🎓 Prepared by students from Boğaziçi University

What is the German Verb 'werden' in Present Tense?

The verb 'werden' (to become) is a crucial German verb with multiple functions: it expresses transformation, is used for the future tense with an infinitive, and forms passive voice. In the present tense, 'werden' has an irregular conjugation.

Short answer

The German verb 'werden' (to become) in present tense conjugates irregularly as: ich werde (I become), du wirst (you become), er/sie/es wird (he/she/it becomes), wir werden (we become), ihr werdet (you become plural), sie werden (they become).

'Werden' Present Tense Conjugation

x: Personal Pronoun · y: Frequency (usage rate)

Step-by-step worked examples

Conjugate 'werden' for 'ich' (present): 'Ich ___ Arzt' (I am becoming a doctor).

First-person singular nominative requires the 'ich' form of 'werden'.
The conjugation for 'ich' is 'werde'.
Answer: Ich werde Arzt.

Complete (future tense): 'Du ___ ein gutes Buch lesen' (You will read a good book).

Second-person singular nominative requires 'du' form of 'werden'.
The conjugation for 'du' is 'wirst'.
Answer: Du wirst ein gutes Buch lesen.

Fill in: 'Wir ___ schneller fahren' (We will drive faster).

First-person plural nominative requires the 'wir' form of 'werden'.
The conjugation for 'wir' is 'werden'.
Answer: Wir werden schneller fahren.

Flashcards

Quick quiz

Q1.Conjugate 'werden' for 'ich': 'Ich ___ größer.'

Correct answer: C. First-person singular of 'werden' is 'ich werde'.

Q2.What is the 'du' (you) form of 'werden'?

Correct answer: B. Second-person singular: 'du wirst'.

Q3.Form a future sentence: 'Er ___ ein Lehrer.'

Correct answer: C. Third-person singular: 'er wird' (he will become/is becoming).

Q4.What is the 'wir' (we) form of 'werden'?

Correct answer: D. First-person plural: 'wir werden'.

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Common mistakes

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Confusing 'wird' and 'wirst'. — Correct: 'Du wirst' = you singular will/are becoming; 'er/sie/es wird' = he/she/it will.

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Using 'werde' for all forms. — Correct: 'Werden' has six different conjugations—one for each pronoun or pronoun group.

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Forgetting that 'werden' forms future tense. — Correct: 'Werden' + infinitive = future tense: 'Ich werde spielen' (I will play).

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Not recognizing that 'werden' forms passive voice. — Correct: 'Werden' + past participle creates passive: 'Das wird gemacht' (That is made).

FAQ

What are the main uses of 'werden'?

'Werden' expresses transformation (become), forms future tense with infinitive, and creates passive voice with past participle.

How many conjugations does 'werden' have?

In present tense, 'werden' has six forms: werde, wirst, wird, werden, werdet, werden.

Is 'werden' irregular?

Yes, the stem changes significantly (werd-, wirs-, wird, etc.), and it must be memorized.

How do I form the German future tense?

Use 'werden' conjugated + infinitive: 'Ich werde spielen' (I will play), 'Du wirst gehen' (You will go).