werden
Translation
to become, to get, will (future tense), to be (passive voice)
Examples
Ich werde müde.
I am getting tired.
Ich werde dich anrufen.
I will call you.
Das Essen wird gekocht.
The food is being cooked.
Grammar Patterns
((+ adjective/noun)) to become/get sth. Ich werde müde.
((+ infinitive)) will (do sth.) Ich werde dich anrufen.
((past participle)) to be (done) Das Essen wird gekocht.
Similar Words
Synonyms: (sich entwickeln - to develop); Antonyms: bleiben (to stay/remain)
Etymology
From Old High German 'werdan', related to the old sense of English 'worth' meaning 'to become'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'werden' as the verb of transformation. It's used for becoming something, talking about the future (will), and for the passive voice (is being...).