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B ac k t o G e r m a n V e r b s

neW: List of most common

reflexive verbs a1 - c1

reflexive Verbs in German Grammar

How to learn German reflexive verbs

Introduction
Reflexive verbs incorporate a reflexive pronoun and are accompanied by "sich" in the infinitive form, such as "sich ausziehen" meaning "to undress." These
verbs are employed in the German language when the subject and object of an action are identical.
Compared to English grammar, reflexive verbs find more frequent application within German grammar.
Acquire a firm grasp of the precise conjugation and application of reflexive verbs in German, along with the utilisation of accusative and dative reflexive
pronouns. Engaging in exercises will provide you with the opportunity to apply the knowledge you have acquired effectively.
Usage
We use reflexive verbs when the subject and object of the verb are identical. For
example, one does an action for oneself and not for someone else.
Example: Ich sehe mich im Spiegel an.

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Reflexive verbs are far more common in German; in English, they are often non-
reflexive.
Ich ziehe mich an. I get dressed. Grammar Reading Exercises Study tips Library Ebook Blog
Ich kämme mich. I comb my hair.
Ich putze mir die Zähne. I brush my teeth.
Ich ruhe mich aus. I rest.

a d d i t i o n a l k e y f a c t o r s t o ta k e i n t o a c c o u n t w h e n l e a r n i n g
German reflexive verbs:

Pronoun Matching: Reflexive pronouns must agree in gender and
number with the subject of the sentence. Here's an example of
pronoun matching for different subjects:
"Ich wasche mich." (I wash myself.)
"Du wäschst dich." (You wash yourself.)
"Er/sie/es wäscht sich." (He/she/it washes himself/herself/itself.)
"Wir waschen uns." (We wash ourselves.)
"Ihr wascht euch." (You all wash yourselves.)
"Sie waschen sich." (They wash themselves.)
Verb Placement: In main clauses, the reflexive verb is typically
positioned in the second position of the sentence, just like regular
verbs. For example:
"Ich dusche mich jeden Morgen." (I shower every morning.)
"Am Wochenende möchte ich mich ausruhen." (On the weekend,
I want to rest.)
Infinitive Form: When a reflexive verb is used with modal verbs or in an
infinitive construction, the reflexive pronoun is placed behind the
Idiomatic Expressions: German includes many idiomatic expressions
that use reflexive verbs. These expressions might not have a direct
equivalent in other languages, so it's essential to learn them
individually:
"sich Sorgen machen" (to worry)
"sich freuen auf" (to look forward to)
Casual Conversation: In informal settings, reflexive pronouns can
sometimes be dropped if the context is clear:
"Ich wasche." (I'm washing [myself].)
Prepositional Verbs: Some reflexive verbs are also prepositional verbs,
meaning they're used in conjunction with prepositions:
"sich mit etwas abfinden" (to come to terms with something)
"sich auf etwas freuen" (to look forward to something)
Accusative and Dative Pronouns: The choice between accusative and
dative reflexive pronouns depends on the action of the verb and the
prepositions involved:
 modal verb or infinitive construction: Accusative: Actions that affect the subject directly (e.g., "Ich
"Ich kann mich nicht erinnern." (I can't remember.) wasche mich.")
"Wir müssen uns beeilen." (We need to hurry.) Dative: Actions that affect the subject indirectly (e.g., "Ich helfe
mir.")
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Reflexive Verbs vs. Non-Reflexive: Some verbs have different meanings
when used reflexively or non-reflexively: Remember that practising with various examples, engaging in
"waschen" (non-reflexive):Grammar
to wash somethingReading
(e.g., clothes) Exercises Study
conversations, tips texts
and reading Library
in German willEbook
help you gainBlog
a deeper
"sich waschen" (reflexive): to wash oneself understanding of how reflexive verbs work in different contexts.

Reflexive verbs and verbs with an object

Some verbs are always reflexive, meaning we can' t use them
without a reflexive pronoun. These verbs are written with sich in
the infinitive form. Some examples are: sich bedanken, sich
beeilen, sich befinden, sich benehmen, sich betrinken, sich
eignen, sich erholen, sich erkälten, sich schämen, sich
verspäten, sich weigern
Example:
Jetzt muss ich mich beeilen, damit ich mich nicht verspäte.
Now I have to hurry up so I won't be late.

Some other verbs are reflexive only when someone is doing an

action for themselves. When the action is performed for
another person, that is, the subject and object are not the
same, we use an object pronoun rather than a reflexive
pronoun. Examples:
Das Mädchen kämmt sich. The girl is combing her hair. Subject
and object are the same → reflexive.
Die Friseurin kämmt sie/die Kundin. The hairdresser combs
her/the customer's hair. The subject and the object are
different → non-reflexive.

Important: Some verbs have a very different meaning when used as

a reflexive verb. The table to the right gives an overview of reflexive
verbs with a different meaning.
Quick tip: In English, reflexive verbs
often signify self-directed actions,
like a young child dressing without
parental help.
 In German, these phrases use "selbst."
"Sie hat sich selbst angezogen." (She
dressed herself.)

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