Our Annual Reunion with Dorte
August 16, 2025
And just like that, another year has passed. But this appointment is one of the most wonderful dates we have on our calendar. It's the day we meet with our dear Dorte, our first Danish teacher — back then still in Karlsruhe.
She's at her summer house in Grenaa every August. It's simply fantastic to see her there again. For us, she represents what Denmark means. She was with us back when we decided to move here.
A wonderful, kind woman with so much heart. Her calm, friendly way enchanted us from the very beginning. Every Monday in her language class felt like a little holiday for us. And every bit of progress we made, she commented on so warmly that learning never felt like work, but always like joy. With her gentle and patient manner, she not only taught us the Danish language, but also gave us courage for our big step.
Even today, we're in touch with her every week — thanks to WhatsApp, of course. And once a year, when she's at her summer house, we meet in person. Just like today: we spent a wonderful afternoon together.
We had incredible luck with the weather again — as we seem to have every year when we visit. The sun was shining brilliantly, it was warm and windless. So we were able to sit on Dorte's wonderful terrace right by the harbor and listen to the gentle lapping of the sea. The view of all the colorful boats bobbing in the harbor basin was simply magical. It's this special atmosphere that makes our annual meetings so unforgettable.
We had the delicious national dish Stjerneskud, then ice cream, and later coffee and cake from the local, fantastic bakery. We enjoyed everything outdoors, with that wonderful view of the water. We talked a lot, laughed, and reminisced: about the early days in our Danish class, about our first steps as immigrants — and also about everything that's happened since.
Dorte understands us like hardly anyone else. No wonder — she herself emigrated to Germany back then. She can empathize so well with what it means to live between two countries, two cultures, and two hearts. With her calm and friendly way, she always manages to make us feel at home — whether back then in her classroom in Karlsruhe or today on her sunny terrace in Grenaa.
For us, Dorte has long since become like family. She's become part of our lives. She's part of our Denmark. And she's become a very important person to us.
