The Functions of werden
Distinguish werden as a full verb, a passive auxiliary, and part of Futur I. Learn why its perfect form is sometimes geworden and sometimes worden.
Explanation
Three functions of **werden**
German **werden** can perform three different jobs. The words that accompany it reveal the function.
| Function | Pattern | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change | werden + noun/adjective | Der Himmel **wird dunkel**. | A new state develops. |
| Event passive | werden + past participle | Die Tür **wird repariert**. | An action happens to the subject. |
| Futur I / assumption | werden + infinitive | Mia **wird später anrufen**. | Future or assumption. |
Change
As a full verb, **werden** links the subject to a noun or adjective: **Amir wird Vater. Die Suppe wird kalt.** Its perfect uses **sein + geworden**: **Die Suppe ist kalt geworden.**
Event passive
The passive focuses on an action and uses **werden + past participle**: **Die Pakete werden heute abgeholt.** Its perfect uses **sein + past participle + worden**: **Die Pakete sind heute abgeholt worden.** Use **worden**, not *geworden*.
Futur I and assumptions
**werden + infinitive** can express the future or an assumption: **Der Kurs wird im September beginnen. Leon wird wohl noch arbeiten.** The infinitive goes at the end. German often uses the present tense with a time expression for fixed plans.
How to identify the function
1. An infinitive at the end signals Futur I or an assumption.
2. A past participle describing an action done to the subject signals the passive.
3. A noun or adjective describing a new state signals change.
**geworden** or **worden**?
| Meaning | Perfect form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Change | sein + geworden | Das Kind ist müde **geworden**. |
| Passive | sein + past participle + worden | Das Kind ist untersucht **worden**. |
Remember: **geworden marks a change of state; worden belongs to the passive.**
Exercises
- Sort the sentences by the function of werden: change, passive, or future/assumption. (2)
- Insert the correct form from the word bank. Pay attention to the subject, function, and tense. (10)
- Rewrite the sentence in the perfect. Choose between geworden and worden. (11)
- Read the connected text and fill each gap with a suitable form from the word bank. Forms may be used more than once. (3)
B1 · German · Grammar