Students new to German will repeatedly encounter the verb werden. As it has three distinct functions, it often proves confusing. Here we will outline the three main functions with example sentences.

A. Idiomatic Expressions

Werden generally translates into English as turning, becoming or getting.

Er wird Arzt.

Es wurde kalt.

B. Future Tense

The present tense form of the verb werden can also be coupled with an infinitive (placed at the end of the sentence or clause) to express the future tense. Here werden translates as will.

Sie wird bald eine Mutter sein.

Wirst du hier schlafen?

C. Passive Voice

The passive voice is used to emphasize the action over the agent. It is used a lot in the press and to describe historical events and natural disasters. Here, werden is accompanied by the past participle (placed at the end of the sentence or clause). To express by, von is generally used, but durch may be used to express unforeseen events or natural occurrences.

Das Haus wird von ihm gebaut.

Es wird durch den Wind zerstört.