Ik was me elke ochtend.
English: I wash myself every morning.
- Language
- Dutch
- Level
- A2
- Unit
- Voornaamwoorden
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
Reflexive verbs in Dutch are verbs where the subject and the object are the same person. You use a reflexive pronoun (like 'me', 'je', 'zich') with the verb.
When to use it
Use reflexive verbs in Dutch when someone does something to themselves, like washing, dressing, or remembering. The action comes back to the person.
Key forms
- zich + verb (for example: zich wassen, zich aankleden)
- ik was me, jij wast je, hij/zij wast zich
- wij wassen ons, jullie wassen je, zij wassen zich
Examples
Jij vergist je vaak.
English: You are often mistaken.
Zij kleedt zich snel aan.
English: She dresses herself quickly.
Wij herinneren ons de afspraak.
English: We remember the appointment.
Jullie schamen je niet.
English: You (plural) are not ashamed.
Tips
- Always use the correct reflexive pronoun with the subject (me, je, zich, ons, jullie, zich).
- Some verbs are always reflexive in Dutch, even if they are not in your language.
- The reflexive pronoun comes right after the verb in main sentences.
Exceptions and edge cases
- Some verbs can be both reflexive and non-reflexive, with a different meaning (for example: 'zich herinneren' vs. 'herinneren').