What is Fika?
Hello! I am Jessica Tovesson, founder of Learn Swedish Now. We teach people how to speak the Swedish language, and the best way to learn Swedish is to also learn about the culture. At our free social events online, we explore new topics in a relaxed and engaging environment with others who share an interest in Sweden, the Swedish language and culture. Today’s blog is for those who wish to discover some of the local culture and social codes for a richer experience in Sweden.
Fika is a very important social concept in Sweden. It is one of the most common words in the Swedish language. It is a traditional break during the day with a drink and snack, similar to afternoon tea in the UK. Fika is a highly social activity where people gather to enjoy each other’s company, laugh, talk, eat, and relax. One of the best ways to get to know local people is to participate in this enjoyable activity!
To fika basically means to meet up, have a chat and coffee. It is a concept, attitude, state of mind, and an important part of Swedish culture. Fika is a ritual, a moment to slow down and appreciate the good things in life. The word fika is pronounced “fee-kuh”, and it is used as both a noun and a verb. Traditionally, fika in Sweden involved strong coffee or tea to keep Scandinavian people warm during the winter. It involved sweet snacks such as cookies, cinnamon buns and pastries.
Today the concept has evolved and become more diverse, with many different drinks and snacks to choose from. Exactly what you eat or drink during fika is not important; it is the companionship, socializing, meeting up with friends and colleagues, and taking a pause during the day. In Sweden, fika is something to look forward to, to savor the moment.
Frequently people taking a “coffee break” are trying to gulp down coffee while rushing through their commute, staring at a computer or phone screen, filling out paperwork, etc. Many workers avoid lengthy coffee breaks at work, fearing it may call their work ethic into question.
At many workplaces in Sweden, fika breaks are called fikarist or fikapaus, and are built into the daily calendar as an activity. The communal nature of these scheduled pauses is thought to foster a more equitable workplace and stronger connections.
What sets fika apart from a coffee break is that the idea is to take some time for yourself, to drop what you are doing, step away, slow down and socialize. The core of the concept is coffee and a social break, which is what makes fika unique. Fika can take place anywhere, including parks, cafes, public areas, or even at home. It can be at any time during the day or evening, and can be minutes long, or over an hour.
Fika is a concept which reminds us that no matter how hectic our daily schedule is, it’s important to decompress, have fun, socialize, enjoy some food and drink, and savor the moment. If you are interested in Swedish culture and language, the best way to learn Swedish is private online Swedish lessons, and you can learn about Swedish culture at the same time. Schedule your free trial or Swedish language lessons today!
