Reflexive Pronouns
Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object of a verb are the same person or thing.
In German, many verbs are reflexive, meaning they require a reflexive pronoun. These verbs are essential for everyday communication.
This lesson covers reflexive pronouns in all cases and how to use them correctly with reflexive verbs.
Explanation
Reflexive pronouns refer back to the subject of the sentence. For example, 'Ich wasche mich' means 'I wash myself' - the action is done to oneself.
Most reflexive pronouns are in the accusative case (mich, dich, sich, uns, euch, sich), but some verbs require the dative case (mir, dir, sich, uns, euch, sich).
The third person reflexive pronoun is always 'sich' (both singular and plural), regardless of gender or case.
Some verbs can be used both reflexively and non-reflexively, changing their meaning. For example, 'sich setzen' (to sit down) vs 'setzen' (to place).
Reflexive Pronouns - Akkusativ
| Person | German |
|---|---|
| 1st singular | mich |
| 2nd singular (informal) | dich |
| 2nd singular (formal) | sich |
| 3rd singular | sich |
| 1st plural | uns |
| 2nd plural | euch |
| 3rd plural | sich |
Reflexive Pronouns - Dativ
Some reflexive verbs require the dative case. These are often verbs that involve doing something for oneself or to oneself.
Common reflexive verbs with dative include: sich etwas ansehen (to look at something), sich etwas merken (to remember something), sich etwas vorstellen (to imagine something).
| Person | German |
|---|---|
| 1st singular | mir |
| 2nd singular (informal) | dir |
| 2nd singular (formal) | sich |
| 3rd singular | sich |
| 1st plural | uns |
| 2nd plural | euch |
| 3rd plural | sich |
Ich kaufe mir ein Buch.
I buy myself a book.
Du nimmst dir Zeit.
You take time for yourself.
Er macht sich Sorgen.
He worries (makes worries for himself).
Examples
Ich wasche mich.
I wash myself.
Du rasiert dich.
You shave yourself.
Er freut sich.
He is happy (rejoices himself).
Wir setzen uns.
We sit down (seat ourselves).
Ihr beeilt euch.
You hurry (hurry yourselves).
Sie erholen sich.
They relax (recover themselves).
Ich kaufe mir eine Jacke.
I buy myself a jacket.
Du nimmst dir ein Buch.
You take a book for yourself.
Er stellt sich vor.
He introduces himself.
Common Mistakes
Ich wasche mir
Ich wasche mich
The verb 'sich waschen' requires the accusative reflexive pronoun 'mich', not the dative 'mir'.
Er freut ihn
Er freut sich
The third person reflexive pronoun is always 'sich', never 'ihn', 'sie', or 'es'.
Wir setzen uns nicht
Wir setzen uns nicht
Remember that 'sich setzen' means 'to sit down', not 'to place'. The reflexive pronoun is required.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with interactive exercises. Practice makes perfect!
Start Exercises →Related Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which article to use?
German articles (der, die, das) depend on the gender of the noun. While there are some patterns, many nouns must be memorized. Practice and exposure to German will help you learn them naturally.
What's the difference between definite and indefinite articles?
Definite articles (der, die, das) mean 'the' and refer to specific things. Indefinite articles (ein, eine) mean 'a/an' and refer to non-specific things. Both must match the noun's gender: use 'ein' for masculine/neuter and 'eine' for feminine.
Are there rules for determining noun gender?
While there are some helpful patterns (e.g., words ending in -ung are usually feminine), there are many exceptions. The best approach is to learn nouns with their articles from the beginning.
What happens if I use the wrong article?
While using the wrong article is a common mistake, native speakers will usually still understand you. However, using the correct article is important for sounding natural and fluent in German.