What is Future Tense with Werden?

Future tense in German is formed using the auxiliary verb 'werden' (to become) combined with the infinitive form of a main verb. This construction expresses actions or events that will happen in the future. Word order follows a strict pattern: subject, conjugated werden, other elements, and infinitive at the end.

Short answer

The future tense with werden uses the formula: werden (conjugated) + infinitive verb at the end. Example: 'Ich werde morgen spielen' (I will play tomorrow).

Constructing Future Tense with Werden

1
1. Conjugate werden
ich werde, du wirst, er/sie/es wird, wir werden, ihr werdet, sie werden
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2
2. Add infinitive verb
Keep the main verb in infinitive form (e.g., spielen, arbeiten, gehen)
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3
3. Word order in main clause
Subject + werden (conjugated) + objects/adverbs + infinitive
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4
4. Example sentence
Ich werde morgen ins Kino gehen (I will go to the cinema tomorrow)

Step-by-step worked examples

Construct the future tense: 'I will read the book tomorrow.'

Conjugate werden for 'ich' → werde
Infinitive verb → lesen
Sentence: Ich werde morgen das Buch lesen.

Form the future: 'You (informal) will come on Friday.'

Conjugate werden for 'du' → wirst
Infinitive → kommen
Sentence: Du wirst am Freitag kommen.

Create the future tense: 'We will work here next month.'

Conjugate werden for 'wir' → werden
Infinitive → arbeiten
Sentence: Wir werden nächsten Monat hier arbeiten.

Flashcards

Quick quiz

Q1.Which form of 'werden' goes with 'you (plural)'?

Correct answer: B. 'Werdet' is the ihr (you plural informal) form of werden.

Q2.Where must the infinitive verb be placed in a future tense sentence?

Correct answer: C. German future tense always places the infinitive at the end of the main clause.

Q3.Which sentence is correct?

Correct answer: C. Option 3 (Ich werde morgen gehen) and option 4 (Morgen werde ich gehen) are both correct — word order in subordinate vs main clauses differs.

Q4.Translate: 'She will sleep well tonight.'

Correct answer: C. Option 3 uses werden + infinitive (schlafen) at the end, correct future tense construction.

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Common mistakes

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Ich werde gehen morgen (infinitive before time adverb) — Correct: Ich werde morgen gehen (time adverb before infinitive)

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Er werden das Buch lesen (wrong conjugation of werden) — Correct: Er wird das Buch lesen (wird for er/sie/es)

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Ich werde zu gehen (adding 'zu' before the infinitive) — Correct: Ich werde gehen (no 'zu' in future tense, only in modal constructions)

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Du werdet morgen spielen (using plural form for singular 'du') — Correct: Du wirst morgen spielen (wirst for du)

FAQ

What is the future tense with werden?

It's formed by conjugating werden + infinitive verb. Example: werden + lesen = 'will read'.

How is 'werden' conjugated in the future tense?

ich werde, du wirst, er/sie/es wird, wir werden, ihr werdet, sie/Sie werden.

Can I use other constructions to express the future?

Yes — present tense with time adverbs (Ich gehe morgen) is common. But werden is the most formal future tense.

What's the word order for werden + infinitive in subordinate clauses?

Even in subordinate clauses, infinitive comes last: 'weil ich morgen gehen werde' (because I tomorrow go will).