Why I Moved Out of Denmark

Denmark is a country that often ranks high on global happiness indices, a place where trust in government, free education, and a strong social system create a seemingly perfect environment. It’s easy to look at Denmark from the outside and think it’s a utopia. And in many ways, it is.

I lived there for four and a half years, and in that time, I built a life, made incredible memories, and gained experiences that shaped me. But despite all the great things Denmark has to offer, I ultimately made the decision to leave. And if you’re wondering why someone would walk away from the happiest country in the world, well—let me tell you.

1. The Language Barrier: It’s Real

Moving to Denmark as a foreigner comes with an immediate challenge: the language. Yes, Danes speak excellent English, especially younger generations. But their society is structured in Danish. The moment you step outside Copenhagen, everything—train announcements, government websites, official documents—is in Danish.

Learning Danish is an adventure in itself. The grammar? Manageable. The pronunciation? A nightmare. Some vowels feel like they require an advanced throat technique only available in Denmark. But the real challenge isn’t learning Danish; it’s using it. When you try to speak Danish, Danes often switch to English out of politeness, making it harder to practice. And even if you do speak the language fluently, social integration isn’t guaranteed. Why? Because of reason number two.

2. Social Circles Are Tight-Knit

Danes have a reputation for being reserved, and in my experience, this is mostly true. Many Danes have had the same group of friends since kindergarten, and breaking into those circles can be difficult. They’re not unfriendly, but they’re not naturally outgoing either. If you’re used to the spontaneous friendliness of Southern Europe or even places like New York, Denmark might feel isolating.

Imagine this: you’re out with a group of Danish friends. Conversations start in English, but as the night progresses, small groups naturally form, and before you know it, the room is filled with rapid-fire Danish. It’s not personal—it’s just easier for them. And after a while, it gets exhausting always having to ask people to switch back.

For someone extroverted who thrives on social spontaneity, Denmark can be a lonely place. And that loneliness becomes even more pronounced in winter.

3. The Danish Winter: Darkness That Clings to Your Soul

Let me paint a picture: it’s 2 PM, and the sun is already starting to set. The sky is a thick, unrelenting gray, and it has been drizzling for three days straight. You step outside, but the cold, damp air cuts right through your coat. Your body forgets what sunlight feels like.

For nearly half the year, Denmark is shrouded in darkness. The lack of sunlight isn’t just an inconvenience—it affects your energy, your mood, and even your sleep patterns. I tried everything: Vitamin D supplements, scheduled calls with friends, cozy ‘hygge’ nights. But at some point, I realized that life isn’t just about surviving the winter. It’s about enjoying life as a whole.

I did a thought experiment: if I had everything I wanted—a great job, strong friendships, financial security—would I still want to stay in Denmark? And the answer was no. Because no matter how good everything else was, I couldn’t change the fact that the winter would always be dark.

So, Where Did I Go?

London. It’s messy, chaotic, and doesn’t have Denmark’s pristine order, but it fits me. It’s vibrant, diverse, and—most importantly—it gets a little more sunshine.

Denmark is an incredible country, and I would never discourage anyone from moving there. But it’s not for everyone, and that’s okay. If you love Denmark, tell me in the comments what makes it special for you. I’m sure we’d agree on a lot! And if you’re curious to hear more about my experience, check out my full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7HUbQ6nr0U&ab_channel=HouseofEl

Thanks for reading, and take care!