ville in 30 Sekunden
- The verb 'ville' means 'to want' or 'to intend'.
- The present tense is 'vil', and the past/conditional is 'ville'.
- It is a modal verb, so do not use 'å' after it.
- It often indicates intention rather than just the future.
The Norwegian verb ville is one of the most fundamental building blocks of the language, primarily functioning as a modal verb that expresses desire, intention, or a future wish. For English speakers, it is a frequent source of confusion because it looks like the English word 'will', but its primary meaning at the A1 level is 'to want'. When you say 'Jeg vil', you are not necessarily stating what will happen in the future; you are expressing a current craving, a goal, or a choice. It is the engine of agency in Norwegian discourse, used from the simplest requests at a dinner table to the complex expression of life goals.
- Expressing Desire
- In its most basic form, 'vil' (the present tense of ville) is used to say what you want. Unlike English, where 'want' is often followed by 'to' (I want to eat), 'vil' is a modal verb in Norwegian and is followed directly by the infinitive without 'å'.
Jeg vil ha en is.
Beyond simple desire, 'ville' also serves as the past tense ('wanted') and the conditional ('would'). This multi-functional nature makes it indispensable. When a Norwegian says 'Hva ville du?', they might be asking 'What did you want?' or 'What would you do?' depending on the context. This ambiguity is usually resolved by the surrounding conversation. In daily life, you will hear this word in shops ('Hva vil du ha?'), in planning ('Jeg vil reise til Bergen'), and in social negotiations ('Vil du være med?'). It is a word that asserts the self and explores possibilities, making it a cornerstone of both A1 survival Norwegian and C2 philosophical debate.
- Intention vs. Future
- While 'vil' can sometimes imply a future action, it specifically emphasizes the subject's intention. If you say 'Jeg vil regne', it sounds like you want to make it rain, which is why 'skal' is preferred for the definite future.
Han ville ikke høre på meg.
In the workplace, 'ville' is used to discuss project goals and personal ambitions. In a domestic setting, it is the word children use most to express their needs. Understanding the weight of 'ville' helps you navigate the balance between being assertive and being polite in Norwegian culture.
Using ville correctly requires an understanding of Norwegian modal verb syntax. The most important rule to memorize is that 'ville' (in any of its forms: vil, ville, har villet) is followed by the bare infinitive of the main verb. This means you must never place the infinitive marker 'å' between 'vil' and the next verb. For example, 'Jeg vil spise' is correct, whereas 'Jeg vil å spise' is a classic mistake for English speakers accustomed to saying 'I want to eat'.
- Word Order in Main Clauses
- In a standard declarative sentence, the present tense form 'vil' occupies the second position (V2 rule). If you start with a time expression, the verb still comes second: 'Nå vil jeg sove' (Now want I sleep).
Vi vil gjerne bestille nå.
The past tense form 'ville' is used to describe past desires: 'Da jeg var barn, ville jeg bli brannmann' (When I was a child, I wanted to become a firefighter). However, 'ville' is also the conditional form. To say 'I would like a coffee', you say 'Jeg ville gjerne ha en kaffe'. This subtle shift from 'vil' (want) to 'ville' (would want/like) adds a layer of politeness and hypothetical distance that is essential for social interactions.
- Negation with Ville
- To negate a desire, place 'ikke' (not) immediately after the modal verb: 'Jeg vil ikke ha kake'. In subordinate clauses, 'ikke' moves before the verb: '...fordi jeg ikke vil ha kake'.
Hvorfor ville du ikke være med?
Finally, the perfect tense 'har villet' is used when a desire has persisted over time: 'Jeg har alltid villet besøke Japan' (I have always wanted to visit Japan). This form is less common than the simple past but vital for expressing long-term ambitions or consistent preferences. Mastery of these patterns allows you to express not just what you are doing, but the motivations and dreams behind your actions.
In the real world, ville is heard in almost every social script in Norway. Walk into a bakery in Oslo, and the clerk will likely ask, 'Hva vil du ha?' (What do you want?). This isn't considered rude; it's the standard way to ask for your order. In this context, the word functions as a bridge between the customer's need and the service provided. You will also hear it frequently in the form of 'Vil du...?', which is the standard way to invite someone to do something, whether it's 'Vil du ha en kopp kaffe?' (Do you want a cup of coffee?) or 'Vil du gifte deg med meg?' (Do you want to marry me?).
- The Polite Conditional
- In formal settings or when talking to strangers, you will hear 'ville' used to soften requests. 'Jeg ville bare si...' (I just wanted to say...) is a common way to interrupt or start a conversation gently.
Det ville vært hyggelig.
On Norwegian television and in films, 'ville' is used to express dramatic intent. A villain might say, 'Jeg vil ha hevn' (I want revenge), while a protagonist might say, 'Jeg ville bare hjelpe' (I only wanted to help). The word carries the emotional weight of the speaker's internal drive. In news reports, you might hear it in the context of political will: 'Regjeringen vil endre loven' (The government wants to change the law). This indicates a policy goal rather than a guaranteed future event.
- Parental Language
- Parents constantly use 'vil' with children: 'Hva vil du nå?' (What do you want now?) or 'Du vil ikke det, vet du' (You don't want that, you know), often used to guide or redirect a child's desires.
Jeg vil ikke legge meg!
If you listen to Norwegian pop music, 'ville' appears in almost every chorus. It is the language of longing and 'kjærlighet' (love). Songs about wanting to be with someone, wanting to escape, or wanting to change the world all rely on this verb. By paying attention to how 'ville' is stressed in these songs, you can learn the natural rhythm of Norwegian desire.
The most prevalent mistake for learners is the 'False Friend' trap. Because 'vil' looks like 'will', many English speakers use it to express the future. If you say 'Det vil regne i morgen', a Norwegian will understand you, but it sounds slightly odd, as if the weather has a personal desire to rain. For a simple future statement without intent, 'kommer til å' or 'skal' is usually better. 'Vil' should be reserved for when there is an element of volition or willingness involved.
- The 'Å' Infinitiv Error
- As mentioned in the grammar section, never use 'å' after 'vil'. Incorrect: 'Jeg vil å gå'. Correct: 'Jeg vil gå'. This is a hard habit to break because 'want to' is so ingrained in English speakers.
Feil: Jeg vil å reise. Riktig: Jeg vil reise.
Another mistake involves the past tense 'ville' versus 'ønsket'. Learners often forget that 'ville' is perfectly fine for 'wanted'. They might try to overcomplicate the sentence. Also, be careful with the word order in questions. It must be 'Vil du...?' and not 'Du vil...?'. While the latter can be used to confirm something you already suspect, the former is the only correct way to ask a neutral question about someone's desires.
- Using 'Vil' for 'Would'
- English uses 'would' for past habits ('I would go there every summer'). Norwegian does NOT use 'ville' for this. You would use 'brukte å' or just the past tense. 'Ville' as 'would' is strictly for conditionals or past intentions.
Hva ville skjedd hvis...?
Finally, remember that 'vil' is an irregular verb. The present tense is 'vil', not 'viller'. The past is 'ville', and the perfect is 'villet'. Mixing these up (e.g., saying 'Jeg ville ha det nå' when you mean 'I want it now') can lead to confusion about whether you are talking about the past or the present. Practice the conjugation until it becomes second nature.
While ville is the most common way to express 'want', Norwegian offers several nuances for different contexts. The most frequent alternative is the phrase ha lyst på (have a desire for) or ha lyst til å (have a desire to). This is often perceived as slightly more casual and 'softer' than the direct 'vil'. If 'vil' is a statement of will, 'har lyst til' is an expression of a feeling or a craving.
- Ville vs. Ha lyst til
- 'Jeg vil trene' implies a decision or necessity. 'Jeg har lyst til å trene' implies that you actually feel like doing it. Use 'ha lyst på' for physical objects like food.
Jeg har lyst på kaffe.
Another alternative is skulle. While 'skulle' usually means 'should' or 'shall', in certain contexts, it expresses a planned desire. 'Jeg skal ha...' is a very common way to order in a restaurant, often sounding even more certain than 'Jeg vil ha'. Then there is kreve (to demand), which is a much stronger version of 'ville'. If you 'vil' something, you want it; if you 'krever' it, you are insisting on it. In formal writing, you might see trakte etter (to strive for/covet), though this is rare in daily speech.
- Ville vs. Ønske
- 'Ville' is for active intentions. 'Ønske' is for hopes and dreams. You 'vil' go to the store, but you 'ønsker' to win the lottery.
Hva ønsker du deg til jul?
Finally, consider the verb behage (to please), though it is mostly used in the reflexive 'som det behager deg' (as it pleases you). For learners, sticking to 'vil' and 'har lyst til' will cover 95% of situations. As you progress, adding 'ville gjerne' for politeness and 'ønske' for abstract desires will make your Norwegian sound much more natural and nuanced.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
In Old Norse, the verb was highly irregular, much like its modern Norwegian descendant. The shift from meaning 'future intention' to 'current desire' is a common path for modal verbs in many languages.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing the 'v' as a 'w'.
- Making the 'i' sound like 'ee' (veele).
- Dropping the final 'e' in spoken Norwegian.
- Not dwelling long enough on the double 'll'.
- Confusing the pronunciation of 'vil' (singular) and 'ville' (past).
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Very easy to recognize as it appears in almost every text.
Requires remembering to omit 'å' and the irregular conjugation.
Requires distinguishing between 'vil' and 'ville' for politeness.
Clear and distinct sound, often stressed in sentences.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Beispiele nach Niveau
Jeg vil ha en kopp kaffe.
I want a cup of coffee.
Present tense 'vil' + infinitive 'ha' without 'å'.
Vil du være med?
Do you want to join?
Question form: Verb comes first.
Han vil sove nå.
He wants to sleep now.
Subject + vil + infinitive.
Vi vil gjerne bestille.
We would like to order.
'Vil gjerne' is a polite way to say 'would like'.
Hva vil du ha til middag?
What do you want for dinner?
Question word 'Hva' + vil + subject.
Jeg vil ikke gå på skolen i dag.
I do not want to go to school today.
Negation 'ikke' comes after the modal verb 'vil'.
Hun vil bli lege.
She wants to become a doctor.
Expressing a future ambition.
Vil dere ha kake?
Do you (plural) want cake?
Plural 'dere' with 'vil'.
I går ville jeg se en film.
Yesterday I wanted to see a movie.
Past tense 'ville'.
De ville ikke høre på læreren.
They did not want to listen to the teacher.
Past tense negation.
Hvem ville ha denne boka?
Who wanted this book?
Questioning about past desire.
Jeg ville gjerne ha snakket med deg i går.
I would like to have spoken with you yesterday.
Conditional usage in the past.
Hun sa at hun ville komme senere.
She said that she wanted to come later.
Reported speech using 'ville'.
Ville du ha gjort det hvis du kunne?
Would you have done it if you could?
Hypothetical question.
Vi ville bare hjelpe til.
We only wanted to help out.
Past intention.
Hva ville skjedd hvis vi dro nå?
What would happen if we left now?
Conditional 'ville'.
Jeg har alltid villet reise til Nord-Norge.
I have always wanted to travel to Northern Norway.
Perfect tense 'har villet'.
Hvis jeg vant i lotto, ville jeg kjøpt et hus.
If I won the lottery, I would buy a house.
Conditional 'ville' in a result clause.
Han har ikke villet si sannheten.
He has not wanted to tell the truth.
Perfect tense negation.
Hva ville du gjort i min situasjon?
What would you do in my situation?
Hypothetical 'would'.
Jeg ville satt stor pris på din hjelp.
I would greatly appreciate your help.
Formal polite request.
Det ville vært bedre å vente til i morgen.
It would be better to wait until tomorrow.
Conditional 'would have been'.
Ingen ville tro på historien hans.
No one would believe his story.
Future in the past / Conditional.
Hvorfor har du ikke villet svare meg?
Why haven't you wanted to answer me?
Perfect tense question.
Det ville være uklokt å ignorere advarslene.
It would be unwise to ignore the warnings.
Conditional 'would'.
Hun ville for enhver pris unngå en konflikt.
She wanted to avoid a conflict at any cost.
Past intention with emphasis.
Mange ville nok si seg uenige i dette.
Many would probably disagree with this.
Expressing probability/hypothesis.
Prosjektet ville ikke ha lyktes uten deg.
The project would not have succeeded without you.
Conditional perfect.
Han ville gjerne ha oss til å tro at alt var i orden.
He wanted to have us believe that everything was fine.
Past intention with causative 'få til å'.
Hva ville du frem til med det spørsmålet?
What were you getting at with that question?
Idiomatic use of 'ville frem til'.
Det ville vært en overdrivelse å si at vi var rike.
It would be an exaggeration to say that we were rich.
Conditional evaluation.
De ville ikke la seg stoppe av litt regn.
They would not let themselves be stopped by a little rain.
Past persistence/intention.
Enhver som ville ha dristet seg dit, ville ha angret.
Anyone who would have dared to go there, would have regretted it.
Double conditional structure.
Det ville være å skyte seg selv i foten.
That would be shooting oneself in the foot.
Metaphorical conditional.
Han ville ikke vedkjenne seg ansvaret.
He would not acknowledge the responsibility.
Past refusal/will.
Dette ville i så fall innebære en radikal endring.
This would in that case entail a radical change.
Formal hypothetical consequence.
Ville det ikke vært mer hensiktsmessig å spørre først?
Would it not have been more appropriate to ask first?
Rhetorical conditional question.
Hun ville ha det til at det var min feil.
She insisted that it was my fault.
Idiomatic 'ville ha det til' (to claim/insist).
Hva enn som måtte skje, ville han forbli trofast.
Whatever might happen, he would remain faithful.
Conditional of persistence.
Det ville ha vært utenkelig for bare ti år siden.
It would have been unthinkable only ten years ago.
Retrospective conditional.
Man ville kanskje formode at saken var avsluttet.
One might perhaps assume that the matter was closed.
Formal hypothetical 'man ville'.
Ville det ikke være for dristig å konkludere slik?
Would it not be too bold to conclude thus?
Elevated rhetorical style.
Naturen ville det annerledes.
Nature willed it otherwise.
Personification of 'vilje' through the verb.
Han ville neppe ha antatt dimensjonene av krisen.
He would hardly have assumed the dimensions of the crisis.
Complex modal with adverbial nuance.
Hva ville vel livet vært uten musikk?
What indeed would life have been without music?
Poetic/Philosophical conditional.
Det ville være ensbetydende med politisk selvmord.
It would be synonymous with political suicide.
Formal metaphorical usage.
Skjebnen ville at de skulle møtes igjen.
Fate willed that they should meet again.
Narrative 'ville' expressing destiny.
Ville man ha kunnet forutse denne utviklingen?
Would one have been able to foresee this development?
Complex passive-like conditional question.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— What do you want? Used to ask for someone's desire or intention.
Hva vil du med dette?
— I would like... The standard polite way to make a request.
Jeg vil gjerne ha regningen.
— What does that mean? Used to ask for a definition or clarification.
Hva vil det si å være 'snill'?
— Well, 'want' is a strong word... Used when one is hesitant about a desire.
Vil og vil, jeg må vel gjøre det.
— I insist that... Used to state a firm opinion or claim.
Jeg vil ha det til at han løy.
— Would you be so kind? A very polite addition to a request.
Lukk døra, vil du være så snill?
— That is to say / i.e. Used to provide an alternative explanation.
Han er min bror, det vil si min halvbror.
— Do you want to come along? A standard invitation.
Vi skal på kino. Vil du være med?
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— Where are you going with this? What is your point?
Jeg skjønner ikke helt hvor du vil hen med denne historien.
Informal— A will of steel. Having very strong determination.
Hun har en vilje av stål.
Neutral— Where there is a will, there is a way.
Vi skal klare det; der det er vilje, er det vei.
Neutral— To wish someone well / to have good intentions for someone.
Jeg vil deg bare vel.
Neutral— To want nothing to do with someone.
Etter krangelen ville hun ikke vite av ham.
Informal— Whatever you want. Expressing complete freedom of choice.
Du kan velge hva enn du vil.
NeutralWortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of the word 'Will'. In English, 'Will' is future, but in Norwegian, 'Vil' is what you want *now*. Imagine a 'Will' who always 'Wants' things.
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a child pointing at a toy. The child's name is 'Vil' and he is pointing because he 'wants' it.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to use 'vil' in five different sentences today: once for food, once for an activity, once to ask a friend a question, once for a future goal, and once with 'gjerne' to be polite.
Wortherkunft
Derived from the Old Norse verb 'vilja'. It shares the same Proto-Germanic root as the English 'will', German 'wollen', and Dutch 'willen'.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To wish, to desire, or to be willing.
North Germanic / Indo-European.Kultureller Kontext
Be careful not to sound too demanding with 'vil' in service situations; always add 'gjerne' to remain polite.
English speakers often confuse 'vil' with the future 'will'. In English, 'I will go' is a statement of fact about the future. In Norwegian, 'Jeg vil gå' sounds like 'I want to go'.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Restaurant
- Jeg vil ha...
- Vi vil gjerne bestille.
- Hva vil du anbefale?
- Jeg vil gjerne ha regningen.
Shopping
- Jeg vil se på den.
- Hva vil den koste?
- Jeg vil gjerne bytte denne.
- Vil du ha pose?
Socializing
- Vil du bli med?
- Hva vil du gjøre?
- Jeg vil gjerne invitere deg.
- Hvem ville du snakke med?
Work
- Jeg vil diskutere dette.
- Hva vil vi oppnå?
- Jeg ville bare si...
- Vi vil gjerne ha et møte.
Summary
The Norwegian 'ville' (present 'vil') primarily means 'to want'. Never use 'å' after 'vil'. For example: 'Jeg vil ha kaffe' (I want coffee). Use 'vil gjerne' to be more polite.
- The verb 'ville' means 'to want' or 'to intend'.
- The present tense is 'vil', and the past/conditional is 'ville'.
- It is a modal verb, so do not use 'å' after it.
- It often indicates intention rather than just the future.
Verwandte Inhalte
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Verwandte Redewendungen
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adgang
B1Zugang oder Eintritt zu einem Ort oder einer Dienstleistung. Zum Beispiel: 'Der Zutritt zu diesem Bereich ist strengstens untersagt.'
adresse
A1Eine Adresse ist der Ort, an dem jemand wohnt. Im Norwegischen schreibt man es mit nur einem 'd'.
aften
B1evening, a slightly more formal term for kveld
alder
A1age
aldri
A1never
alle
A1'Alle' bedeutet auf Deutsch 'alle' oder 'jeder' (im Plural).
allerede
A2already
alltid
A1always
anbefaling
B1a suggestion that something is good
annen
A1other
