Signification
Taking a social break with coffee and snacks.
Contexte culturel
Fika is often mandatory in Swedish workplaces. It's seen as a way to prevent burnout and increase efficiency. Finns drink more coffee per capita than Swedes and have a similar concept called 'kahvitauko.' The 'Swedish Fika' has become a global brand, with fika-themed cafés opening in New York, London, and Tokyo. The 'sju sorters kakor' (seven types of cookies) rule was a social standard for Swedish housewives for decades.
Don't skip the fika
If you're at a Swedish office, joining the fika is the best way to network and show you're a team player.
The 'Påtår' rule
At most traditional Swedish cafés, the second cup of coffee (påtår) is free. Look for a sign that says 'Påtår ingår'.
Signification
Taking a social break with coffee and snacks.
Don't skip the fika
If you're at a Swedish office, joining the fika is the best way to network and show you're a team player.
The 'Påtår' rule
At most traditional Swedish cafés, the second cup of coffee (påtår) is free. Look for a sign that says 'Påtår ingår'.
It's not just coffee
You can 'fika' with tea, juice, or even just a bun, but the social act is what makes it a fika.
The first date
Always suggest a fika for a first date. It's the least intimidating way to meet someone in Sweden.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing verb to complete the phrase.
Ska vi ___ en fika efter jobbet?
In Swedish, you always 'take' (ta) a fika.
Which sentence is the most natural way to invite a colleague for a break?
How do you say 'Let's have a coffee break'?
'Ska vi ta en fika?' is the standard social invitation.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of 'fika'.
A: Är du hungrig? B: Nej, men jag är lite ___.
'Fikasugen' means you are craving a coffee break.
Match the fika term to its description.
1. Fikabröd, 2. Påtår, 3. Fikarum
Fikabröd is the food, påtår is the refill, and fikarum is the location.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
The Anatomy of a Fika
Drinks
- • Kaffe
- • Te
- • Saft
Food
- • Kanelbulle
- • Kaka
- • Smörgås
Social
- • Prata
- • Skratta
- • Paus
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSka vi ___ en fika efter jobbet?
In Swedish, you always 'take' (ta) a fika.
How do you say 'Let's have a coffee break'?
'Ska vi ta en fika?' is the standard social invitation.
A: Är du hungrig? B: Nej, men jag är lite ___.
'Fikasugen' means you are craving a coffee break.
1. Fikabröd, 2. Påtår, 3. Fikarum
Fikabröd is the food, påtår is the refill, and fikarum is the location.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo! You can drink tea, soda, or even just eat a pastry. The term 'fika' refers to the break itself.
Almost, but fika has a stronger social and cultural connotation. A coffee break can be solitary; a fika is rarely so.
It refers to the sweet baked goods served with coffee, like cinnamon buns (kanelbullar) or vacuum cleaners (dammsugare).
You can, but Swedes would usually call that 'att ta en kaffe.' Fika usually implies company.
At work, usually 15-30 minutes. With friends, it can last hours.
Yes, it's encouraged! It's one of the few times hierarchy is ignored in Sweden.
It's the second cup of coffee. In many places, it's included in the price of the first cup.
Yes, 'förmiddagsfika' (morning fika) is very common around 10 AM.
No, it's inherently informal and relaxed.
You can have a 'smörgås' (sandwich) instead. This is called a 'matigare fika'.
Expressions liées
Fikapaus
similarA break for coffee
Fikabröd
builds onPastries for fika
Kafferep
specialized formOld-fashioned coffee party
Påtår
specialized formA refill of coffee
Mellis
contrastAfternoon snack
