153 | Why Danes Say the F-Word Around Kids (And No One Cares)

153 | Why Danes Say the F-Word Around Kids (And No One Cares)

From What Are You Doing in Denmark? by Derek Hartman

April 7, 2026 · 40 min

About this episode

Derek and Brooke discuss the cultural acceptance of swearing in Denmark, particularly around children, and its implications for expats.

Why is the F-word everywhere in Denmark - even around kids? Derek and Brooke unpack one of the biggest culture shocks for expats, from parenting dilemmas to why the word just doesn’t mean the same thing here. From hearing it in schoolyards, on the radio, and even at kids’ events… to navigating it as a parent, this conversation explores what happens when language, culture, and values collide. In this episode: Why the F-word doesn’t carry the same weight in Denmark The role of English as a second language Subtitles vs dubbing and how media shapes language Parenting in a culture where swearing is everywhere Danish vs American attitudes toward “appropriate” language A practical (and funny) guide to Danish swear words A special cameo from Conrad's Danglish 1 comedy special If you’re raising kids in Denmark or just trying to understand Danish culture, this episode will definitely make you think twice about what words really mean. ➡️ Special thank you to the sponsor of this episode, Cool Accounts ApS: https://bit.ly/4doqdVc Derek Hartman: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/robetrotting TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandk Facebook…

People in this episode

Host: Derek Hartman

Guest: Brooke Black

Topics covered

  • Danish culture
  • parenting
  • swearing
  • language
  • cultural differences
  • expat experiences

Keywords

  • F-word
  • Danish parenting
  • cultural shock
  • language and values
  • swearing in Denmark
  • English as a second language
  • Danish attitudes

Sponsors

Cool Accounts ApS

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Conrad's Danglish 1 comedy special

Places: Denmark, American

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