verður

Verður is the third-person singular present tense form of the Icelandic verb verða, meaning to become, to turn into, or to happen. It is also widely used as a semi-auxiliary to express future time and, in certain constructions, obligation.

Usage in future and prediction: In everyday Icelandic, verður often marks events expected to occur. For example, það verður kalt á morgun means “It will be cold tomorrow,” and það verður gott can mean “That will be good.” The form functions as a convenient way to express future meaning without a dedicated future tense.

Auxiliary and obligation: Verður can also appear with an infinitive to express necessity or obligation, similar to “must” in English. For instance, Ég verð að fara means “I have to go.” This use highlights its role as an auxiliary alongside the main verb.

Grammatical notes: Verða is irregular, and verður is its standard third-person singular present form. The verb remains a core element of Icelandic grammar, flexible in both predicative and auxiliary functions, and it plays a central role in signaling future time.

Etymology and cognates: Verða originates from Old Norse verða and is cognate with the German werden and the English become. This shared heritage reflects its fundamental meaning of change or transition over time.

See also: Icelandic verbs, future tense in Icelandic, modal and auxiliary verbs in Icelandic.