Danish High School Traditions
What’s With the White Hats?
If you’ve recently moved to Denmark or this is your first summer here and suddenly notice teenagers in white (And sometimes a few black) caps cheering from trucks, loud music echoing through your neighbourhood, and lots of red-and-white flags - it’s not a protest or a parade. It’s graduation season.
Welcome to one of Denmark’s most joyful and unique traditions: high school graduation, or studentertiden.
Those white caps you’re seeing everywhere are called studenterhuer, and they’re worn by students who’ve just finished upper secondary school - typically after three years of intensive studies. The cap itself is a big deal. It’s not just a piece of clothing - it’s a rite of passage.
Students often personalize their caps with inside jokes, signatures from friends, and even small "badges of honour" for things like pulling an all-nighter or completing a dare. The ribbon colour in the cap also shows what kind of school program they completed, as well as white or black to signify their grade point average.
Why Are They Driving Around in Trucks?
One of the most surprising parts of Danish graduation is called studenterkørsel. It’s a tradition where students decorate a big open truck, load it up with music and drinks, and spend the day (sometimes two!) driving around town visiting each student’s home.
At every stop, families greet the truck with snacks, drinks, and congratulations. The students often sing or dance in the driveway before moving on to the next house. Yes - it’s loud. Yes - it’s chaotic. But it’s also one of Denmark’s most loved traditions that many people reflect back on fondly.
Graduation Parties: Studentergilde
Alongside the truck tour, families usually host a party called a studentergilde. It’s an open house celebration with family, friends, and sometimes neighbors. There’s food, speeches, laughter and often cake decorated with the graduate’s photo or cap.
If you’re invited to one, it’s a lovely way to experience Danish hospitality and see how important this milestone is. It’s totally normal to come and go throughout the day, and you don’t need to bring anything more than a smile and maybe a small card or gift.
What This Tradition Says About Denmark
At first glance, it might just look like a loud celebration. But like many Danish traditions, this one reflects deeper values -community, equality, and shared joy. Graduation isn’t only about the student - it’s a moment the entire family (and often the neighbourhood) takes pride in.
For newcomers, this time of year is a great chance to experience Danish culture up close. Don’t be surprised if a truck stops near your home. Step outside, wave, and enjoy the moment. It’s not every day you get to witness such a joyful national tradition.
Quick tips for newcomers:
The caps come out in late June.
Truck tours usually last 1–2 days and run from morning to evening.
Don’t worry about the noise - it’s temporary and full of good energy
If invited to a studentergilde, go! Like any other high school graduation party, people want to share their happy moment with those who matter so if you are invited, that means you are important to them!
Written by: Abi Fox Pinderup
