Dutch grammar: reflexieve werkwoorden

What this grammar point covers

Reflexive verbs in Dutch are verbs where the subject and the object are the same person. The action 'reflects' back on the subject, and you use a reflexive pronoun (like 'me', 'je', 'zich').

When to use it

Use reflexive verbs in Dutch when the subject does something to themselves, such as washing, dressing, or remembering. Some verbs always need a reflexive pronoun in Dutch.

Key forms

• zich + verb (for example: zich wassen, zich herinneren)
• Pronouns: me, je, zich, ons, jullie, zich
• Example: Ik was me. Jij vergist je. Hij schaamt zich.

Examples

Tips

• Don’t forget to use the correct reflexive pronoun with the subject.
• Some verbs in Dutch are always reflexive, even if they are not reflexive in your language.
• Place the reflexive pronoun right after the verb in main clauses.

Exceptions and edge cases

• With 'u' (formal you), use 'zich': U vergist zich.
• Some verbs can be reflexive or not, depending on the meaning (e.g., 'wennen' vs. 'zich wennen').