Reflexive Verbs
Reflexive verbs are verbs where the subject and object are the same person. They use reflexive pronouns (mich, dich, sich, uns, euch, sich).
Many common German verbs are reflexive, especially verbs describing daily routines and personal actions.
This lesson covers how to identify and use reflexive verbs in German.
Explanation
Reflexive pronouns: mich (myself), dich (yourself), sich (himself/herself/itself/yourself formal), uns (ourselves), euch (yourselves), sich (themselves).
Reflexive verbs use accusative reflexive pronouns: 'Ich wasche mich' (I wash myself), 'Du wäschst dich' (You wash yourself).
Some reflexive verbs use dative reflexive pronouns: 'Ich kaufe mir ein Buch' (I buy myself a book), 'Du kaufst dir ein Buch' (You buy yourself a book).
Common reflexive verbs: sich waschen (to wash oneself), sich anziehen (to get dressed), sich freuen (to be happy), sich setzen (to sit down), sich interessieren (to be interested).
Reflexive Pronouns - Accusative
| Subject | Reflexive Pronoun | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ich | mich | Ich wasche mich | I wash myself |
| du | dich | Du wäschst dich | You wash yourself |
| er/sie/es | sich | Er wäscht sich | He washes himself |
| wir | uns | Wir waschen uns | We wash ourselves |
| ihr | euch | Ihr wascht euch | You wash yourselves |
| sie/Sie | sich | Sie waschen sich | They/You wash yourselves |
Examples
Ich wasche mich jeden Morgen.
I wash myself every morning.
Er zieht sich an.
He gets dressed.
Wir freuen uns auf den Urlaub.
We look forward to the vacation.
Sie setzt sich hin.
She sits down.
Ich interessiere mich für Deutsch.
I am interested in German.
Common Mistakes
Ich wasche
Ich wasche mich
Reflexive verbs require a reflexive pronoun. 'Ich wasche mich', not just 'Ich wasche'.
Ich wasche mir
Ich wasche mich
'Sich waschen' uses accusative 'mich', not dative 'mir'. Use 'mich' for washing oneself.
Practice Exercises
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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.