när (subjunktion)
When
The conjunction när means 'when'. It connects two parts of a sentence, where one part explains the timing of the other. For example: 'I get happy when you visit.'
How It Works
The Swedish word när is a versatile conjunction used to indicate time. It's the direct equivalent of 'when' in English.
1. Basic Structure
It connects a main clause (huvudsats) with a subordinate clause (bisats) that specifies the time of the main clause's action.
- Main Clause +
när+ Subordinate Clause - Example: `Jag läser en bok när jag har tid.` (I read a book when I have time.)
2. Word Order
When the när-clause fills the first constituent position in a statement, the following finite verb precedes the main-clause subject. This is a key feature of the Swedish verb-second (V2) rule.
när+ Subordinate Clause + Verb + Subject ...- Example: `När jag har tid, läser jag en bok.` (When I have time, I read a book.)
3. när as a Question Word vs. Conjunction
Be aware that när is also a question word.
- Question: `När börjar filmen?` (When does the movie start?)
- Indirect question: `Jag vet inte när filmen börjar.
(I don't know when the movie starts.) Herenär` is still interrogative.
Temporal conjunction: `Vi sätter oss när filmen börjar.` (We sit down when the movie starts.)
All three involve time, but only the last clause gives the timing of the main situation rather than asking or embedding a question about it.
Future Time
A present form can refer to the future in the temporal clause: Vi ska fika när du kommer. You do not add ska merely because the arrival is later. The context determines whether när du kommer describes a future occasion or something that happens repeatedly.
Examples (5)
- Jag blir glad när du ringer.
I get happy when you call.
Word by Word: I become happy when you call.
- När det regnar stannar vi inne.
When it rains, we stay inside.
Word by Word: When it rains, stay we inside.
Notice the V2 inversion: the verb 'stannar' comes before the subject 'vi' because the 'när'-clause is the first element of the sentence.
- Han lyssnade på musik när han städade.
He listened to music when he was cleaning.
Word by Word: He listened to music when he cleaned.
- Vi ska fika när du kommer.
We will have a coffee break when you arrive.
Word by Word: We shall fika when you come.
- Barnen leker ute när solen skiner.
The children play outside when the sun is shining.
Word by Word: The children play outside when the sun shines.
Common Mistakes
Forgetting V2 inversion when the 'när'-clause comes first.
När jag kommer hem, jag lagar mat.När jag kommer hem, lagar jag mat.The entire clause 'När jag kommer hem' is the first part of the sentence. According to the V2 rule, the verb of the main clause ('lagar') must come second.
Using main clause word order inside the 'när'-clause.
Jag blir ledsen när du ringer inte.Jag blir ledsen när du inte ringer.A 'när'-clause is a subordinate clause, so it follows the BIFF rule where adverbs like 'inte' come before the finite verb.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'när' as a conjunction, you need to understand how to form basic sentences and be familiar with the word 'när' in its simpler question form. You also need a grasp of verb tenses to correctly describe when actions occur in relation to each other.
- närWhen
The learner should first be familiar with 'när' as an interrogative word (question word) before using it as a subordinating conjunction.
Level 1 - Tense concepts
Since 'när' is used to describe specific points in time, the learner must understand how to use different tenses to express past, present, or future events.
Foundations
Related Patterns
- Subordinate clause word order
Level 3närintroduces a subordinate clause, and the word order within that clause is governed by the BIFF rule, especially for placing adverbs like 'inte'. - Verb-second rule
When the entire temporal clause occupies the first constituent position, the finite verb follows before the main-clause subject:
Level 3När du kommer fikar vi. A resumptivesåcan also follow the temporal clause:När du kommer så fikar vi. - om (villkor)If
Learners often confuse
Level 2när(when - time) andom(if - condition). 'Jag kommer när jag kan' (I'll come when I can) is different from 'Jag kommer om jag kan' (I'll come if I can). - medanWhile
Both are temporal conjunctions.
Level 2närrefers to a point or period in time ('when'), whilemedanrefers to a duration during which something else happens ('while'). - innanBefore
Another temporal conjunction.
Level 2närmeans 'when', whileinnanmeans 'before'. They both introduce subordinate clauses and follow the same word order rules.
Learn Next
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Practice när (subjunktion) in Bubblegum
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