skal nok

Will Surely (Skal Nok)

Level 3

Use skal nok when you want to say 'I promise' or 'It will definitely happen.' It turns a simple future statement into a comforting guarantee.

How It Works

The construction skal nok is one of the most common ways for Danish speakers to offer comfort or make commitments.

1. The Structure
In a main clause, it follows the standard modal verb construction:
[Subject] + skal + nok + [Infinitive].
However, in a subordinate clause (like after 'at'), the word nok must come before the verb: "...at jeg nok skal hjælpe dig."

2. The Meaning Shift
Learners often learn that nok means 'probably' (expressing doubt). However, when paired with skal, the doubt is removed.

  • Jeg skal ringe = I have to call (Neutral/Obligation).
  • Jeg skal nok ringe = I promise I will call / Don't worry, I'll call (Assurance).

3. Threats and Negative Certainty
While usually positive, skal nok can also express a 'promise' of negative consequences or a threat: "Du skal nok få betalt!" (You'll pay for this!). It signals that the outcome is inevitable.

4. Past Tense
Use skulle nok + infinitive for past promises, often in reported speech: "Han sagde, at han nok skulle komme." Be careful not to add 'have', as skulle nok have expresses regret ('should probably have').

Examples (4)

  1. Det skal nok gå.

    It will be fine / It will work out for sure.

    Word by Word: It shall surely go.

    This is the most common way to reassure someone who is worried or stressed.

  2. Jeg skal nok lade være med at sige det til nogen.

    I promise not to tell anyone.

    Word by Word: I shall surely let be with to say it to anyone.

    A classic way to swear someone to secrecy using a promise.

  3. Du skal nok få dine penge i morgen.

    You will surely get your money tomorrow.

    Word by Word: You shall surely get your money tomorrow.

    A firm commitment regarding a future action or transaction.

  4. Vi skal nok hjælpe dig med at flytte.

    We will definitely help you move.

    Word by Word: We shall surely help you with to move.

    Using 'skal nok' to offer help as a reliable promise.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'vil' when you want to promise something.

    Different MeaningJeg vil ringe til dig i morgen.
    Jeg skal nok ringe til dig i morgen.

    'Jeg vil ringe til dig i morgen' is correct Danish, but 'vil' mainly says you want to or intend to. To promise that you will do it, 'skal nok' is the usual choice.

  • Misplacing 'nok' in subordinate clauses.

    Han siger, at han skal nok komme.
    Han siger, at han nok skal komme.

    While 'nok' sits between the verbs in a main clause, it follows the rules for subordinate clause word order, meaning 'nok' must move before the modal verb 'skal' after 'at', 'fordi', etc.

  • Confusing past promises with regret.

    Different MeaningJeg skulle nok have gjort det.
    Jeg sagde, at jeg nok skulle gøre det.

    To report a past promise, use 'skulle nok' + infinitive. Adding 'have' + participle changes the meaning to 'I probably should have', expressing regret rather than a commitment.

How It Connects

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

skal nokLevel 3Will Surely (Skal Nok)

Learn This First

To understand 'skal nok', you first need to be comfortable with the modal verb 'skal' used for future intentions and promises. You also need to understand the basic word order rules for where to place adverbs like 'nok' in relation to the auxiliary and main verbs.

Words in This Pattern

skullenok