Short verbs and irregulars (har, gör)

Group 3 Verbs: The -r Ending

Group 3 verbs are often called "short verbs." Their infinitives end in a long vowel instead of the typical -a. To form the present tense, just add -r.

  • bo (to live) → bor
  • (to feel) → mår
  • tro (to believe) → tror
Do you live here?
Bor du här?

To talk about locations, use the preposition i (in).

We live in the city.
Vi bor i staden.
How are you feeling today?
Hur mår du idag?
We don't think so.
Vi tror inte det.

Highly Common Irregular Verbs

Some of the most essential Swedish verbs are irregular. You will use these constantly, so they are best memorized right away.

InfinitivePresent TenseMeaning
haharto have
göragörto do, to make
gårto go, to walk
vetavetto know (facts)
I have the book.
Jag har boken.
What are you doing?
Vad gör du?
She is walking home now.
Hon går hem nu.

Notice that veta drops its final vowel entirely to become vet in the present tense.

I do not know.
Jag vet inte.
He is doing it and I know it.
Han gör det och jag vet det.

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