FIKA

Swedes are famous for drinking a lot of coffee. The Swedish word fika is often translated as "coffee and cake break", but for Swedes it has a slightly broader meaning. It is an important part of their culture - it is the time they spend with friends or colleagues to drink coffee and eat something sweet, and above all, talk and relax.

Where does the name "fika" come from?

According to linguist Lars-Gunnar Andersson, the word fika was created by shifting syllables (so-called backslang) in the word kaffi.  The word fik was then coined, meaning "cafe" or "confectionery shop". “ka-ffi” -> “ffi-ka” -> “fi-ka”

Fika ritual

Fika can take place anywhere - at work, at home, but also in a café in the city. In workplaces, fika is simply part of the daily routine. This time is called fikarast or fikapaus. Most Swedes drink coffee with Swedish sweets: fikabröd, kanelbullar or chokladbollar (chocolate balls with oatmeal).

LAGOM

What is Lagom?

Lagom is a lifestyle and the choices we make based on broadly understood balance. There should be neither too much nor too little.

“Lagom är bäst”, meaning it will be best to be “just right” In Swedish, the term "lagom" is used in many aspects of life: arranging apartments, clothing, determining the weather or one's state of mind.

The lagom lifestyle is a constant search for balance and harmony. To act in accordance with lagom, it is worth maintaining a balance between private and professional life, finding time for hobbies and for loved ones.