What are reflexive verbs?
Reflexive verbs have a reflexive pronoun that is attached to the verb and usually refers back to the subject. A distinction is made between true and non-true reflexive verbs (see below).
For both types:
- The pronoun comes after the conjugated verb and the subject.
- If the reflexive verb is in a subordinate clause, the pronoun comes directly after the subject.
The perfect tense of reflexive verbs is always formed with haben: Ich habe mich gewaschen.
Reflexive pronouns: accusative and dative
With most reflexive verbs the reflexive pronoun is in the accusative. You use the dative only when the sentence already has another accusative object.
Accusative: no other object
When there is no other object in the sentence, you use the accusative form.
Dative: with a direct object
If the sentence has a direct object, e.g. which body part you're washing or what you're buying for yourself, the reflexive pronoun switches to the dative.
True and non-true reflexive verbs
True reflexive verbs
With true reflexive verbs the reflexive pronoun is an inseparable part of the verb. Without sich the sentence is wrong or means something completely different.
Typical true reflexive verbs: sich beeilen, sich schämen, sich erkälten, sich entschuldigen, sich bedanken, sich verlieben, sich konzentrieren, sich irren.
Always learn true reflexive verbs with sich: sich beeilen, sich bedanken. That way you won't forget the pronoun.
Non-true reflexive verbs
With non-true reflexive verbs the reflexive pronoun is just one option. The verb also works with a different object.
Typical non-true reflexive verbs: sich waschen, sich anziehen, sich treffen, sich verletzen, sich kämmen.
Exercises
Test your knowledge of reflexive verbs with three exercise parts.
Insert the reflexive pronoun (accusative)
Which reflexive pronoun is missing?
Accusative or dative?
Which case does the reflexive pronoun take?
True or non-true reflexive?
Which group does the verb belong to?