B1 Swedish GrammarInfinitive vs Gerund
Master when to use the infinitive (att + verb) versus present participle (-ande/-ende forms) in Swedish. Unlike English, Swedish relies heavily on infinitives with 'att' after most verbs, making this simpler than in English but with important patterns to learn.
1The Swedish Infinitive with 'att'
Swedish uses the infinitive (att + verb) after most verbs that require a second verb. This is equivalent to English 'to do' constructions. Many verbs that take -ing (gerund) in English take infinitive with 'att' in Swedish. The 'att' can sometimes be omitted after modal verbs.
Common Verbs + att + Infinitive
| Swedish | English | Example |
|---|---|---|
| börja att | to begin to | börja att arbeta |
| försöka att | to try to | försöka att förstÄ |
| glömma att | to forget to | glömma att ringa |
| lova att | to promise to | lova att komma |
| bestÀmma sig för att | to decide to | bestÀmma sig för att flytta |
Examples
Jag vill lÀra mig att simma.
I want to learn to swim.
att + infinitive after 'lÀra sig'
Hon började att grÄta.
She started crying/to cry.
Swedish uses 'att' where English uses -ing
De försöker att hitta en lösning.
They are trying to find a solution.
försöka requires att + infinitive
Glöm inte att stÀnga dörren!
Don't forget to close the door!
glömma + att + infinitive
2When to Omit 'att'
After modal verbs (kan, ska, vill, mÄste, fÄr, bör) and certain other verbs, 'att' is omitted. The bare infinitive follows directly. Verbs of perception (se, höra) and some helping verbs (brukar, behöver) also omit 'att'.
Verbs Without 'att'
| Verb | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| kan | Jag kan simma | I can swim |
| ska | Vi ska resa | We will travel |
| vill | Hon vill sova | She wants to sleep |
| brukar | De brukar Àta tidigt | They usually eat early |
| behöver | Du behöver vila | You need to rest |
Examples
Jag kan inte förstÄ honom.
I cannot understand him.
no 'att' after modal 'kan'
Vi brukar gÄ pÄ promenad varje dag.
We usually go for a walk every day.
no 'att' after 'brukar'
Jag sÄg honom springa.
I saw him running/run.
no 'att' after perception verb 'sÄg'
Du mÄste vakna tidigt imorgon.
You must wake up early tomorrow.
no 'att' after modal 'mÄste'
3Present Participle (-ande/-ende) as Adjective
Swedish present participles end in -ande (Group 1 verbs) or -ende (Groups 2-4). They function primarily as adjectives or adverbs, NOT as main verb forms like English -ing. The participle describes ongoing action as a quality. It never changes for gender or number.
Present Participle Formation
| Infinitive | Participle | English |
|---|---|---|
| tala | talande | speaking |
| arbeta | arbetande | working |
| lÀsa | lÀsande | reading |
| skriva | skrivande | writing |
| le | leende | smiling |
Examples
Den sovande katten lÄg pÄ soffan.
The sleeping cat lay on the sofa.
participle as adjective
Det var en överraskande nyhet.
It was a surprising piece of news.
överraskande = surprising (adjective)
Hon tittade pÄ mig med leende ögon.
She looked at me with smiling eyes.
leende as adjective modifying 'ögon'
De kom springande mot oss.
They came running toward us.
participle as adverb of manner
4Key Differences from English
Unlike English, Swedish cannot use the present participle (-ande/-ende) as a gerund (noun) or for progressive tenses. Swedish uses 'hÄller pÄ att' for progressive meaning, and infinitives or regular nouns where English uses gerunds. This is a major difference learners must master.
English vs Swedish Constructions
| English (gerund) | Swedish (equivalent) |
|---|---|
| I like swimming | Jag gillar att simma (infinitive) |
| Swimming is fun | Att simma Àr kul (infinitive) |
| I am reading | Jag hÄller pÄ att lÀsa |
| Thank you for coming | Tack för att du kom (clause) |
Examples
Att resa Àr mitt största intresse.
Traveling is my greatest interest.
infinitive as subject, not gerund
Jag tycker om att laga mat.
I like cooking.
Swedish uses infinitive, English uses gerund
Tack för att du hjÀlpte mig.
Thank you for helping me.
Swedish uses clause, not preposition + gerund
Jag hÄller pÄ att skriva ett brev.
I am writing a letter.
'hÄller pÄ att' for English progressive