Future Tense

The four ways of talking about the future

In Swedish, there is not one easy way to express the future tense. There are several, used in different contexts. Where some languages use special verb forms, Swedish uses the present tense or helper verbs such as ska, kommer att, and tänker.

Present tense for the future

Swedish often uses the present tense when the sentence already makes the future meaning clear, e.g. when using a time related word like imorgon or nästa vecka. It is often used when something is scheduled or already clear from context.

Jag åker till Stockholm imorgon.I'm going to Stockholm tomorrow., I am going to Stockholm tomorrow.

Kursen börjar nästa vecka.The course starts next week.

Vi ses på fredag.See you on Friday.

Ska + infinitive

The verb ska is used when the future action is decided, arranged, expected, or required.

Jag ska åka till Stockholm imorgon.I am going to go to Stockholm tomorrow.

Vi ska äta middag klockan sju.We are going to have dinner at seven.

Hon ska börja på universitetet i höst.She's going to start university this autumn., She is going to start university this autumn., She's going to start university this fall., She is going to start university this fall.

Kommer att + infinitive

Kommer att is used when talking about something that will happen, often as a prediction or neutral statement about the future.

Det kommer att regna imorgon.It will rain tomorrow.

Priserna kommer att stiga.Prices will rise.

Det kommer att bli svårt.It will be difficult.

Tänker + infinitive

Tänker is used when emphasizing what someone has in mind or intends to do.

Jag tänker plugga ikväll.I intend to study tonight.

Hon tänker prova på backhoppning.She intends to try ski jumping.

Vi tänker flytta nästa år.We intend to move next year.