The Danish language belongs to the northern branch of the Germanic group of languages and bears great resemblance to other Scandinavian languages. Among the most famous Danish writers are Hans Christian Andersen, whose fairy tales have been translated into as many languages as no other book can match, with the exception of the Bible; theologian and philosopher Søren Kirkegaard, a forerunner of modern existentialists; and Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa and Babette’s Feast. Peter Høeg, made famous by his novel Smilla’s Snowy Feeling, is the most prominent contemporary Danish writer.
The most internationally recognized Danish film director is Carl Dreyer (1889-1968). Dreyer made many films, including his masterpiece The Passion of Joan of Arc, recognized worldwide for its rich visual range and innovative use of close-ups. In recent years, Danish cinema has attracted attention with the remarkable film Babette’s Feast, as well as the film version of Danish writer Martin Andersen Nexø’s novel Pelle the Conqueror, directed by Bille August. The leading filmmaker of the new millennium is Lars von Trier, whose films “Breaking the Waves” and “Dancing in the Dark” won prizes at the Cannes International Film Festival; the latter won the Grand Palm, the festival’s top prize in 2000.
The Danes pride themselves on being extremely modern people, so wearing national costumes, traditional folk festivals and observing old-fashioned rituals are not as popular here as in most other European countries. Tourists may notice that Danes are quiet, relaxed, not prone to excess and tolerant of other people’s lifestyles different from their own. In 1989 Denmark became the first country in Europe to officially allow marriages between people of the same sex, thus giving homosexuals the same opportunities to start a family as heterosexual couples. Perhaps no word so accurately reflects the Danish idea of life as “hygge,” which roughly translates to “cozy, comfortable.” It suggests the ability to disconnect oneself from the cares and problems of the outside world and immerse oneself in a warm, intimate atmosphere. The word reflects a way of dealing with many issues of privacy, from home furnishings to a fondness for small cafes and pubs. The best compliment for the hosts hosting guests is to thank them for a cozy evening.