Meaning
Describing coffee intensity.
Cultural Background
Danes drink an average of 3-4 cups of coffee a day. 'Stærk kaffe' is often the default expectation in offices. The 'Nordic Roast' is typically lighter, but the coffee is brewed strong to highlight the bean's acidity. In Greenland (part of the Danish Realm), 'Kaffemik' is a social gathering where strong coffee and cake are served to celebrate milestones. The 'Sønderjysk kaffebord' features at least 21 types of cake, all washed down with plenty of 'stærk kaffe'.
Adjective Agreement
Remember that 'kaffe' is 'en kaffe'. So it's always 'stærk' unless it's plural or definite.
The 'Hygge' Connection
Offering someone a 'stærk kaffe' is a standard part of Danish hospitality.
Meaning
Describing coffee intensity.
Adjective Agreement
Remember that 'kaffe' is 'en kaffe'. So it's always 'stærk' unless it's plural or definite.
The 'Hygge' Connection
Offering someone a 'stærk kaffe' is a standard part of Danish hospitality.
Don't say 'Magtfuld'
Even though 'powerful' works in English, 'magtfuld' sounds very strange for coffee in Danish.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to say 'I like strong coffee'.
Jeg kan lide ______ kaffe.
'Kaffe' is common gender (en), so the adjective is 'stærk'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to order a strong coffee?
How do you order?
'Stærk' is the standard descriptor for coffee intensity.
Match the Danish phrase with its English meaning.
Match the pairs:
These are the basic coffee descriptors in Danish.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Vil du have mælk i din kaffe? B: Nej tak, jeg kan bedst lide den ______.
The adjective refers back to 'kaffen' (common gender).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Coffee Descriptors
Strength
- • Stærk
- • Tynd
- • Middel
Additions
- • Sort
- • Med mælk
- • Med sukker
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJeg kan lide ______ kaffe.
'Kaffe' is common gender (en), so the adjective is 'stærk'.
How do you order?
'Stærk' is the standard descriptor for coffee intensity.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the basic coffee descriptors in Danish.
A: Vil du have mælk i din kaffe? B: Nej tak, jeg kan bedst lide den ______.
The adjective refers back to 'kaffen' (common gender).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot necessarily. While espresso is a type of 'stærk kaffe', the phrase usually refers to strong filter coffee in a Danish context.
No, because 'kaffe' is a common gender noun (en kaffe). Use 'stærk'.
You can say 'meget stærk kaffe'.
The opposite is 'tynd kaffe' (thin/weak coffee).
No, but it's more polite to say 'Den er lidt for stærk til min smag' (It's a bit too strong for my taste).
Some do, but 'aftenkaffe' (evening coffee) is often served with cake and might be slightly less intense.
Yes, 'stærk alkohol' refers to spirits or hard liquor.
It's a mix of tradition, the cold climate, and the social importance of the 'kaffepause'.
Yes, it is one of the most common collocations in the Danish language regarding food and drink.
It is 'stærke kaffer'.
Related Phrases
Sort kaffe
similarBlack coffee
Tynd kaffe
contrastWeak/thin coffee
Kaffetørstig
builds onThirsty for coffee
En kaffetår
specialized formA drop/sip of coffee
