Future Tense
Learn to express future actions in Norwegian using 'skal', 'vil', 'kommer til å', and present tense. Understand the nuances between different future expressions.
1Overview of Future Expressions
Norwegian has no simple future tense like English "will go". Instead, it uses several constructions: "skal" + infinitive (plans/intentions), "vil" + infinitive (wanting/prediction), "kommer til å" + infinitive (going to), and present tense with future time words. Each has slightly different nuances. The most common for future plans is "skal".
Examples
Jeg skal reise i morgen.
I'm going to travel tomorrow.
skal = planned future
Det vil bli kaldt i kveld.
It will be cold tonight.
vil = prediction
Hun kommer til å like det.
She's going to like it.
kommer til å = going to
Toget går kl. 10.
The train leaves at 10.
Present tense for schedules
2Skal for Plans and Intentions
"Skal" is the most common way to express future in Norwegian. It indicates plans, intentions, or things that are supposed to happen. It's similar to English "going to" for definite plans. Use "skal" when you have a clear intention or plan for the future.
Examples
Vi skal flytte til Bergen.
We're going to move to Bergen.
skal for definite plans
Hva skal du gjøre i helgen?
What are you going to do this weekend?
skal in future questions
De skal gifte seg i juni.
They're getting married in June.
skal for planned events
Jeg skal hjelpe deg.
I'll help you. (I intend to)
skal for promises/intentions
3Vil for Predictions and Willingness
"Vil" indicates willingness, predictions, or what will happen (without direct control). It's often used for weather predictions, neutral future statements, or expressing desire. "Vil" is less about plans and more about what will likely happen or what you want.
Examples
Det vil regne i morgen.
It will rain tomorrow.
vil for weather predictions
Prisen vil stige.
The price will rise.
vil for predictions
Vil du ha mer kaffe?
Would you like more coffee?
vil for offers (= would like)
Hun vil ikke forstå.
She won't understand.
vil ikke = won't (prediction)
4Kommer til å (Going To)
"Kommer til å" + infinitive is similar to English "going to" and expresses something that will happen, often based on current evidence or certainty. It's slightly more emphatic than "skal". This construction emphasizes that something is definitely going to happen.
Examples
Det kommer til å bli bra.
It's going to be good.
kommer til å for certainty
Jeg kommer til å savne deg.
I'm going to miss you.
Emotional prediction
De kommer til å tape kampen.
They're going to lose the game.
Prediction based on evidence
Det kommer til å ta tid.
It's going to take time.
Certainty about outcome
5Present Tense for Future
Norwegian commonly uses present tense with future meaning, especially with time expressions like "i morgen" (tomorrow), "neste uke" (next week), etc. This is natural and common in everyday speech. Use present tense for schedules, timetables, and near-future events.
Examples
Jeg reiser i morgen.
I'm traveling tomorrow.
Present + time word = future
Butikken åpner kl. 9.
The store opens at 9.
Present for schedules
Neste uke begynner kurset.
Next week the course starts.
Present for planned events
Om en time er jeg ferdig.
In an hour I'll be finished.
Present with om + time