Verbs of change (-na)

Verbs of change (-na)

In Swedish, adding the suffix -na to an adjective creates a verb describing a transition or change of state, meaning "to become" or "to grow."

For example, the adjective mörk (dark) becomes mörkna (to grow dark).

to grow dark
mörkna
It is starting to grow dark in the forest now.
Det börjar mörkna i skogen nu.

These verbs often describe gradual shifts in nature or the environment, like things cooling down or getting quiet.

The coffee grows cold if you wait.
Kaffet kallnar om du väntar.
The bird falls silent when the evening comes.
Fågeln tystnar när kvällen kommer.

Conjugating "-na" verbs

Verbs ending in -na are regular Group 1 verbs. They conjugate predictably:

  • Present: add -r (somnar)
  • Past: add -de (somnade)
  • Supine: add -t (somnat)

Here is how they look describing a completed change in the past or perfect tense:

She fell asleep in front of the TV yesterday.
Hon somnade framför teven igår.
The sky has grown dark, therefore we are going home.
Himlen har mörknat, därför går vi hem.

Guessing the meaning

Once you recognize the core adjective—like klar (clear), ljus (light), blek (pale), or gul (yellow)—the meaning of the verb is easy to guess.

The weather often clears up after the rain.
Vädret klarnar ofta efter regnet.
It is starting to brighten in the morning.
Det börjar ljusna på morgonen.
The moon faded behind the cloud.
Månen bleknade bakom molnet.
The leaf turns yellow before it falls.
Lövet gulnar innan det faller.
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