Verb forms in the future tense

German has two different ways of referring to future events (compare to English: “will-future” and “goingt-to-future”) and does not have a progressive form of the
future tense.

Verb formation in the future tense

In German, verbs in the future tense are formed different compared to English.

• To use the present tense
• To use a form of “werden” + infinitive

Verb formation in the future tense by using the present tense

The present tense is used when the context makes it clear that you are referring to a future event. So there must be an information in the sentence which
suggest the future.The following words give indications of a time in the future and is an evident that you are not speaking about the present so that you can use the present tense referring to a future event:

Verb formation in the future tense by using a form of “werden” + infinitive

This future tense is used, when making a prediction, or indicating probability. This future form is similar in English. English uses “will” + the infinitive of the main verb and German uses aform of “werden” + the infinitive of the main verb.

Choose the right form of “werden”

• Using the present tense: The correct form of the verb takes the second position in a sentence.
• Using a form of “werden” + infinitive: The correct form of “werden” takes the second position in a sentence, while the infinitve of the main verb goes to the end of the sentence.

Example:
English I will meet you tonight.
German: Ich werde dich heute abend treffen.
Form: Ich -> habe

But also:

English I will meet you tonight.
German: Ich treffe dich heute abend.
The word “heute abend” gives an indication of a time in the future and is an evident that you are not speaking about the present so that you can use the present tense referring to a future event.

                                                                                           FURTHER  INFORMATION

• Word order in German – examples

• Examination – Learning German