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German Immigration to Denmark: History, Perceptions and Reality

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Everybody is aware of Germans being quite a big immigrant group here in Denmark. But why do Germans leave their country to move here? Many may wonder about the reasons for this. There are arguably some negative aspects to Denmark in comparison to Germany: it is smaller, has no mountains, has a colder climate, does not have that much sun, and most Germans do not hear a lot about Denmark. 

You might have heard the term “German minority in Denmark” but many do not know what this term is really referring to. It is not meant to just describe German people emigrating to Denmark. It describes the German population living in modern Danish territory. Nordslesvig and Schleswig- Holstein was formerly one region that belonged to Denmark. After Denmark lost the Second Schleswig War in 1864, this land was given to Prussia under the terms of the Treaty of Vienna. This marked the moment the region was renamed, by Prussia, as Schleswig-Holstein. After Germany lost World War I, the borders between the German Reich and Denmark were redrawn in 1920. This led to the breaking apart of the whole region, with the Danish part called Nordschleswig (Nordslesvig in Danish; however, Sønderjylland is more commonly used) and the Schleswig Holstein of today belonging to Germany. It is important to note that there is also a Danish minority in Germany. Thus, if we want to refer to the people emigrating to this lovely country, we should use a different term but not “(the) German minority”.

In the past the region where you could find the most Germans was – without a doubt – Nordslesvig. Many German people (about 6 to 10 percent of the population in Sønderjylland) live in the Kommunes of Tønder, Aabenraa, Haderslev and Sønderborg. However, nowadays, you can find German people living in all areas of Denmark.

Whilst people may automatically think of Copenhagen as a popular city for all immigrants to Denmark, there are also sizeable groups of Germans living in Tarm (near Skjern), Gram, Ringkøbing, Aalborg, Rødekro, Brønderslev, Sædding (near Ringkøbing), Randrup, Møgeltønder, Højer, Ballum Bredebro, Haderslev, Næstved and Marstrup.

Despite its colder climate and far smaller size, there are many reasons why Germans choose to live here. Many emigrate to Denmark out of love for the country or love for the Danish way of life. Some Germans find Danish people to be more relaxed and friendlier than German people. Many Germans regularly visit Denmark on vacation and find it to be their dream country so they decide to make a permanent move here. For some, selling and buying a house in Denmark is easier compared to Germany. Furthermore, house prices are lower in Denmark. 

Yvonne Piehl, who lives near Struer in Jutland, said: “We emigrated because we love the Danish way of life. We are putting the effort in to learn Danish, always look to get in touch with Danes, and try to integrate well here in Denmark. We do not regret this decision. Denmark is our new home.” Many Germans feel that Denmark offers a world-class society to live in and is generally comfortable. They report that the vibe in the air in general is very different from Germany.

Others moved for practical reasons: feeling that their employment prospects would be better here or to benefit from more comprehensive daycare options for children here, compared to Germany. Susanne Reimann, who emigrated here in 2013, is a freelancer with a mobile nursing service. She has decided to settle permanently in Denmark:  “I am integrated, speak Danish and only have Danish friends or acquaintances. … I do identify more with being Danish than being German.”

Iris Niemayer emigrated to Denmark because of the daycare options for her children and to seek work. She packed her suitcases and travelled with her son – who at that time was only a few months old – here. She took the night train and lived in a vacation home for a week. After two days, she received her CPR number and could then choose from six free in-home-daycare providers. She chose one who only spoke Danish. Back then many rækehuse had been built and she found one in Rødekro. By the following morning, she had a job in Hjordkær and her then husband also found a job on the same day. In 2004, the whole family got Danish citizenship. Niemayer also found the digital-based divorce process in Denmark much easier, meaning she and her ex-husband did not have to drive to Berlin just to get divorced. Niemayer currently commutes between Rødekro, Ringkøbing – where her daughter lives – and Aalborg – where her son is based.

The Danish education system can also motivate many Germans to move here. There is a perception amongst Germans here that the school system is better than in Germany, their children are better off and as parents they are relieved. First of all the children will be in the same class together until 9th grade, whereas in Germany you need to decide which school you want your child to attend after 4th grade. There is also a perception amongst German parents that kids have more self-confidence when they attend schools in Denmark. What’s more, teachers are not seen as figures of authority but supporters and mentors. This supports a positive environment for learning and motivates students to actively participate more during class. Ilka Bergfeld, who lives in Aalborg, says: “My daughter is doing really well at gymnasium in Denmark. We are very proud of her since she had always had a really hard time in school in Germany. We are proud that our daughter has more possibilities for further development due to the much better educational system in Denmark. We also adopted the Danish mentality as a family. Everyone is more relaxed and calm now.”

In addition, many Germans move to Denmark to study at university. Daniel Fab Soko told us: “I moved to Haderslev in order to study to become a teacher in 2013. After graduating, I found a job and met my now wife and just stayed. I like Denmark, but also miss my home in Hesse, Germany. After ten years, I have a clear perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of both countries.”

Furthermore, the tax system can also motivate many Germans to move to Denmark. Whilst taxes here are the same or higher than Germans pay in their own country, the difference is many Germans feel the German government does not invest taxpayers’ money in areas that need more attention. Denmark, on the other hand, usually invests money where it is needed.

For some Germans living here, Germany felt too densely populated. Denmark is a small country but can seem huge, since there is a lot of nature here. Forests do exist in Germany as well. However, there is not the same easy access to seas or beaches. If you do not live in the north of Germany where the North and Baltic Sea are located, then you will find it difficult to regularly visit the coast. In Denmark you are never far away from the sea, a river, or water in general. The only thing Denmark does not have is mountains: it is a very flat country compared to Germany. If it did have the same mountains, many lovers of skiing might be tempted to move here as well. 

Stefanie Erbes-Friess moved from urban Frankfurt to more rural Southern Denmark two and a half years ago with her husband and now lives in Bredebo: “We did it to be closer to the sea, because of the quiet, because of the low-price houses. We are both almost pensioners now and just enjoy that there are not that many cars and people and not that much noise.”

Of course, it’s impossible to explain why every German has emigrated to Denmark: there might even be additional reasons why people moved here. Every person has their own story. The one thing notable is that no one we spoke to regretted their decision. For them, moving to Denmark had inarguably enhanced their quality of life.

Daniel Schneider
Daniel Schneider
I am a translator and interpreter for German and English. Additionally, I speak Spanish and some Japanese (only basics). I love languages and am constantly learning. In general, I am always curious about anything and everything. I am originally from Germany, but am currently residing in Aalborg. I am currently doing a long-term internship at the Aalborg Institute for Development and LWID.

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