Share

cover art for 118 | Where Your Tax Money Goes in Denmark and How to Have Your Say

What Are You Doing in Denmark?

118 | Where Your Tax Money Goes in Denmark and How to Have Your Say

Ep. 118

Voting turnout among internationals in Denmark is often under 30%, compared to over 70% for Danes. We can do better than that, right? Local elections in Denmark decide more than you think. Derek and Brooke get all the voting as international details from Narcis George Matache in this conversation. From Denmark’s upcoming local and regional elections—what councils actually do, who can vote, and why internationals matter.


Highlights include:  

  • when you are eligible to vote (EU and non-EU citizens)
  • how early voting works
  • how to avoid mistakes that could invalidate your ballot


No excuses: if you live here, you likely have a say. Listen in and learn how your vote shapes Denmark’s daily life.


#VoteHome podcast:

https://www.pod.link/1742152076


Previous episode with Narcis:

https://www.pod.link/1704607322/episode/Njg4M2QyODgzNzgxMzExZjkxNGI2ZDg5


Narcis George Matache (guest):

IG: https://www.instagram.com/narcisgmatache

FB: https://www.facebook.com/NarcisGMatache/

Last Week In Denmark (LWID) newsletter: https://lastweekdk.substack.com/

LWID podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/5dFxU6ujQ6ktjNNTaPNVKu 

Vote Home Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3El6T0rZFAr0QV6P0ocyL6


Derek Hartman: 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk 

YT: https://youtube.com/c/robetrotting

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@robetrotting

FB: https://www.facebook.com/robetrotting


Brooke Black:

IG: https://instagram.com/brookeblackjust

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brookeblackjust

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F


📢 Send your questions and/or comments.

voice: https://www.speakpipe.com/waydid

email: hello@robe-trotting.com


👉 Remember to tell your friends about the podcast.


👀 More living in Denmark tips:

https://instagram.com/waydidpod

https://www.facebook.com/RobeTrotting/


🎧 #VoteHome podcast: https://pod.link/1742152076

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 126. 126 | How Denmark's International Residents Can Decide Local Election

    36:28||Ep. 126
    In this episode, Derek sits down with Anders Storgaard from The Conservatives and member of the Frederiksberg Municipal Council, and Mads Hvid from The Socialist People’s Party (SF), who’s running for the Copenhagen Municipal Council. Together, they explore why internationals in Denmark should make their voices heard at the ballot box and how to decide where to put that vote.The conversation touches on the real political influence internationals already have in Denmark’s local politics, the issues that matter most in Copenhagen and Frederiksberg, and how getting involved locally can shape the communities we all share.Make your voice heard on 18 November across Denmark!➡️ Free Election Information via CPH Post: https://cphpost.dk/tag/election-2025/Mads HvidInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/m.hvid/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mhvid/Candidate Site: https://sf.dk/politiker/mads-hvid/Anders StorgaardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_storgaard1/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndersEStorgaard/Candidate Site: https://frederiksberg.konservative.dk/kommunalvalgskandidater1/anders-storgaard
  • 125. 125 | Pandas on the Loose and Other Wild Zoo Scandals in Denmark

    29:42||Ep. 125
    Behind the zoo cages lies something deeper. Denmark’s comfort with nature, death, and education sets it apart from much of the world and nowhere is that clearer than in its zoos. While other countries hide the realities of life and death, Denmark puts them on display, even for children. What shocks outsiders often feels completely normal to Danes, who see honesty and curiosity as essential to learning how the world works. In this episode, Derek, Brooke, and Conrad recap Denmark’s wildest zoo scandals and the culture that keeps them from being scandals at all.Derek Hartman: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk https://youtube.com/c/robetrottinghttps://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkwww.facebook.com/robetrottingBrooke Black:https://instagram.com/brookeblackjusthttps://www.tiktok.com/@brookeblackjustConrad Molden:https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedyhttps://youtube.com/c/conradmoldenhttps://tiktok.com/@conradmolden https://facebook.com/conradmoldenhttps://www.conradmolden.dk
  • 124. 124 | Ghost Stories From Denmark's Most Haunted Castle (replay)

    21:03||Ep. 124
    In this episode, we're revisiting the ghost stories of Dragsholm Slot, one of Europe's most haunted castles located right here in Denmark. From the crypt of 2024 spooky season you'll hear Derek share the tales of four different ghosts haunting the castle while paranormal skeptic, Mike, gives his thoughts and reactions. Whether or not you celebrate Halloween, you're in for a scary good time revisiting the haunted history of this Danish landmark.Don’t forget to share this podcast with any friends who have made the move to Denmark.For more clips and tips on living in Denmark and follow us on social media:Derek Hartman: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandkYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/robetrottingTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/robetrottingMike Walsh:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillymike999
  • 123. 123 | Meet Finn Holschlek, Denmark's Youngest Candidate and a Voice for Change

    29:04||Ep. 123
    In this episode, Derek interviews Finn Holschlek, Denmark's youngest candidate for local office at just 17 years old. Finn shares his journey from Austria to Denmark, his motivations for political involvement, and the importance of youth engagement in politics. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities faced by young politicians, the impact of being a foreigner in Denmark, and the significance of addressing climate change and affordability in local governance. Finn emphasizes the need for inclusivity and integration, offering advice for other young internationals looking to get involved in politics.Finn Holschlek (guest):Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finn_h007/Candidate Site: https://nyheder.tv2.dk/kommunalvalg/kandidat/121725725Derek Hartman:Instagram: https://instagram.com/derekhartmandkYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/robetrottingTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/robetrotting
  • 122. 122 | Danish Friends, International Circles, and Feeling Anchored

    27:59||Ep. 122
    Is making friends in Denmark really that hard? Derek and Mike dig into what friendship and belonging look like for internationals in Denmark, from the comfort of expat bubbles to the challenge of entering long-standing Danish circles. They explore whether you truly need Danish friends to feel at home, or just the right people to anchor you. It’s a thoughtful look at what it means to build real connection and real roots in Denmark.Derek Hartman:Instagram: https://instagram.com/derekhartmandkYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/robetrottingTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/robetrottingMike Walsh:Instagram: https://instagram.com/phillymike999
  • 121. 121 | Meet Lasse Frimand Jensen: Aalborg's Mayor Creating a Modern Hub for All

    38:47||Ep. 121
    In this episode, Derek is joined by Lasse Frimand Jensen, the mayor of Aalborg, to explore the city's transformation from an industrial hub to a modern center for education, green energy, and culture. Discover how Aalborg is embracing its growing international community and leading the way in sustainable development.Lasse shares insights from his personal journey living abroad, the challenges of integrating newcomers, and the importance of community togetherness in Aalborg. The conversation also touches on the city's green transition, efforts to integrate the international community, and the challenges posed by national immigration policies. You'll also gain understanding of the significance of local engagement and cultural connections, particularly through music. Mayor Jensen also offers advice for internationals looking to make Denmark feel like home.Tune in for an engaging discussion on local leadership, internationalization, and the future of one of Denmark's most dynamic cities.Don’t forget to share this podcast with any friends who have made the move to Denmark.For more clips and tips on living in Denmark and follow us on social media:What Are You Doing in Denmark podcast:Instagram: https://instagram.com/waydidpodFacebook: https://facebook.com/waydidpodemail: hello@robe-trotting.com🗣️ You can leave your own voice note for us here: speakpipe.com/waydidWatch all episodes of What Are You Doing in Denmark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2FDerek Hartman: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk https://youtube.com/c/robetrottinghttps://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkwww.facebook.com/robetrottingMayor Lasse Frimand Jensen (guest): https://www.facebook.com/lassefrimandjensen/https://www.instagram.com/lasse_fj/https://x.com/borgmesteraak?lang=enhttps://www.aalborg.dk/politik-og-indflydelse/byraadet-og-de-politiske-udvalg/politikerne-i-byraadet/lasse-frimand-jensen-aLearn More about voting in Denmark's upcoming local and regional elections on 18 November with the VoteHome Podcast, season 2
  • 120. 120 | Ghosts, Witches, and Modern Magic in Denmark

    31:30||Ep. 120
    Witch hunts, haunted castles, and modern magic. Derek, Brooke, and Conrad dig into Denmark’s witchy past — from real 17th-century witch trials to modern-day magic and haunted castles. Along the way, they mix eerie history with humor, ghost stories, and a few surprising facts about why Danes still burn witches on midsummer bonfires. It’s a spirited episode that’s equal parts spooky and fun.Other spooky WAYDID episode mentioned: Ghost Stories From Denmark's Most Haunted Castlehttps://pod.link/1704607322/episode/NjcwYTc2MDYwOTJjYzI0MDk4YzM0ODc2Don’t forget to share this podcast with any friends who have made the move to Denmark.For more clips and tips on living in Denmark and follow us on social media:What Are You Doing in Denmark podcast:Instagram: https://instagram.com/waydidpodFacebook: https://facebook.com/waydidpodemail: hello@robe-trotting.com🗣️ You can leave your own voice note for us here: speakpipe.com/waydidWatch all episodes of What Are You Doing in Denmark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2FDerek Hartman: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk https://youtube.com/c/robetrottinghttps://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkwww.facebook.com/robetrottingBrooke Black:https://instagram.com/brookeblackjusthttps://www.tiktok.com/@brookeblackjustConrad Molden:https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedyhttps://youtube.com/c/conradmoldenhttps://tiktok.com/@conradmolden https://facebook.com/conradmoldenhttps://www.conradmolden.dkSound effects courtesy of Freesound.org
  • 119. 119 | Stand-Up, Sobriety & the Danish Way of Laughing

    38:53||Ep. 119
    Can a joke survive translation? Danish comedian Jacob Taarnhøj has been finding out for over a decade—performing stand-up in Danish, English, and even Norwegian. From the comedy clubs of Aarhus to TV specials and international stages, Jacob shows how humor shifts across languages yet still connects people through shared absurdities. In this conversation with Derek and Conrad, he reveals what it’s like to make Danes laugh at their own quirks, navigate wordplay that doesn’t always translate (gherkin, anyone?), and stay sober in a culture built on drinking together. They unpack why Danish humor is darker, humbler, and more self-deprecating than many outsiders expect—and why that mix helps international audiences feel at home. If you’ve ever wondered what really makes people laugh in Denmark—or how language shapes what we find funny—this episode pulls back the curtain on the art of comedy without borders.Jacob Taarnhøj (Guest): https://www.instagram.com/jacobtaarnhoej/ https://www.facebook.com/JacobTaarnhoej https://jacobtaarnhoej.dk/ Derek Hartman: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk https://youtube.com/c/robetrottinghttps://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkwww.facebook.com/robetrottingConrad Molden:https://instagram.com/conradmoldencomedyhttps://youtube.com/c/conradmoldenhttps://tiktok.com/@conradmolden https://facebook.com/conradmoldenhttps://www.conradmolden.dk