Meaning
To relax.
Cultural Background
In Denmark, 'chilling den' is often associated with the concept of 'fredagsslik' (Friday candy) and 'hygge', but for a younger generation that finds 'hygge' a bit too traditional. The phrase is a marker of 'coolness'. Using it correctly shows you understand the informal social codes of Danish youth. Danes prioritize their free time. 'At chille den' is a verbal manifestation of the right to do absolutely nothing after work. On Danish social media, #chilleden is a common hashtag for photos of vacations, hammocks, or cozy nights in.
Add 'max' for emphasis
If you are really relaxing, say 'Jeg chiller den max'.
Watch your audience
Don't use this with your Danish grandmother unless she's very hip!
Meaning
To relax.
Add 'max' for emphasis
If you are really relaxing, say 'Jeg chiller den max'.
Watch your audience
Don't use this with your Danish grandmother unless she's very hip!
The 'den' is key
Using 'den' makes you sound much more like a native speaker than just saying 'jeg chiller'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word in this common slang phrase.
Vi skal bare chille ___ i aften.
The phrase is always 'chille den'. 'Det' is grammatically incorrect in this idiom.
Which of these is the most appropriate situation to use 'at chille den'?
Hvornår kan du sige 'jeg chiller den'?
'At chille den' is slang and only suitable for informal contexts like texting friends.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the verb.
A: Hvad lavede I i går? B: Vi ____ bare den foran fjernsynet.
The question is in the past tense ('lavede'), so the answer should also be in the past tense ('chillede').
Match the phrase to the correct meaning.
Match 'At chille den' med den rigtige betydning:
'At chille den' means to relax deeply.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Slang Relaxation
Practice Bank
4 exercisesVi skal bare chille ___ i aften.
The phrase is always 'chille den'. 'Det' is grammatically incorrect in this idiom.
Hvornår kan du sige 'jeg chiller den'?
'At chille den' is slang and only suitable for informal contexts like texting friends.
A: Hvad lavede I i går? B: Vi ____ bare den foran fjernsynet.
The question is in the past tense ('lavede'), so the answer should also be in the past tense ('chillede').
Match 'At chille den' med den rigtige betydning:
'At chille den' means to relax deeply.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is always 'den'. This is a fixed idiomatic expression.
Mostly, but many adults up to their 40s and 50s use it in casual settings now.
'Chille den' feels more like a complete activity or a 'vibe', whereas 'chille' is just the verb.
Yes: 'Vi chillede den i går.'
No, it's not rude, just very informal. It's like saying 'hanging out' in English.
No, although they sound similar, the origin is the English word 'chill'.
Only if you have a very relaxed workplace and you are talking to close colleagues during a break.
Not really, but you can say 'Det var en god chill-session'.
It is spelled 'chillede'.
Yes, it is understood and used nationwide.
Related Phrases
at slappe af
synonymTo relax
at hygge sig
similarTo have a cozy time
at stene
specialized formTo space out
at tage den med ro
synonymTo take it easy
at fyre den af
contrastTo party hard
