Signification
Low temperature.
Contexte culturel
Danes are famous for 'vinterbadning' (winter swimming). Even when it is 'køligt' or 'koldt', they jump into the sea and then go to a sauna. In Greenland, 'køligt' might mean something very different than in Copenhagen. What a Copenhagener calls 'koldt', a Greenlander might call 'køligt'. The term 'kølig elegance' is often used to describe the minimalist, functional, and somewhat 'cold' aesthetic of Danish furniture and architecture. Danes value directness but also privacy. A 'kølig' tone in a conversation is a clear signal to back off and respect personal boundaries.
The Sweater Rule
If you need a sweater but not a scarf, it's 'køligt'.
Don't be too 'cool'
Remember that calling a person 'kølig' is usually a negative thing in Denmark, implying they are unfriendly.
Signification
Low temperature.
The Sweater Rule
If you need a sweater but not a scarf, it's 'køligt'.
Don't be too 'cool'
Remember that calling a person 'kølig' is usually a negative thing in Denmark, implying they are unfriendly.
Small Talk Gold
Danes love to agree about the weather. If someone says 'Det er køligt', just say 'Ja, det er det' to make an instant friend.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word with the correct form of 'kølig'.
Det er ______ i dag, så jeg tager en jakke på.
We use 'køligt' because the subject is 'det' (neuter).
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'It is a bit chilly'?
Choose the best option:
'Lidt køligt' means 'a bit chilly', which is the most natural translation.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are at a cafe and it's 12 degrees Celsius outside.
12 degrees is the classic 'køligt' range in Denmark.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Skal vi sidde på terrassen? B: Nej, jeg synes ______.
The 'Nej' suggests a reason not to sit outside, and 'køligt' provides that reason.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Danish Temperature Scale
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesDet er ______ i dag, så jeg tager en jakke på.
We use 'køligt' because the subject is 'det' (neuter).
Choose the best option:
'Lidt køligt' means 'a bit chilly', which is the most natural translation.
Situation: You are at a cafe and it's 12 degrees Celsius outside.
12 degrees is the classic 'køligt' range in Denmark.
A: Skal vi sidde på terrassen? B: Nej, jeg synes ______.
The 'Nej' suggests a reason not to sit outside, and 'køligt' provides that reason.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsYes, but usually for things that are meant to be refreshing, like white wine or a salad. For ice cream, you would use 'kold'.
Yes, 'køligt' is neutral/standard, while 'småkoldt' is more informal and slightly more negative.
Because 'det' is a neuter noun, and adjectives must match the gender of the noun they describe.
Expressions liées
Det er koldt
similarIt is cold
Det er lunt
contrastIt is mild/warm
En kølig øl
specialized formA cold beer
At holde hovedet koldt
similarTo keep a cool head
