Verb prepositions (tänka på, längta efter)

Verbs and Prepositions

In Swedish, just as in English, certain verbs naturally pair with specific prepositions. Because these combinations often do not translate word-for-word between the two languages, it is best to learn them together as set phrases. Let's look at some common pairings that are highly useful for talking about vacations!

Dreaming and Longing

When you are eagerly anticipating a trip, you will often use längta efter (to long for) and drömma om (to dream about).

I am longing for the heat.
Jag längtar efter värmen.
Anna often dreams about a warm destination.
Anna drömmer ofta om ett varmt resmål.

Looking Forward To

To express that you are looking forward to something, use the three-word phrase se fram emot.

We are really looking forward to the vacation.
Vi ser verkligen fram emot semestern.
He is not looking forward to the heat.
Han ser inte fram emot värmen.

Ignoring and Skipping

If you want to say you are ignoring something, skipping a planned activity, or simply "not caring" about it, the phrase is strunta i.

We are skipping the museum today.
Vi struntar i museet idag.

Getting Used To

The verb for getting accustomed to something is vänja sig vid. It is a reflexive verb, meaning you must use a reflexive pronoun (like mig, dig, or sig) that matches the subject, followed by the preposition vid.

You must get used to the heat.
Du måste vänja dig vid värmen.
She never gets used to the sunscreen.
Hon vänjer sig aldrig vid solkrämen.

Searching and Opting For

When trying to find your packed items, use leta efter (to look for). When finally making a decision on what to do, where to go, or what to buy, use satsa på (to go for / to opt for).

Is anyone looking for the sunscreen?
Letar någon efter solkrämen?
We are opting for a cheap destination.
Vi satsar på ett billigt resmål.

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