fika

The Swedish coffee break, usually coffee or tea with something sweet such as a cinnamon bun, and just as much a social ritual as a snack. It works as a noun and a verb: ska vi fika? means shall we have a coffee?

At many workplaces fika is a fixed part of the day, often once in the morning and once in the afternoon, and it is where colleagues talk, news travels and newcomers get to know people. Joining in, even with just water, is a good way into Swedish working life.

Being invited to fika is also a common, low-key first step in Swedish friendships.