Swedish Verb Groups
Swedish verbs are divided into four main groups based on how they are conjugated. Knowing these patterns helps you predict how a new verb behaves.
Group 1: The "-ar" Verbs
Most common, very regularVerbs in this group end in -a in the infinitive. They keep the -a and add -r in the present tense.
| Infinitive | Present (-ar) | Preterite (-ade) | Supine (-at) |
|---|---|---|---|
| tala | talar | talade | talat |
| arbeta | arbetar | arbetade | arbetat |
| titta | tittar | tittade | tittat |
Group 2: The "-er" Verbs
Stem ends in a consonantVerbs in this group end in -a in the infinitive, but they lose the -a and add -er in the present tense.
Group 2a: Voiced Consonants
If the stem ends in a voiced consonant (b, d, g, j, l, m, n, r, v), the preterite adds -de.
| Infinitive | Present (-er) | Preterite (-de) | Supine (-t) |
|---|---|---|---|
| stänga | stänger | stängde | stängt |
| följa | följer | följde | följt |
Group 2b: Voiceless Consonants
If the stem ends in a voiceless consonant (k, p, s, t, x), the preterite adds -te.
| Infinitive | Present (-er) | Preterite (-te) | Supine (-t) |
|---|---|---|---|
| köpa | köper | köpte | köpt |
| läsa | läser | läste | läst |
Group 3: Short Verbs
Monosyllabic (one syllable)These verbs are short and end in a vowel in the infinitive. They add -r in the present tense.
| Infinitive | Present (-r) | Preterite (-dde) | Supine (-tt) |
|---|---|---|---|
| bo | bor | bodde | bott |
| tro | tror | trodde | trott |
| må | mår | mådde | mått |
Group 4: Strong Verbs
Irregular / Vowel ChangeThese verbs usually change their vowel in the past tense (ablaut). They are often old, very common verbs.
| Infinitive | Present | Preterite (Vowel Change) | Supine (-it) |
|---|---|---|---|
| dricka | dricker | drack | druckit |
| gå | går | gick | gått |
| vara | är | var | varit |
| få | får | fick | fått |