Introduction to “Werden”
The verb “werden” is one of the most versatile verbs in German. It can mean “to become” or “to get” when used alone, but it’s also essential for forming the future tense and the passive voice. Understanding “werden” and its uses will significantly improve your German skills.
Conjugation of “Werden” in the Present Tense
| Person |
Conjugation |
| Ich |
werde |
| Du |
wirst |
| Er/Sie/Es |
wird |
| Wir |
werden |
| Ihr |
werdet |
| Sie/sie |
werden |
Uses of “Werden”
1. “Werden” as “To Become” or “To Get”
When used alone, “werden” means “to become” or “to get,” indicating a change of state.
- Ich werde müde. (I’m getting tired.)
- Er wird Arzt. (He is becoming a doctor.)
- Sie wird 18 Jahre alt. (She is turning 18 years old.)
2. “Werden” in the Future Tense
“Werden” is used as an auxiliary verb to form the future tense. In this case, “werden” is conjugated, and the main verb is placed at the end in its infinitive form.
- Ich werde morgen einkaufen. (I will go shopping tomorrow.)
- Wir werden nächste Woche reisen. (We will travel next week.)
- Sie werden bald hier sein. (They will be here soon.)
3. “Werden” in the Passive Voice
“Werden” is also used to form the passive voice. Here, “werden” is conjugated, and the main verb is placed at the end in its past participle form.
- Das Auto wird repariert. (The car is being repaired.)
- Die Arbeit wird gemacht. (The work is being done.)
- Der Brief wird geschrieben. (The letter is being written.)
Practice with “Werden”
Below are some sentences using “werden” in various contexts. Try to identify how “werden” is being used in each one:
- 1. Er wird bald zurückkommen. (He will come back soon.) - Future Tense
- 2. Sie wird Lehrerin. (She is becoming a teacher.) - To Become
- 3. Das Projekt wird beendet. (The project is being completed.) - Passive Voice
- 4. Ich werde dir helfen. (I will help you.) - Future Tense
- 5. Wir werden nervös. (We are getting nervous.) - To Become