View source for Culture of Denmark

{{Short description|none}} <!-- "none" is a legitimate description when the title is already adequate; see [[WP:SDNONE]] -->
[[File:Maribo, the house 10 Torvet (bakery).JPG|thumb|Danish [[bakery]] in [[Maribo]]]]
[[File:Altar, Roskilde Cathedral, 20220617 1238 6804.jpg|thumb|Altar of [[Roskilde Cathedral]]]]
The '''culture of [[Denmark]]''' has a rich artistic and scientific heritage. The fairy tales of [[Hans Christian Andersen]] (1805–1875), the philosophical essays of [[Søren Kierkegaard]] (1813–1855), the short stories of [[Karen Blixen]], penname Isak Dinesen, (1885–1962), the plays of [[Ludvig Holberg]] (1684–1754), modern authors such as [[Herman Bang]] and [[Nobel laureate]] [[Henrik Pontoppidan]] and the dense, aphoristic poetry of [[Piet Hein (Denmark)|Piet Hein]] (1905–1996), have earned international recognition, as have the symphonies of [[Carl Nielsen]] (1865–1931).

From the mid-1990s, Danish films have attracted international attention, especially those associated with [[Dogme 95]] like those of [[Lars Von Trier]]. Denmark has had a strong tradition of movie making and [[Carl Theodor Dreyer]] has been recognised as one of the world's greatest film directors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kamera.co.uk/article.php/173|title=kamera.co.uk - feature item - Carl Dreyer - Antonio Pasolini|website=www.kamera.co.uk|access-date=2017-02-22}}</ref> The astronomical discoveries of [[Tycho Brahe]] (1546–1601), [[Ludwig A. Colding]]'s (1815–1888) neglected articulation of the principle of [[conservation of energy]], and the foundational contributions to [[atomic physics]] of [[Niels Bohr]] (1885–1962); in this century [[Lene Hau|Lene Vestergaard Hau]] (born 1959) in quantum physics involving the stopping of light, advances in nano-technology, and contributions to the understanding of Bose-Einstein Condensates, demonstrate the range and endurance of Danish scientific achievement.

Culture and the arts thrive as a result of the proportionately{{clarify|proportionately to what?|date=May 2014}} high amount of government funding they receive, much of which is administered by local authorities so as to involve citizens directly.<ref>[http://www.dr.dk/Nyheder/Kultur/2010/01/26/214008.htm "Kommuner bruger flere penge på kultur"], Dr.dk. {{in lang|da}}</ref> Thanks to a system of grants, Danish artists are able to devote themselves to their work while museums, theatres, and the [[Danish Film Institute|film institute]] receive national support.<ref>[http://www.danisharts.info/index.php?id=1416 "The History of Danish Arts Policy"], DanishArts.info. Retrieved 13 March 2010.</ref>

[[Copenhagen]], the capital, is home to many famous sites and attractions, including [[Tivoli Gardens]], [[Amalienborg Palace]] (home of the [[Monarchy of Denmark|Danish monarchy]]), [[Christiansborg Palace]], [[Church of Our Lady (Copenhagen)|Copenhagen Cathedral]], [[Rosenborg Castle]], [[Copenhagen Opera House|Opera House]], [[Frederik's Church]] (Marble Church), [[Thorvaldsens Museum]], [[Rundetårn]], [[Nyhavn]] and ''[[The Little Mermaid (statue)|The Little Mermaid]]'' sculpture.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.copenhagen-walkingtours.dk/ |title=Copenhagen Walking Tours – Danske autoriserede guider |date=25 May 2007 |access-date=25 September 2012}}</ref>

==''Hygge''==

Similar to other Scandinavian cultures, a fundamental aspect of Danish culture is ''[[hygge]]''. ''Hygge'', meaning "snug"; is a concept that evokes a "cosiness" that cannot be easily described due to being more of a mood, particularly when relaxing with good friends or loved ones. [[Jul (Denmark)|Christmas time]] is a true moment of ''hygge'', as is grilling a ''[[Pølser|pølse]]'' (Danish sausage) and drinking a beer on a long summer evening.<ref>{{Cite web
| url = http://www.visitdenmark.com/danish-meaning-hygge
| title = The art of Danish hygge
| website = VisitDenmark
| access-date = February 24, 2016
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160220080250/http://www.visitdenmark.com/danish-meaning-hygge
| archive-date = February 20, 2016
| url-status = dead
}}</ref>{{Dubious|date=June 2013}} It is suspected the concept of ''hygge'' is part of the reason Danes and other [[Scandinavia]]ns score high on [[happiness]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-10-02 |title=Hygge: A heart-warming lesson from Denmark |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-34345791 |access-date=2025-08-27 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==Danish Christmas==
{{Main|Jul (Denmark)}}
[[File:Johansen Viggo - Radosne Boże Narodzenie.jpg|thumb|[[Viggo Johansen]]: ''Happy Christmas'' (1891)]]
The Danish word for the Christmas holiday is ''[[Jul (Denmark)|Jul]]'', from the Old Norse ''jól'', the term for "midwinter", itself cognate with the English word, [[yule]].<ref>[http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Kunst_og_kultur/Religion_og_mystik/Folkekirkens_helligdage/Jul Den Store Danske, Jul (in Danish).] Retrieved 31 July 2009.</ref>
Midwinter celebrations were an important part of [[Scandinavian culture]] since prehistoric times, and the term was retained to refer to "Christmas" after [[Christianization of Scandinavia|Christianization]].<ref>[http://www.foreignersindenmark.dk/display.cfm?article=1000582 Iulia Kolesnicov, "Danish Christmas"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426005633/http://www.foreignersindenmark.dk/display.cfm?article=1000582 |date=2012-04-26 }}, ''ForeignersIndenmark.dk''. Retrieved 29 November 2011.</ref> In many countries Christmas is celebrated on 25 December, but in Denmark, and in the other Scandinavian countries, the most important day for celebrations is  Christmas Eve on the 24th when the family comes together. The morning can be spent in various ways but most often it is the time when preparations are made for the evening.<ref name=visitdenmark>[http://www.visitdenmark.dk/uk/en-gb/menu/turist/inspiration/jul/danish-christmas-traditions.htm Danish Christmas traditions from VisitDenmark] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091204131343/http://www.visitdenmark.dk/uk/en-gb/menu/turist/inspiration/jul/danish-christmas-traditions.htm |date=2009-12-04 }}. Retrieved 25 July 2009.</ref>
''Juleaften'' (Danish for Christmas Eve) or Yule Eve starts around 6 p.m. when a traditional dinner (''Julemiddag'') is served.
Afterwards, the candles on the Christmas tree are lit and the family dance around it singing Christmas songs and carols and subsequently exchange presents.<ref name=visitdenmark/>

==Folklore==
{{Main|Danish folklore}}
[[File:Lund Skovshoved Pige.jpg|thumb|160px|Frederik Christian Lund: Girl from Skovshoved]]

Danish folklore is made up of [[Folklore|folk tales]], [[legend]]s, songs, [[Danish traditional music|music]], [[folk dance|dancing]], [[superstition|popular beliefs]] and traditions, mostly communicated by the inhabitants of towns and villages across the country. Many of these were passed on from generation to generation by [[oral tradition|word of mouth]]. As in neighbouring countries, interest in [[folklore]] grew with an emerging feeling of national consciousness in 19th-century Denmark. Researchers travelled across the country collecting innumerable folktales, songs and [[proverb|sayings]] while observing [[folk costume|traditional dress]] in the various regions. Folklore today is part of the national heritage, represented in particular by national and local traditions, songs, folk dances and literature.

Today's folk dancing in Denmark dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, when there was renewed interest in the national heritage. A number of groups began to revive the music, dances and costumes of past generations. In 1901, the Society for the Promotion of Danish Folk Dancing (''Foreningen til Folkedansens Fremme'') was founded in Copenhagen, leading to local dancing societies throughout the country.<ref>[http://www.dafos.dk/guiden/vis_afsnit.asp?afsnit=2.j "Dans"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426001649/http://www.dafos.dk/guiden/vis_afsnit.asp?afsnit=2.j |date=2012-04-26 }}, ''Dansk Folkemindesamlings arkiv''. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 24 November 2011.</ref> Today there are more than 12,000 folk dancers in 219 local clubs, providing courses in music, dancing and dressmaking.<ref>[http://www.ambnewdelhi.um.dk/en/menu/InfoDenmark/DanishNationalSymbols/NationalDressAndFolkDancing/ "National dress and folk dancing"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008001122/http://www.ambnewdelhi.um.dk/en/menu/InfoDenmark/DanishNationalSymbols/NationalDressAndFolkDancing/ |date=2011-10-08 }}, ''Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark''. Retrieved 22 November 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.folkedans.dk/Default.aspx?ID=238 "The National Association of Danish Folk Dancers"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310152727/http://www.folkedans.dk/Default.aspx?ID=238 |date=2016-03-10 }}, ''Landsforeningen Danske Folkedansere''. Retrieved 22 November 2011.</ref>

The traditional costumes of Denmark, though varying from region to region, date back roughly to the period between 1750 and 1900 when clothes were often home-made from yarn spun from wool or flax. In rural communities, the fabrication of garments for both family members and servants was an important part of everyday life. The artist [[Frederik Christian Lund]], who had travelled across Denmark as a soldier in the [[First Schleswig War]], took an interest in sketching people in local costumes in various parts of the country. He completed his collection of 31 coloured sketches in 1864, publishing them as coloured lithographs in ''Danske Nationaldragter'' (Danish National Costumes).<ref>[http://vofl3450.homeunix.net/DanishFolk/Costumes/FC-Lund/index.html Frits Lilbæk, "Historiemaler F C Lund: Danske Nationaldragter"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111171934/http://vofl3450.homeunix.net/DanishFolk/Costumes/FC-Lund/index.html |date=2012-01-11 }}. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 24 November 2011.</ref>

Numerous Danish folktales contain a range of mythical figures such as [[troll]]s, [[elf|elves]], [[goblin]]s and [[wight]]s as well as figures from [[Norse mythology|Nordic mythology]] like [[Jötunn|giant]]s and ''lygtemænd'' ([[hobby lantern]]s). The ''[[tomte|nisse]]'' is a particularly well known legendary figure in Danish folklore, apparently dating back to pre-Christian times when it was believed there were household gods. Traditionally each farm had its own nisse living on the loft or in a stable. Dressed in grey with a pointed red cap, he was no taller than a 10-year-old boy. The ''nisse'' would be helpful if treated well, for instance by offering him a bowl of porridge with a clump of butter at night, but, failing good treatment, he could become quite troublesome and mean.<ref>[http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Livsstil,_sport_og_fritid/Folketro_og_folkemindevidenskab/nisse "Nisse"], ''Den Store Danske'', {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 23 November 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Samfund%2c_jura_og_politik/Religion_og_mystik/Folkekirkens_helligdage/jul/jul_(Julenissen) "Julenissen"], ''Den Store Danske''. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 23 November 2011.</ref>

Today, nisser are associated with Christmas, with some of them being portrayed as Santa Claus's helpers on Greendland. Whilst the superstition regarding the nisse has faded, it is still traditional for households with children to pretend that a nisse lives in the attic, or elsewhere in the house, and to offer it porridge in December. The parents will then, for the duration of the month, play mischievous, but harmless, jokes on the children. The nisse also provides daily gifts, that are laid in a sock, which is hung op on a wall at the start of the month.

==Cuisine==
{{Main|Danish cuisine}}
[[File:Smørrebrød at Kastrup IMG 8275 C.JPG|thumb|right|''[[Smørrebrød]]'' (open sandwich). Left: roast beef with remoulade, grated horseradish and tomato on Danish rye bread. Right: egg, prawns, lemon and mayonnaise on white bread.]]

Perhaps the most typically Danish contribution to the meals of the day is the traditional lunch or ''[[smørrebrød]]'' consisting of [[open sandwich]]es, usually on thinly sliced ''[[rugbrød]]''. The meal usually begins with seafood such as [[Herring|marinated herring]], smoked eel, crab, or breaded plaice filets with [[remoulade]] and moves on with slices of roast pork or beef, ''[[frikadeller]]'' (meatballs), hams and [[Leverpostej|liver pâté]]. The sandwiches are richly garnished with onion rings, radish slices, cucumbers, tomato slices, parsley, [[remoulade]] or [[mayonnaise]].<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20080723192044/http://www.portlanddanes.org/culture.html Danish Culture from PortlandDanes.org]}}. Retrieved 4 December 2008.</ref> The meal is mostly accompanied by beer, on occasion also by shots of ice-cold [[snaps]] or [[akvavit]].

In the evening, hot meals are usually served. Traditional dishes include fried fish, roast pork with red cabbage, pot-roasted chicken, pot-roast and slow cooked beef, meat balls, or pork chops. Game is sometimes served in the autumn. Steaks are now increasingly popular, but is a modern addition.{{cn|date=November 2024}}

A popular traditional Danish dessert, especially around Christmas, consists of ''[[æbleskiver]]'', rather like small pancake doughnuts which are fried in butter in a special pan and are served hot with jam and sugar. Traditionally, they were made with small pieces of apple in the middle which is why they are called ''æbleskiver'', literally "apple slices".{{cn|date=November 2024}}

In recent years, development of the [[New Danish cuisine]] based on the rediscovery of local ingredients presented in interesting new recipes has led to a significant number of new, highly acclaimed restaurants in Copenhagen and the provinces, several with Michelin stars. This in turn has led to new developments in food production with a series of new products based on organic farming.<ref name=denmarkspecial>[http://denmarkspecial.dk/misc/DS_Food_Design_WEB_single_100dpi.pdf "Denmark Special"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426043542/http://denmarkspecial.dk/misc/DS_Food_Design_WEB_single_100dpi.pdf |date=2012-04-26 }}, ''Food & design'', #9 2011. Retrieved 11 December 2011.</ref>

==Sports==
{{Main|Sports in Denmark}}

Sports are popular in Denmark, and its citizens participate in and watch a wide variety. The [[national sport]] is [[association football|football]] (soccer), with the most notable results being qualifying for the [[UEFA European Football Championship|European Championships]] six times in a row (1984–2004) and winning the [[1992 UEFA European Football Championship|Championship in 1992]]. Other significant achievements include winning the [[Confederations Cup]] in 1995 and reaching the quarter-final of the [[1998 World Cup]].{{cn|date=November 2024}}

Denmark's numerous beaches and resorts are popular locations for fishing, canoeing, kayaking and a broad-range of other water-themed sports.{{cn|date=November 2024}}

In [[motorcycle speedway|speedway racing]] Denmark has won several world championships, including the [[Speedway World Cup]] in [[2006 Speedway World Cup|2006]] and [[2008 Speedway World Cup|2008]]. Other popular sports include golf, mostly popular among the older demographic;<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20070716195104/http://www.dif.dk/OmDIF/Forside/Idraetten%20i%20tal/medlemstal.aspx Om DIF – Medlemstal]}} {{in lang|da}}, ''The National Olympic Committee and Sports Confederation of Denmark''</ref> tennis, in which Denmark is successful on a professional level; [[Danish Rugby Union]], which dates back to 1950;<ref>Bath, Richard (ed.) ''The Complete Book of Rugby'' (Seven Oaks Ltd, 1997 {{ISBN|1-86200-013-1}}) p66. Archived from July 2007 and Retrieved June 2012.</ref> and indoor sports such as badminton, [[team handball|handball]] and various forms of gymnastics.

{{As of|2012|01}}, the [[Denmark men's national handball team|national handball team]] are the current reigning European champions and the team with most medals won in European championship history on the men's side with a total of five medals, those being two gold medals (2008, 2012), and three bronze medals (2002, 2004 & 2006).
And in 2016 Denmark's handball team won the gold medal for men at the Olympics in Rio.

===Cycling===
[[File:Cycling Time Trial effort.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Cycling trial at the Copenhagen World Outgames]]
[[File:Bike-park-aarhus.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Bikes parked in the centre of Aarhus]]
{{Main|Cycling in Denmark}}

In recent years, Denmark has made a mark as a strong [[cycling]] nation, with [[Bjarne Riis]] winning [[Tour de France]] in 1996, and [[Michael Rasmussen (cyclist)|Michael Rasmussen]] reaching [[King of the Mountains]] status, in the Tour 2005 and 2006. The Tour d’France has been won for two consecutive years (2022 and 2023) by Jonas Vingegaard.

Most Danes are active cyclists, often using their bikes to commute to work or to go off on trips at the weekend. With its well-engineered cycle paths, Copenhagen is especially suited to city cycling. Every day 1.3 million km are cycled in the city,<ref name="Bicycle Account - 2004Street">{{cite web|url=http://www.walkandbikeforlife.org/Articles/Copenhagen%20City%20Of%20Cyclists.pdf|title=Bicycle Account – 2004Street|publisher=Copenhagen Municipality|access-date=2009-10-30|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130721172836/http://www.walkandbikeforlife.org/Articles/Copenhagen%20City%20Of%20Cyclists.pdf|archive-date=2013-07-21}}</ref> with 36% of all citizens commuting to work, school or university by bicycle.<ref name="visitcopenhagen1">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/apr/12/copenhagen-push-carbon-neutral-2025|title=Copenhagen's ambitious push to be carbon-neutral by 2025|date=12 April 2013 |publisher=Guardian News and Media Limited|access-date=2015-09-11}}</ref> Cycling is generally perceived as a healthier, [[Environmentally friendly|environmentally friendlier]], cheaper and often quicker way around town than by public transport or car and it is therefore municipal policy for the number of commuters by bike to go up to 40% by 2012 and 50% by 2015.<ref name="www4">{{cite web|url=http://www.kk.dk/Borger/ByOgTrafik/cyklernesby/groennecykelruter.aspx |title=Grønne cykel router |publisher=Københavns Kommune |access-date=2009-01-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228063635/http://www3.kk.dk/Borger/ByOgTrafik/cyklernesby/groennecykelruter.aspx |archive-date=February 28, 2009 }}</ref>

[[Odense]] has been named the "bicycle city of the year" because of the great number of bicycle lanes in the city. A complete network of 350&nbsp;km all-weather serviced lanes exists in the town.<ref>[http://www.odense.dk/web4/cyklisternesby/inspiration%20fra%20cykelbyen.aspx "Inspiration fra cykelbyen"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522033720/http://www.odense.dk/web4/cyklisternesby/inspiration%20fra%20cykelbyen.aspx |date=2010-05-22 }}, Odense.dk. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 10 June 2010</ref>

During the summer months, there are free "[[Copenhagen City Bikes|City Bikes]]" stationed at various spots in the downtown area of Copenhagen, [[Aarhus]] and [[Aalborg]]. The idea is that anyone can take a bike from one of the spots, ride it to one of the other spots and leave it there for the next person. There are many [[National and regional bicycle routes throughout Denmark]]. They are all marked and include rest areas with benches and other necessities.{{cn|date=November 2024}}

==Fine arts==

===Painting===
[[File:Christen Købke - Frederiksborg Castle Seen from the Northwest.jpg|thumb|upright|Frederiksborg Castle by [[Christen Købke]], 1836]]
{{Main|Danish art}}
Danish painting goes back hundreds of years. Earlier work is often manifested in churches, for example in the form of [[Church frescos in Denmark|frescos]] such as those from the 16th-century artist known as the [[Elmelunde Master]]. But it was not until the beginning of the 19th century that the [[Golden Age of Danish Painting]] emerged with a marked increase in truly Danish art inspired by the country itself with its lifestyle and traditions. [[Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg]] was an important influence on the following generation's study of nature, in which landscape painting came to the fore.  He had many successful students, including [[Wilhelm Bendz]] (1804–1832), [[Christen Købke]] (1810–48), [[Martinus Rørbye]] (1803–1848), [[Constantin Hansen]] (1804–1880), [[Jørgen Roed]] (1808–1888), [[Wilhelm Marstrand]] (1810–1873), [[Christian Albrecht Jensen|C. A. Jensen]] (1792–1870), [[Johan Lundbye|J. Th. Lundbye]] (1818–1848), and [[P. C. Skovgaard]] (1817–1875).<ref>[http://www.ambwashington.um.dk/en/menu/InformationaboutDenmark/Culture/VisualArts/ Visual Arts from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Denmark] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070612194827/http://www.ambwashington.um.dk/en/menu/InformationaboutDenmark/Culture/VisualArts/ |date=2007-06-12 }}. Retrieved 4 December 2008.</ref>

Some years later, a number of painters including [[Peder Severin Krøyer|P. S. Krøyer]] (1851–1909) and [[Michael Ancher|Michael]] (1849–1927) and [[Anna Ancher]] (1859–1935) moved to [[Skagen]] in the far north of [[Jylland]] to paint the natural surroundings and local people. In due course, the town developed into an artists' colony. A little later, a similar phenomenon developed on [[Fyn]] with artists such as [[Johannes Larsen]] (1867–1961). [[Vilhelm Hammershøi]] is another known painter.{{cn|date=November 2024}}

Collections of modern art enjoy unusually attractive settings at the [[Louisiana Museum of Modern Art|Louisiana Museum]] north of [[Copenhagen]], at the North Jylland Art Museum in [[Aalborg]] and at the [[ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum|ARoS art museum in Aarhus]]. The [[Statens Museum for Kunst|National Museum of Art]] and the [[Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek|Glyptotek]], both in Copenhagen, contain treasures of Danish and international art.{{cn|date=November 2024}}

===Sculpture===
[[File:Copenhagen - the little mermaid statue - 2013.jpg|thumb|upright|''[[The Little Mermaid (statue)|The Little Mermaid]]'' statue in [[Langelinie]]]]
{{Main|Danish sculpture}}
Danish sculpture as a nationally recognized art form can be traced back to 1752 when [[Jacques Saly]] was commissioned to execute King [[Frederick V of Denmark]] while on horseback. While [[Bertel Thorvaldsen]] (1770–1844) was undoubtedly the country's most prominent contributor of his time, many other sculptors also produced notable works in the areas of [[Neoclassical sculpture|Neoclassicism]], [[Realism (arts)|Realism]], and [[Historicism (art)|Historicism]], the latter resulting from a growing consciousness of a national identity. From modern times, many notable works of [[Surrealism]] and [[Modern art|Modernism]] has been produced, inspired by European trends, especially those from Paris. Present notable Danish sculptors includes [[Michael Kvium]], [[Hein Heinsen]] and [[Bjørn Nørgaard]], but the field holds many skilled practitioners and the styles has diversified greatly.{{cn|date=March 2023}}

===Literature===
{{Main|Danish literature}}
[[File:Hans Christian Andersen.jpg|thumb|left|upright|[[Hans Christian Andersen]]]]
The principal contributors to Danish literature are undoubtedly [[Hans Christian Andersen]] (1805–1875) with his fairy tales, the philosopher [[Søren Kierkegaard]] (1813–1855), storyteller [[Karen Blixen]] (1885–1962), playwright [[Ludvig Holberg]] (1684–1754), and modern authors such as [[Henrik Pontoppidan]] and [[Herman Bang]].{{cn|date=March 2023}}

Among today's Danish writers, probably the best-known to international readers is [[Peter Høeg]] ([[Smilla's Sense of Snow]]; [[Borderliners]]). [[Benny Andersen]] wrote poems, short stories, and music. Poems by both writers have been translated into English by the Curbstone Press. [[Klaus Rifbjerg]] has published over 100 novels as well as poetry, short stories and TV plays. Two of his works have been translated into English: [[Witness to the Future]] and [[War (Danish novel)|War]]. [[Kirsten Thorup]]'s novel [[Baby (Danish novel)|Baby]], winner of the 1980 [[Pegasus Prize]], is published in English by the University of Louisiana Press. The psychological thrillers of [[Anders Bodelsen]] also appear in English as do some of the novels of intrigue by [[Leif Davidsen]]. [[Suzanne Brøgger]] and [[Vita Andersen]] focus largely on the changing roles of women in society.{{cn|date=March 2023}}

===Architecture===
{{Main|Architecture of Denmark}}
[[File:Grundtvigs Kirke Copenhagen.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Grundtvig's Church]], Copenhagen. Brick is a widely used building material in Danish architecture.]]
The architecture of Denmark has changed and evolved since prehistoric times, but the oldest buildings to have survived the ravages of time dates to the early [[Middle Ages]] when bricks was introduced as building material around 1150 AD and the first [[Romanesque style|Romanesque]], then [[Gothic style|Gothic]] churches and cathedrals sprang up across the country. [[Brick]] is still a locally produced, affordable, durable and widely used building material in today's architecture of Denmark.<ref>Hans Edvard Nørregård-Nielsen (2006): "''Magt og dragt: dansk teglstensarkitektur''", Gyldendal {{in lang|da}}. About bricks in Danish architecture through history.</ref> Inspired by [[Château|French castles]] and with the assistance of Dutch designers, architecture during the [[Renaissance]] flourished with magnificent royal palaces. [[Neoclassical architecture|Neoclassicism]] came to Denmark from France and, in the 19th century, slowly merged into the [[National Romantic style]] when Danish designers came into their own. It was, however, not until the last half of the 20th century that Danish architects entered the world scene with their highly successful [[Functionalism (architecture)|Functionalism]]. This, in turn, has evolved into more recent world-class designers such as [[Johann Otto von Spreckelsen]] who designed the [[Grande Arche]] in Paris. Internationally, perhaps the most celebrated of all is the architect who designed the iconic [[Sydney Opera House]], [[Jørn Utzon]], but within Danish borders, it is the architect [[Arne Jacobsen]] who is perhaps held in highest esteem for developing the '[[Danish Modern]]' style and furniture/interior design, such as the now world-famous and much sought-after [[Swan (chair)|Swan]] and [[Egg (chair)|Egg]] chairs.<ref>[http://politiken.dk/tjek/bolig/design/article454847.ece 'Ægget' fejrer 50 år med en særlig stol.] Politiken 9. jan 2008 kl. 07:41. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100728082005/http://politiken.dk/tjek/bolig/design/article454847.ece |date=2010-07-28 }}</ref> A new wave of young Danish architects are rising into international prominence, like [[Bjarke Ingels]] with works such as the Danish National Pavilion at the [[Shanghai 2010 Expo]].

===Photography===
{{Main|Photography in Denmark}}
[[File:Peter Faber Ulfeldts Plads 1840.jpg|thumb|left|upright|[[Peter Faber]]: [[Gråbrødretorv|Ulfeldts Plads]], Copenhagen (1840). Denmark's oldest photograph.]]

Photography in Denmark has developed from strong participation and interest in the very beginnings of the [[history of photography|art]] in 1839 to some of the strongest contemporary photography in Europe today. Pioneers such as [[Mads Alstrup]] and [[Georg Emil Hansen]] paved the way for a rapidly growing profession during the last half of the 19th century while both artistic and press photographers have since made internationally recognised contributions. Today Danish photographers such as [[Astrid Kruse Jensen]] and [[Jacob Aue Sobol]] are active both at home and abroad, participating in key exhibitions around the world.<ref>[http://www.photography-now.com/popup_ausst_5.php?id_ausstellungen=T50624 Contemporary Danish Photography. From Photography-Now] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120707000845/http://www.photography-now.com/popup_ausst_5.php?id_ausstellungen=T50624 |date=July 7, 2012 }}. Retrieved 28 January 2010.</ref>

===Design===
[[File:The Swan&The Egg.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Arne Jacobsen]]'s The Swan and the Egg]]
{{Main|Danish design}}
Danish design is a term often used to describe a style of [[Functionalism (architecture)|functionalistic]] design and architecture that was developed in mid-20th century, originating in Denmark. Danish design is typically applied to industrial design, furniture and household objects, which have won many international awards.

The Danish Porcelain Factory ("[[Royal Copenhagen]]"), including Bing & Grøndahl, is famous for the quality of its ceramics and export products worldwide. Danish design is also a well-known brand, often associated with world-famous designers and architects such as [[Børge Mogensen]] (1914–1972), [[Finn Juhl]] (1912–1989), [[Hans Wegner]] (1914–2007), [[Arne Jacobsen]] (1902–1971), [[Poul Kjærholm]] (1929–1980), [[Poul Henningsen]] (1894–1967) and [[Verner Panton]] (1926–1998).<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20100522002856/http://en.ddc.dk/denmarkbydesign "Danish by Design"]}}, ''DDC''. Retrieved 4 September 2011.</ref> [[Georg Jensen]] (1866–1935) is known the world over for modern design in silver.

Other designers of note include [[Kristian Solmer Vedel]] (1923–2003) in the area of industrial design, [[Jens Harald Quistgaard]] (1919–2008) for kitchen furniture and implements and [[Ole Wanscher]] (1903–1985) who had a classical approach to furniture design.{{cn|date=May 2025}}

The [[Danish Museum of Art & Design]] in Copenhagen exhibits the best in Danish design.{{cn|date=May 2025}}

==Performing arts==

===Music===
{{Main|Music of Denmark}}
[[File:Carl Nielsen.jpg|thumb|right|160px|[[Carl Nielsen]] (1865–1931)]]
Denmark's most famous composer of classical music is [[Carl Nielsen]] who is best known outside of Denmark for his six symphonies, but whose melodies for popular songs are cherished among Danes. Other well-known pieces of his are the incidental music for [[Adam Oehlenschläger]]'s drama [[Aladdin (Nielsen)]], the operas [[Saul og David]] and [[Maskarade]], the concertos for [[Flute Concerto (Nielsen)|flute]], [[Violin Concerto (Nielsen)|violin]], and [[Clarinet Concerto (Nielsen)|clarinet]], the [[Wind Quintet (Nielsen)|Wind Quintet]], and the [[Helios Overture]], which depicts the passage of the sun in the sky from dawn to nightfall. The [[Royal Danish Ballet]] specializes in the work of Danish choreographer [[August Bournonville]] (1805–79). [[Hans Abrahamsen]], [[Per Nørgård]] and [[Poul Ruders]] are successful composers of contemporary classical music. Danish interest in classical music is exemplified by the prestigious [[Copenhagen Opera House|Opera House]] completed in 2000. Strategically set on Copenhagen's waterfront, it has presented operas and musicals to full houses ever since its opening.

Danes have also distinguished themselves in rhythmical music, with world-famous [[jazz]] musicians such as [[Svend Asmussen]], [[Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen]], [[Niels Lan Doky]] and [[Marilyn Mazur]]. The [[Copenhagen Jazz Festival]] has acquired an international reputation.{{cn|date=May 2025}}

The modern pop and rock scene has produced some bands of note like [[Aqua (band)|Aqua]], [[Dizzy Mizz Lizzy]], [[D-A-D]], [[The Raveonettes]], [[Michael Learns to Rock]], [[Alphabeat]], [[Medina (singer)|Medina]], [[Oh Land]], [[Kashmir (Danish band)|Kashmir]], [[Mew (band)|Mew]], [[Outlandish]] and [[Dúné]]. All together, [[Lars Ulrich]], drummer of the band [[Metallica]], has become the first Danish musician to be inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]].{{cn|date=May 2025}}

===Cinema===
{{Main|Cinema of Denmark}}
In recent years, Danish films have gained increasing recognition at home and abroad. [[Gabriel Axel]]'s film based on Karen Blixen's [[Babette's Feast]] was awarded an Oscar in 1987. In 1988, [[Bille August]] also received an Oscar with [[Pelle the Conqueror]] based on the novel by [[Martin Andersen Nexø]]. In 1992, August went on to win the [[Palme d'Or]] in Cannes with [[Ingmar Bergman]]'s autobiography, [[The Best Intentions]].

Since the late 1990s, the [[Dogme]] movement and figures such as [[Lars von Trier]], [[Thomas Vinterberg]], [[Søren Kragh-Jacobsen]] and [[Lone Scherfig]] have continued to contribute to the international success of Danish cinema.<ref>[http://www.netpublikationer.dk/um/8881/html/chapter01.htm Cinema fact sheet from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.] Retrieved 5 December 2008.</ref> In 2011, [[Susanne Bier]]'s ''[[In a Better World]]'' won the [[Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film]].

===Theatre===
{{Main|Theatre in Denmark}}
[[File:Copenhagen Theatre and Opera.jpg|thumb|200px|right|[[Royal Danish Playhouse|Royal Playhouse]] (left) and [[Copenhagen Opera House]] (background, right)]]
The theatre in Denmark continues to thrive thanks to the many theatres across the country which put on a wide variety of Danish and foreign performances. The flagship [[Royal Danish Theatre]] presents [[drama]], [[opera]], [[ballet]] and [[music]]. Since the 18th century, Danish playwrights have been successful in attracting wide public interest.

[[Ludvig Holberg]] (1684–1754) is considered by many to be the founder of the Danish theatre. Satirical comedies such as ''Jean de France'' and ''Jeppe of the Hill'' are still performed today.<ref>[http://www.denmark.dk/en/menu/About-Denmark/Arts-Culture/Theatre/ Theatre from Denmark.dk.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308064830/http://denmark.dk/en/menu/about-denmark/arts-culture/theatre |date=2016-03-08 }} Retrieved 22 December 2008.</ref>

[[Adam Oehlenschläger]] (1779–1850) introduced romanticism to the Danish theatre. Especially successful was his [[Earl Hakon the Mighty]], premiered in 1808.

The Norwegian [[Henrik Ibsen]] (1828–1906) also travelled to Copenhagen where he produced numerous plays such as [[A Doll's House]] (1879).<ref>[http://www.goldendays.dk/composite-921.htm Theatre from Golden Days in Copenhagen] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041016003122/http://goldendays.dk/composite-921.htm |date=2004-10-16 }}. Retrieved 22 December 2008.</ref>

In recent years, there has been something of a revival in Danish theatre. Many new playwrights and producers have appeared including [[Astrid Saalbach]] (born 1955), winner of the Nordic Drama Award in 2004, and [[Peter Asmussen]] (born 1957), who wrote the film script for [[Lars von Trier]]'s [[Breaking the Waves]]. Danish musicals have also been a particularly successful feature of the modern theatre. [[Sebastian (Danish musician)|Knud Christensen]], commonly known as Sebastian, was particularly successful with [[Cyrano (Danish musical)|Cyrano]] (1992), based on [[Edmond Rostand|Rostand]]'s play and [[Klokkeren fra Notre Dame (musical)|Klokkeren fra Notre Dame]] (The Hunchback of Notre Dame) (2001). [[Bent Fabricius-Bjerre]]'s musical [[Matador (Danish musical)|Matador]] (2007) is based on a successful [[Matador (Danish TV series)|TV series of the same name]].<ref>[http://avisen.dk/matador-stjerner-er-enige-det-betoed-alt_69110.aspx Matador-stjerner er enige: Det betød alt from Avisen.dk (in Danish).] Retrieved 23 December 2008.</ref>

Another popular Danish theatrical tradition is the [[revue]] which has been thriving since the mid-19th century. Today revues are performed every summer to full houses in theatres across Denmark, poking fun at the politics of the day and even the monarchy. Among the most popular are ''Circusrevyen'' in Copenhagen with Lisbet Dahl, and the ''Nykøbing Revy'' directed by Flemming Krøll in [[Nykøbing Falster]].<ref>[http://www.denstoredanske.dk/Kunst_og_kultur/Teater/Teater_i_verden/Danmark_(Revy) "Danmark – revy"], ''Den store Danske''. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 19 March 2010.</ref>

To this day, Denmark also has a large tradition for children and youth theater, as it hosts the largest annual children and youth theater event in the world, Aprilfestivallen, every year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.info.aprilfestival.dk/general_festival_information.asp|title=General festival information|website=www.info.aprilfestival.dk|language=da|access-date=2017-05-23}}</ref>

===Television===
[[Television in Denmark|Danish television]] has also contributed to drama with a number of [[Danish television drama|successful series]] since the 1970s. Perhaps the most notable domestic and international successes have been the political drama ''[[Borgen (TV series)|Borgen]]'' and the three series of ''[[Forbrydelsen]] (The Killing, 2007–2012)''. ''Forbrydelsen'' attracted more than a 30% audience share, when originally broadcast in Denmark and both series have been widely sold around the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17853928 |title=The Killing and Borgen: Danish drama wins global fanbase |last1=Kirby |first1=Emma Jane |date=28 April 2012 |website=[[bbc.co.uk]]|access-date=27 October 2015}}</ref>

==Science==
[[File:Tycho Brahe.JPG|thumb|right|upright|[[Tycho Brahe]] was well known in his lifetime as an [[astronomer]], [[astrologer]] and [[alchemist]], and has been described more recently as "the first competent mind in modern astronomy to feel ardently the passion for exact empirical facts."<ref>[[Edwin Arthur Burtt]], ''[[wikiquote:The Metaphysical Foundations of Modern Physical Science|The Metaphysical Foundations of Modern Physical Science]]; a Historical and Critical Essay'' (1925)</ref>]]
Denmark has a long tradition for scientific engagement in all fields, often with fundamental discoveries. The intelligentsia was involved in the European [[Scientific Revolution]] of the [[renaissance]] early on, with prominent scientists such as [[Tycho Brahe]] (1546–1601), [[Ole Worm]] (1588–1655), [[Nicolas Steno]] (1638–1686) and [[Ole Rømer]] (1644–1710).

The contributions to science has steadily continued through the ages, with the fundamental discoveries of [[Hans Christian Ørsted]] (1777–1851), the contributions to linguistics by [[Rasmus Rask]] (1787–1832), the neglected articulation of the principle of [[conservation of energy]] by [[Ludwig A. Colding]]'s (1815–1888), [[Vilhelm Thomsen]] (1842–1927), [[Otto Jespersen]] (1860–1943) and others, into modern times with the brilliant contributions to atomic physics of [[Niels Bohr]] (1885–1962).

[[File:Niels Bohr.jpg|thumb|left|upright|[[Niels Bohr]] was a renowned Danish physicist, specializing in [[atomic physics|atomic]] and [[quantum physics]]. He has been described as one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century. He was also involved in the [[Manhattan Project]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |last=Murdoch |first=Dugald |year=2000 |title=Bohr |editor-last=Newton-Smith |editor-first=N. H |encyclopedia=A Companion to the Philosophy of Science |location=Oxford |publisher=Blackwell |isbn=0-631-23020-3 |oclc=490802454 |page=26}}</ref>]]
Niels Bohr founded several institutions in relation to quantum physics and both attracted and stimulated an important international and lasting scientific milieu in the country.<ref>See the [[Niels Bohr Institute]], [[Risø National Laboratory]] and [[NORDITA]] for example.</ref> This has since produced many important discoveries and advancements in physics, astrophysics, chemistry, mathematics and engineering, particularly in the areas of quantum physics, quantum optics and lately nano-technology. Although an international environment, notable Danish scientists from this milieu includes [[Bengt Strömgren]] (1908–1987), [[Aage Bohr]] (1922–2009), [[Holger Bech Nielsen]] (born 1941) and [[Lene Hau|Lene Vestergaard Hau]] (born 1959).

The sciences of [[geology]] and [[geophysics]] has benefited from Danish scientists who have been - and are - heavily involved in the description and understanding of the [[geology of Greenland]], one of the most important regions in the world to study the geological evolution of Earth. The [[Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland]] (GEUS) was founded in 1888 and [[Inge Lehmann]] (1888–1993) revealed that Earth have a solid [[Earth's inner core|inner core]] in 1936, by the use of [[seismology]]. In the 1960s, [[Willi Dansgaard]] was the first to understand and describe how to use ice core drills to gain knowledge about Earth's [[Paleoclimatology|paleoclimate]], now a widely used method to understand climate changes. Lately, Greenland-born geologist Minik Rosing and his team, unravelled groundbreaking knowledge about the early evolution of life through studies of Greenland's geology in the 2000s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uniavisen.dk/en/ucph-scientists-confirm-the-oldest-life-on-earth/|title=UCPH scientists confirm the oldest life on earth |publisher=University Post (University of Copenhagen) |author=Anders Fjeldberg |date=3 August 2017|access-date=31 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=Elements of Eoarchean life trapped in mineral inclusions |journal=Nature |volume=548 |issue=7665 |pages=78–81 |date=3 August 2017 |author=M. Rosing |display-authors=etal |doi=10.1038/nature23261 |pmid=28738409 |bibcode=2017Natur.548...78H |s2cid=205257931 }}</ref>

The young science of [[archaeology]], has also benefited from many Danish contributions, with prominent scholars such as [[Sophus Müller]] (1846-1934), [[Georg F.L. Sarauw]], [[Jens Jacob Asmussen Worsaae|J.J.A. Worsaae]] and [[Peter Glob]]. The contributions have often been of a fundamental nature, such as the discoveries of [[kitchen middens]] or [[bog bodies]] and their great potential for advancing archaeology. [[Christian Jürgensen Thomsen]] refined and introduced the now universally recognized [[three-age system]], dividing eras of prehistory into the well-known [[Stone Age]], [[Bronze Age]] and [[Iron Age]] respectively. Danish archaeologists have contributed with many defining archaeological discoveries, such as the [[Kongemose culture]], [[Maglemosian culture]] and the [[Ertebølle culture]] of the [[Nordic Stone Age]] and of course the [[Viking Age]]. With a great international engagement and a long tradition for interdisciplinary collaborations with [[anthropologists]], [[geologists]], [[zoology|zoologists]], [[botanist]]s, [[antiquarian]]s and historians, Danish archaeologists have been, and still are, involved with all kinds of cultural archaeology around the globe, including the Middle East<ref>See the institution of [[Glyptoteket#Collections|Glyptoteket]]</ref> (Peter Glob, [[Peter Rowley-Conwy]]), the [[Mediterranean region]]<ref>See the institutions of [[Danish Institute at Athens]], [[Nordic Library at Athens]] and [[Glyptoteket#Collections|Glyptoteket]]</ref> ([[Peter Oluf Brøndsted]], [[Jörgen Zoega]]) the Americas ([[Peter Wilhelm Lund]], [[Frans Blom]], [[Rane Willerslev]]) and the Arctic region ([[Therkel Mathiassen]], [[Erik Holtved]], [[Eigil Knuth]]).

Danes have made significant contributions to the field of computer science. Some notable figures include: [[Per Brinch Hansen]], known for concurrent programming theory; [[Bjarne Stroustrup]], who invented the [[C++]] programming language; [[Janus Friis]], the co-inventor of [[Skype]]; Jens and [[Lars Rasmussen (software developer)|Lars Rasmussen]], the co-founders of [[Google Maps]]; and [[Peter Naur]], a contributor to ALGOL 60 and a recipient of the [[Turing Award]].

{{clear left}}

==LGBT==
{{main|LGBT rights in Denmark}}
[[File:Copenhagen Pride 2008 d.JPG|thumb|right|Copenhagen [[gay pride parade]], 2008]]
[[Social equality]], including [[sexual equality]], is relatively high in modern Denmark.<ref>[http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/denmark-country-profile.html Denmark – Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. From Kwintessential] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610114106/http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/denmark-country-profile.html |date=2012-06-10 }}. Retrieved 4 December 2008.</ref> Danes are somewhat tolerant towards sexual minorities.

Public displays of affection between gay partners are less likely to provoke disapproval, even as compared to other liberal Western countries.<ref>[http://copenhagenlodgings.com/ Gay Copenhagen – Tolerant and Relaxed from Copenhagen Lodgings.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708192234/http://copenhagenlodgings.com/ |date=2011-07-08 }} Retrieved 5 December 2008.</ref> As such, [[Copenhagen]] is a popular destination for [[homosexual]] and [[bisexual]] travellers.<ref>[http://www.visitcopenhagen.com/gays Gay Copenhagen from VisitCopenhagen.com.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081110212849/http://www.visitcopenhagen.com/gays |date=2008-11-10 }} Retrieved 5 December 2008.</ref> The main gay and lesbian festivals of the year are the [[Copenhagen Pride|Copenhagen Pride Parade]] and the Gay & Lesbian [[Film Festival]]. Copenhagen has been host to the [[2009 World Outgames]].

In 1989 Denmark became the first country in the world to offer same-sex couples most of the same legal rights as heterosexual couples, in the form of "[[Civil union|registered partnerships]].".<ref>Sheila Rule:  [https://www.nytimes.com/1989/10/02/world/rights-for-gay-couples-in-denmark.html Rights for Gay Couples in Denmark] – ''[[The New York Times]]''. Published: 2 October 1989. Retrieved 7 June 2012</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://marriage.about.com/cs/samesexmarriage/a/samesex.htm |title=Same-Sex Marriage FAQ |publisher=Marriage.about.com |date=17 June 2003 |access-date=5 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212061255/http://marriage.about.com/cs/samesexmarriage/a/samesex.htm |archive-date=12 February 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In March 2009 adoption was legalized for same-sex couples. [[Same-sex marriage in Denmark|Same-sex marriage became legal]] in 2012, after both the parliament and the [[Church of Denmark]] voted for it.<ref>{{cite news |title=Denmark passes bill allowing gays to marry in church |author=AFP |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/390257/denmark-passes-bill-allowing-gays-to-marry-in-church/ |newspaper=[[The Express Tribune]] |date=7 June 2012 |access-date=7 June 2012}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Society|Denmark}}
* [[Law of Jante]]
* [[Scandinavia]]
* [[Danish Golden Age]]
* [[List of museums in Denmark]]
* [[List of World Heritage Sites in Northern Europe]] (including Denmark)
* [[Culture of the Faroe Islands]]
* [[Danish Culture Canon]]

==Further reading==
{{Denmark culture}}
* Morten Strange, "Culture Shock! Denmark", London: Kuperard, 1996, 228 pp.&nbsp;{{ISBN|1-85733-159-1}}.
* Helen Dyrbye, Steven Harris, Thomas Golzen, "The Xenophobe's Guide to the Danes", Horsham, West Sussex: Ravette Publishing, 1997, 64 pp.

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Culture of Denmark}}
* [http://www.copenhagenet.dk/CPH-Eating.htm "A Delicious Taste of Denmark"], Danish Food Culture & Culinary Heritage
* [http://www.copenhagenet.dk/CPH-Denmark.htm Facts about Denmark & Danish Culture]
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110830033740/http://www.visitdenmark.com/usa/en-us/menu/turist/nyheder/nyheder/kunstenathyggesig.htm Visitdenmark.com]}}
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110308012728/http://www.willwalkforsex.com/2010/12/the-future-of-us/ Figuring out Hyggelig.]}}

{{Denmark topics}}
{{Culture of Europe}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Culture Of Denmark}}
[[Category:Culture of Denmark| ]]<!--Please do not move this article from its correct and standard place at the top of its own category.-->