A2 Case System 16 min read Easy

The 'Mirror' Verb: Becoming Someone (Predicate Nominative after 'werden')

After the verb werden, nouns always stay in the Nominative case because the subject is becoming that noun.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

When you use 'werden' to say what someone becomes, both sides of the verb stay in the Nominative case.

  • Use Nominative for the subject: 'Ich werde'.
  • Use Nominative for the profession/role: 'Ich werde {der|m} Lehrer'.
  • No accusative here: even if it looks like an object, it's a mirror of the subject.
Subject (Nom) + werden + Role (Nom)

Overview

The German verb werden is a foundational element for expressing change, development, and future states. While frequently encountered as an auxiliary verb for the future tense (Ich werde gehen – I will go), its primary function as a full verb meaning ‘to become’ or ‘to turn into’ demands a specific understanding of case. Unlike the majority of German verbs that govern an Accusative object, werden acts as a copular verb, also known as a linking verb or predicate verb.

This classification is crucial because it dictates a different grammatical behavior: werden connects the subject of a sentence to a subsequent noun or adjective that renames or describes the subject. This element is termed the predicate nominative or predicative complement.

The core principle at play is equivalence. When you state that something wird (becomes) something else, you establish a grammatical identity where "A equals B." Since the subject (A) is always in the Nominative case, the element it is becoming (B) must also remain in the Nominative case. This essential ‘mirroring’ effect ensures the subject’s identity is preserved rather than being acted upon.

For learners accustomed to most verbs requiring an Accusative object, this distinct behavior of werden often presents a challenge. Mastering it signifies a deeper grasp of how German articulates fundamental relationships between entities and processes of transformation.

How This Grammar Works

German cases primarily indicate the grammatical role of nouns and pronouns within a sentence. The Nominative case consistently identifies the subject, the entity performing an action or existing in a particular state. Verbs like werden, sein (to be), and bleiben (to stay) are unique because they do not transfer an action to a direct object.
Instead, they function to link the subject to an attribute or an identity. This attribute, the predicate nominative, serves as an extension of the subject, providing additional information about it. Critically, because this complement refers directly back to the subject and states what the subject is or becomes, it must adopt the same case as the subject: Nominative.
Consider the fundamental distinction: Ich kaufe einen Apfel der (I buy an apple). Here, Apfel is the direct object, acted upon by the verb kaufen, hence it appears in the Accusative case (einen). Contrast this with Ich werde ein Arzt der (I become a doctor).
In this construction, Arzt is not something being bought or consumed; it represents the new identity of the subject ich. Grammatically, ich and Arzt are equivalent, both referring to the same person or entity. Therefore, Arzt must remain in the Nominative case (ein).
Incorrectly using the Accusative, such as Ich werde einen Arzt, would fundamentally alter the meaning, implying an action upon a doctor or transforming an existing doctor, rather than expressing the subject’s own transformation. This illustrates the linguistic principle of subject-complement equivalence, where the predicate nominative is not an object but rather a re-identification of the subject.

Formation Pattern

1
The formation of sentences utilizing werden in its sense of ‘to become’ requires understanding its irregular conjugation and the consistent application of the Nominative case for the predicate noun or adjective. This pattern is fundamental for expressing dynamic change.
2
1. Conjugation of werden (Present Tense)
3
The verb werden exhibits irregularity in the second and third person singular forms in the present tense, undergoing a characteristic vowel change from e to i. Familiarity with these forms is essential for accurate usage.
4
| Person | Conjugation | Example | Translation |
5
| :---------- | :---------- | :----------------------------------------- | :---------------------------- |
6
| ich | werde | Ich werde glücklich. | I am becoming happy. |
7
| du | wirst | Du wirst bald erwachsen. | You will soon become adult. |
8
| er/sie/es | wird | Er wird müde. | He is becoming tired. |
9
| wir | werden | Wir werden gute Freunde die(pl). | We are becoming good friends. |
10
| ihr | werdet | Ihr werdet erfolgreiche Studenten die(pl). | You all are becoming successful students. |
11
| sie/Sie | werden | Sie werden Lehrer die(pl). | They are becoming teachers. |
12
2. Structure with Nouns (Predicate Nominative)
13
The general structure adheres to Subject (Nominative) + werden (conjugated) + Predicate Noun (Nominative). The article preceding the predicate noun must also be in the Nominative case, reflecting its grammatical agreement with the subject. This ensures the noun’s role as a re-identifier.
14
| Gender/Number | Indefinite Article (Nominative) | Example | Translation |
15
| :------------ | :------------------------------ | :----------------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------- |
16
| Masculine | ein | Er wird ein guter Vater der. | He is becoming a good father. |
17
| Feminine | eine | Sie wird eine berühmte Künstlerin die. | She is becoming a famous artist. |
18
| Neuter | ein | Das Kind wird ein großer Junge der. | The child is becoming a big boy. |
19
| Plural | (no article) | Sie werden Ingenieure die(pl). | They are becoming engineers. |
20
| Gender/Number | Definite Article (Nominative) | Example | Translation |
21
| :------------ | :---------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------- |
22
| Masculine | der | Er wird der neue Chef der. | He is becoming the new boss. |
23
| Feminine | die | Sie wird die Leiterin die des Projekts. | She is becoming the project leader. |
24
| Neuter | das | Es wird das wichtigste Ereignis das. | It is becoming the most important event. |
25
| Plural | die | Wir werden die Sieger die(pl)! | We are becoming the winners! |
26
3. Omission of Articles with Professions
27
In German, it is very common and often more natural to omit the indefinite article ein/eine before a predicate nominative when describing a profession or role, particularly for masculine and feminine nouns. This practice reflects an idiomatic usage rather than a strict grammatical rule. Both forms are correct, but the omission is more frequent in informal and everyday speech.
28
Ich werde Arzt der. (I am becoming a doctor.)
29
Sie wird Anwältin die. (She is becoming a lawyer.)
30
4. Structure with Adjectives (Predicate Adjectives)
31
When werden is followed by an adjective that describes the subject's evolving state, the adjective remains uninflected. This means it does not take any case endings, simplifying its usage considerably.
32
Das Wetter das wird schön. (The weather is becoming beautiful.)
33
Ich werde alt. (I am getting old.)
34
Die Studenten die(pl) werdet stärker. (The students are becoming stronger.)

When To Use It

Werden is indispensable for articulating processes of transformation, development, and future conditions across a wide range of contexts. Its precise application allows you to convey nuanced meaning regarding change, from personal growth to broader societal shifts.
1. Professions and Roles:
This is one of the most frequent applications of werden. You use it to describe an individual's future profession, a change in their current role, or an aspiration. The omission of the indefinite article is especially common in these contexts, reflecting a natural and concise expression of identity.
  • Meine Schwester die wird Architektin die. (My sister is becoming an architect.)
  • Er wird bald Vater der. (He will soon become a father.)
  • Sie will Polizist der werden. (She wants to become a police officer.)
2. Changes in State or Condition:
Werden effectively communicates a transition from one condition to another, applicable to people, objects, abstract concepts, or even environmental factors. It signifies a dynamic shift rather than a static state.
  • Das Wasser das wird wärmer. (The water is becoming warmer.)
  • Ich werde müde nach der Arbeit die. (I am becoming tired after work.)
  • Die Situation die wird kompliziert. (The situation is becoming complicated.)
3. Age and Time:
To express someone's age or to describe events progressing in time, werden is the appropriate verb. It captures the passage and impact of time on individuals and circumstances.
  • Nächsten Monat der wird er 40 Jahre {das|n|pl} alt. (Next month he will turn 40 years old.)
  • Es wird spät. (It is getting late.)
  • Wird das Essen das bald fertig? (Will the food be ready soon?)
4. Development and Evolution:
Werden is also used to describe the growth, evolution, or maturation of ideas, projects, or natural phenomena. This highlights its role in conveying ongoing, often gradual, processes of change. It reflects a cultural emphasis on development and transformation within the German language.
  • Das kleine Startup das wird ein großer Konzern der. (The small startup is becoming a large corporation.)
  • Der Baum der wird immer höher. (The tree is growing taller and taller.)
  • Ihre Deutschkenntnisse die(pl) werden jeden Tag der besser. (Her German skills are getting better every day.)

Common Mistakes

Despite the apparent simplicity of the 'mirror verb' concept, werden as ‘to become’ frequently causes errors for German learners. These mistakes largely stem from the habitual application of Accusative case rules, which are dominant for most transitive verbs. Recognizing these specific error patterns is key to achieving accuracy.
1. The "Accusative Reflex" and Subject-Object Confusion:
This is the most common and persistent error. Learners instinctively assign the Accusative case to nouns following werden, especially with masculine nouns, because the majority of German verbs do take an Accusative object. This fundamentally misinterprets the grammatical role of the noun after werden as an object rather than a complement.
  • Incorrect: Ich werde einen Lehrer der. (This implies "I am turning a teacher into something" or "I am physically transforming a teacher," treating Lehrer as an object upon which an action is performed.)
  • Correct: Ich werde ein Lehrer der. (I am becoming a teacher. Here, Lehrer re-identifies the subject ich.)
  • Incorrect: Das wird einen Hit der.
  • Correct: Das wird ein Hit der. (That is becoming a hit.)
Remember, werden establishes equivalence; it does not denote an action transferred to an object. The predicate noun is the subject’s new identity, therefore it must reflect the subject’s Nominative case.
2. Incorrect Conjugation of werden (Irregular Forms):
Werden is an irregular verb, specifically in the du and er/sie/es forms in the present tense, where it undergoes an e to i vowel change. Forgetting this irregularity leads to common conjugation errors.
  • Incorrect: Du werdest alt. or Er werdet glücklich. (Incorrect stem vowels or endings.)
  • Correct: Du wirst alt. (You are getting old.)
  • Correct: Er wird glücklich. (He is becoming happy.)
Consistent practice and memorization of these highly frequent irregular forms are necessary.
3. Misapplication of Case Endings with Plural Nouns:
While plural nouns often have distinct Nominative forms (e.g., adding an -n in the Dative plural), they do not take additional case endings when functioning as predicate nominatives after werden. Learners sometimes incorrectly apply other case rules or overgeneralize.
  • Incorrect: Wir werden FreundeN. (Incorrect Dative plural ending applied.)
  • Correct: Wir werden Freunde die(pl). (We are becoming friends.)
  • Incorrect: Ihr werdet StudentEn. (Often based on misremembering plural formation or case for specific noun groups.)
  • Correct: Ihr werdet Studenten die(pl). (You all are becoming students.)
4. Confusion with werden as a Future Auxiliary:
It is critical to distinguish werden meaning ‘to become’ from werden used as an auxiliary verb to form the future tense (Ich werde studieren – I will study). When werden is an auxiliary, it is followed by an infinitive verb at the end of the clause, and no predicate nominative is present. When werden means 'to become', it is the main verb and is followed by a Nominative noun or an uninflected adjective.
  • Ich werde Arzt der. (Main verb werden – ‘to become’; Arzt is predicate nominative.)
  • Ich werde Arzt der werden. (Future tense: werden auxiliary, werden main verb infinitive. This means "I will become a doctor" and is grammatically correct, though often simplified to the former when the context of becoming is clear.)
5. Confusion with wollen (to want):
While expressing a desire to become something is semantically related, the grammar differs significantly. Wollen is a modal verb that requires a specific sentence structure where the main verb (often werden) appears in its infinitive form at the end of the clause.
  • Ich will Arzt der werden. (I want to become a doctor.) – Here, Arzt is still Nominative because it is the predicative complement of the infinitive werden, which itself is governed by wollen.
  • Ich werde Arzt der. (I am becoming a doctor.) – A statement of ongoing or imminent change.

Real Conversations

Werden is a verb that permeates everyday German conversation, reflecting the dynamic nature of life, plans, and observations. Its frequent usage across various registers – from formal discussions to casual chats and digital communication – underscores its practical importance for fluent communication.

1. Everyday Observations and Changing Conditions:

Native speakers frequently use werden to describe observable changes in the environment, physical states, or general situations. These are often spontaneous remarks reflecting immediate perceptions.

- Es wird langsam kühl draußen. (It's slowly getting cool outside.) – A common comment on weather.

- Meine Haare das(pl) werden grau. (My hair is turning grey.) – A personal observation.

- Die Kinder das(pl) werden so schnell groß. (The children are growing up so fast.) – A common sentiment from parents or relatives.

2. Future Plans and Aspirations:

Werden is central to discussing personal, professional, or collective goals and intentions. It's the verb you use to articulate what you or others plan to be or how situations will evolve.

- Was willst du später einmal werden? (What do you want to become later in life?) – A standard question for young people.

- Ich werde ab Januar der Projektleiterin die. (I'm becoming project leader starting in January.) – Announcing a career change.

- Hoffentlich wird das Wetter das besser. (Hopefully the weather will get better.) – Expressing a wish for a future state.

3. Social Media & Informal Contexts:

In texts, chat messages, or social media posts, werden appears in concise, idiomatic expressions, often reflecting modern, informal language. It can describe trends, personal feelings, or give encouragement.

- Wird schon! (It'll be fine! / It'll work out!) – A very common, encouraging phrase, short for "Es wird schon werden." This implies things will turn out well.

- Mein neuestes Video das wird viral gehen! (My newest video is going to go viral!) – Expressing anticipation for a social media trend.

- Die Party die wird mega! (The party is going to be amazing!) – Colloquial use implying "will become/turn out to be fantastic."

4. Work and Academic Settings:

In more formal or professional environments, werden is used to describe processes, expected outcomes, or changes in roles and responsibilities within a structured context.

- Die Ergebnisse das(pl) werden immer deutlicher. (The results are becoming increasingly clear.) – Observing data trends.

- Frau Müller die wird unsere neue Abteilungsleiterin die. (Ms. Müller is becoming our new department head.) – Announcing a personnel change.

- Wird die Präsentation die bis morgen der fertig sein? (Will the presentation be finished by tomorrow?) – Here, werden acts as a future auxiliary, but the underlying concept of something becoming finished is inherent.

Quick FAQ

These frequently asked questions address common nuances and provide concise clarifications regarding werden and its interaction with the predicate nominative, helping to solidify your understanding.
Q: Does werden always take the Nominative case for the following noun/adjective?

Yes, unequivocally. When werden functions as a full verb meaning ‘to become’ or ‘to turn into,’ the noun or adjective that describes the subject’s new state (the predicate nominative) will always be in the Nominative case. It's crucial to differentiate this from werden used as an auxiliary verb for the future tense (Ich werde gehen – I will go), where no noun or adjective functions as a predicate nominative.

Q: If werden is followed by an adjective, does it take any special endings?

No. When an adjective directly follows werden and acts as a predicate adjective (describing the subject’s evolving state), it remains uninflected. This means it takes no case endings. For example, Die Suppe die wird kalt. (The soup is getting cold.) and Er wird wütend. (He is becoming angry.) This significantly simplifies its usage compared to attributive adjectives that precede a noun and require declension.

Q: How do I negate a sentence with werden (to become)?

To negate a noun functioning as a predicate nominative after werden, you typically use kein (no, not a). Since the noun is in the Nominative case, kein will also take its Nominative form, agreeing with the gender and number of the noun it precedes.

  • Ich werde kein Lehrer der. (I am not becoming a teacher.)
  • Sie wird keine Ärztin die. (She is not becoming a doctor.)
For adjectives or to negate the verb itself (i.e., the process of becoming), you generally use nicht.
  • Ich werde nicht müde. (I am not getting tired.)
Q: Is it acceptable to omit the indefinite article ein/eine before professions?

Absolutely. Omitting ein/eine before professions or roles is not only acceptable but often the more natural and common usage in spoken and informal German. For example, Ich werde Arzt der. (I am becoming a doctor.) is more idiomatic than Ich werde ein Arzt der. This omission does not alter the fact that the noun remains in the Nominative case; it simply signifies a less explicit numerical designation for the role.

Q: Is there a trick to remember the irregular du and er/sie/es forms (wirst, wird)?

While direct memorization through repetition is the most reliable method for such common verbs, one mnemonic can be to associate the i in wirst and wird with the idea of a personal identity being formed or changed. The vowel change signals a more direct, singular transformation for du and er/sie/es subjects. Recognize that these forms are highly frequent, making their mastery essential.

Q: How does werden compare to sein and bleiben regarding cases?

Werden (to become), sein (to be), and bleiben (to stay/remain) are all categorized as copular verbs. Consequently, they all require a predicate nominative. This means the noun or adjective following any of these three verbs will consistently remain in the Nominative case, as it re-identifies or describes the subject. The key distinction among them lies in their temporal aspect and the nature of the state they describe:

  • Ich bin ein Student der. (I am a student – denotes a static, current state.)
  • Ich werde ein Student der. (I become a student – indicates a dynamic change of state.)
  • Ich bleibe ein Student der. (I remain a student – signifies a continuation or persistence of state.)
Understanding this shared grammatical behavior among copular verbs simplifies the application of the Nominative case for their complements.

Conjugation of 'werden'

Person Singular Plural
1st
ich werde
wir werden
2nd
du wirst
ihr werdet
3rd
er/sie/es wird
sie/Sie werden

Meanings

The verb 'werden' (to become) functions as a linking verb that equates the subject with a noun or adjective, requiring the Nominative case for both.

1

Professional Transformation

Describing a future career or role.

“Sie wird {die|f} Ingenieurin.”

“Er wird {der|m} Pilot.”

2

State Change

Describing a change in status or identity.

“Das wird {das|n} Problem.”

“Er wird {der|m} Gewinner.”

Reference Table

Reference table for The 'Mirror' Verb: Becoming Someone (Predicate Nominative after 'werden')
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Subj + werden + Nom
Ich werde {der|m} Arzt.
Negative
Subj + werden + nicht + Nom
Ich werde nicht {der|m} Arzt.
Question
Werden + Subj + Nom?
Wirst du {der|m} Arzt?
Plural
Subj + werden + Nom
Wir werden {die|pl} Ärzte.
Past (Perfekt)
Subj + sein + Nom + geworden
Ich bin {der|m} Arzt geworden.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Ich werde {der|m} Arzt.

Ich werde {der|m} Arzt. (Career)

Neutral
Ich werde {der|m} Arzt.

Ich werde {der|m} Arzt. (Career)

Informal
Ich werde {der|m} Arzt.

Ich werde {der|m} Arzt. (Career)

Slang
Ich werd' {der|m} Doc.

Ich werd' {der|m} Doc. (Career)

The Mirror Verb Concept

werden

Subject (Nom)

  • Ich I

Role (Nom)

  • {der|m} Arzt Doctor
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Examples by Level

1

Ich werde {der|m} Arzt.

I will become a doctor.

2

Sie wird {die|f} Lehrerin.

She will become a teacher.

3

Das wird {das|n} Auto.

That will become the car.

4

Wir werden {die|pl} Freunde.

We will become friends.

1

Wirst du {der|m} Pilot?

Will you become a pilot?

2

Er wird nicht {der|m} Chef.

He will not become the boss.

3

Sie wird {die|f} beste Spielerin.

She will become the best player.

4

Das wird {das|n} große Projekt.

That will become the big project.

1

Er möchte {der|m} Ingenieur werden.

He would like to become an engineer.

2

Sie wird {die|f} neue Vorsitzende.

She will become the new chairwoman.

3

Das wird {das|n} Problem der Zukunft.

That will become the problem of the future.

4

Wir werden {die|pl} Sieger des Turniers.

We will become the winners of the tournament.

1

Es ist klar, dass er {der|m} Nachfolger wird.

It is clear that he will become the successor.

2

Sie wird {die|f} Expertin auf diesem Gebiet.

She will become the expert in this field.

3

Das wird {das|n} Ziel unserer Reise.

That will become the goal of our trip.

4

Sie werden {die|pl} Ansprechpartner für Kunden.

They will become the contact persons for customers.

1

Er wird {der|m} Architekt seines eigenen Schicksals.

He will become the architect of his own destiny.

2

Sie wird {die|f} Verkörperung des Erfolgs.

She will become the embodiment of success.

3

Das wird {das|n} Fundament unserer Theorie.

That will become the foundation of our theory.

4

Sie werden {die|pl} Garanten für Sicherheit.

They will become the guarantors of security.

1

Er wird {der|m} Inbegriff der deutschen Romantik.

He will become the epitome of German Romanticism.

2

Sie wird {die|f} Instanz für ethische Fragen.

She will become the authority on ethical questions.

3

Das wird {das|n} Epizentrum der Krise.

That will become the epicenter of the crisis.

4

Sie werden {die|pl} Pioniere der neuen Ära.

They will become the pioneers of the new era.

Easily Confused

The 'Mirror' Verb: Becoming Someone (Predicate Nominative after 'werden') vs Accusative Objects

Learners think everything after a verb is an object.

Common Mistakes

✗

Ich werde den Lehrer.

✓

Ich werde {der|m} Lehrer.

Accusative used instead of Nominative.
✗

Sie wird die Chefin.

✓

Sie wird {die|f} Chefin.

While correct, it's often mistaken for Accusative.
✗

Er wird ein guter Mann.

✓

Er wird {der|m} gute Mann.

Adjective ending error.
✗

Das wird den Erfolg.

✓

Das wird {der|m} Erfolg.

Accusative object usage.

Sentence Patterns

Ich werde ___.

Real World Usage

Job Interview very common

Ich möchte {der|m} Manager werden.

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💡

The Equals Sign Trick

Whenever you use 'werden', mentally replace it with an equals sign. If it makes sense, use Nominative.

Smart Tips

Always check if the verb is 'werden'.

Ich werde den Lehrer. → Ich werde {der|m} Lehrer.

Pronunciation

/ˈveːɐ̯dən/

Werden

The 'w' is pronounced like an English 'v'.

Declarative

Ich werde {der|m} Arzt ↘

Statement of fact.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Werden is a mirror: what you see on the left is what you get on the right.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing in front of a mirror. The person is the subject, and the reflection is the role. Both are the same person, so they both wear the same 'Nominative' hat.

Rhyme

Werden is a mirror, clear and bright, keep the Nominative on the right!

Story

Hans wants to be a baker. He looks in the mirror and says 'Ich werde {der|m} Bäcker'. He doesn't say 'den Bäcker' because the mirror doesn't change his case.

Word Web

werdenNominativSpiegelRolleBerufZukunft

Challenge

Write 5 sentences about what you want to become using the pattern: 'Ich werde {der|m/die|f} ...'

Cultural Notes

Germans value professional titles. Using 'werden' correctly when discussing careers is seen as a sign of education.

From Old High German 'werdan', meaning 'to turn' or 'to become'.

Conversation Starters

“

Was möchtest du werden?

Journal Prompts

Write about your dream job.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the correct article.

Ich werde ___ Arzt.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: der
Nominative is required.

Score: /1

Practice Exercises

1 exercises
Fill in the correct article.

Ich werde ___ Arzt.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: der
Nominative is required.

Score: /1

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'werden'. Fill in the Blank

Du ___ ein echter Profi am Klavier!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: wirst
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

wird / Meine / eine / Schwester / Ärztin / .

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Meine Schwester wird eine Ärztin.
Translate the sentence to German. Translation

They are becoming friends.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sie werden Freunde.
Match the subject to the correct 'werden' conjugation. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ich:werde, du:wirst, er:wird, wir:werden
Which one describes a change in state? Multiple Choice

Select the sentence using 'werden':

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich werde Lehrer.
Fix the article. Error Correction

Das Baby wird einen kleinen Jungen.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Das Baby wird ein kleiner Junge.
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

Ihr ___ bald fertige Studenten.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: werdet
Translate to German. Translation

It's becoming dark.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Es wird dunkel.
Order the sentence. Sentence Reorder

ein / wird / Mein / Hit / Song / .

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Mein Song wird ein Hit.
Which is correct for a feminine profession? Multiple Choice

She is becoming a chef:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sie wird eine Köchin.

Score: /10

FAQ (1)

Because 'werden' is a linking verb, not an action verb.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish partial

llegar a ser

No case agreement required.

French partial

devenir

No case agreement required.

Japanese low

ni naru

Particle usage vs. case agreement.

Arabic moderate

asbaha

Arabic case system is more complex.

Chinese low

chengwei

No case or conjugation.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Instant Nouns: Turning Verbs into Nouns ({das} Essen)

Learn These First

A1 Builds On

German Nominative Case After 'To Be' (sein)

Overview The German language organizes its nouns and pronouns into four cases, each signaling a distinct grammatical rol...
A2 Builds On

Becoming & Getting (werden)

Overview The German verb `werden` serves as a cornerstone for expressing dynamic processes: **"to become"** or **"to get...

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