What is Danish "hygge" and why is it so "hyggeligt"?
The Danish concept of hygge has been described extensively these past years, as is has been spoken of in popular Danish TV shows, and as it has been used as part of the explanation of why Danes are among the happiest people in the world. Hygge is difficult to explain in detail. Oxford Languages has this definition of hygge as: a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).
And when you ask a Dane to describe what hygge is for them, they often say it involves a blanket, woollen socks, candles, hot chocolate with whipped cream or warm coffee, or a glass of wine. All while reading a book or watching a tv-show with loved ones. Maybe it involves being inside while it is raining, storming or snowing outside, or maybe it is a late light summer night on the terrace, or a sunset by the sea. Hygge is often described as being with close friends or family, but hygge can also be a cosy evening on your own.
The concept is difficult for Danes to explain as it is more a feeling than a concept involving certain items, people or times of day.
The grammar of hygge and hyggeligt
Is it really just “cosy”? Well first, the word hygge is the noun, translated most directly to “cosiness”, while hyggelig/hyggeligt are the adjectives. Using the noun, you can for example say “Hyg jer!” when saying goodbye to some friends, which could perhaps be translated to something like “have a good time”.
“Det har været rigtig hyggeligt at snakke med dig!” is a way to say “It has been really nice talking to you”, and “det var en hyggeligt aften” means “it was a cosy evening”.
But you can also have “hyggesnak” in Danish, which is like “small talk” in English.