Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| werden | /ˈveːʁdən/ |
| present tense form is often used |
The verb werden is used as an auxiliary verb to indicate a future action. While it functions as an auxiliary to express "will", it also functions as a main verb meaning "to become". Additionally, German speakers often use the present tense (Präsens) instead of werden to express a future action, provided a time indicator like "tomorrow" is included in the sentence.
Which one should you use?
The verb werden can mean both the auxiliary "will" and the main verb "to become".
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an auxiliary verb for the future tense, werden is paired with an infinitive that is placed at the end of the sentence. Note that the third-person singular form of this verb is wird.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈveːʁdən/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid confusing the auxiliary werden (used for the future) with the verb wollen, which means "to want" and expresses intent or desire rather than just a future occurrence.
Did you know?
- The German word for 'will' is actually a distant relative of the Latin word 'vertō', which means 'to turn'.
- The verb werden is essential for creating the passive voice in German, mirroring how it is used to build the future tense.
Examples in context
- Wir werden es tun.We will do it.This sentence shows how to use werden to express a future action.Tatoeba #10103678 by wolfgangth, translation #2861824 by Amastan
- Was werden sie tun?What will they do?This sentence shows how to use werden to ask a question about a future action.Tatoeba #2163851 by Manfredo, translation #1553314 by CK
- Werden Sie das tun?Will you do that?This sentence shows how to use werden when addressing someone formally.Tatoeba #3758761 by Jens_Odo, translation #3738654 by CK
- Ich will mit dir ins Kino gehen.I want to go to the movies with you.
- 1155 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Hannah are planning their weekend.
- MaximilianWir werden am Samstag wandern gehen.We will go hiking on Saturday.
- HannahDas ist eine tolle Idee!That is a great idea!
- MaximilianWirst du das Wetter prüfen, Hannah?Will you check the weather, Hannah?
- HannahJa, ich werde es gleich machen.Yes, I will do it right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “will” translations and entries werden, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries werden, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
