They say that it is one of the happiest countries in the world and that its secret is the good will of its inhabitants. Being kind to others, looking for the positive side of things and living a simple life is the Danish philosophy of life. That, combined with honesty in social activities and a good standard of living, offers one of the most interesting destinations to visit.
If you are thinking of going to Denmark one day or maybe this Nordic society catches your eye, knowing their proverbs will help you understand them much Better. Popularize one of the best ways to understand the culture of any country and its proverbs, sayings created from years of living together, are part of it. We have compiled some of the wisest, most philosophical Danish proverbs and the ones that teach us the best lessons. But before we get to know them, it is essential to know one of the foundations of their culture, Huge.
What is Huge and why is it so important to the Danes?
Many believe that Hygge is the reason for Danish happiness, because this Danish concept is closely linked to happiness and how Danish society understands what it means. Everything related to Huge is about cosines and coziness.
Traditionally, the Danes have had to learn to feel good during their cold and dark winters, so they have developed a kind of philosophy of life that helps them to be happy. This idea focuses a lot on the home, on creating cozy spaces where you feel good, but also on the way you relate to your neighbors, friends, family and, ultimately, with society. In this way, they consider that when you make something extraordinary become every day, then you achieve the feeling of well-being.
Huge has a lot to do with enjoying, making interactions with others always homely and warm, being respectful and trying to make others feel good as well as yourself. Interestingly, Danish proverbs have a lot to do with this fantastic concept about happiness and taking it easy.
18 Danish proverbs that teach how to live
Most proverbs from any culture teach life lessons, based on your own culture. In the case of the Danish proverbs, they teach us something else, a way of taking things differently, of appreciating life and opening oneself towards simplicity and, with it, attracting. We hope you enjoy them.
1Bad is never good until something worse happens
The Danish way of saying that everything depends on how you look at it, because you never know when the course of things will change, so the ideal is to always look with good eyes at what is happening to us.
2It is not necessary to see the thoughts; just look at the expression on their faces
Este proverb invites us to be more observant with those around us, because our loved ones may not tell us their true feelings, but their expression and body language can tell us if they feel distressed or if they are happy.
3A country with many herrings does not need a doctor
It is a typical expression that is often used by Danes to imply that a healthy and nutritious diet is the beginning of well-being.
4Flattery is like a shadow, it doesn’t make you bigger or smaller.
In short, the Danes are not great flatterers because they do not appreciate that this attitude leads to nothing. The best, hard work and show yourself how much you are worth.
5More than one man wakes up with the day that he will not see
It is a rather intense proverb that wants to tell us something fundamental: live day by day and always enjoy it.
6To who afraid to ask, ashamed to learn
Don’t you think it’s absurd to remain in doubt about something all your life? Much better to ask and learn about it, don’t be ashamed, you will be wiser the more you ask.
7Friendship ends where mistrust begins
Once a seed of distrust is sown, it is difficult for friendship to last. Therefore, it is important to always be honest with our friends, family and, of course, with our partner.
8Shared pain is half pain
Finding someone to comfort you at any given time is the best way to cope with emotional pain and feel it less intense.
9He who does not give his son a job teaches him to be a thief
For Danes it is important to support their sons and daughters so that in their lives they have a job to support themselves. It is a wonderful proverb that clearly ensures social welfare.
10″Virtue in its proper mean,” says the devil, placing himself between the two magistrates.
This proverb goes back to Aristotle, who considered virtue as the happy medium between two concepts. An example would be bravery, which would be found in the midst of cowardice and recklessness. The Danish proverb has evolved into a warning about how important it is to be courteous and prudent, also with our virtues.
Eleven Fools, if they are silent, seem less
Well, you are absolutely right. If you don’t know something, it’s better to keep quiet than to say something imprudent that reveals your lack of knowledge.
12Have your hand ready to put it in the hat and late to put it in the pocket
This curious popular saying tells us about the importance of always being kind to others, but also of certain prudence when it comes to money matters.
13Do good and forget it
If you spend your life doing things for others expecting something in return, you will only get frustrated. Doing something good, doing well has to do with not waiting, but with the act of serving the other simply because you are born to do so.
14When there is a place in the heart, there is in the house
For the Danes, family harmony is essential in their lives, which is why they consider that love is the main bond for a happy home.
Fifteen many people are like clocks: they show one hour and strike another.
Some people are incoherent and that is something that bothers Danes a lot, so much so that they have a proverb for them.
16The bottom of the heart is further than the end of the world
It’s hard to get to the bottom of feelings. Sometimes we have a hard time even understanding ourselves, so understanding others is even more complicated. Perhaps we will never achieve it, that’s why we shouldn’t force others either.
17Gifts should be handed over, not thrown
If you want to offer something to someone, be it advice, a hug or a material gift, do it from the heart, honestly and sincerely. It’s a nice proverb, isn’t it?
18Never go down with your bread and butter
A proverb that is a life lesson. What it means is that you always be aware of your actions, of the decisions you make, because there is nothing worse than seeing yourself in a bad life situation due to your bad and irresponsible decisions
