Ich werde
In German, the phrase for "I will" is Ich werde.
The phrase is used to express that someone intends to do something in the future.
What does it mean word for word?
The word werden means "to become", and in this phrase, it is conjugated to match the subject.
Which one should you use?
While Ich werde can be used to express future intent, it also means "I am becoming" (for example, Ich werde alt for "I am becoming old").
How does it change in a sentence?
When using Ich werde to express the future, the verb must be conjugated to match the subject. For "ich", the form is werde. Additionally, the main verb must be placed at the very end of the sentence in its infinitive form.
Did you know?
- While Ich werde expresses a future plan, the word will in German actually means 'want' and expresses a strong desire or demand.
- The word werde is the root of the English word 'weird', via the Old English 'wyrd' meaning 'fate' or 'that which becomes'.
- In casual conversation, Germans often avoid Ich werde entirely and use the present tense with a time marker to express the future, such as saying Ich gehe morgen for 'I will go tomorrow'.
Examples in context
- Ich werde Sie töten.I will kill you.This sentence demonstrates the phrase used with a verb of action.Tatoeba #2270938 by Vortarulo, translation #1111435 by Scott
- Ich werde müde sein.I will be tired.This sentence shows the phrase used to describe a future state.Tatoeba #4770119 by Tamy, translation #11160071 by sundown
- Ich werde es lernen.I will learn.This sentence illustrates the placement of the infinitive verb at the end of the sentence.Tatoeba #4943098 by Hans_Adler, translation #854406 by piksea
- Ich werde Sie später anrufen.I will call you later.
- Ich werde mein Bestes tun.I will do my best.
- Ich werde dir helfen.I will help you.
- Ich mach'sI will do it.
- 657 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are planning their evening.
- HannahIch werde heute Abend Pizza bestellen.I will order pizza tonight.
- JulianDas klingt super, ich helfe dir.That sounds great, I will help you.
- HannahIch werde auch einen Salat kaufen.I will also buy a salad.
- JulianPerfekt, dann haben wir etwas Gesundes.Perfect, then we have something healthy.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
