Expressing the Future in Norwegian: A Comprehensive Guide for B2 Learners

For B2-level Norwegian learners, mastering expressions of future actions is essential for fluency. The Norwegian language offers several methods to convey the future tense, depending on the level of certainty, intention, or expectation of an event. These include using skal + infinitive, kommer til å + infinitive, vil + infinitive, and sometimes even the present tense. Understanding the nuances of these forms is key to expressing yourself accurately in both spoken and written Norwegian.

Whether you’re preparing for the Norskprøven (Norwegian Language Test) or simply improving your skills, this guide will help you navigate the complexities of talking about the future in Norwegian. If you’re aiming to succeed at the Norskprøven, consider enrolling in our Norskprøven preparation course to refine your language skills and gain confidence.

---

1. Skal + Infinitive: For Plans and Decisions

The construction skal + infinitive is used when something has been decided or planned. It indicates a high degree of certainty and often reflects personal plans or commitments.

Key Characteristics:

• Indicates an action that is determined or scheduled.
• Often used for personal decisions, promises, or obligations.

Examples:

• Jeg skal begynne å trene regelmessig fra neste uke.
  (I will start exercising regularly from next week.)
• Vi skal reise til Italia i sommer.
  (We are going to travel to Italy this summer.)
• Han skal kjøpe en ny bil i morgen.
  (He is going to buy a new car tomorrow.)

In these examples, “skal” highlights that the actions are definite and planned. This form is particularly effective in formal and informal contexts where the decision has already been made.

---

2. Kommer til å + Infinitive: For Predictions

The phrase kommer til å + infinitive is used to describe something that is likely or expected to happen. This form expresses predictions based on current circumstances or logical reasoning.

Key Characteristics:

• Used for expectations or assumptions about the future.
• Suggests less certainty compared to “skal.”

Examples:

• Det kommer til å regne i kveld.
  (It is going to rain tonight.)
• Hun kommer til å like den nye jobben sin.
  (She is going to like her new job.)
• Butikken kommer til å være stengt på søndag.
  (The store will be closed on Sunday.)

Unlike “skal,” which reflects decisions or plans, “kommer til å” conveys a sense of prediction based on available information.

---

3. Vil + Infinitive: For Probable Events

The construction vil + infinitive is often used to discuss events that are probable but not necessarily planned. While “vil” can indicate a willingness or desire (e.g., “Jeg vil spise” = “I want to eat”), in the context of the future tense, it suggests an assumption or forecast.

Key Characteristics:

• Implies a probable future event.
• Can express a general belief about what might happen.

Examples:

• Det vil bli kaldere til vinteren.
  (It will get colder in the winter.)
• Han vil nok få jobben etter intervjuet.
  (He will probably get the job after the interview.)
• Dette vil forandre måten vi jobber på.
  (This will change the way we work.)

“Vil” is versatile and can be used in various contexts, particularly when discussing probable outcomes without explicit plans or predictions.

---

4. Present Tense for Future Events

In Norwegian, the present tense can also be used to describe future actions, especially when discussing scheduled events or changes. This is common in both spoken and written Norwegian and is particularly useful for casual conversations.

Key Characteristics:

• Often used for scheduled or routine events.
• Can describe changes or movements happening soon.

Examples:

• Bussen kommer om ti minutter.
  (The bus arrives in ten minutes.)
• Vi spiser middag klokka seks i kveld.
  (We are eating dinner at six tonight.)
• Det blir varmere i morgen.
  (It will get warmer tomorrow.)

The use of the present tense in these examples emphasizes immediacy or certainty, making it a practical choice for discussing near-future events.

---

Choosing the Right Form: Skal, Kommer til å, Vil, or Present Tense?

Selecting the appropriate future expression depends on the context and the level of certainty. Below is a comparison to help you decide:

Expression	Context	Example
Skal + infinitive	Plans, intentions, or commitments	Jeg skal jobbe som frivillig neste måned.
Kommer til å	Predictions or logical assumptions	Det kommer til å bli mye trafikk i morgen.
Vil + infinitive	Probable events or general beliefs	Det vil ta tid å lære norsk perfekt.
Present tense	Scheduled or routine events; near-future changes	Flyet lander om en time.

Each form has a unique role in Norwegian grammar, allowing you to express the future with precision and clarity.

---

Practice Makes Perfect

To fully master these future expressions, consistent practice is essential. Here are some exercises you can try:

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following sentences with the appropriate future expression (skal, kommer til å, vil, or present tense):

1. Jeg ______ studere mer grammatikk neste uke.
2. Det ______ bli en spennende helg med mange aktiviteter.
3. Vi ______ reise til fjellet i morgen tidlig.
4. Det ______ komme mange turister til byen i sommer.
5. Bussen ______ om ti minutter.

Exercise 2: Translate

Translate the following sentences into Norwegian using the appropriate future expression:

1. We will have a meeting next Monday.
2. She is going to like the new movie.
3. The weather will improve tomorrow.
4. The plane arrives in an hour.
5. They are going to travel to Spain next month.

---

Preparing for Norskprøven

If you’re preparing for the Norskprøven, understanding future expressions is critical, especially for tasks that involve writing and speaking. In the exam, you may need to describe your future plans, predict trends, or discuss hypothetical situations.

Our Norskprøven preparation course is designed to help you master these and other key grammatical structures. The course provides focused practice in all language skills—reading, writing, listening, and speaking—ensuring that you’re well-prepared for every part of the test.

---

Using Future Expressions in Everyday Life

To solidify your understanding, try incorporating these expressions into daily conversations. For instance:

• When discussing weekend plans with friends: “Jeg skal gå på kino på lørdag.”
• Predicting outcomes at work: “Dette prosjektet kommer til å bli en suksess.”
• Talking about the weather: “Det vil bli sol i morgen.”

Such practical use will help you gain confidence and fluency in expressing future actions.

---

Conclusion

Talking about the future is a fundamental part of any language, and Norwegian offers a variety of tools to do so effectively. By mastering skal + infinitive, kommer til å + infinitive, vil + infinitive, and the use of the present tense, you’ll be able to express yourself clearly and accurately in a wide range of contexts.

If you’re aiming to achieve fluency or pass the Norskprøven, consider enrolling in our Norskprøven preparation course. With comprehensive training and expert guidance, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed. Happy learning, and best of luck on your journey to mastering Norwegian!