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LOL (Love of Language) Danish

Denmarks The Spot!

Velkommen!
Well, come in!

Den Marks the Spot!"Velcommen" is often thought to mean, "Well, come in!" by many Madeline Kahn (Blazing Saddles) fans, however, literally translated, it means "welcome" in Dansk, the language spoken in Denmark.

Interestingly enough, Denmark, was ranked as the number one happiest country in the world in 2008 (Not the first time, either), according to The World Values Survey. Surprisingly, in 2008, the U.S. ranked 16, up from 23 in 2006.

So what do the Danes attribute their happiness to?

  • Balanced management of their free and powerful economy
  • An education system with high standards
  • Strong family values
  • Acceptance and tolerance of immigrants
  • Social safety nets

These accomplishments seem to be universal factors that apply to all the top ten "utopias". While smaller countries seem better able to achieve widespread happiness, acceptance and tolerance are consistent societal values held high in the happy countries. The Danes even have a word for this attitude: Hygge (pronounced hooga).

"The attitude among Danish people is summed up in one word—'hygge' (pronounced hooga). Difficult to translate and even harder to comprehend, hygge roughly describes a cozy, convivial sentiment that involves strong family bonds. 'The gist of it is that you are not supposed to have anything to do except let go.'" ~From an article in Business Week (See Sources Below)

Interesting Facts About Denmark:

The famous Little Mermaid statue in Denmark

Denmark is home to one of the worlds most beloved fairy tale story tellers, Hans Christian Anderson whose famous story inspired it's biggest tourist attraction, the statue of The Little Mermaid. She is the nations national symbol and is as revered in Denmark as citizens of the U.S. revere the Statue of Liberty.

Surviving both World Wars in Europe, as well as the Great Depression, modern humanity has not been kind to the iconic statue. Having been (nearly) planted firmly in one location (Langelinie Pier) since 1913, she has been the victim of repeated vandalism. She's been painted red numerous times. She's been beheaded twice. Her right arm has been amputated and once she'd been completely uprooted.

After all that, she will be honored with a vacation to Shanghai where she will be adored on display at the 2010 World Expo.

Upon her return to Denmark, there is a possiblity that she will be placed in a location further off shore in an attempt to dissuade further vandalism.


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  • The only difference between the English and Danish alphabets are three additional letters (in Danish): æ, ø, å .
  • The original Lego bricks were produced in Denmark in 1932.
  • The Sydney Opera House was designed by Danish architect, Jorn Utzon.
  • Phoenix is home to a master of authentic traditional Danish design, architect, Richard Achey, who's designs were constructed throughout a small Danish town in California, known as Solvang. He is best known for the cottages at the Chimney Sweep Inn.
  • Disneyland was created after Walt took a trip to Tivoli,Europes oldest amusement park, located in Denmark.
  • Denmark is the first European country to legalize same sex marriage.
  • The Faroe islands were acquired by Denmark during a drunken poker game between the kings of the Danes and the Norwegians.
  • Denmark was the first European country to abolish slavery on moral grounds. (Yay Denmark!)
  • Denmark boasts only two Heavy Metal rock stars, Lars Ulrich, drummer and founding member of Metallica, and King Diamond.

Sources:

Business Week

eTurboNews

DenmarkFacts

 

 

 

 

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