Basic Verbs

1. att gå

   To go

   Usage

   The key motion verb; combine it with a destination

   Grammar Note

   The infinitive marker is "att"; "gå" is on foot, by vehicle it is "att åka"

2. att komma

   To come

   Usage

   Used when a person or a vehicle arrives

   Grammar Note

   Present tense "kommer"; Swedish verbs do not change by person

3. att äta

   To eat

   Usage

   The basic verb for anything about meals

   Grammar Note

   Present tense "äter"

4. att dricka

   To drink

   Usage

   For ordering or declining drinks

   Grammar Note

   Present tense "dricker"

5. att köpa

   To buy

   Usage

   Shopping verb; pair it with the item name

   Grammar Note

   Present tense "köper"

6. att se

   To see

   Usage

   For sightseeing, and for asking to be shown an item

   Grammar Note

   "Se" is perceiving; "titta" is looking deliberately

7. att vänta

   To wait

   Usage

   For queues and for explaining a meeting arrangement

   Grammar Note

   "To wait for" is "att vänta på"

8. Jag vill åka dit

   I want to go there

   Usage

   The standard way to state a destination; add a place name

   Grammar Note

   Name a destination with "till": "Jag vill åka till Uppsala"

9. Jag vill äta

   I want to eat

   Usage

   State what you feel like eating; add the dish name

10. Jag vill ha det här

    I want it

    Usage

    Point at an item and say you would like it

    Grammar Note

    Say it while pointing; "vill ha" is the way to say "want"

11. Jag behöver det inte

    I don't need it

    Usage

    Decline a bag, a receipt, or anything else you do not need

12. Jag letar efter

    I'm looking for it

    Usage

    Say what you are trying to find, place or object

    Grammar Note

    Add the object: "Jag letar efter stationen"

13. Jag har det

    I have it

    Usage

    States possession; used to confirm tickets or bookings

14. Jag har det inte

    I don't have it

    Usage

    States you do not have it, e.g. no cash on you

15. Jag vill ta ut pengar

    I'll withdraw money

    Usage

    State your intent at an ATM or a bank

    Grammar Note

    A cash machine is "en bankomat"

16. Jag vill boka

    I'll make a reservation

    Usage

    For booking a table or a room

17. Kan du hjälpa mig?

    Can you help me?

    Usage

    Ask for concrete help: carrying a bag, working a machine

    Grammar Note

    Swedish uses "du" freely; politeness comes from tone

18. Kan du berätta för mig?

    Please tell me

    Usage

    Prefaces a question when you want information

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