The German future tense can be a bit tricky. Unlike in English, the present tense is typically used to express actions in the future in German.
However, German also has its own dedicated future tense, called Futur I. It’s formed by using a conjugation of the auxiliary verb werden with the infinitive of the main verb.
Werden will be placed in the second position of the clause or sentence while the main verb will be at the end.
Futur II, also called the future perfect tense, is another German future tense.
So for German learners, it can be difficult to determine when—and how—to use these German future tenses and when to use the present tense.
But fret not! In this article, we’ll guide you everything you need to know about German future tenses.
Table of Contents
- Structure of German Future Tense: Futur I
- Auxiliary Verb werden and Its Conjugations
- Main Verb Infinitive
- Sentence Structure in Futur I
- Usage and Context of Futur I
- Expressing Future Actions
- Modal Nuances
- Present Tense for Future Actions
- Futur II (Future Perfect)
- Practice and Application
- Challenges and Common Mistakes
- Word Order Error
Structure of German Future Tense: Futur I
The first German future tense is called Futur I. It’s formed using the auxiliary verb werden with the infinitive of the main verb.
Werden is conjugated according to the subject of the sentence. For most subjects, it follows regular conjugation patterns, although there are some irregularities with singular forms.
Werden is also placed in the second position but will move to the beginning of the sentence in questions or commands.
Either way, the main verb’s infinitive is often found at the end of the sentence.
Source: learn-german-smarter.com
Auxiliary Verb werden and Its Conjugations
Think of werden in German as “become” in English.
As said, it’s placed in the second position in declarative sentences but moves to the beginning of the sentence in questions or commands.
Here’s how werden is conjugated according to the subject:
Singular forms have more unique conjugations:
Subject: werden conjugation:
ich werde
du wirst
er/sie/es wird
Plural forms follow more regular conjugation patterns:
Subject: werden conjugation
wir werden
ihr werdet
sie/Sie werden
In the past tense, werden, becomes wurde (singular) or wurden (plural), but this is not used for future tense sentences.
But when used with modal verbs, werden will remain in its infinitive form and is placed at the end of the sentence.
Werden Sentence Placement
The placement of werden depends on whether it is used in a main clause or a subordinate clause.
When used in main clauses, werden occupies the second position (following V2 rules, as German is a V2 language).
For example:
Ich werde morgen nach Berlin fahren.
—I will travel to Berlin tomorrow
When used in subordinate clauses, werden and the main verb’s infinitive are now placed at the end of the clause. The main verb infinitive now comes first and then werden after.
For example:
Ich glaube, dass ich morgen nach Berlin fahren werde.
—I believe that I will travel to Berlin tomorrow.
Main Verb Infinitive
Thankfully, the main verbs in future tenses are always in their infinitive form, reducing the need to memorize conjugations.
However, there are a few things to consider:
For separable verbs, the prefix should always remain attached to the verb’s infinitive form.
When used with modal verbs, both the modal verb and the main verb infinitive will be at the end of the sentence.
When used in subordinate clauses, the main verb infinitive is placed just after the conjugated werden at the clause’s end.
Positioning the Infinitive
In simpler sentences, the main verb infinitive is found at the end, after all the other elements in the sentence. This is the case, even when used with adverbs or prepositional phrases.
However, if your sentence has multiple clauses, each clause will follow its own rules for the infinitive’s placement.
When used with time expressions, they are placed right between the conjugated werden and the main verb infinitive. If you want to emphasize the time expression, they can also be placed at the beginning of the sentence.
Separable Verbs in Future Tense
While sentences with separable verbs may seem complex, they fortunately follow consistent rules when used in the future tense.
In future tenses, separable verbs will remain whole, with the prefix attached to the infinitive.
For example:
Ich werde morgen um 8 Uhr aufstehen.
—I will get up tomorrow at 8 o'clock.
As you may notice, this differs from how separable verbs are used in the present tense, where the prefix is separated and instead placed at the end.
If separable verbs are used with modal verbs, they both remain at the end of the clause or sentence.
For example:
Ich werde morgen früh aufstehen müssen.
—I will have to get up early tomorrow.
Sentence Structure in Futur I
As discussed, the conjugated werden is in the second position while the infinitive is at the end of the German sentence bracket or the Satzklammer.
Other elements of the sentence—like the subject, object, and adverbials—are placed between werden and the main verb infinitive. Time expressions can also be placed here, though they can also be placed at the beginning for emphasis.
But when used in subordinate clauses, both the werden and the main verb infinitive are instead placed at the end of the clause.
Source: youtube.com
The Sentence Bracket (Satzklammer)
The Satzklammer, also known as the German sentence bracket, refers to how a frame is created around the middle part of the sentence called the Mittlefeld or “the middle field.”
It’s a fundamental concept in German syntax and grammar!
As discussed, werden appears at the second position of the clause—this is actually the first part of the bracket.
And then the main verb infinitive, at the end of the clause, is considered the second half of the bracket.
Envisioning sentences as having this structure makes longer sentences remain clearer, as they help delineate the different elements.
Middle Field (Mittelfeld)
As the name implies, the Mittelfeld or Middle Field, is the space between the two bracket halves of the werden and the main verb infinitive.
Here, we can place other sentence elements, like subjects, objects, and adverbials.
While, technically speaking, one can order the elements in the Mittelfeld in a variety of ways, some patterns are more common and sound more natural.
For example, pronouns will typically precede full-noun phrases.
Here’s an example of a complex sentence with filled Mittelfeld:
Ich werde nächste Woche wahrscheinlich meiner Schwester bei ihrem Umzug helfen.
—I will probably help my sister with her move next week.
Usage and Context of Futur I
As said, the present tense is actually used more commonly to express future actions compared to the future tense in German. This is why the future tense is used noticeably less frequently in German than, say, in English.
In general, one can say that the future tense in German is typically used to express assumptions and possibilities.
Futur I specifically is typically used to make predictions, express intentions, or discuss plans.
There aren’t really hard rules that dictate when to use future tense and when to use present tense—it’s highly contextual.
Expressing Future Actions
Because choosing between present and future tense is highly contextual, you actually have options.
Native speakers tend to use the future tense more for predictions and assumptions.
Meanwhile, conversations about scheduling or planning things tend to use the present tense—but with a future time expression.
In a sense, the choice of tense may imply the speaker’s level of certainty or intention.
Unsure about the future? People tend to use the future tense.
Sure about the future? People tend to use the present tense.
For example, in formal or academic German (like the German in the TestDaF), where things tend to be discussed in absolutes, the future tense is more frequently used.
Predictions and Plans
Since Futur I is used for more uncertain assertions, it’s often used for predictions or scheduled events that may not be fully confirmed yet.
For example:
Es wird morgen regnen.
—It will rain tomorrow.
Die Konferenz wird voraussichtlich im Mai stattfinden.
—The conference will presumably take place in May.
And while there is a tendency to use present tense for intentions, it’s completely fine to use future tense as well.
For example:
Ich werde nächstes Jahr nach Deutschland reisen.
—I will travel to Germany next year.
To be more communicate more precisely, don’t forget to use modal verbs as well.
For example:
Ich werde das Projekt bis Freitag abschließen müssen.
—I will have to complete the project by Friday.
Time Expressions
Another way to be more precise and add more context to your sentences is by using time expressions. Note, however, that the present tense is more commonly used and sounds more natural with time expressions, especially with specific time expressions.
Some common time expressions include:
Morgen — tomorrow
nächste Woche — next week
in zwei Jahren — in two years.
These time expressions can be placed at the beginning of the sentence for more emphasis or between the werden and the main verb infinitive.
Both the sentences below sound perfectly natural, just as their English translations do:
(Time expression in the beginning; emphasizes time more)
Nächsten Monat werde ich meinen Führerschein machen.
—Next month, I will get my driver's license.
(Time expression in the middle)
Ich werde nächsten Monat meinen Führerschein machen.
—I will get my driver's license next month.
However, more vague time expressions like bald (soon) or demnächst (shortly) are more flexible in their placement.
Modal Nuances
Since Futur I is commonly used for predictions and assumptions about the future, adding modal verbs and particles can help clarify the level of certainty the speaker has.
These modal verbs, for example, can therefore be used to imply a higher level of certainty, such as when making educated guesses or logical conclusions.
In fact, Futur I can also be used to talk about present events. Doing so often means that the speaker is skeptical or doubtful about these events.
Assumptions and Probabilities
When using Futur I to make assumptions or predictions, modal verbs are incredibly useful to add nuance.
For example:
Sie wird das wohl gewusst haben.
-She will probably have known that.
Note, however, that typical German uses modal verbs somewhat sparingly. Overuse may sound unnatural to native speakers.
Source: thegermanprofessor.com
Modal Adverbs
Some common modal adverbs include:
sicher - surely
wahrscheinlich - probably
vielleicht - maybe
bestimmt - certainly
These adverbs are typically placed inside the Mittelfeld, between the werden and the main verb infinitive.
Like time expressions, some adverbs, such as bestimmt, can also be placed at the beginning of the clause or sentence to be further emphasized.
Present Tense for Future Actions
By now, you know that the present tense is more commonly used to express future actions.
More specifically, it’s used for future actions with a high degree of certainty, like scheduled or planned events, while Futur I is used for more uncertain things.
However, note that time expressions referring to the future are often used when using the present tense in such a way.
This is particularly true for everyday, conversational German—like the German in telc—while formal German usage uses Futur I more frequently.
Context-Dependent Usage
Ultimately, however, the choice of tense is highly context-dependent.
Not only do you need to evaluate the certainty of the future event, but also the formality of the situation. See how others are talking as well.
Is the topic at hand scheduled on a specific date? If so, they are likely using time expressions with the present tense more. It will likely seem more natural for you to do the same.
Try to gauge the sentiment and intention behind others’ words as well. Futur I emphasizes futurity, so in such contexts, use it as well.
Let’s examine the sentences in two different tenses.
Morgen gehe ich ins Kino. — I'm going to the cinema tomorrow.
Ich werde morgen ins Kino gehen. — I will go to the cinema tomorrow.
As we can see, morgen (tomorrow) is placed at the beginning of the first sentence, bringing more emphasis to morgen. As such, the present tense is used accordingly.
Specific Time Indicators
As said, specific time expressions like morgen (tomorrow) and nächste Woche (next week) are often used with the present tense.
On the other hand, less specific time indicators like bald (soon) might be better with future tenses to avoid ambiguity. However, this still depends on the context—you can still use bald in the present tense based on the conversation.
Indeed, some time expressions can be used with both present and future tenses and sound natural, allowing for stylistic choice.
As we saw with the sentences about going to the cinema in the previous section, the placement of time indicators can affect the emphasis—and, consequently, the tense choice.
Source: handouts.ie
Futur II (Future Perfect)
The other German future tense is called Futur II or Future Perfect in English.
This tense is used to describe future actions that will have been completed by a certain point in the future. More specifically, actions that will be completed before another future event.
Like Futur I, it’s used to make assumptions or predictions, though it can also be used to make assumptions in the past.
While used uncommonly in casual speech, it is important in written German, especially for formal or academic texts.
Its basic formation pattern is werden + past participle + haben or sein (in infinitive form).
Let’s discuss more below.
Formation of Futur II
While the pattern is seemingly complicated, the steps are rather logical and straightforward.
Start with werden in the present tense.
Then add the past participle of the main verb.
Finally, spending on which auxiliary the main verb uses, add haben or sein in infinitive form.
Again, it’s werden + past participle + haben or sein (infinitive form).
Place this whole construction at the very end of the clause in subordinate sentences.
Here’s an example.
Bis nächsten Monat werde ich das Buch gelesen haben.
—By next month, I will have read the book.
Practice and Application
Okay, done with theory!
Now, the hard part: practice.
Most people will simply start coming up with random sentences in the future tense. But I think this is a mistake.
I think a better idea is to convert past or present tense sentences into Futur I. Then, later on, make variations with Futur II.
For example, practice making sentences in different tenses:
Present:
Ich gehe morgen einkaufen.
—I'm going shopping tomorrow.
Future:
Ich werde morgen einkaufen gehen.
— I will go shopping tomorrow.
This is a more practical way to learn. After all, changing tenses between sentences is what people do in actual, real-life conversations!
Challenges and Common Mistakes
Let’s talk about some common struggles and mistakes learners make when learning the future tense.
Perhaps the biggest one is that people simply tend to use the future tense. This is very understandable, as most people come from languages like English, where the future tense is used frequently.
It can also come from being confused about determining when to use Futur I and when to use the present tense. Also, you simply might be more inclined to use the future tense if that’s the last thing you focused studying on!
Many learners also order words in unnatural or downright incorrect ways. This is especially true for separable verbs.
Placing time expressions and modal adverbs can also be tricky, with many doing so in ways that make the sentence sound awkward or unnatural.
Word Order Errors
Word order errors are simply caused by forgetting some of the word placement rules. Let’s recall:
Werden should always be in the second position of the main clauses
The main verb infinitive should always be the last thing in a clause, even in complex sentences comprised of multiple elements.
For separable verbs, always keep the prefix attached to the infinitive.
In subordinate clauses, both werden and the main verb infinitive should appear at the end of the clause. Remember that werden comes after the main verb infinitive as well.
Verb Placement Issues
Verb placement can also be tricky for some.
Remember that, no matter what comes first in the sentence, werden should always be in the second position in main clauses.
Main verb infinitives should always be at the clause’s end, regardless of objects or adverbials in the middle of the clause or sentence.
When using modal verbs, remember that both the modal verb and main verb infinitives should be at the end of the sentence.
Meanwhile, with questions and commands, werden moves to the first position in the clause, but the main verb infinitive remains at the end.
Source: learn-german-smarter.com
Complex Sentences
Many learners can do just fine with simple sentences, but longer, more complex sentences can be difficult.
Let’s take a look at this complex sentence:
Ich glaube, dass ich nächstes Jahr nach Deutschland reisen werde, wenn ich genug Geld gespart habe.
—I believe that I will travel to Germany next year if I have saved enough money.
As we can see, no matter how long and complex the sentence, all the same rules apply:
As discussed, remember the V2 rule: werden in the second position and infinitive at the end.
In subordinate clauses, both werden and the main verb infinitive should now be at the end of the clause.
REMEMBER: in sentences with multiple clauses, treat each clause independently. Each clause should follow its own word order rules.
Additionally, pay attention to conjunctions. They can sneakily affect word order in complex sentences!
Learnings Recap
Still with me? Let’s recap!
- Futur I, primarily used for future predictions and assumptions, is formed using the auxiliary verb werden with the infinitive of the main verb.some text
- Werden is in the second position of the clause in main clauses and at the start of the clause in subordinate clauses
- The main verb infinitive is always at the end of the clause.
- Future tense word order rules follow the Satzklammer (sentence bracket) format.
- Present tense is used for future actions and implies more certainty.some text
- Often used with time indicators, especially specific ones
- Futur II (future perfect) is used to describe actions that will be completed by a certain point in the future or before another future event.
- Most difficulties with the future tense include:some text
- Overusing future tense
- Confusion with choosing between future and present tense
- Word ordering and verb placement
Learning the future tense is rather unique compared to learning other parts of German grammar. While you may not need to memorize a lot of conjugations, it requires a nuanced understanding of when to even use it in the first place. This is highly dependent on conversational context.
So what’s the best way to gain a better understanding of these contextual nuances? Speak with more natives! If you don’t have the opportunity to do so, Deutsch Gym offers learners an online platform where they can do just that!
As always, stay patient and keep practicing. Oh and don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Trust me, that’s how you really learn. Good luck!
