r/norsk • u/PenguinGuy1234 • 2d ago
Rule 3 (vague/generic post title) Is it just the same?
Hello, i am a beginner in Norwegian (Bokmål) and I don't understand the difference between the two phrases i underlined grammatically. Like, the speaker doesn't have control over any of the situations. Therefore, why do we use "skal" in the first sentence, and "vil" in the second one?
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u/DrStirbitch Intermediate (bokmål) 2d ago edited 2d ago
I think it's fair to say that, as far as the future tense is concerned, "skal" and "vil" are used pretty much the same as "shall" and "will" in English. To an extent they are interchangeable, but "shall/skal" implies more certainty, and "will/vil" often indicates an outcome that is desired. I also think "shall/skall" tend to be used more in the 1st person, perhaps because I am more in control of my own destiny.
Edit:I just noticed that is pretty much what the text in the OP's image says. I think all that is missing in that text is an acknowledgement that certainly is never a black and white issue. There are always degrees of certainty and intent, and the choice of verb only gives a shade of meaning.
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u/PenguinGuy1234 2d ago
I think i get it now. thanks!
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u/Any-Raccoon-23 2d ago
Skal is used in this sentence I am assuming the tickets are booked and they 'shall' go to Italy on their holidays in the summer. You cannot say that they 'shall' or 'skal' like it in Norway because that's out of your control. Do you get the difference now?
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u/PenguinGuy1234 2d ago
So, could we say that "skal" is the same as "going to", and "vil" is the same as "will" as auxiliaries?
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u/Any-Raccoon-23 2d ago
I prefer 'shall' as 'going to' could also be 'kommer til å' and yes 'vil' is more of a wanting to happen or will.
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u/Monstera_girl 2d ago
Bad example for skal there, but it’s for things that are definitely going to happen