Yanitsa Hristova

Hej! I'm Yanitsa - a non-native Swedish and Danish teacher - and a Norwegian language enthusiast - totally obsessed with Scandinavia. ✨ I’ve been teaching Swedish and Danish for over 6 years now, and I still can’t get enough of it. I like saying that I’m a linguist by heart, education, and profession - and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. 💓

View from Stegastein Viewpoint overlooking Aurlandsfjord, with snow-dusted mountains reflected in the calm water, a cloudy winter sky above, and green pine trees in the foreground.

Two of the Most Beautiful Fjords in Norway: Nærøyfjord & Aurlandsfjord

Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord are considered two of the most beautiful fjords in Norway – and in my humble opinion, visiting them is one of the best things you can do for yourself while you’re in Norway. Both are arms of the Sognefjord (Norway’s longest and deepest fjord) and sit close to Bergen, which makes them […]

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Small street in Marstrand with yellow houses, a white picket fence, and a view of the harbor at the end of the road.

Marstrand, Sweden: Sea Views, Rich History, and a Legendary Thief

Some places just have a certain feel to them, and Marstrand was like that for me. It’s a small island town on the west coast of Sweden, just a bit north of Gothenburg, and honestly one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to. You’ve got sea views in every direction, cute and colorful wooden

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Hand holding a small Swedish flag against a blue sky - a simple symbol for starting your journey with Swedish pronunciation.

Swedish Pronunciation – The Basics (Finally Explained Clearly)

Let’s be real: Swedish pronunciation can feel a little weird in the beginning. You might look at a word and think, “How on earth am I supposed to say that?” (I’ve been there too!) But trust me, once you understand a few key rules, it starts to make a lot more sense. And today, I’ll

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A cozy setup with a candle in a silver holder, fairy lights, and a red plaid background - capturing the essence of Danish hygge.

Danish Hygge: the Secret to Danish Happiness

If you’ve ever wondered how Danes consistently manage to rank among the happiest people in the world despite their long, dark winters, the answer might just be hygge. Danish hygge is more than a lifestyle trend – it’s a deeply rooted part of Danish culture that helps people feel cozy, connected, and… happy. And the best part? Anyone can bring a bit of hygge into their life.

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Split image showing a rural mountain landscape on the left (representing Nynorsk) and a modern Scandinavian city on the right (representing Bokmål), visually illustrating the contrast between the two written standards. Text overlay says “Bokmål vs Nynorsk”.

Nynorsk vs Bokmål: Spelling, Grammar and Vocabulary

If you read my other article on the topic, you’re already familiar with Nynorsk and Bokmål – Norway’s two official written forms. Now, we’re taking a closer look into Nynorsk vs Bokmål: the differences they have in spelling, grammar, and vocabulary. But don’t worry: I’ll keep it clear and easy to follow. No complicated terms,

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Person holding a Norwegian flag in front of a fjord and mountains — symbolizing the cultural and linguistic landscape of Norway, shaped by both Bokmål and Nynorsk.

Bokmål and Nynorsk: All You Need to Know About Norwegian

If you’re thinking of learning Norwegian, you’ve probably already heard about Norway’s unique language situation – and come across the terms Bokmål and Nynorsk. And I’m guessing you have questions. Are they two separate languages or just different forms of the same one? Why does Norway have them at all? Which one should you pick?

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Fresh strawberries with a small Swedish flag and a glass of cider - a taste of Swedish culture, one of the best ways to learn Swedish.

Best Ways to Learn Swedish: 17 Tips That Actually Work

So, you’ve started learning Swedish – but somehow, you’re still stuck at Vad heter du? and Trevligt att träffas!, while the rest of the language just feels like a mess of strange sounds and rules that make zero sense? Trust me, you’re not the only one. That’s exactly why I’ve put together this article: to

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Three smiling children dressed as påskkärringar in colorful scarves and red cheeks, holding a gækkebrev (paper snowflake) and påskekrim crime novels with baskets of Easter chocolates — celebrating Easter Scandinavian style with beloved Nordic traditions.

Celebrating Easter Scandinavian Style: 3 Unique Traditions from Norway, Sweden, and Denmark

What’s your idea of Easter? Bunnies? Roast lamb? Big family meals? Sure. But that’s not where the story ends – at least not in the Nordic countries. Up in Scandinavia, things take a more unexpected (and a bit quirky) turn. Forget the usual egg hunt – Scandinavians need more thrill. Around here, Easter means secrets,

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A slice of Swedish chocolate mud cake served with whipped cream and strawberries on a blue plate, made to celebrate kladdkakans dag.

Fika Calendar: Kladdkakans Dag + Recipe

Glad Kladdkakans dag! Happy Swedish Sticky Cake Day! 🎉 Kladdkakans dag falls on November 7th every year and is part of the beloved Fika Calendar, along with other sweet occasions like Ginger Cookies Day or Cinnamon Roll Day. Kladdkaka is a dense, soft cake with a rich chocolate flavor and a lick-your-fingers sticky consistency. The

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