86. Ongoing Action: Håller på att...

How do you say “I’m working” or “I’m eating” in Swedish? Unlike English, Swedish doesn’t have a special -ing form. But we do have some useful ways to talk about actions that are happening right now!

In this episode, we’ll look at two common Swedish constructions: hålla på att and sitta och. What’s the difference between Jag jobbar, Jag håller på att jobba and Jag sitter och jobbar?

We’ll also learn how to use hålla på med, as well as expressions like stå och vänta and ligga och läsa. And most importantly, when you actually need these constructions and when the ordinary present tense is enough.

Study materials and exercises:
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