The verb werden in German: 3 forms and the difference between them

In German, the verb "werden" plays a key role in denoting the process of becoming or changing a state. This verb has three main forms, each of which is used in different contexts, expressing different temporal and modal meanings. In this article, let's take a closer look at the differences between them.

The meaning of the verb "werden" in German depends on the context of use. In its basic meaning, it denotes the process of becoming, changing a state, or passing from one state to another. For example, in the simple future tense "werden" is used to form the future tense, and in the perfect form "ist geworden" is used to express the past process of change or transformation. In addition, the verb "werden" can have a modal meaning, expressing necessity, probability or supposition, as in conditional constructions or in the expression of the passive. Thus, context plays an important role in determining the meaning and usage of this verb in German.

The verb "werden" has three main forms in German: Präsens (present tense), Präteritum (past tense), and Partizip II (participle II).
Here is a table with the three basic forms of the verb "werden":

In Präsens these forms are used to express the present tense and to form the future tense in combination with the infinitive of another verb. In Präteritum they indicate action in the past tense. Partizip II is used to form the perfect tense, the auxiliary tenses and the indirect collateral form.

The verb "werden" has several grammatical features that are important to keep in mind when using it:

1. Modal Use: In addition to its primary function of forming the future tense and expressing a change of state, "werden" can be used as a modal verb to express various meanings such as possibility, necessity, or supposition. For example: "Er wird arbeiten müssen" (He will have to work).
2. Passive Voice: In combination with Partizip II of other verbs, "werden" forms the forms of the passive voice. For example: "Das Buch wird gelesen" (The book is being read).
3. The form "würden" for the subjunctive mood: When "werden" is used in combination with the infinitive of another verb (Konjunktiv II), it forms a form of the subjunctive mood in German. For example: "Er würde kommen, wenn er könnte" (He would come if he could).
4. Irregular forms in Präteritum: In Präteritum, the forms of the verb "werden" are slightly irregular. For example, instead of "ich wurdete", "ich wurde" is used.

These features make the verb "werden" one of the most versatile and important verbs in German.

1. Modal Usage:
Sie wird das Buch lesen. - She will read the book. (Future tense)
Er wird arbeiten müssen. - He will have to work. (Necessity)
2. Passive collateral:
Das Buch wird gelesen. - The book is being read. (Process of action)
Der Brief wurde geschrieben. - The letter was written. (Past action)
3. The form "würden" for the subjunctive mood:
Sie würden kommen, wenn sie könnten. - They would come if they could. (Subjunctive mood)
Ich würde gerne Deutsch lernen. - I would like to learn German. (Wish)
4. Incorrect forms in Präteritum:
Ich wurde gestern krank. - Yesterday I fell ill. (Past tense)
Du wurdest Lehrer. - You became a teacher. (Past tense)

These examples demonstrate the varied use of the verb "werden" in German in different contexts and tenses.

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