Talking About the Future — Norwegian Grammar

Norwegian has no special verb ending for the future. Instead it uses the present tense with a time word, or one of three helper constructions, each with its own flavour.

The Present Tense with a Time Word

The most common way to talk about the future is the plain present tense, together with a word that points ahead. It is used for arranged events and near plans.

Jeg reiser til Spania i morgen.
I am travelling to Spain tomorrow.
Kommer du tilbake i morgen?
Are you coming back tomorrow?
Timene begynner om to timer.
The classes begin in two hours.

skal: Plans and Intentions

with an infinitive says that something is planned or decided, often by the speaker. It answers the question "what are you going to do?".

Hva skal du gjøre i morgen?
What are you going to do tomorrow?
I morgen skal jeg vaske håret mitt.
Tomorrow I am going to wash my hair.
Jeg skal kjøpe den snart.
I am going to buy it soon.

vil: Predictions and Consequences

with an infinitive predicts what will happen, and it often states the result of a condition. Because also means "want", the situation shows which meaning is intended.

Hvis du ikke skynder deg, vil du gå glipp av flyet.
If you don't hurry, you will miss the plane.
Hvis du stiller et spørsmål, vil du få et svar.
If you ask a question, you will get an answer.

kommer til å: What Is Going to Happen

with an infinitive predicts something that is expected to happen, usually beyond the speaker's control.

Det kommer til å regne i morgen.
It is going to rain tomorrow.
Du kommer til å like ham.
You are going to like him.

blir: Future States

For a future condition, such as weather, a price or a feeling, Norwegian uses (becomes) with an adjective.

Det blir kaldt i morgen.
It will be cold tomorrow.
Det blir ikke veldig dyrt.
It won't be very expensive.
I desember blir jeg sytten år gammel.
In December I will turn seventeen.

Choosing Between Them

an arrangement with a time word: the present tense -
a plan or decision: -
a prediction or a consequence: or -
a future state: -

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