Language/Norwegian-bokmal/Grammar/Future-tense-verbs

Norwegian Bokmål → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Intermediate Norwegian Bokmål grammar → Future tense verbs

Introduction

In this lesson, we will dive into the future tense of Norwegian Bokmål verbs. The future tense is an essential part of mastering the language, as it allows us to talk about things that will happen in the future. We will explore the structure and usage of the future tense verbs, providing numerous examples to help you understand and practice this concept. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently express future actions and events in Norwegian Bokmål.

The Future Tense

The future tense in Norwegian Bokmål is used to express actions or events that will happen in the future. It is formed by combining the auxiliary verb "skal" (shall/will) with the infinitive form of the main verb. The conjugation of "skal" remains the same regardless of the subject, while the main verb stays in its infinitive form.

Here is the general structure of the future tense:

"skal" + infinitive verb

Let's look at some examples:

Norwegian Bokmål	Pronunciation	English
Jeg skal reise til Norge.	Yay skahl rye-seh teel Nor-geh.	I will travel to Norway.
Vi skal spise middag sammen.	Vee skahl spee-seh meed-dahg sah-men.	We will have dinner together.
Hun skal lære norsk.	Hoon skahl leh-reh nor-sk.	She will learn Norwegian.
De skal kjøpe en bil.	Deh skahl sherp-eh en beel.	They will buy a car.

In these examples, you can see that "skal" remains the same for all subjects, while the infinitive verb indicates the action or event that will happen in the future.

Usage of the Future Tense

The future tense is used in various contexts in Norwegian Bokmål. Here are some common ways to use the future tense:

1. Expressing future actions: The future tense is used to talk about actions or events that will happen in the future. For example:

  - Jeg skal dra på ferie til Spania. (I will go on vacation to Spain.)
  - I morgen skal vi ha fest. (Tomorrow we will have a party.)

2. Making predictions: The future tense can also be used to make predictions or speculate about future events. For example:

  - Tror du det skal regne i morgen? (Do you think it will rain tomorrow?)
  - Han skal nok klare eksamen. (He will probably pass the exam.)

3. Giving instructions or commands: In some cases, the future tense can be used to give instructions or commands. For example:

  - Du skal ikke røre det. (You shall not touch it.)
  - Skal jeg hjelpe deg? (Shall I help you?)

4. Hypothetical situations: The future tense can be used to discuss hypothetical or imaginary situations. For example:

  - Hva skal du gjøre hvis du vinner i lotto? (What will you do if you win the lottery?)
  - Hvis jeg hadde penger, skulle jeg reise jorden rundt. (If I had money, I would travel around the world.)

Remember that the future tense is used to talk about the future, so it should not be used to describe actions or events that have already happened.

Regional Variations and Cultural Insights

While the future tense is used consistently throughout Norwegian Bokmål-speaking regions, there are some cultural variations in how future actions and events are expressed. For example, in some dialects, the auxiliary verb "skal" may be replaced with "vil" (will). This variation is more common in spoken language rather than formal writing.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that Norwegians are known for their punctuality and reliability. When making plans or discussing future events, it is important to be precise and stick to the agreed-upon time. Being late or canceling last minute may be seen as disrespectful or rude. Norwegians value their time and expect others to do the same.

Practice Exercises

Now it's time to practice what you've learned. Below are some exercises to help you solidify your understanding of the future tense in Norwegian Bokmål. Try to answer the questions or complete the sentences correctly. The solutions and explanations will be provided after each exercise.

Exercise 1: Complete the sentences with the appropriate future tense verb.

1. I morgen _________ vi på stranden. 2. Hva _________ du gjøre i helgen? 3. De _________ starte et nytt prosjekt. 4. Skal dere _________ på konsert i kveld? 5. Hun _________ bli lege når hun er ferdig med studiene.

Exercise 2: Translate the following sentences into Norwegian Bokmål using the future tense.

1. We will visit the museum tomorrow. 2. Are you going to buy a new car? 3. She will learn how to play the piano. 4. They will travel to France next summer. 5. I will call you later.

Exercise 1: Solutions and Explanations

1. I morgen skal vi på stranden. (Tomorrow we will go to the beach.) 2. Hva skal du gjøre i helgen? (What will you do this weekend?) 3. De skal starte et nytt prosjekt. (They will start a new project.) 4. Skal dere på konsert i kveld? (Will you go to the concert tonight?) 5. Hun skal bli lege når hun er ferdig med studiene. (She will become a doctor when she finishes her studies.)

Exercise 2: Solutions and Explanations

1. Vi skal besøke museet i morgen. 2. Skal du kjøpe en ny bil? 3. Hun skal lære å spille piano. 4. De skal reise til Frankrike neste sommer. 5. Jeg skal ringe deg senere.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned the future tense of Norwegian Bokmål verbs. This is a vital step in your journey to becoming fluent in Norwegian Bokmål. The future tense allows you to talk about future actions, make predictions, give instructions, and discuss hypothetical situations. Remember to practice using the future tense in your everyday conversations to reinforce your understanding. Keep up the great work, and soon you'll be able to express yourself confidently in Norwegian Bokmål!

Table of Contents - Norwegian Bokmål Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction to Norwegian Bokmål

• Alphabet and Pronunciation
• Basic Sentence Structure

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Gender and Definite Articles
• Personal Pronouns

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-100
• Telling Time

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense

  ---

Daily Activities

• Daily Routine
• Hobbies and Interests

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjective Agreement
• Comparatives and Superlatives

  ---

Food and Drink

• Common Foods
• Eating Out

  ---

Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Common Prepositions
• Coordinating Conjunctions

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Asking for Directions

  ---

Questions and Negation

• Question Words
• Negation

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Expressing Emotions

  ---

Norwegian Customs and Traditions

• Holidays and Celebrations
• Etiquette and Social Norms

Other Lessons

• Definite and indefinite forms of nouns
• Future Tense
• Pronouns
• Formal writing and communication
• 0 to A1 Course
• Give your Opinion
• Present tense verbs
• Indirect speech
• Negation
• Basic sentence structure