Doesn´t sound that way at all, but actually learning the language is the only way to really get to know the country and the people, it never feels like home otherwise. We´ll have been here 40 years come next summer, and that´s a long time to still feel like a foreigner, which you inevitably do if you can´t speak the lingo. Bit surprised the Norwegian lady you spoke to, found it so difficult, as Norwegian is by far the most closely linked of the Scandinavian languages, to Danish.
English is pretty much the second language here Dave, and give´em half a chance they´ll prattle away in it for hours, at least anyone under 35 or 40 will, but the older folk, like us, are not nearly so fluent, especially those living out in the country.
Yes I have to say that we were a little surprised by that comment too but maybe she said that to make us feel better. It is true though that the Danish peoples grasp of English is excellent and not just conversational, they do pick up irony and you don't learn that from playing language tapes. I take your point about learning the language properly if you live there and I detest the setting up of English style communes in places like Spain where our ex-pats cannot be bothered to learn Spanish and join in with the locals, probably the same people that moan about immigration and 'bloody foreigners'.
I work for a global maritime information company and I spend a great deal of time in Denmark. A great country with great people!
Excellent point Thurnby. If I move to Adelaide later this year, as looks likely, I will do my best to learn the language as at the moment I cannot understand a f***ing word they say!!!!
I went to Eindhoven last week, I can safely say it was the cleanest place I have ever been to, not a spot of rubbish around. The company I went to see, kindly took me sightseeing and I went to the PSV ground and club shop. fantastic.
Struth 1950, good luck with that one. Luckily I think the males are all called Bruce and the females Sheila and the general greeting is g'day (which is short for good day) but outside of that..........
Strange thing is that during my working life I worked in Melbourne for 2 separate spells of 18 months each and never had any great problems but in Adelaide!! Strewth Bruce - different lingo!! I think they make words up as they go along.
Christ! I clicked on the link and was immediately informed that I was linked to a live helper and did I have any questions!
