presens

Presens is the term used in many Germanic-language grammars to refer to the present tense of verbs. It marks actions that occur now, as well as habitual actions and general truths. The exact form and use of presens vary by language, but it is typically a finite verb form that agrees with the subject and situates the action in the present time frame. The term is commonly applied in the grammar descriptions of Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Dutch, and German.

In Swedish, presens is formed by simple verb inflection and is used for most statements referring to the present; the language generally does not have a separate present continuous aspect. For example: jag arbetar och bor använder presens in everyday statements. In German, Präsens can also express near-future meaning when combined with time-marking adverbs: Ich komme morgen. In Dutch, presens similarly marks present actions and states.

Some languages distinguish a present simple from a present continuous, while others use presens to cover both functions or rely on additional constructions to express ongoing actions. The present tense contrasts with past tenses (such as imperfect or present perfect) and with future forms. Etymology: the term derives from Latin praesens, meaning “present” or “being at hand.”