If Copenhagen were a person, that person would be generous, beautiful, elderly, but with a flair. A human being that has certain propensities for quarrelling, filled with imagination and with appetite for the new and with respect for the old - somebody who takes good care of things and of people.

The quote "If Copenhagen were a person, that person would be generous, beautiful, elderly, but with a flair. A human being that has certain propensities for quarrelling, filled with imagination and with appetite for the new and with respect for the old – somebody who takes good care of things and of people" by Connie Nielsen offers a personification of the city of Copenhagen, attributing to it the qualities of a person with a unique blend of characteristics. Nielsen describes Copenhagen as a city that combines generosity, charm, and an appreciation for tradition while also embracing imagination and innovation. By creating this vivid persona, Nielsen highlights the city's balance between modernity and its respect for the past.

The generosity and beauty of the imagined Copenhagen figure suggest the warmth and aesthetic appeal of the city, while the elderly quality refers to its long history and deep respect for tradition. However, the flair and imagination emphasize that Copenhagen is not stuck in the past; it has a strong appetite for the new, continuously evolving and welcoming innovation. The mention of quarrelling shows the city's spirited, possibly even contentious, nature, hinting at the debates and challenges it faces as it navigates its modern identity while staying connected to its heritage.

Nielsen's quote likely reflects her own personal connection to Copenhagen, which she has mentioned in various interviews as a city that embodies both the modern world and a historical richness. Her comparison to a human being draws attention to the city’s multifaceted nature, suggesting that Copenhagen, much like a person, is complex, filled with contradictions, yet entirely endearing and admirable. She is describing a place that can hold multiple dimensions of culture, history, and progress, thriving on its ability to blend them together in harmony.

Ultimately, Nielsen’s quote paints a portrait of Copenhagen as a city that values balance—between innovation and tradition, between the old and the new, and between being forward-thinking and respecting what has come before. The city, as she imagines it, takes care of both its people and its heritage, making it a living, breathing entity full of life, creativity, and respect for its history.