or countrywoman you ask, you will get two very different answers. Many Danes say about Swedes that they are a bit stuck-up and boring. Swedes tend to shrug their shoulders and admit the difference, but without questioning it. Perhaps it’s fair to say that the Danes are the more open people. They also have more experience with Germans, which is due to the proximity of the two countries.

Interestingly, few Danes understand Swedish and vice versa. For this reason, people communicate with each other in English. Both countries are united by a certain envy, which they will hardly admit, of their neighbour Norway. On the one hand, Norwegians understand the Swedish and Danish languages, on the other hand, they are considered to be carefree, carefree and easy-going. This mentality is a bit lost on other Scandinavians, which many regret. Norwegians are often seen as reserved, controlled and introverted, but they are only so on the surface. It’s also actually a fact that they don’t talk much and rarely express their affection in public. When a Norwegian gets angry, they are more likely to not yell out, but just breathe a little faster and try to keep themselves under control. Which does not preclude some swearing. It’s the same in traffic. But in life itself, Norwegians are more willing to take risks than their neighbours. And they also like to let times fives be straight.

For the Finns, modesty is a virtue. They also value it in travellers in their country. They do not like people who boast about themselves. This is something they expect from the German mentality, unfortunately. It is sometimes said that the Finns are an envious nation, but this envy should not be more pronounced than in other countries. Anyway, Finns have a good sense of humor and they can be very creative. Other than that, they like quiet.

When renting a car in Scandinavia, for example, or dealing with the locals in general, try to be direct and open in your communication. Both are seen as a sign of sincerity and honesty. If you try to win the respect of the other, you have won. Individuality is very important in Denmark. Danes also like to be praised for their country. Jokes about Sweden are gladly taken. But when it comes to negotiating something special in a hire car deal, the holidaymaker should be careful. Not that the Danes can’t be trusted, but they are considered the best dealers in Scandinavia. As far as service and benefits are concerned, it is easy to book a rental vehicle anywhere in Scandinavia. International standards can be expected. Also in road traffic no problems are to be expected.