Meaning
To go out for drinks.
Cultural Background
The 'After Work' (AW) is a sacred ritual where colleagues go 'ut på krogen' immediately after work on Fridays, often enjoying discounted drinks and snacks. The 'förfest' (pre-party) is almost mandatory before going 'ut på krogen' due to high alcohol prices in Swedish bars. In Stockholm, 'gå ut på krogen' often involves 'Stureplan', an area famous for high-end clubs and strict door policies. The term 'krog' is also used by food critics to refer to high-quality restaurants, but in the phrase 'gå ut på krogen', the social/drinking aspect is dominant.
The 'AW' Trick
If you want to sound like a local, just ask your colleagues if they want to 'köra en AW'. It's the most common way to use this phrase in a work context.
Age Limits
Be aware that many 'krogar' in Sweden have age limits higher than the legal drinking age (often 20, 23, or even 25 on weekends).
Meaning
To go out for drinks.
The 'AW' Trick
If you want to sound like a local, just ask your colleagues if they want to 'köra en AW'. It's the most common way to use this phrase in a work context.
Age Limits
Be aware that many 'krogar' in Sweden have age limits higher than the legal drinking age (often 20, 23, or even 25 on weekends).
Preposition Perfection
Always remember: you go PÅ krogen, never I krogen. This is a hallmark of a fluent speaker.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition and form of 'krog'.
Ska vi gå ut ___ _______ ikväll?
The idiom always uses 'på' + the definite form 'krogen'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to suggest going out for drinks after work?
A: Ska vi gå ut på krogen efter jobbet? B: Ska vi gå ut i restaurangen efter jobbet? C: Ska vi gå ut på gatan efter jobbet?
'Gå ut på krogen' is the standard phrase for social drinking after work.
Complete the dialogue.
Erik: Vad gjorde ni i lördags? Sara: Vi ____ ___ __ ______ och dansade till klockan tre.
The past tense 'gick' is needed because the question asks about 'i lördags' (last Saturday).
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
Phrase: 'Gå ut på krogen'
The phrase specifically refers to social drinking venues.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSka vi gå ut ___ _______ ikväll?
The idiom always uses 'på' + the definite form 'krogen'.
A: Ska vi gå ut på krogen efter jobbet? B: Ska vi gå ut i restaurangen efter jobbet? C: Ska vi gå ut på gatan efter jobbet?
'Gå ut på krogen' is the standard phrase for social drinking after work.
Erik: Vad gjorde ni i lördags? Sara: Vi ____ ___ __ ______ och dansade till klockan tre.
The past tense 'gick' is needed because the question asks about 'i lördags' (last Saturday).
Phrase: 'Gå ut på krogen'
The phrase specifically refers to social drinking venues.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt can mean both, but in the phrase 'gå ut på krogen', it almost always refers to a bar, pub, or club where the focus is on drinking and socializing.
No, it's a very neutral and common phrase. However, it is informal, so you wouldn't use it in a formal speech.
You can, but it's less idiomatic. 'Gå ut på krogen' is the fixed expression for the social activity.
'Bar' is a loanword and is more specific. 'Krog' is the traditional Swedish word and is more of an umbrella term.
Not at all! The phrase describes the social outing, not necessarily the specific beverage you consume.
It is singular definite ('the tavern'), but in this idiom, it represents the general concept of bars/pubs.
You can just say 'Jag ska gå ut' or 'Jag ska ut'.
Usually after 9 PM for bars, and after midnight for clubs (often after a 'förfest').
No, for coffee shops you use 'gå på café' or 'fika'.
It's a slang term for a very cheap, unpretentious, and sometimes slightly dirty dive bar.
Related Phrases
Ta en öl
similarTo have a beer.
Gå ut och dansa
specialized formTo go out dancing.
Dra ut
synonymTo head out (slang).
Sitta på ett hak
specialized formTo sit at a dive bar.
Gå ut och käka
contrastTo go out and eat (slangy).
