TOPIC · Verbs (Verben)

Reflexive verbs in German

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After this lesson, you will be able to use reflexive verbs in German correctly.

Reflexive Verbs in German

In German, reflexive verbs are used to describe actions that someone performs on themselves. This grammar point can be challenging for learners because it always involves a reflexive pronoun.

What are Reflexive Verbs?

Reflexive verbs are those for which the subject and the object refer to the same person. For example:

  • Ich kämme mich. (I comb my hair.)

The reflexive pronoun ‘mich’ refers back to the subject ‘ich’. They can be divided into two categories.

True Reflexive Verbs

True reflexive verbs can only be used reflexively and always require a reflexive pronoun. Most of these verbs take the accusative case:

  • sich freuen (to look forward to)
  • sich erinnern (to remember)
VerbReflexive PronounExampleTranslation
sich freuen aufAkkusativIch freue mich auf den Urlaub.I am looking forward to the vacation.
sich interessieren fürAkkusativEr interessiert sich für Kunst.He is interested in art.

Some true reflexive verbs take a reflexive pronoun in dative:

  • sich etwas denken (to think about something)
  • sich Mühe geben (to make an effort)

False Reflexive Verbs

False reflexive verbs can be used both reflexively and non-reflexively. For example:

  • Ich wasche das Auto. (I wash the car.) — non-reflexive
  • Ich wasche mich. (I wash myself.) — reflexive
VerbReflexive MeaningNon-Reflexive MeaningExample
sich anziehento get dressed-Ich ziehe mich an.
sich treffen-to meetWir treffen uns im Café.

Reciprocal Verbs

These verbs describe actions that involve two or more people, illustrating mutual actions. They often use the plural form:

  • Wir umarmen uns. (We hug each other.)

For singular usage, „mit“ with the dative is added:

  • Ich umarme ihn. (I hug him.)
VerbExample & Translation
sich liebenAnna und Paul lieben sich.
(Anna and Paul love each other.)
sich streitenDie Freunde streiten sich oft.
(The friends often argue with each other.)

Conclusion

Understanding reflexive verbs is crucial for expressing oneself accurately in German. Practice is key!