A2 Expressions & Patterns 6 min read Leicht

Giving Suggestions

Master 'Ska vi' and 'Vad sägs om' to navigate Swedish social life and the essential fika culture.
Als gelernt markieren
Practice it

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'Ska vi...?' for direct suggestions and 'Vad sägs om...?' for open-ended ideas to sound natural in Swedish.

  • Use 'Ska vi' + infinitive for 'Shall we' (e.g., Ska vi fika?)
  • Use 'Vad sägs om' + noun/verb for 'What about' (e.g., Vad sägs om kaffe?)
  • Use 'Vi kan' for a gentle, helpful suggestion (e.g., Vi kan gå nu.)
Ska + vi + Verb (infinitive) + ?

Overview

## Overview: The Social Glue of Sweden
In Swedish culture, making suggestions is more than just sharing an idea; it is the primary way social bonds are formed and maintained. Whether you are suggesting a fika (the iconic Swedish coffee break), a business strategy, or a weekend trip, the way you phrase your suggestion matters. Swedes value consensus and 'lagom' (just the right amount), so suggestions are often phrased as questions to allow the other person space to agree or disagree politely.
The most fundamental tool in your kit is the verb ska. While it often translates to 'shall' or 'will', in the context of Ska vi...?, it is the standard, friendly way to initiate plans. Understanding these patterns allows you to move from a passive observer to an active participant in Swedish life.
We will look at direct forms like Ska vi...?, softer forms like Vi kan..., and the very useful Vad sägs om...? which is perfect for negotiating times and places.
## How to Form Suggestions
There are three main structures you need to master at the A2 level:
  1. 1The 'Ska vi' Question: This follows the standard V2 (Verb-Second) rule for questions. Start with the auxiliary verb ska, followed by the subject vi, and then the main verb in its infinitive form (the base form without 'att').
  • *Structure*: Ska + vi + [Infinitive Verb] + ?
  • *Example*: Ska vi dansa? (Shall we dance?)
  1. 1The 'Vad sägs om' Phrase: This is a fixed expression. It can be followed by a noun or a verb phrase starting with att.
  • *Structure*: Vad sägs om + [Noun/Verb Phrase] + ?
  • *Example*: Vad sägs om en fika? (What about a coffee break?)
  1. 1The 'Vi kan' Statement: This is a declarative sentence used as a suggestion. It feels less like a question and more like pointing out a possibility.
  • *Structure*: Vi + kan + [Infinitive Verb].
  • *Example*: Vi kan ses imorgon. (We can meet tomorrow.)
To make any of these negative, simply add inte after the first verb: Ska vi inte gå? (Shall we not go? / Why don't we go?).
## When to Use Each Form
Choosing the right form depends on the situation.
  • Texting and Social Media: Use Ska vi...? for quick plans. It's direct and expected. If you're suggesting a specific time in a group chat, Vad sägs om kl. 18? is the gold standard.
  • Work Meetings: Swedes prefer a democratic approach. Instead of saying 'We must do this,' try Vi skulle kunna... (We could...) or Vad tror ni om...? (What do you think about...?). This invites feedback and avoids sounding bossy.
  • Travel and Ordering Food: When with friends, use Ska vi dela på en pizza? (Shall we share a pizza?). It sounds much more inclusive than 'I want to share a pizza.'
  • Dating: Ska vi ses någon dag? (Shall we meet some day?) is a classic, low-pressure way to ask someone out. The 'någon dag' adds a layer of Swedish politeness by not forcing a specific deadline immediately.
## Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest hurdle for English speakers is the literal translation of 'What about...'. Many learners say Vad om...?, which is grammatically incorrect in Swedish. You must use Vad sägs om...? or Hur är det med...?.
Another common error is using the present tense instead of the infinitive after ska.
  • *Wrong*: Ska vi går?
  • *Correct*: Ska vi gå?
Finally, be careful with the verb vill (want). In English, we often say 'Do you want to go?', but in Swedish, Vill du gå? can sometimes sound like you are asking about their deep desires or if they are bored and want to leave. Ska vi gå? is much more common for a simple suggestion to move to the next activity.
## Ska vi vs. Vill vi
Learners often confuse Ska vi...? and Vill vi...?.
Ska vi...? is a functional suggestion. It's about the plan. If you say Ska vi äta?, you are proposing that now is the time to eat.
Vill vi...? (or more commonly Vill du...?) asks about preference or desire. If you ask Vill du äta?, you are asking if the person is hungry.
In many social contexts, Ska vi is the 'safer' and more natural choice because it focuses on the shared activity rather than the individual's internal state. However, if you want to be extra polite and ensure the other person actually *wants* to do the activity, you can combine them: Har du lust att...? (Do you feel like...?).
## CEFR-Level Explanations
A1: At this level, focus on the simplest way to suggest something: 'Ska vi' + a verb. Think of it like 'Shall we'. You can use it for 'Ska vi fika?' (Shall we have coffee?) or 'Ska vi gå?' (Shall we go?).
It is a very useful phrase for making friends. You also learn 'Vi kan' which means 'We can'. It is a simple way to give an idea.
A2: Now you can add more variety. Use 'Vad sägs om...?' for 'What about...?'. This is great for suggesting a time like 'Vad sägs om klockan tre?'.
You should also practice using 'Varför inte...?' (Why not...?). Remember that after 'ska' and 'kan', the next verb must be in the infinitive form (the basic form, like 'äta', 'sova', 'gå').
B1: At the intermediate level, you start using the conditional 'skulle' to sound more polite. 'Vi skulle kunna...' (We could...) is less direct than 'Vi kan'. You also learn to use 'kanske' (maybe) to soften your suggestions: 'Vi kanske kan ses på lördag?'.
You can also use 'Vad tror du om...?' to ask for the other person's opinion on your suggestion, which is very common in Swedish workplaces.
B2: You should now distinguish between different registers. In formal settings, you might use 'Får jag föreslå...?' (May I suggest...?). You also understand the nuance of 'väl'.
Adding 'väl' to a suggestion like 'Vi ska väl gå nu?' implies that you expect the other person to agree. You can also use more complex structures like 'Skulle det passa om vi...?' (Would it suit if we...?).
C1: At this advanced stage, you use suggestions to navigate complex social hierarchies and subtle negotiations. You might use idiomatic expressions like 'Vad tror du om att slå våra kloka huvuden ihop?' (What do you think about putting our wise heads together?). You also master the use of 'ju' and 'nog' to add pragmatic nuance, making your suggestions sound more natural and less like a textbook.
C2: Mastery involves using suggestions rhetorically or to manage group dynamics with near-native precision. You can employ archaic or highly formal structures for stylistic effect, or use extremely clipped, colloquial forms in specific dialects. You understand the historical evolution of 'skall' to 'ska' and how this affects the perceived tone of a written proposal versus a spoken suggestion.

Meanings

The art of proposing an action, idea, or plan to others using specific auxiliary verbs or fixed idiomatic phrases.

1

Direct Invitation

Using 'Ska vi' to propose a joint activity immediately or in the near future.

“Ska vi äta lunch?”

“Ska vi ses klockan fem?”

2

Soft Suggestion

Using 'Vi kan' or 'Vi skulle kunna' to offer an option without being pushy.

“Vi kan titta på en film.”

“Vi skulle kunna åka tåg istället.”

3

Alternative Proposal

Using 'Vad sägs om' to suggest an alternative or a specific time/place.

“Vad sägs om på lördag?”

“Vad sägs om att gå till parken?”

4

Rhetorical/Negative Suggestion

Using 'Varför inte' to suggest something by asking why it shouldn't be done.

“Varför inte prova något nytt?”

“Varför inte ringa henne nu?”

Common Verbs for Suggestions

Infinitive Present Past Meaning in Suggestions
Ska Ska Skulle Shall / Should
Kan Kan Kunde Can / Could
Bör Bör Borde Ought to / Should
Vill Vill Ville Want / Would like
Föreslå Föreslår Föreslog To suggest

Spoken vs. Written Forms

Written Spoken (Common) Context
Skall vi Ska vi Formal vs. Standard
Vad sägs om Vassägsom Fast speech
Skulle vi Skulle vi / Skulle'vi Standard

Reference Table

Reference table for Giving Suggestions
Form Structure Example
Direct Question Ska vi + verb? Ska vi äta?
Soft Statement Vi kan + verb. Vi kan ses sen.
Alternative Vad sägs om + noun? Vad sägs om kaffe?
Negative Suggestion Ska vi inte + verb? Ska vi inte gå?
Polite Question Skulle vi kunna + verb? Skulle vi kunna prata?
Why not Varför inte + verb? Varför inte ringa?
Opinion-based Vad tror du om + noun? Vad tror du om idén?
Invitation Har du lust att + verb? Har du lust att fika?

Formalitätsspektrum

Formell
Får jag föreslå att vi intar måltiden nu?

Får jag föreslå att vi intar måltiden nu? (Dinner time)

Neutral
Ska vi äta nu?

Ska vi äta nu? (Dinner time)

Informell
Ska vi käka?

Ska vi käka? (Dinner time)

Umgangssprache
Dags för krubb?

Dags för krubb? (Dinner time)

Ways to Suggest in Swedish

Att ge förslag

Direct

  • Ska vi...? Shall we...?

Open-ended

  • Vad sägs om...? What about...?

Polite

  • Vi skulle kunna... We could...

Directness Scale

Very Direct
Ska vi! Let's!
Neutral
Ska vi...? Shall we...?
Soft
Vi skulle kunna... We could...

Choosing a Suggestion Form

1

Is it a specific action?

YES
Use 'Ska vi...?'
NO
Go to next step
2

Is it a time or place?

YES
Use 'Vad sägs om...?'
NO
Use 'Vi kan...'

Suggestion Keywords

🏃

Verbs

  • • Ska
  • • Kan
  • • Borde
  • • Föreslå
💬

Phrases

  • • Vad sägs om
  • • Varför inte
  • • Vad tror du
Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

Ska vi fika?

Shall we have coffee?

2

Ska vi gå nu?

Shall we go now?

3

Vi kan äta pizza.

We can eat pizza.

4

Ska vi ses imorgon?

Shall we meet tomorrow?

1

Vad sägs om en promenad?

What about a walk?

2

Varför inte gå på bio?

Why not go to the cinema?

3

Vad sägs om klockan sju?

What about seven o'clock?

4

Vi kan kanske ses på stan?

Maybe we can meet in town?

1

Vi skulle kunna ta bussen.

We could take the bus.

2

Vad tror du om det här förslaget?

What do you think about this proposal?

3

Skulle du vilja gå ut och äta?

Would you like to go out and eat?

4

Man kanske skulle ringa polisen?

Maybe one should call the police?

1

Jag föreslår att vi ajournerar mötet.

I suggest that we adjourn the meeting.

2

Vi borde väl börja snart?

Shouldn't we start soon?

3

Vad sägs om att vi delar på kostnaden?

What about us sharing the cost?

4

Skulle det sitta fint med en glass?

Would a glass of ice cream hit the spot?

1

Vore det inte på sin plats med en ursäkt?

Wouldn't an apology be in order?

2

Man kan ju tänka sig att vi gör tvärtom.

One could imagine us doing the opposite.

3

Jag ställer mig frågande till om vi inte bör omvärdera detta.

I question whether we shouldn't re-evaluate this.

4

Vad sägs om att vi lägger korten på bordet?

What about us putting the cards on the table?

1

Måhända vore det klädsamt med en gnutta ödmjukhet?

Perhaps a touch of humility would be becoming?

2

Låt oss för ett ögonblick anta att förslaget vinner gehör.

Let us for a moment assume the proposal gains traction.

3

Skulle det händelsevis passa herrn att intaga supén nu?

Would it perchance suit the gentleman to have supper now?

4

Vi torde nog överväga konsekvenserna mer djupgående.

We ought probably to consider the consequences more deeply.

Easily Confused

Giving Suggestions vs. Ska vs. Kommer att

Both refer to the future, but 'ska' implies intent or a suggestion, while 'kommer att' is a prediction.

Giving Suggestions vs. Vad sägs om vs. Vad tycker du om

'Vad sägs om' is for making a proposal. 'Vad tycker du om' is for asking an opinion on something that already exists.

Giving Suggestions vs. Borde vs. Måste

'Borde' is a suggestion (should), while 'måste' is a requirement (must).

Häufige Fehler

✗

Vill vi fika?

✓

Ska vi fika?

Using 'want' sounds like asking about a deep desire rather than making a plan.
✗

Ska vi går?

✓

Ska vi gå?

You must use the infinitive (gå) after 'ska', not the present tense (går).
✗

Vi ska fika?

✓

Ska vi fika?

In questions, the verb must come before the subject.
✗

Ska fika?

✓

Ska vi fika?

Swedish usually requires the subject 'vi' to be present.
✗

Vad om klockan två?

✓

Vad sägs om klockan två?

'Vad om' is a literal translation of 'What about' and is not used in Swedish.
✗

Vad sägs klockan två?

✓

Vad sägs om klockan två?

The preposition 'om' is mandatory in this phrase.
✗

Varför inte vi går?

✓

Varför går vi inte?

In a 'Varför' question, the verb follows the question word, then the subject, then 'inte'.
✗

Vi kan kanske att ses.

✓

Vi kan kanske ses.

Do not use 'att' after modal verbs like 'kan'.
✗

Jag föreslår oss att gå.

✓

Jag föreslår att vi går.

The verb 'föreslå' usually takes a subclause with 'att', not an object + infinitive.

Sentence Patterns

Ska vi ___?

Vad sägs om ___?

Vi skulle kunna ___.

Varför inte ___?

Real World Usage

Texting a friend constant

Ska vi ses kl 5?

Fika invitation very common

Ska vi ta en fika?

Work meeting common

Vad sägs om att vi ändrar strategin?

Ordering food with a group common

Ska vi dela på en stor pizza?

Travel planning occasional

Vi skulle kunna hyra en bil.

Dating occasional

Ska vi gå på en promenad någon dag?

Sign up free to see all examples
🎯

The 'Kanske' Trick

Add 'kanske' (maybe) to any suggestion to sound 50% more Swedish and 100% more polite. 'Ska vi kanske gå?'
⚠️

Avoid 'Vad om'

Never say 'Vad om' for 'What about'. It's the most common giveaway that you're translating from English.
💬

Consensus is Key

In Sweden, suggestions are often a way to test the waters. If someone says 'Vi kan ju...', they are often waiting for your enthusiastic agreement.
💡

Use the Infinitive

Always double-check that your main verb is in the infinitive. 'Ska vi ses' (not 'ser').

Smart Tips

Use 'skulle kunna' instead of 'kan'.

Vi kan gå nu. → Vi skulle kunna gå nu.

Always use 'Vad sägs om' followed by the time.

Ska vi ses klockan fem? → Vad sägs om klockan fem?

Add 'kanske' after 'vi'.

Ska vi ses? → Ska vi kanske ses?

Use 'Eller ska vi...?' at the end of your first suggestion.

Ska vi äta pizza? → Ska vi äta pizza, eller ska vi laga mat?

Aussprache

/ska/

The 'Ska' sound

The 'sk' is a hard 'sk' sound, and the 'a' is short.

/va sɛːgs ɔm/

Vad sägs om

In fast speech, 'sägs om' often blends together, sounding like 'sä-ssom'.

Rising Intonation

Ska vi fika? ↗

Indicates a friendly, open-ended question.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Remember 'Ska' for 'Shall' and 'Vi' for 'We'. SKA VI is the key to the Swedish tea (fika)!

Visual Association

Imagine a giant coffee cup (fika) with the words 'SKA VI?' written on it in bright yellow. This is the most important social question in Sweden.

Rhyme

Ska vi gå, eller ska vi stå? (Shall we go, or shall we stand?)

Story

Sven wants to meet his friend. He doesn't say 'I want coffee'. He says 'Ska vi fika?'. His friend says 'Vad sägs om klockan två?'. They agree and use 'Vi kan ses på stan'.

Word Web

SkaViFikaGåSesKanskeBordeSägs

Herausforderung

Text a Swedish friend (or an AI) and suggest three different things using 'Ska vi', 'Vad sägs om', and 'Vi kan'.

Kulturelle Hinweise

The 'Fika' invitation is the most common use of this grammar. It's often an informal suggestion that can happen multiple times a day.

Suggestions are preferred over commands. Even a boss might say 'Vi kanske kan...' to sound more collaborative.

Suggestions in Finland-Swedish can sometimes be slightly more direct than in Sweden-Swedish, but 'Ska vi' remains standard.

The verb 'ska' comes from the Old Norse 'skulu', which meant 'to owe' or 'to be obliged'. Over time, it shifted from obligation to future intent and suggestions.

Conversation Starters

“

Ska vi göra något i helgen?

“

Jag är hungrig. Vad sägs om pizza?

“

Vi skulle kunna åka till skärgården. Vad tror du?

“

Varför inte prova den nya restaurangen på hörnet?

Journal Prompts

Write a text message to a friend suggesting a day out in Stockholm.
Imagine you are at a work meeting. Suggest three ways to improve the office environment.
Write a dialogue between two people trying to decide what to eat for dinner.
Argue for a change in your local community using polite suggestions.
Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Choose the correct way to suggest a coffee break. Multiple Choice

___ vi fika?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ska
'Ska vi' is the standard way to make a suggestion.
Complete the phrase for 'What about tomorrow?'.

Vad sägs ___ imorgon?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: om
The fixed phrase is 'Vad sägs om'.
Correct the mistake in this sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Ska vi går på bio?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ska vi gå på bio?
Use the infinitive 'gå' after 'ska'.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Varför ska vi inte äta?
Question word + Verb + Subject + 'inte' + Main Verb.
Translate 'We could meet at five.' Übersetzung

We could meet at five.

Answer starts with: Vi ...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Vi skulle kunna ses klockan fem.
'Could' translates best to 'skulle kunna' for suggestions.
Match the Swedish suggestion with its English meaning. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Shall we, 2-What about, 3-We can
Direct matches for the three main forms.
What is the most natural response to 'Jag är trött' (I am tired)? Dialogue Completion

Person A: Jag är trött. Person B: ___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: All of the above
All are valid suggestions based on the context.
Build a suggestion using 'Ska', 'vi', and 'träffas'. Sentence Building

Ska + vi + träffas

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ska vi träffas?
Verb-Subject-Main Verb is the correct order.

Score: /8

Ubungsaufgaben

8 exercises
Choose the correct way to suggest a coffee break. Multiple Choice

___ vi fika?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ska
'Ska vi' is the standard way to make a suggestion.
Complete the phrase for 'What about tomorrow?'.

Vad sägs ___ imorgon?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: om
The fixed phrase is 'Vad sägs om'.
Correct the mistake in this sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Ska vi går på bio?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ska vi gå på bio?
Use the infinitive 'gå' after 'ska'.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

inte / varför / vi / äta / ska / ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Varför ska vi inte äta?
Question word + Verb + Subject + 'inte' + Main Verb.
Translate 'We could meet at five.' Übersetzung

We could meet at five.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Vi skulle kunna ses klockan fem.
'Could' translates best to 'skulle kunna' for suggestions.
Match the Swedish suggestion with its English meaning. Match Pairs

1. Ska vi? 2. Vad sägs om? 3. Vi kan.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Shall we, 2-What about, 3-We can
Direct matches for the three main forms.
What is the most natural response to 'Jag är trött' (I am tired)? Dialogue Completion

Person A: Jag är trött. Person B: ___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: All of the above
All are valid suggestions based on the context.
Build a suggestion using 'Ska', 'vi', and 'träffas'. Sentence Building

Ska + vi + träffas

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ska vi träffas?
Verb-Subject-Main Verb is the correct order.

Score: /8

FAQ (8)

Yes, if the context is clear (like pointing at a door to leave), you can just say `Ska vi?`.

It's neutral to informal. In very formal settings, you might use `Får jag föreslå...`.

`Låt oss` (Let us) is much more formal and often used in speeches or writing. `Ska vi` is the everyday spoken version.

It's like saying 'Why don't we...'. It's a very common way to make a suggestion feel more like an invitation.

Not really. That asks for an opinion. Use `Vad tror du om att...` if you want to suggest an idea and get feedback.

Both work, but `Ska vi fika?` is more common because 'fika' is used as a verb in Swedish.

You can jokingly say `Vad sägs om nej?`, but it's quite blunt!

No, it often just marks the future tense or intent. In suggestions, it's the most natural equivalent to 'Shall we'.

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

English high

Shall we / What about

English uses 'Do you want to' as a suggestion more often than Swedish uses 'Vill du'.

German high

Sollen wir / Wie wäre es mit

German word order in suggestions can be more complex with separable verbs.

French moderate

Et si on... / On pourrait...

French uses the imperfect tense for suggestions, whereas Swedish uses the infinitive.

Spanish moderate

¿Y si...? / ¿Qué tal si...?

Spanish omits the subject pronoun, while Swedish usually keeps 'vi'.

Japanese partial

~mashou ka / ~wa dou desu ka

Japanese suggestions are heavily influenced by politeness levels (keigo), which is less prominent in Swedish.

Arabic low

Mā ra’yuka fī... / Hayyā binā

Arabic uses a noun-based 'opinion' structure more frequently for suggestions.

Chinese low

...ba / ...hao ma?

Swedish uses word order and auxiliary verbs at the start of the sentence, while Chinese uses particles at the end.

Previous
Giving Commands
Next
Imperative in Context

Related Grammar Rules

A0

Greetings (Hälsningsfraser)

## Overview Swedish greetings are refreshingly egalitarian. Unlike many other European languages, Swedish does not have...
A2

Giving Commands

## Overview The imperative mood in Swedish is remarkably straightforward. Unlike many other languages that require compl...
A0

Introductions (Att presentera sig)

## Overview Introducing yourself in Swedish is straightforward and friendly. The most essential phrase is `Jag heter`, w...
A0

Dining Phrases

## Overview Dining in Sweden is a relaxed but polite affair. Whether you are in a bustling Stockholm cafe or a cozy rest...
A2

Future Intentions

## Overview In Swedish, talking about the future is surprisingly simple. Unlike English, which uses 'will' or 'going to'...
Was this helpful?

Kommentare (0)

Zum Kommentieren Anmelden
Noch keine Kommentare. Sei der Erste, der seine Gedanken teilt!