B1 Swedish GrammarSubjunctive II (Konjunktiv II)
Master Swedish conditional expressions for hypothetical situations, wishes, and polite requests. Learn to use 'skulle' + infinitive, understand om-clauses, and express politeness in Swedish conversation.
1Forming the Conditional with 'Skulle'
Swedish conditional is formed with 'skulle' (would) + infinitive. This expresses what would happen under hypothetical conditions. For past conditional, use 'skulle ha' + supine. The infinitive goes at the end in subordinate clauses.
Skulle + Infinitive
| Subject | Present | Past Conditional |
|---|---|---|
| jag | skulle göra | skulle ha gjort |
| du | skulle komma | skulle ha kommit |
| han/hon | skulle hjälpa | skulle ha hjälpt |
| vi | skulle arbeta | skulle ha arbetat |
Examples
Jag skulle vilja ha en kaffe.
I would like to have a coffee.
polite request
Kunde du hjälpa mig?
Could you help me?
polite question with kunde
Det skulle vara trevligt.
That would be nice.
hypothetical
Vi skulle gärna komma.
We would like to come.
polite wish
2Conditional Sentences (Om-Clauses)
Swedish conditional sentences use 'om' (if). For hypothetical present: om + past tense → skulle + infinitive. For hypothetical past: om + past perfect → skulle ha + supine. V2 word order applies in main clauses.
Conditional Patterns
| Type | Om-Clause | Main Clause |
|---|---|---|
| Real | om + present | present/future |
| Unreal present | om + past | skulle + infinitive |
| Unreal past | om + past perfect | skulle ha + supine |
Examples
Om jag var rik, skulle jag resa.
If I were rich, I would travel.
hypothetical present
Om jag hade vetat det, skulle jag ha hjälpt.
If I had known, I would have helped.
hypothetical past
Om hon kom, skulle vi bli glada.
If she came, we would be happy.
unreal present
Vad skulle du göra om du vann?
What would you do if you won?
hypothetical question
3Conditional Past
The conditional past expresses what would have happened. Form it with 'skulle ha' + supine. Use it for past hypotheticals, regrets, and unfulfilled possibilities. This often pairs with past perfect in om-clauses.
Conditional Past Forms
| Infinitive | Supine | Conditional Past |
|---|---|---|
| göra | gjort | skulle ha gjort |
| komma | kommit | skulle ha kommit |
| vara | varit | skulle ha varit |
| se | sett | skulle ha sett |
Examples
Jag skulle ha velat se dig.
I would have liked to see you.
unfulfilled wish
Hon skulle ha kommit om möjligt.
She would have come if possible.
conditional past
Vi borde ha åkt tidigare.
We should have left earlier.
borde ha = should have
Han skulle aldrig ha gjort det.
He would never have done it.
negative conditional past
4Polite Expressions and Wishes
The conditional makes requests polite in Swedish. Use 'skulle' with 'vilja' for polite wishes. 'Kunde' (could) and 'borde' (should) also express politeness. 'Tänk om' or 'om bara' express strong wishes (if only...).
Polite Forms
| Direct | Polite | English |
|---|---|---|
| Jag vill ha... | Jag skulle vilja ha... | I would like... |
| Kan du...? | Kunde du...? | Could you...? |
| Du måste... | Du borde... | You should... |
| Ge mig... | Skulle du kunna ge mig...? | Could you give me...? |
Examples
Kunde du upprepa det?
Could you repeat that?
polite request
Jag skulle vilja boka ett bord.
I would like to book a table.
polite wish
Du borde ringa din mamma.
You should call your mother.
polite advice
Om bara jag kunde svenska bättre!
If only I knew Swedish better!
strong wish