How to hygge in Danish
Hygge is an important and well-used word in Danish. Denmark can be dark, cold and dreary up to six months a year and it rains often. To survive the Danish weather, hygge is a vital part of life in Denmark.

We’re not going do an in-depth analyses of Danish hygge. Instead, we’ll list our definition as well as a few words and equipment that can all be part of the concept.
Definition of hygge in 50 words or less
- Practise hygge all by your lonesome or in the company of friends/family.
- Hygge can take place indoors or outdoors – in the summer or the winter
- Hygge can be a cup of tea in the comfort of your home or a glass of wine with friends in town
Common hygge equipment
Hygge on your own: books, candles, warm socks, a blanket, hot tea or chocolate, sweets or biscuits
Hygge in company: candles, wine, beer, good food, board games, great conversations, live music, bonfire, barbecue
You can use some of the equipment or all of the above. The important part is that it's low-key and that you are comfortable and relaxed.
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How to use the Danish word 'hygge'
We have collected a few words and phrases Danes use to describe hygge:
Hyggestund ... [Cosy time/hour] A hyggestund is a cosy time on your own or with friends. Maybe you have an hour to yourself with a good book or perhaps you are enjoying a cup of tea or a glass of with friends. | |
Mormor hygger om os ... [Granny cosies around us] When someone 'hygger om' you they spoil you or make you feel comfortable. | |
Uhyggelig ... [Un-cosy] Uhyggelig actually means the complete opposite of hygge. 'Uhyggelig' is the Danish word for scary, spooky and bloodcurdling. | |
Råhygge ... [Raw cosiness] When someone 'råhygger' i Denmark, they completely chill out. The expression means extremely cosy and is used to describe chilling with friends or being in complete chill mode. | |
Vi skal rigtig hygge ... [We'll really cosy] Danes say this when they want to express anticipation for a planned hyggestund (cozy hour). | |
Tak for en hyggelig aften ... [Thank you for a cosy evening] If you want to say thank you for a lovely time to a Dane, thanking them for a 'hyggelig' evening or weekend will be popular. | |
Det lyder hyggeligt ... [That sounds cosy] If it sounds like something you would enjoy, you can say 'det lyder hyggeligt'. | |
Hyggekrog ... [Cosy nook] Meaning a small place dedicated to cosiness. A perfect 'hyggekrog' can be in the corner of your livingroom with your favourite chair. | |
En hyggelig fætter ... [A cosy cousin] This means a pleasant and friendly guy in Danish. | |
Hvor bor I hyggeligt ... [You live very cosily] When invited to a Danes home for the first time, saying that they live very cosily is a great compliment. | |
Hyggesnak ... [Cosy chat] A 'hyggesnak' is a lovely chit chat with no politic, religion or money topics. | |
Hyg dig! ... [Cosy yourself / Have a cosy time!] This expression is used to wish someone a great time. Instead of saying 'enjoy yourself', A Dane will say cosy yourself. |
WANT TO LEARN MORE DANISH? WE OFFER BOTH GROUP AND PRIVATE SESSIONS - IN-PERSON OR ONLINE. CHECK OUT ALL AVAILABLE UPCOMING DANISH CLASSES AND OUR FREE FVU-COURSES.

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