Future with werden
A2 · Elementary · Cases & Verbs
The rule
werden + infinitive; often present tense + time word is enough.
How it works
The future tense is formed with werden and an infinitive at the end: Ich werde morgen anrufen. In everyday German, the present tense with a time word is more common (Ich rufe morgen an). Werden is most useful for promises, predictions and intentions, such as Es wird regnen (It will rain).
When to use it
Talk about the future with werden plus the infinitive, though the present tense with a time word is more common.
Use cases
- Making a promise: Ich werde dir helfen
- Making a prediction: Das Wetter wird besser
- Stating a firm intention: Wir werden im Sommer heiraten
Examples
- Ich werde morgen anrufen – I will call tomorrow
- Sie wird bald Ärztin sein. – She will soon be a doctor.
- Es wird um acht Uhr kalt. – It will be cold at eight.
- Werdet ihr morgen kommen? – Will you come tomorrow?
Common mistake
Using werden for every future sentence. "Ich fahre morgen" is more natural than "Ich werde morgen fahren".
Memory tip
Use the present tense for near future with a time word. Use werden for promises, predictions and emphasis.
Read the wider picture in our guide: German Verbs and Word Order: Tenses, Modals and Sentence Structure.