The secret to Denmark’s economic success: the word “hej”

By wpcomimportuser1 | September 20, 2007 | +

The Curious Capitalist is going on a road trip next week to Denmark (because that’s where it’s all happening), and I’ve been studying up on the language. It rocks. This, from Aalborg University “medialogy” professor Jens Arnspang, demonstrates how linguistic efficiency allows Danes to devote valuable brain cells to more important matters:

Good Morning: Hej

Good Midday: Hej

Good Evening : Hej

Hello: Hej

Goodbye: Hej

Happy to see you: Hej

Oh, are you there again: Hej

We met before: Hej

We never met: Hej

What a surprise to see you here: Hej

Oh, I did not expect you back so soon: Hej

Could you do me a favor: Hej

Please don’t interfere here: Hej

Get lost: Hej

Please help me: Hej

I’d like to get to know you: Hej

Would you like to get to know me: Hej

I love you: Hej

Get out of my life: Hej

Related Topics: Economy & Policy

@TIMEBusiness

Latest on Business

Apple May 25, 2012

Apple CEO Cook Gives Up $75M in Stock Dividends

NEW YORK — Apple CEO Tim Cook is giving up $75 million in dividends on restricted stock that the company is awarding to all of its employees.

In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Thursday, Apple Inc. said that Cook requested that his restricted stock units not receive dividends. The dividends that Apple workers are getting amount to $2.65 per quarter for each restricted stock unit held. The shares are not normally eligible to receive dividends, so Apple’s decision is a perk for its employees.
From our Partners
The Bomb Hidden in Mitt Romney's Education PlanSlate

The Richest Woman in the World: How Gina Rinehart Earns her BillionsDaily Finance
Why Dell Will Never Be Great AgainHuff Post Business
Economy May 25, 2012

Study: Typical CEO Pay Up 6% to $9.6 Million

NEW YORK — Profits at big U.S. companies broke records last year, and so did pay for CEOs.

The head of a typical public company made $9.6 million in 2011, according to an analysis by The Associated Press using data from Equilar, an executive pay research firm.

Henri Tournyol du Clos

Well, the real survival words up there are in fact Øl (beer) and Polser (sausage) and the alternate grunting of these two at regular intervals in the right circumstances should ensure that you come back alive. As to their exact pronunciation, well, one of my (Danish) great aunts used to quip that Danish was not a language but some throat disease, and sometimes I wonder if she was not right. Have a great time.
Matt

I’ve got to wonder, Justin, where did this obsession with Denmark originate? I find myself now thinking Denmark must be heaven on earth.
Justin Fox

Hej.
Matt

Touché.

Hej.
Peter V.

I hear that its license plates carry the motto “Land of Misunderstandings.”
http://nanpotnan.blogspot.com wood turtle

That conversation sounds familiar.
curious capitalist jr.

I hate you: Hej
Thats funny: Hej
Your cool: Hej
But what if they get confused?
Gee I’m glad I don’t speak Danish.
Dad

Møjn!