161 | The Unwritten Rules of Drinking in Denmark

161 | The Unwritten Rules of Drinking in Denmark

From What Are You Doing in Denmark? by Derek Hartman

June 2, 2026 · 42 min

About this episode

The episode explores the unwritten rules of drinking in Denmark, comparing it to other countries and sharing personal stories.

Moving to Denmark and wondering what happens when you walk into a Danish bar? This week, Derek, Conrad and Brooke answer a listener question about Danish drinking culture and the unwritten rules of going out in Denmark. From brown bars (bodegas) and Christmas beer chaos to workplace drinking, tipping culture, buying rounds and why the bartender might not be interested in hearing your life story, they unpack the social norms that often surprise newcomers. Along the way, they compare Denmark to the United States, the UK, Sweden and Norway, share stories from Danish nightlife, and discuss everything from Friday bars to smoking indoors. Whether you're moving to Denmark, visiting, or simply trying to understand Danish culture a little better, this episode offers a candid look at one of the country's most famous social traditions: meeting for a beer. 💼 Visit Kintobe.dk and use promo code WAYDID20 for an exclusive, limited time, 20% off discount Topics covered: • Danish bar etiquette • Brown bars (bodegas) • J-Dag and Christmas beer culture • Tipping in Denmark • Friday bars and workplace drinking • Buying rounds and MobilePay culture • Smoking in Danish pubs • How Denmark compares to…

People in this episode

Host: Derek Hartman

Guests: Conrad, Brooke

Topics covered

  • Danish drinking culture
  • bar etiquette
  • workplace drinking
  • tipping culture
  • Danish nightlife
  • comparing drinking scenes

Keywords

  • Danish bars
  • bodegas
  • Christmas beer
  • MobilePay
  • Friday bars
  • smoking indoors
  • buying rounds

Sponsors

Kintobe.dk

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Denmark, United States, UK, Sweden, Norway

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