B1 Swedish GrammarFuture Tense
Learn the multiple ways to express future time in Swedish. Master 'ska', 'kommer att', and present tense for future, understanding when to use each construction for plans, predictions, and scheduled events.
1Three Ways to Express Future
Swedish doesn't have a simple future tense like English 'will'. Instead, it uses three main constructions to talk about the future: 1. ska + infinitive - for plans, intentions, promises 2. kommer att + infinitive - for predictions, expectations 3. Present tense + time expression - for scheduled/certain events Understanding when to use each one is key to sounding natural in Swedish.
Future Constructions Overview
| Construction | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ska + inf. | plans, intentions | Jag ska resa imorgon. |
| kommer att + inf. | predictions | Det kommer att regna. |
| present + time | scheduled events | Tåget går kl. 10. |
Examples
Jag ska börja plugga svenska.
I'm going to start studying Swedish.
ska = intention/plan
Det kommer att bli kallt ikväll.
It will be cold tonight.
kommer att = prediction
Filmen börjar om 20 minuter.
The movie starts in 20 minutes.
Present for scheduled event
Vi ses nästa vecka!
See you next week!
Present for future
2Ska - Intentions and Plans
'Ska' is the most common way to express future in everyday Swedish. It indicates the speaker's intention, plan, or decision. It's similar to English 'going to' or 'will' for planned actions. 'Ska' can also express promises, orders, or strong determination. The past tense 'skulle' is used for hypothetical situations or reported speech.
Ska - Forms and Uses
| Form | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ska | current plans | Jag ska köpa mat. |
| ska | promises | Jag ska hjälpa dig. |
| ska | scheduled | Mötet ska börja kl. 9. |
| skulle | hypothetical | Jag skulle vilja åka. |
Examples
Vi ska flytta till Malmö.
We're going to move to Malmö.
Planned future action
Jag ska ringa dig imorgon.
I'll call you tomorrow.
Promise/intention
Vad ska du göra i helgen?
What are you going to do this weekend?
Asking about plans
Det ska bli spännande.
It's going to be exciting.
Expectation based on evidence
3Kommer att - Predictions
'Kommer att' + infinitive is used primarily for predictions, forecasts, and expectations about what will happen. It's more neutral than 'ska' - it describes what is expected without implying anyone's intention. This construction is common in weather forecasts, news, and when making objective statements about the future.
Kommer att - Usage
| Context | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| Weather | Det kommer att snöa. | It will snow. |
| Prediction | Priserna kommer att stiga. | Prices will rise. |
| Expectation | Hon kommer att lyckas. | She will succeed. |
| Certainty | Det kommer att fungera. | It will work. |
Examples
Det kommer att ta tid.
It will take time.
Prediction/expectation
Sverige kommer att vinna.
Sweden will win.
Prediction about outcome
Tekniken kommer att förändra allt.
Technology will change everything.
General prediction
Du kommer att förstå snart.
You will understand soon.
Expectation about someone
4Present Tense for Future
Swedish commonly uses present tense for future events that are scheduled, certain, or part of a routine. A time expression usually makes the future meaning clear. This is especially common with verbs of motion (gå, komma, resa) and scheduled events (flights, meetings, classes).
Present for Future - Common Contexts
| Context | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | Flyget går kl. 14. | Flight leaves at 2 PM. |
| Schedule | Kursen börjar på måndag. | Course starts Monday. |
| Coming/Going | Jag kommer om en timme. | I'll come in an hour. |
| Plans | Vi äter middag kl. 7. | We eat dinner at 7. |
Examples
Bussen kommer om fem minuter.
The bus comes in five minutes.
Scheduled transport
Imorgon reser jag till Paris.
Tomorrow I travel to Paris.
Planned trip
Nästa år fyller jag 30.
Next year I turn 30.
Certain future fact
Affären stänger klockan sex.
The store closes at six.
Regular schedule