Table of Contents
Introduction
In German, werden and bekommen can sometimes be confused by learners due to their potential overlap with “to get” or “to become” in English. However, each verb serves different functions and appears in distinct contexts. This guide clarifies how to use bekommen and werden, complete with example sentences and translations. By the end, you will be better able to distinguish between these verbs and apply them accurately in everyday conversation.
Difference between Werden and Bekommen
Werden can mean “to become” or function as an auxiliary verb for future tenses and the passive voice. Bekommen, on the other hand, primarily means “to receive” or “to get” something in a tangible or abstract sense.
Usage of Bekommen
Bekommen typically translates to “get” or “receive,” usually involving an object or benefit. Native German speakers use bekommen whenever they’re talking about receiving something—material or intangible—rather than changing state.
Example Sentences with Bekommen
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Ich bekomme ein Geschenk. | I am getting a present. |
| Sie bekommen heute ihre Gehälter. | They receive their salaries today. |
| Hast du meine Nachricht bekommen? | Did you get my message? |
| Wir bekommen morgen Besuch. | We are getting visitors tomorrow. |
| Sie bekommt neue Informationen. | She is getting new information. |
| Ihr bekommt bald eine E-Mail von uns. | You will soon receive an email from us. |
Usage of Werden
Werden can function as:
- A main verb meaning “to become” (less frequently used, but still relevant).
- An auxiliary verb for Future I, Future II, and the passive voice.
Werden as a Full Verb (to become)
Though sometimes replaced by more modern expressions, werden as “to become” still appears in describing changes of state or transformation.
Structure: Subject + conjugated form of werden + (adjective/noun)
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Ich werde müde. | I am becoming tired. |
| Er wird älter. | He is getting older. |
| Die Situation wird gefährlich. | The situation becomes dangerous. |
| Meine Schwester wird Lehrerin. | My sister is becoming a teacher. |
| Es wird langsam dunkel. | It is gradually getting dark. |
Werden for Future I and Future II
Werden plus an infinitive indicates the future (Future I), while werden plus a past participle and an auxiliary (haben/sein) indicates Future II. You can learn more about these tenses:
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Ich werde morgen reisen. | I will travel tomorrow. |
| Sie wird das Problem lösen. | She will solve the problem. |
| Wir werden den Kurs beendet haben. | We will have finished the course. |
| Er wird das Buch gelesen haben. | He will have read the book. |
Werden in the Passive Voice
The passive voice in German often pairs werden with a past participle, shifting focus from the subject’s doer to the action itself. More details at German passive.
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Das Haus wird renoviert. | The house is being renovated. |
| Die Briefe wurden gestern verschickt. | The letters were sent yesterday. |
| Die Fenster werden geputzt. | The windows are being cleaned. |
| Das Essen wird von dem Koch gekocht. | The meal is being cooked by the chef. |
| Die Bücher werden morgen geliefert. | The books will be delivered tomorrow. |
Conclusion
In German, bekommen highlights the act of receiving something, while werden can denote “to become,” or function as an auxiliary for future or passive. By selecting the right verb, you avoid confusion and express precise ideas.
Practice identifying contexts where receiving (bekommen) vs. transforming or referencing future action (werden) is more accurate. Over time, using them properly will feel intuitive, adding clarity and fluency to your German.
FAQ
Can I use “bekommen” to say “to become”?
No. “Bekommen” primarily means “to receive,” while “werden” means “to become.” Mixing them leads to misunderstandings.
Does “werden” always translate to “to get”?
Not exactly. In English, “to get” can mean “to receive” or “to become.” In German, “bekommen” handles “to receive,” and “werden” covers “to become.”
Can I use “werden” for the future in all contexts?
Yes, but German also uses present tense to indicate near future. “Werden + infinitive” adds clarity for future statements.
Are these verbs used in other idiomatic expressions?
Yes. For instance, “bekommen” can appear in phrases like “etwas in den Griff bekommen” (to get something under control).
