Subjunctive Mode of Verbs in Swedish

The subjunctive mode is used to express something that is not a fact or reality. It is often used to express wishes, desires, doubts, possibilities, or hypothetical situations. In Swedish, the subjunctive mode is formed using specific verb constructions. Here's everything you need to know about using the subjunctive mode in Swedish verbs:

1. Irregular Subjunctive Forms

Some verbs have irregular forms in the subjunctive mode. These irregular forms need to be memorized separately. Here are some commonly used irregular subjunctive forms:

• vara (to be): vore
• ha (to have): hade
• göra (to do/make): gjorde
• kunna (to be able to): kunde
• vilja (to want): ville
• kunna (to know/can): kunde
• skulle (to shall): skulle

2. Formation of Subjunctive Mode

To form the subjunctive mode in Swedish, you need to use specific verb constructions. The most common construction is to use the past tense form of the verb and add the conjunction att. Here's the general formula:

past tense form of the verb + att + infinitive verb

For example:

• Jag önskar att du komMER. (I wish you WOULD come.)

3. Subjunctive Mode in Different Tenses

The formation of the subjunctive mode depends on the tense you are using. Here are the main tenses and how to form the subjunctive mode in each of them:

Present Tense

• To express present subjunctive, use the present tense form of the verb with att before the infinitive verb.
  • Jag vill att du KOMMER. (I want you to COME.)

Past Tense

• To express past subjunctive, use the past tense form of the verb with att before the infinitive verb.
  • Jag önskar att du KOM. (I wish you CAME.)

Future Tense

• To express future subjunctive, use the future tense form of the verb with att before the infinitive verb.
  • Jag hoppas att du SKA komma. (I hope you WILL come.)

Conditional Tense

• To express conditional subjunctive, use the conditional tense form of the verb with att before the infinitive verb.
  • Om jag vann på lotteriet, skulle jag KUNNA resa jorden runt. (If I won the lottery, I COULD travel around the world.)

4. Common Subjunctive Phrases

There are some common phrases in Swedish that are commonly used in the subjunctive mode. Familiarize yourself with these phrases to better understand and use the subjunctive mode in conversations:

• Jag skulle vilja... (I would like...)
• Det vore bra om... (It would be good if...)
• Om jag bara kunde... (If only I could...)
• Jag hoppas att... (I hope that...)
• Det kanske vore möjligt att... (It might be possible to...)
• Jag önskar att... (I wish that...)

5. Using Subjunctive Mode in Swedish

The subjunctive mode is not as commonly used in Swedish as it is in some other languages. It is often used in more formal or literary contexts, or when expressing specific wishes, doubts, or hypothetical situations. It's important to note that the subjunctive mode can also be used in indirect speech or reported speech.

6. Practice Makes Perfect

To become proficient in using the subjunctive mode, it's important to practice using it in different sentence structures and contexts. Listen to native speakers, read Swedish texts, and try incorporating the subjunctive mode in your own conversations and writing.

Remember, the subjunctive mode adds nuance and expresses hypothetical or desired outcomes. Mastering its usage will enhance your communication skills in Swedish.