Present Tense for the Future

Level 2

Afrikaans often uses the plain present for the future when a time word makes it clear: Ek kom môre. (I am coming tomorrow.)

How It Works

1. A time word does the work. The verb stays in the ordinary present tense, and the time word shows that it is about the future:

  • Ek kom môre. (I am coming tomorrow.)
  • Ek bel jou vanaand. (I will call you tonight.)
  • Ons vlieg Vrydag Johannesburg toe. (We are flying to Johannesburg on Friday.)

2. Timetables and plans. This is especially common for things on a schedule: Die trein vertrek om agtuur. (The train leaves at eight.)

3. Word order stays the same. If the time word comes first, the verb still stands in second place (see verb second): Volgende week begin die skool weer. (School starts again next week.)

4. When to add sal or gaan. Without a time word or a clear context, a plain present usually means now or usually. To make the future clear, or to stress a plan or a promise, use gaan or sal: Ek gaan môre swem. Ek sal jou help.

Tip: English uses I am coming for plans. Afrikaans does not need is here: just say Ek kom.

Examples (6)

  1. Ek kom môre.

    I am coming tomorrow.

    Word by Word: I come tomorrow.

  2. Ons vlieg Vrydag Johannesburg toe.

    We are flying to Johannesburg on Friday.

    Word by Word: We fly Friday Johannesburg to.

  3. Die trein vertrek om agtuur.

    The train leaves at eight.

    Word by Word: The train departs at eight o'clock.

    A timetable fact, so the present is natural.

  4. Volgende week begin die skool weer.

    School starts again next week.

    Word by Word: Next week begins the school again.

    The time phrase comes first, so the verb begin comes before the subject.

  5. Ek bel jou vanaand.

    I will call you tonight.

    Word by Word: I call you tonight.

  6. Wanneer kom jy terug?

    When are you coming back?

    Word by Word: When come you back?

Common Mistakes

  • Copying the English -ing form with is.

    Ek is kom môre.
    Ek kom môre.

    Afrikaans has no am/is + -ing form. The plain present already covers I am coming.

  • Using is besig om te for a future plan.

    Ek is besig om môre te werk.
    Ek werk môre.

    Is besig om te describes an action that is in progress right now, so it cannot describe a plan for tomorrow.

  • Putting the subject before the verb after a fronted time word.

    Môre ek kom.
    Môre kom ek.

    When a time word starts the sentence, the verb stays in second place and the subject follows it.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Present Tense for the FutureLevel 2

Learn This First

The present tense often talks about the future, which is easiest to see next to sal.