Reflexive verbs are used when the subject and object of a sentence are the same, meaning the action reflects back onto the subject. These verbs are common in German, especially when describing daily routines or personal actions. In this lesson, you will learn how reflexive verbs work, how to conjugate them, and how to place reflexive pronouns in sentences.
What You Will Learn
- What reflexive verbs are and when to use them.
- How to conjugate reflexive verbs with reflexive pronouns.
- Sentence structures with reflexive verbs in main and subordinate clauses.
- Practice exercises to reinforce your understanding.
What Are Reflexive Verbs?
A reflexive verb is accompanied by a reflexive pronoun that refers back to the subject. The reflexive pronoun indicates that the action is being performed on oneself.
Example:
- Ich wasche mich. (I wash myself.)
- Subject: Ich (I)
- Reflexive pronoun: mich (myself)
Common Reflexive Verbs
| Reflexive Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| sich waschen | to wash oneself |
| sich anziehen | to get dressed |
| sich freuen | to be glad |
| sich interessieren | to be interested |
| sich erinnern | to remember |
| sich entschuldigen | to apologize |
Reflexive Pronouns in German
Reflexive pronouns change depending on the subject. Here is the list of reflexive pronouns for each pronoun:
| Pronoun | Reflexive Pronoun (Accusative) | Reflexive Pronoun (Dative) |
|---|---|---|
| ich | mich (myself) | mir (to myself) |
| du | dich (yourself) | dir (to yourself) |
| er/sie/es | sich (himself/herself/itself) | sich (to himself, etc.) |
| wir | uns (ourselves) | uns (to ourselves) |
| ihr | euch (yourselves) | euch (to yourselves) |
| sie/Sie | sich (themselves/yourself) | sich (to themselves, etc.) |
When to Use Accusative or Dative Reflexive Pronouns
- Accusative: Most reflexive verbs use the accusative case unless there is already a direct object in the sentence.
- Ich wasche mich. (I wash myself.)
- Dative: Use the dative case if there is another direct object in the sentence.
- Ich wasche mir die Hände. (I wash my hands.)
Conjugating Reflexive Verbs
Reflexive verbs are conjugated like regular verbs, but the reflexive pronoun must match the subject.
Example: sich waschen (to wash oneself)
| Pronoun | Conjugation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| ich | wasche mich | Ich wasche mich. (I wash myself.) |
| du | wäschst dich | Du wäschst dich. (You wash yourself.) |
| er/sie/es | wäscht sich | Er wäscht sich. (He washes himself.) |
| wir | waschen uns | Wir waschen uns. (We wash ourselves.) |
| ihr | wascht euch | Ihr wascht euch. (You wash yourselves.) |
| sie/Sie | waschen sich | Sie waschen sich. (They wash themselves.) |
Sentence Structure with Reflexive Verbs
1. Main Clauses
In main clauses, the reflexive pronoun comes directly after the conjugated verb.
- Ich ziehe mich an. (I get dressed.)
- Du interessierst dich für Musik. (You are interested in music.)
2. Subordinate Clauses
In subordinate clauses, the reflexive pronoun comes after the verb at the end of the clause.
- Ich weiß, dass er sich freut. (I know that he is happy.)
- Wir hoffen, dass sie sich entschuldigt. (We hope that she apologizes.)
3. Questions
In questions, the reflexive pronoun follows the subject.
- Waschst du dich? (Are you washing yourself?)
- Freut er sich? (Is he happy?)
Common Reflexive Verbs with Prepositions
Some reflexive verbs are always used with specific prepositions, which influence the case of the object.
| Verb | Preposition + Case | Example |
|---|---|---|
| sich freuen | über + Akkusativ | Ich freue mich über die Nachricht. (I am happy about the news.) |
| sich interessieren | für + Akkusativ | Sie interessiert sich für Kunst. (She is interested in art.) |
| sich erinnern | an + Akkusativ | Wir erinnern uns an den Urlaub. (We remember the vacation.) |
| sich bedanken | bei + Dativ | Ich bedanke mich bei dir. (I thank you.) |
| sich entschuldigen | für + Akkusativ | Er entschuldigt sich für den Fehler. (He apologizes for the mistake.) |
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Conjugate Reflexive Verbs
Conjugate the following reflexive verbs in the present tense:
- sich waschen
- sich freuen
- sich interessieren
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with the correct reflexive pronoun:
- Ich __________ (freuen) über das Geschenk.
- Wir __________ (waschen) jeden Morgen.
- Sie __________ (entschuldigen) bei ihrer Mutter.
- Er __________ (interessieren) für Sport.
- Du __________ (erinnern) an den Termin.
Exercise 3: Rearrange the Words
Put the words in the correct order:
- mich / freue / ich / über / die Nachricht.
- entschuldigt / sich / sie / für / den Fehler.
- du / interessierst / für / dich / Kunst?
- wir / erinnern / uns / an / den Urlaub.
Exercise 4: Translate the Sentences
Translate these sentences into German:
- I am washing myself.
- She apologizes for the mistake.
- We are happy about the news.
- Are you interested in music?
Summary
In this lesson, you learned:
- What reflexive verbs are and how to use them.
- The reflexive pronouns in the accusative and dative cases.
- Sentence structures with reflexive verbs in main and subordinate clauses.
- Reflexive verbs with specific prepositions.
Homework
- Write 5 sentences using reflexive verbs in different contexts.
- Practice conjugating reflexive verbs with different pronouns.
- Record yourself reading your sentences to improve fluency.