A2Verbs

German Reflexive Verbs

Reflexive verbs use reflexive pronouns (sich) when the action reflects back on the subject.

Key Rules

  • 1Accusative reflexive: mich, dich, sich, uns, euch, sich
  • 2Dative reflexive: mir, dir, sich, uns, euch, sich
  • 3Common reflexive verbs: sich freuen, sich waschen, sich fühlen
  • 4Some verbs are always reflexive in German but not in English

Examples

Ich wasche mich.

I wash (myself).

Er freut sich.

He is happy. (lit: He rejoices himself)

Ich putze mir die Zähne.

I brush my teeth.

💡 Dative reflexive 'mir' + accusative object 'die Zähne'.

Related Grammar Topics

Pronouns
German Personal Pronouns
A1
Cases
German Accusative Case (Akkusativ)
A1
Cases
German Dative Case (Dativ)
A2

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