Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| erwachsen werden | |
| aufwachsen | /ˈaʊ̯fˌvaksən/ |
| erwachsen |
The phrase erwachsen werden is used to describe the process of becoming an adult, whether in a biological or social sense. It translates literally to 'to become an adult.'
Which one should you use?
The forms in German vary depending on whether you are discussing a person's environment or their transition to adulthood. Use aufwachsen to describe the process of growing up in a specific place or environment. In contrast, use erwachsen werden to focus on the transition to adulthood and the process of becoming an adult. For the physical aspect of growing up, such as getting taller, you might use the expression Groß werden, which means 'to grow big.'
How does it change in a sentence?
The word erwachsen can function as an adjective meaning 'grown-up' or 'adult' in addition to being part of the verb phrase erwachsen werden.
When do people say it?
The phrase Werde endlich erwachsen! is used as an imperative to tell someone to stop acting childishly.
Did you know?
- In some German dialects, the words wollen and sollen are still used as future auxiliaries instead of werden.
- The adjective erwachsen can be used as a noun to refer to an adult, and in this form it is always capitalized as Erwachsene.
Examples in context
- Werde endlich erwachsen, Joe.Grow up, Joe.This example shows how to use erwachsen in an imperative to tell someone to grow up.Tatoeba #3367790 by Manfredo, translation #52988 by CN
- Werde endlich erwachsen, Tom.Grow up, Tom.Tatoeba #6471473 by wolfgangth, translation #2549791 by CK
- Wann wirst du endlich erwachsen?When will you grow up?This example uses erwachsen to ask a question about when someone will grow up.Tatoeba #12185850 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #12137422 by sundown
- Komm schon, du musst endlich erwachsen werden und Verantwortung übernehmen.Come on, you finally have to grow up and take responsibility.
- Meine kleine Schwester wird so schnell groß!My little sister is growing up so fast!
- Mit der Zeit wirst du noch reifer werden und deine Meinung ändern.With time you will become even more mature and change your opinion.
- Die Jugendlichen müssen lernen, mit den Herausforderungen des Heranwachsens umzugehen.Young people must learn to deal with the challenges of growing up.
- Im Laufe der Zeit entwickeln sich Kinder zu erwachsenen Personen, die ihren eigenen Weg im Leben finden müssen.Over time, children develop into adults who must find their own way in life.
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their childhood and future goals in a cafe.
- MaximilianIch möchte schnell erwachsen werden.I want to grow up quickly.
- LauraAber du bist noch so jung, Maximilian.But you are still so young, Maximilian.
- MaximilianIch will endlich erwachsen werden und arbeiten.I finally want to grow up and work.
- LauraLass dir Zeit, mein lieber Freund.Take your time, my dear friend.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grow up” translations and entries aufwachsen, erwachsen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aufwachsen, erwachsen, werden, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
